I used Kaplan and didn't pass NCLEX on 1st try

2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2015

Awww danggit. I am so sorry to hear that girl. Do you know what you could have done differently to prepare, or where you went wrong?

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2015

You don't have to be fingerprinted, again. Small consolation, I know...

binhtruong1975 · Sep 13, 2015

Regardless of your grades in nursing school, the NCLEX-RN is totally different, as the questions are all integrated!

I would suggest purchasing a Kaplan book, read the entire content, and analyze how to assess the questions, so your are able to be successful on the future test.

The NCLEX is difficult, but certainly not impossible. Passing it does not indicate whether you will or will not be a good nurse, but it only indicates the you can provide safe care to a patient as a new grad.

Good luck!

CaliBoy760 · Sep 13, 2015

I'm not sure why you singled out Kaplan as the reason you didn't pass. You failed because you didn't correctly answer the required number of questions. That has nothing to do with Kaplan. All NCLEX study aids, and, indeed, the NCLEX itself, are dependant on you understanding what question is being asked. I, personally, found those study aids to be a joke. NCLEX questions are written in a way that the answer is in the question, and it is up to you to decipher what the question is. It's Critical Thinking 101, and if you have relied on "study aids" to pass, you'll likely continue to be disappointed.

Instead, I would suggest that you get your hands on 50-100 actual NCLEX questions. Black out the answers, and then try to decipher exactly what is being asked in each one. Even if the answer isn't clear, once you understand how the question is written, and what is is asking for, you'll be better prepared to answer it.

angelctz · Sep 13, 2015

Thanks Caliboy. Im not trying to single out Kaplan, I'm just saying that is what I used and had a horrible time with it. I know most of my class passed with Kaplan, and I think I was expecting too much from it. I think its a great program, but I totally agree about using the study aids. That is a great idea to use regular NCLEX questions and black them out. That way I'm not using all these other ways to process just plain critical thinking.

I'm one of those that usually panics on tests but for some reason I didn't panic just numbed out. Great idea! Thanks gonna do it!

angelctz

angelctz · Sep 13, 2015

Great idea. I don't know if this means anything, but I have always done better with tests on paper than computers. I don't know why. Great suggestion.

angelctz · Sep 13, 2015

Good to know thanks. One less thing to pay for Thank you.

PapaBearRN, BSN · Sep 13, 2015

What were your scores on Kaplan? Did you remediate every question regardless of whether you answered it correctly or not?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 13, 2015

Moved to the NCLEX forum

erinbsn14 · Sep 13, 2015

I used Kaplan the first time I tested too and absolutely hated it! I didn't do as well in school as you did, but graduated from a well known BSN program with decent grades. Most of my classmates used Kaplan and were fine with it, but I found it torturous and had difficulty applying the decision tree, and completely let my anxiety getting the best of me my test day. I failed with 265 questions- and I had met all of the requirements set by Kaplan that guaranteed passing the exam- so luckily I got my money back from it. I took a week off, let myself be super upset about it and focused on myself, before getting back into studying. This time I used uworld, the LaCharity Priority book, and the comprehensive information from Saunders. I don't test until the end of this week and have finished these materials, so in order to get extra questions (in addition to reviewing my notes and rationales from uworld) I have been using the free trial of Lippincott's passpoint and ATI practice exams (which was offered by my school as well). So while I still haven't tested yet, I feel so much more prepared this time around and more at ease and confident going into round 2.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2015

I am super bummed out for you OP. I have always believed that a good student who went to a good nursing school who keeps their cool in test-taking environs will pass. I don't think more studying is the solution to your problem. You didn't fail because you didn't know the material, at the big moment your brain "seized up" and you were off your game. Now that you're over that, you can do your usual honors level work and easily pass.

Maybe practice computer based tests just to get you more accustomed to that format. You were a great student, you'll be a great nurse. Get a good night's sleep, eat a small breakfast and pass this thing!