I passed NCLEX-PN on June 3rd, 2006 with 85 questions. From there, I was so freaking relieved that I ran the streets, forgetting all about books, had a note burning party, etc. And, I did not even look at anything to do with NCLEX, but today, I decided to check the site and see how anticipating test takers are doing, and my heart tugged, because I KNOW how you all are feeling!!
This may be difficult to comprehend until you actually sit for NCLEX (those that understand this, let me know), but there is no real preparation for WHAT questions appear on that exam. I remember feeling bewildered, shocked, disillusioned, and simply walking away from the exam saying "What the heck was THAT??" I did not see any of the things that nursing school drilled into our heads relentlessly, like diabetes, endocrine disorders, heart failure and pediatric cardiac disorders (remember what disorder is a right to left shunt??) Not even insulin.
I don't know if I am expressing myself correctly, but the message I wish to convey is that you should find a study system that agrees with you and use it, may it be Mosby, Kaplan, Saunders, the Learning Extension Program, etc... and, as hard as it may be, try not to purchase too much material out of fear. People may see posts and say "So and So says Saunders is best, or another group of people say that Kaplan sucks...but I am using Kaplan. Should I stop?" Don't take on other people's experiences of NCLEX and make it your own, because you will panic FOR SURE. It may be best to not mention to many people you encounter daily that you have made your date, and curtail even the on line communication down to a few. This is not a criticism to sites like this, because this can be therapeutic, but if it gets to the point where it makes you panic, then, maybe check posts less frequently. Have faith in the system that you choose to study, and minimize the distractions and things that bring about panic. We cannot control what will show up, we can only continue to do what we CAN do, which is to continue studying, doing questions (make sure that you read the rationales) and critically think. Don't beat yourselves upside the head trying to add some other item into your method of studying if you have been consistant.
When I walked out of NCLEX, I believed that I failed. NCLEX-PN also proved to me that certain things were really out of my control, and that I literally did all that I can do, and I was sort of comfortable with that...knowing when I walked out of there that I was not sure, but I literally did the best that I can do, and I can walk away with pride. Of course, it was better to have passed, but I knew then, that NCLEX was in the hand of the Creator, not mine...and that it was NOT ME that did that exam, it was a Higher Power.
I wish you all the best...let us all receive what we have worked so hard for!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I can relate to all that has been said in this thread. This is actually my first post. I took my NCLEX on Wednesday and I still feel numb. My test cut off at 120 and I am pretty sure I missed that last question, the weird thing is I can remember the three choices I didn't pick, but not the one that I did, is that insane or what? I guess I just couldn't fit anything else in my brain, lol.
I am still waiting to find out my results, Mississippi is not a state for quick results. We can however log on to BON to see if a license # has been issued. I called them today just to see when to expect that to be posted and was told the one, yes the one,woman that handles that is on vacation until next week. The agony of waiting 48 hrs is enough, I will be crazy, and so will my hubby and kids by next Tuesday. Good Luck to all and please know that reading through tons and tons of posts over the last 2 days has helped to put my mind at ease, well at least a little. I have pretty much convinced myself that I have failed, felt that way when I left, and now that I am pretty sure I got the last question wrong and then it cut off makes me feel I am right, but I have not lost all hope. As one poster said earlier, it is not the failing it that would be so bad, but how do I prepare for it next time when I thought I was prepared this time. In my opinion, there is no program, book, cd, or review that could prepare you for this............
P.s. Could anyone let me know if the BON will also post if you failed it or do they just list your name if you passed and were issued a #. I guess if they don't post that you failed, I will have to wait for the mail results??
Not sure if they list if you failed. Here in New York, they only list those that pass the exam. Personally, I think it is better that way, to ensure privacy. I'd rather tell people that I didn't take the exam for the first few days, rather that someone see BEFORE ME that I have failed. That would be the ultimate disgrace and a violation of a person's dignity and respect. I wish you the best of luck. Many people I have spoken to that have been as dazed as I was have actually passed, so, I hope that the experience will be the same for you. :0)
I can relate to all that has been said in this thread. This is actually my first post. I took my NCLEX on Wednesday and I still feel numb. My test cut off at 120 and I am pretty sure I missed that last question, the weird thing is I can remember the three choices I didn't pick, but not the one that I did, is that insane or what? I guess I just couldn't fit anything else in my brain, lol.
I am still waiting to find out my results, Mississippi is not a state for quick results. We can however log on to BON to see if a license # has been issued. I called them today just to see when to expect that to be posted and was told the one, yes the one,woman that handles that is on vacation until next week. The agony of waiting 48 hrs is enough, I will be crazy, and so will my hubby and kids by next Tuesday. Good Luck to all and please know that reading through tons and tons of posts over the last 2 days has helped to put my mind at ease, well at least a little. I have pretty much convinced myself that I have failed, felt that way when I left, and now that I am pretty sure I got the last question wrong and then it cut off makes me feel I am right, but I have not lost all hope. As one poster said earlier, it is not the failing it that would be so bad, but how do I prepare for it next time when I thought I was prepared this time. In my opinion, there is no program, book, cd, or review that could prepare you for this............
P.s. Could anyone let me know if the BON will also post if you failed it or do they just list your name if you passed and were issued a #. I guess if they don't post that you failed, I will have to wait for the mail results??
I hope you get good results and I'm sorry that you have to wait so long. How dare she go on vacation now? lol
I feel as you do and also told my dh that I don't know where to start studying again, I thought I was doing all I could do for this test.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Its funny how friends I told how nervous I was waiting for results they didn't really have a clue how intense it was.
That is true. My husband disregarded my test experience. He felt that it was no big deal, and that there is no way that a test that he witnessed me prepare for with such intensity can go any way but positive, because he felt that I should have recognized each and every situation. It is only an NCLEX survivor that can truly identify with this situation. And, for me, when I found out that I passed, I really didn't believe it...I then wondered "how?" because I could not relate to their rhyme and reason. All I can say (gratefully) is that based on how I achieved some of the answers to their ridiculous questions, and the stupidity of the subjects they chose to ask me about, if they deem me to be safe, then, God Bless Them.
and that there is no way that a test that he witnessed me prepare for with such intensity can go any way but positive>>
My husband thought the same thing. He thought there's no way I failed as I study hard, passed with honors and he just "knew" I passed. Nobody can understand the anxiety and complexity of the Nclex unless they have experienced it, IMO.
My husband was this way all through school, you are too smart, you know you passed that test, blah, blah, blah, but now he listens to my intuition after I failed level four, he definately understands how difficult this whole nursing thing can be.
By the way, I failed level four because I thought I was superwoman and after my 9 yr old son had open heart surgery with numerous complications, and we lost everything in hurrican katrina, and were living like gypsies with different family members, I thought yeah, I can do this last semester........lol I had literally lost my mind. I am happy to report, I did repeat and pass the level with flying colors.
So when I came home and told him I thought that I failed the NCLEX, he really listened and understood. As I sit here in my fema trailer, ready to relocate and start a new life, I just don't know if I can deal with another let down, I mean come on give a girl a break
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
My husband was this way all through school, you are too smart, you know you passed that test, blah, blah, blah, but now he listens to my intuition after I failed level four, he definately understands how difficult this whole nursing thing can be.
By the way, I failed level four because I thought I was superwoman and after my 9 yr old son had open heart surgery with numerous complications, and we lost everything in hurrican katrina, and were living like gypsies with different family members, I thought yeah, I can do this last semester........lol I had literally lost my mind. I am happy to report, I did repeat and pass the level with flying colors.
So when I came home and told him I thought that I failed the NCLEX, he really listened and understood. As I sit here in my fema trailer, ready to relocate and start a new life, I just don't know if I can deal with another let down, I mean come on give a girl a break
Oh, my God, you suffered through Katrina as well?? My heart goes out to you. THat type of stress in addition to NCLEX makes any person wish to commit themselves to psychiatric care. I wish I knew at least one person that helped to create NCLEX exam questions. After punching them in the eye, I would ask their rationale of "why the insanity?". I remember crying all weekend, and telling my husband that he has no idea what it is like to kill yourself with the books, and STILL be afraid of what would happen when you walk into the school doors. I graduated with honors, and yet, the program director hated my guts until the last semester, when she saw that she did not intimidate me. Little did she know, she gave me nightmares every night.
If there is any case where I am desperate to see someone pass, it is YOU. Keep me posted. By the way, was your college actually located in New Orleans? Was there any damage to your school?
Contrary to what the media had the whole nation believing, New Orleans wasn't the only area devastated by Katrina. I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Ocean Springs. We are about 5 miles east of Biloxi if you are familiar with the area.
My home had 8 ft of water and many many families here lost everything! Bridges were crumbled, roads were washed out to sea, and many historical homes were leveled. We were here for the storm and let me just tell you, growing up here on the coast and witnessing many hurricanes............Katrina was the mother of all storms.
My school did suffer some damage, but were opened back up about 3 weeks after the storm and our classes resumed. At this time many were still living in tents, but making it to school everyday. I was luckier than most, at least I have family in the area.
Let's just say that graduating and getting my license has much more meaning than I could ever have imagined. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, after that exam I need all the help I can get. Good Luck to you too!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Contrary to what the media had the whole nation believing, New Orleans wasn't the only area devastated by Katrina.
I wish to sincerely apologize for that. It is so true, that the main focus has been on New Orleans, and we need to do better in acknowledging that others have suffered a grave loss as well. May you do well in NCLEX and beyond!
My husband was this way all through school, you are too smart, you know you passed that test, blah, blah, blah, but now he listens to my intuition after I failed level four, he definately understands how difficult this whole nursing thing can be.
By the way, I failed level four because I thought I was superwoman and after my 9 yr old son had open heart surgery with numerous complications, and we lost everything in hurrican katrina, and were living like gypsies with different family members, I thought yeah, I can do this last semester........lol I had literally lost my mind. I am happy to report, I did repeat and pass the level with flying colors.
So when I came home and told him I thought that I failed the NCLEX, he really listened and understood. As I sit here in my fema trailer, ready to relocate and start a new life, I just don't know if I can deal with another let down, I mean come on give a girl a break
All my "troubles" seem so trivial to what you must have went through and are still going through. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. You are such an inspiration with all you have had to endure and you still made it through alive.
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, I just found out a few minutes ago, that I did in fact PASS! I am on top of the world right now!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, I just found out a few minutes ago, that I did in fact PASS! I am on top of the world right now!
The Creator did the best thing by bringing that sort of balance into your life. I am positive that you will be a GREAT nurse! Congrats!!:balloons: :balloons:
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
Not sure if they list if you failed. Here in New York, they only list those that pass the exam. Personally, I think it is better that way, to ensure privacy. I'd rather tell people that I didn't take the exam for the first few days, rather that someone see BEFORE ME that I have failed. That would be the ultimate disgrace and a violation of a person's dignity and respect. I wish you the best of luck. Many people I have spoken to that have been as dazed as I was have actually passed, so, I hope that the experience will be the same for you. :0)