Multiple Test Takers -- What helped you pass?

[MellowJello]

I graduated almost 4 years ago and will have my third attempt at the NCLEX-RN in December. It took me a few months after graduation for my first attempt, which was primarily due to delays upon delays with my state's Board of Nursing. By the time I received my first ATT, I was feeling hopeless that I'd ever take my NCLEX and registered for the soonest available date. I hadn't been studying as much as I was previously but I did well in school, so I didn't want want to postpone it any longer. I failed in about 150 questions.

Second attempt, I took 8 months later. I studied from multiple sources -- Kaplan, HURST, LaCharity, Saunders, NCSBN, the 35 page study guide floating around, YouTube, etc. I failed in 265 questions. I felt completely defeated and devastated; I studied my ass off and still failed. Signed up to re-take my exam, but ended up having my ATT expire (yes, a waste of $ I know). I didn't even want to think about re-taking the NCLEX anymore when I thought about the resources and hours I spent studying and still failed. Then, life just happened... I just worked, got married, had a child. My daughter is now 1 year old and I feel even more determined to pass in December, but I'm having so much anxiety even thinking about it! Doesn't help that I get test anxiety also -- heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, sometimes chest pain.

So for those multiple test takers, what resources helped you pass your exam? What did you do differently? How did you overcome any anxiety? TIA!

[michelle schoonmaker]

Can you email mem a copy of that 45 page study guide going around.