My exam is 8/12/2014; Am I ready?

[YourHero]

To my all nurses community,

I graduated on June 12th and took my exam on June 26th. I received all 265 questions, took no breaks, finished in 4 hours and got the cc page:(. I wasn't devastated; however I was confused after getting the PCR with near passing in all categories. Like other posters have mentioned it may not be content. I'm not sure if I didn't read all the questions concisely or was just plain nervous.

So far I bought the Saunders 6E, read almost from cover to cover. Did a few questions but they seem rather easy. I also reactivated HURST watched all videos took notes; and did 4 of the Q-Reviews: 79/125, 82/125, 86/125, 89/ 125..

I'm still reviewing and I'm wondering if I should push it back or go in full force. Any Thoughts?

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

The issue may not necessarily the source of the review, but how one approaches the NCLEX itself: understanding the four concepts of becoming a competent, entry-level nurse:

1. Safe, effective care;

2.Health promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4.Psychosocial integrity

Will determine WHAT the question is asking you; the question may be Respiratory related-but is it a Health Promotion or a Safety, or a Physiological or a Psychosocial one? Would you know the difference and choose the BEST answer?

Once one understands the concepts of NCLEX, they can do so successfully.

It appears the you need to learn to understand WHAT the question is asking you; THEN review the rationales, THEN if you don't understand the rationale, look to the sources of information.

Best wishes.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

When you're near passing standard in all categories, chances are that you know the content. LadyFree28 above has some very good advice about the NCLEX, how it's designed, and once you know that, how to tackle it.

Your scores are probably relatively decent, but slow down, breathe, plan on going the full 265/6 hours, and read the darned question. Look for those key words and phrases that can very much change the meaning of what you thought the exam is asking you. (I'm very guilty of selecting the wrong answer because I misread the question.) You really don't want to misread a licensing exam question.

Remember that if you answer questions correctly, the NCLEX will get harder until you miss a question. It's possible to have a really poor percentage of right/wrong answers. Once you reach your limits, you're bound to have some wrong answers. You'll bounce between wrong and right answers when you're at that point. It's not about how many questions you get right. It's about proving that on that day, at that time, you're able to perform at a level that's expected of a safe entry level nurse.

Good luck!

[YourHero]

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

[DJAYS]

Trust me I understand...I had my second test scheduled for 8/11 at 2p but I changed it because I didn't feel ready. Less then 24 before the test I change it. I wasn't ready at all I am still learning how to answer the questions. Yes I know all the subjects but I can't understand what they are asking me on a question. I got a lot of near passing from last test and I studied for 2 months and didn't pass. I feel so much better now that I change my day because I wasn't ready..and I knew it...Good Luck with your test..

[YourHero]

Thanks for the advice; took it and exam shut off at 75! Got The Good Pop-UP

[yedwards42, BSN, MSN]

Congrats on passing NCLEX!! I noticed you read Saunders/HURST - which or both helped most for your 2nd attempt? I have both of these resources - use HURST as my main studying though look in Saunder's for additional detail on topics/systems. For the test, is it hard trying to find out what the question is asking? What strategies seemed to help you unravel the question and/or answers? What areas of focus do you recommend to review in detail for NCLEX?

Congrats again and thank you for any advice/tips.