NCLEX & having a moment of self doubt

Published

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Hey everyone,

I apologize in advance for the long post, but I'm really struggling today and was hoping for some reassurance and guidance. Due to no fault but my own, I've been unable to take the NCLEX yet even though I finished my nursing courses in March. I had to wait until the following quarter nursing students had their transcripts uploaded for mine to be sent in to the BRN. Final grades were due June 12, so I should hopefully get my Authorization To Test within the next week or two.

I've been studying consistently for about two weeks now, and have been using only UWorld. I was feeling confident that as long as I went through UWorld with a fine tooth comb that I would be okay. I'm currently testing average to a bit above average, with some tests here and there which are significantly higher or lower than the average scores.

Okay, so with that out of the way (thanks for sticking with me here!) my problem is that I've always dreamed of working in the Emergency Room that is affiliated with my university. For years I've worked hard, hoped, and dreamed of this opportunity. They have a New Grad program that is going to start at the end of August (yay!). I did my practicum there, and I absolutely love it.

The issue is that yesterday I found out that people applying to the New Grad program must have their license by the end of July, and the program will start at the end of August. I calculated it out, and that means that (by the time I get my ATT and take the test) if I mess up on my NCLEX and don't pass it the first time, I won't be considered for the program since I will have to wait 45 days until I can retake. I still believe in myself, but I'm so worried now that my safety net is gone. I also feel incredibly stupid because I should've already had my NCLEX done by now, or could've, had I not made myself have to wait an extra quarter.

I'm really just needing encouragement right now. I know that this problem is so minuscule compared to many other people's problems (and I can totally see that) but my anxiety is really sucking the life out of me right now.

Do you guys think that just doing UWorld is enough? Should I use the Kaplan QTrainer as well? Can anyone help give me reassurance? Part of my problem also is that yesterday I was talking to my friend (who is also applying for the program) and she said that for her Kaplan was harder than UWorld, but the UWorld rationales were better. She passed her NCLEX in 75 questions. Now I'm second guessing just using UWorld, and not doing Kaplan.

And most importantly, how did you deal with the test anxiety from the NCLEX? I've never had test anxiety before, but I know it when I see it, and I'm experiencing it for the first time in my life. It's awful :( Because I've never experienced it before, I have zero coping mechanisms to deal with it properly. Right now I'm pretty much studying every day from sunup to sundown and I'm starting to feel really sick of it.

It also doesn't help that I'm also supposed to go to a family reunion (the first one since my Grandpa died last year) in the middle of July. So either I have to take my NCLEX in a week and a half before I leave (if I get my ATT on time), re-schedule my flight and leave several days later than I should be and just put it on my credit card, or cancel the flight and reunion altogether and give myself extra time to study. The uncertainty is so difficult right now (when should i take it, will I get my ATT in time to go to the reunion, should I reschedule my flight, should I not go to the reunion, etc).

I know I probably look like a complete tool whining about this, but I just wanted to see if even one person had some words of encouragement! Allnurses has been such a valuable resource, and I feel like if anyone could relate, it would be you guys here... thank you.

-HermioneG

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

You're not whining. You are over-thinking all of this and should give yourself a break. It's possible to over-study; you should take the time to go to your reunion and allow yourself to relax for a bit.

I never experienced test anxiety in my life until the NCLEX. I was petrified when I entered the testing room, and when the computer shut off after the minimum 75 questions, I more or less freaked out because I didn't think I'd proven myself. The truth is, the NCLEX is designed so that you're only answering correctly about half the time, which is scary! They want to make sure you're a safe *beginning* practitioner---they definitely don't expect you to be perfect---so try not to stress about it.

I know, that's probably impossible. Just hope you get your ATT soon so you can take the exam before you go to your family reunion. I wish you the very best and hope you'll keep us posted. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have moved your post to the NCLEX forum to ensure maximum responses. You are doing a lot of "what ifs" that will probably not even happen. Best of luck to you!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
You're not whining. You are over-thinking all of this and should give yourself a break. It's possible to over-study; you should take the time to go to your reunion and allow yourself to relax for a bit.

I never experienced test anxiety in my life until the NCLEX. I was petrified when I entered the testing room, and when the computer shut off after the minimum 75 questions, I more or less freaked out because I didn't think I'd proven myself. The truth is, the NCLEX is designed so that you're only answering correctly about half the time, which is scary! They want to make sure you're a safe *beginning* practitioner---they definitely don't expect you to be perfect---so try not to stress about it.

I know, that's probably impossible. Just hope you get your ATT soon so you can take the exam before you go to your family reunion. I wish you the very best and hope you'll keep us posted. Good luck!

Thank you so much, VivaLasViejas for the kind comment! I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, I decided to take a little break from everything for a few days. It means a lot to me that you took the time to reply, and I'm being serious when I said it really does help me feel better... thank you!

I definitely have a problem with over thinking, and sometimes I can psych myself out. Taking a little break (even if just for a day or two) helped a lot because I had been studying 7 days a week. You're right... it's possible to over study. And if I don't get my ATT in time I need to make going to the family reunion a priority still, because if I don't go I think it will only hurt me in the end. I need to force myself to relax a bit!

I think that the part where you said that the NCLEX is designed so that we answer correctly only about half the time is really helping me keep some of the pressure at bay. My problem is that I feel like I need to know everything even down to the smallest minute details, but remembering that I just need to prove that I'm safe at the beginner level takes a lot of the pressure off.

Thanks again for the well wishes, I'm still waiting on that ATT (I'm checking my email about five times a day!) but I will definitely keep everyone here updated! :) I'm being 100% serious in that your advice and encouragement did help me remember to keep everything in perspective.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
I have moved your post to the NCLEX forum to ensure maximum responses. You are doing a lot of "what ifs" that will probably not even happen. Best of luck to you!! :)

Thanks, Pixie.RN for moving it to the appropriate area! I appreciate your well wishes, thanks so much :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should study all you can. I say this bc the more I studied the easier it was to start thinking like the nclex questions do. As far as taking the test I got really nervous after my sata at question2 and I'm not a nervous test taker. Just tell yourself you're going to do the best you can and don't worry about failure during the test (there's plenty of time for that later í ½í¸•). Really the test is designed to make you feel like you're failing so just focus on the question at hand and then do the next and don't 2nd guess yourself. Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I see where you are coming from. I got an offered my dream job in a new grad nurse residency program which is contingent upon me passing my NCLEX the first time (a slightly different situation, but similar deadline stress). The way I see it is this: you might as well give it a shot. If you fail, at least you tried. If you pass, you have the chance to apply to your dream job!

Also: I just wanted to also say that I know the stress of having this perfect job in your head. Back in February, I interviewed at the hospital affiliated with my university - a hospital I had always invisioned myself working at and where I had done my externship. When I didn't get the PICU job, it was an absolute gut punch. I felt like I would never find a job I liked by graduation. Fast forward to late April (literally two weeks before graduation) and I was offered a PICU/CICU residency position at one of the nation's top pediatric hospitals. I would have never thought I was qualified for a position at such a prestigious hospital, especially because I didn't get an offer back in February from a less famous hospital.

In the end, I really think everything happens for a reason. Even if you don't pass and you can't get this job, try to remember that there are SO many amazing work places out there. Just try to remember that your whole future isn't riding on this whole test and that you will be ok even if it doesn't go your way (I know it's hard, but try to stay optimistic). That pressure adds so much unnecessary stress and anxiety on you and could hurt you come test day. You graduated, you're smart, and you can totally do this! I hope your test goes well! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Hi Everyone!

Thanks so much for all of your kind words

I ended up going to the family reunion and enjoying every moment of it! I struggled and flip flopped back and forth one day deciding to go, the next day deciding not to go, and drove everyone nuts making the decision... but I finally decided that I should just go because otherwise I would be miserable at home and probably not able to study anyways!

On a layover on the flight home after the reunion, I received an email with my ATT! I gave myself exactly a week to study once I got home, and I took my NCLEX yesterday! It shut off at 75 questions and then I was randomly assigned the special research section. With everything said and done it took about 2 hours and 15 minutes for the 75 questions, and then another 30 minutes for the research section. It was one of the most nerve racking experiences of my life. I'm guessing I got well over half (probably more like 60%) SATA and many of them were extremely difficult. I drove home in a daze lol.

Now I just have to wait on my results. I did the Pearson Vue trick and got the good pop up, but I'm not letting myself celebrate until I know for sure if I passed or failed. I'm still worried about it, but I need to now focus on the next big hurdle which is an interview for the new grad program next week! EEEK!!! Hopefully it all works out in the end.

Thanks everyone again for all of your kindness and support!

-HermioneG

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are totally fine for asking this question and being curious.

So, not to bring you down but I had a friend who only did UWORLD and failed at 265... now that means that she was close and technically only failed by ONE question. I found Kaplan and their questions to be very useful, especially in how you break down questions and understand them. I personally went about the NCLEX by thinking I would rather go all out and pass rather than wish I did more and fail.

also do not rush yourself, if you dont feel ready to take the nclex than dont. the rates of passing each time you take it go down tremendously. so DONT RUSH. take your TIME.

im always here if you need advice

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
You are totally fine for asking this question and being curious.

So, not to bring you down but I had a friend who only did UWORLD and failed at 265... now that means that she was close and technically only failed by ONE question. I found Kaplan and their questions to be very useful, especially in how you break down questions and understand them. I personally went about the NCLEX by thinking I would rather go all out and pass rather than wish I did more and fail.

also do not rush yourself, if you dont feel ready to take the nclex than dont. the rates of passing each time you take it go down tremendously. so DONT RUSH. take your TIME.

im always here if you need advice

Thanks! That's very kind of you. I actually found out 2 days after I took the NCLEX (and posted my last comment) that I passed :) I was scared because it shut of at 75 questions, but looking back I do feel like the test was very fair and reasonable.

Personally, I ended up only using UWorld. I tried Kaplan for awhile but it ended up just frustrating me. I noticed some discrepancies regarding prioritization, as well as primary interventions between UWorld and Kaplan. Sticking only with UWorld worked for me. I guess it just comes down to what style of questions and resources work best for each individual!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion