In desparate need of NCLEX-PN tips! PLEASE HELP! :(

nclexhelper · Jan 31, 2014

Quizlet! I too am a visual learner and so I used the flashcards on the site and even made my own sets with pictures for things like heart sounds, FHR sounds, etc.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 31, 2014

FIRST-have you reviewed your NCLEX report sheets?

Find out what you are below passing in, then start reviewing again. Question and rationales.

A way to look at the question is to "visualize" the question; as a "hands-on" learner, I "actualize" (if it's a word) what I am reading; you can read the question and review the words and what they would be visually.

Make sure you are setting up your test reviews like mock-NCLEX exams; take your time...try to review the minimum, then increase by 30 to the maximum. Hide the time, that could be a rationales for nerves as well (remember to do this as well when you take your next exam). Then review the percentage that you have correct...DON'T test unless you get near or above 70% correct on your reviews-the more percentage correct the more chance of passing.

For reviews, you can do the NCSBN; the 3 week review is pretty reasonable, if you have it.

Sending positive vibes in passing the NCLEX!

nursem26 · Feb 1, 2014

I took the nclex pn today and I left like I failed. Try to get the nclex study guide that is going around it's 35pgs.

Everything in their was in my test.

Patients privacy

Advance directives

Heart failure systems

Ekgs

Isolation precautions

Pediatric development stages

Alzheimer

Celiac

Enema positions

Sterile glove

Keep studying and you'll be fine.

charnsuka, ADN · Feb 1, 2014

I am currently in the same situation that you are in for NCLEX-PN. What I find that is helping right now at the moment is beginning by changing up the way you're doing things, try something different. For example: if you've used multiple resources for content the first time, this time around try narrowing down the resources you're using. Also, if you've studied something before and found that it didn't work, try something new.

Did you try any reviews?

Just to give you a brief background of my story: the first time I tested was back in August '12 and I was highly unprepared. I had unlimited excuses and I was also working full-time. I didn't know how to prepare myself to study, and whenever I studied I found myself overwhelmed with information and I was not able to retain anything. I didn't feel like I was truly "understanding" it. I walked out knowing I failed. I was depressed for quite a while and slowly I brought myself back together again. It wasn't until July '13 that I tested again. This time around I did something differently. I thought I had content down, so I just focused on questions only (bad idea). Although it helped me essentially to start narrowing my answers down to just 2 and start understanding what it was asking me, and I was reading every rationale, that simply wasn't enough to pass the 2nd time. I walked out of the testing center feeling a little better, but more uncertain. I felt more prepared than the last time. When I got my CPR report, I compared it from the first time I took the test and there was a major difference. I did way better and came very close to passing.

Here I am now on my 3rd trial. I am now preparing to take the test again, hopefully soon, no exact date set yet. But what I am doing to prepare myself is I found a great review - ReMar Review. I'm not sure if you've heard of her, but she has a self study DVD package that will help you critically think yet it will not overwhelm you with so much information that you may not remember. She gives you info of what you need to know, concise and right to the point, and very easy to understand (for content); and if you're a visual learner like myself, this review could be something that will definitely help you. I found her on YouTube under Remar Review. Her videos are awesome, so I suggest checking her out to see if this will be a good fit for you! Also, she responds very quickly if you email her and she is very helpful! I've heard many success stories using her review and I'm hoping this well help me. For questions, I will be doing some Kaplan and using the new edition for Saunders 5th ed. I also bought the PDA by LaCharity to help with priority/delegation questions. I am trying to have a balance of content and questions. You need the knowledge to answer the questions, and you need the questions to help reinforce this information! I plan on studying no more than 3 hrs a day, but I will study everyday no matter what. I will put in 200% into this and not let this exam defeat me or deter me from being a nurse.

Hope this helps! :)

Keep faith, work hard, and put your all into it! I pray that you and I will have success stories very soon. Btw, sorry for the long response!

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Aug 29, 2015

Hi, does anyone have the 35pg study guide?

Also, Ladyfree, what were your study tips as a "hands on" learner? I'm also a "hands on" learner and even though I have a study method, I still like to hear about learners like me too! :)