I passed !!!

Nursing Students NCLEX

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I took the NCLEX on Friday, March 6th for the 3rd time. The first time I took it, I failed with 75. I just wasn't ready but took it anyway. The second time I took it, I failed at 265. It was a serious bummer because I did feel ready. Having to go through every question and still failing was a HUGE bummer, but it also gave me the motivation to keep going. I took a little time off then got back to studying. This time I PASSED with 123 questions.

When I graduated, our school used Kaplan. I both liked/disliked Kaplan. Yes, it's hard, but it also gets you to think critically. Even though it didn't help the first time around, I kept with it and used the decision tree to my advantage.

This time around, I used Saunders for content and I will say it REALLY helps. It's a great book to review stuff you already know and pick up new information. I also did the PDA book by LaCharity TWICE (once the 2nd time around, and once before this time). Many people talk about this book and I would recommend it a thousand times over. It really helps you weed out who is stable/unstable, what you can/cant delegate, ect. I also did the 3 week review from NCSBN. It is VERY extensive and it's a lot to go through but it's also a great review. I did ALL of the questions in their banks (I think around 1,200 questions). I took notes from the reviews and went over them several times (about 65 pages worth). I got the Kaplan pharmacology flash cards which are also great.

I put my heart and soul into studying. I was studying all day every day, giving myself breaks on the weekends. I just wanted to write this as encouragement for those who have anxiety or haven't passed yet. I know how it feels to be in that boat and I know there are those who say there should be a cap at how many times you take it, ect. I don't believe that. If you got through nursing school, you can get through this exam. I graduated with a 3.67 gpa from nursing school so I am not dumb. Yes, I have test anxiety as do many people. It's just a matter of focusing and learning how to tackle the questions.

I am so thankful for all the people who post on here daily. You are all so supportive and I am happy to show the same support. If anyone wants to talk, feel free to PM me. Sorry for the long post :)

-New RN, BSN

What are your cpr results?

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I also purchased the NCSBN review, did you find the questions similar to the NCLEX?

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2 were below the standard and rest were near. Nothing was above :(

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2 were below the standard and rest were near. Nothing was above :(

focus the most on the ones you were below in. keep doing as many questions as you can and read the rationales, take notes, ect. you can do this!!

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I also purchased the NCSBN review, did you find the questions similar to the NCLEX?

yes! very similar. I did every single question, read each rationale, took notes ect. the review is VERY comprehensive and i focused more on things I knew I was weaker in but I found it to be very helpful

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This is encouraging for me as I didn't pass my second attempt. I plan to throw myself back into studying and take it again when my 45 days are up. I am not feeling nearly as bad this time as I did the first time because I knew I put effort into my studying this time but somewhere I am missing something. Praying that the third time is a charm for me!

Do not give up! let yourself be sad for a couple days and get back on that horse. i know it's very discouraging to see people on here posting about limits and not passing on the first try, ect. I can understand not wanting people to have to take it 10 times, but not everyone can pass on the first try. Anxiety increases after the first try because of the pressure to pass. im not making excuses, but it's the truth. reading negative comments about passing on the 2nd or 3rd attempt made me upset but I stopped letting it get to me. I passed school, i got VERY good reviews from each clinical instructor. I am not incompetent. I studied my butt off and kept practicing questions, and learned how to pick the question apart and answer it correctly. TAKE YOUR TIME. think each question through. YOU CAN DO IT. focus on what you KNOW your weak areas are. just do not give up!! I have no shame in saying yes, I passed on the 3rd try. I never gave up and neither should you! if you have any questions, or just want to talk just PM me. I'd love to help you guys like others have helped me.

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Congrats, and welcome to the fold :D

thanks so much!

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Hey roze1205, i too took the nclex almost two weeks ago failed with 75 questions. my CPR also states two below (management of care and basic care and comfort), the rest near passing, and no above.

I thought that I failed miserably (all below) with 75 questions but surprisingly only two were below. Did you get that thought too?

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Congrats! I retake the second time on the 25th. I went through all 265 with every category "near the passing standard". So it's kind hard to know what to focus on, apparently everything haha.

I have access to Kaplan, Hurst, LaCharity and Saunders. I focused more on Hurst the first ago around and now more on LaCharity and Kaplan. I get more and more anxious everyday. Congrats again!!

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Congrats! I retake the second time on the 25th. I went through all 265 with every category "near the passing standard". So it's kind hard to know what to focus on, apparently everything haha.

I have access to Kaplan, Hurst, LaCharity and Saunders. I focused more on Hurst the first ago around and now more on LaCharity and Kaplan. I get more and more anxious everyday. Congrats again!!

I'm in the same boat, I took all 265 and was near / above in some categories! I think we got the content it's just the critically thinking anxiety and rushing through questions that I have focused on the last few weeks! We got this this time!!!!

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Congrats! I retake the second time on the 25th. I went through all 265 with every category "near the passing standard". So it's kind hard to know what to focus on, apparently everything haha.

I have access to Kaplan, Hurst, LaCharity and Saunders. I focused more on Hurst the first ago around and now more on LaCharity and Kaplan. I get more and more anxious everyday. Congrats again!!

good luck! breathe and TAKE YOUR TIME. think through the question, eliminate answers that are obviously wrong, and stay focused. you got it this time!!

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Hey NJNursehopeful! Congratulations to you ! I am so happy for u ! U know me we went to school together! Wishin you well always!

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