I first took the NCLEX-RN in July after graduating nursing school in May and had the max 265 questions and took 4 hours. I didn't feel good coming out because of the number of questions I had and later heard that simply meant I was in it till the end. I failed the exam and when I received my results I scored 'Near the Passing Standard' in EVERY category. Unsure where to start I began reading Kaplin (the entire book) and did the CD questions. I studied areas I KNEW I was weak such as lab values and pharm. I reviewed and read about fluids and electrolytes (because that seems to be an area many things come down to in one way or another). I knew frame of mind was an important aspect of the test so refused to have negative thoughts and felt extremely confident going in. I told (and convinced) myself that I was ready this time. I knew my stuff, understood the question format and was going to pass this time. I believed every word and went back last Friday to retake the NCLEX.
This time I had the only 75 questions and took an hour and half to test. I felt really good coming out and knew I passed. My husband and daughter said they knew it too because of the grin on my face (that I didn't even realize I had...). I felt the questions were covering a wide range of areas and didn't feel 'bombarded' by any certain category like I had the first time around. I did what I had swore I wouldn't and paid the $7.95 to see my 'unofficial' results from Pearsonvue last Sunday. I had failed.
When I got my results in the mail is showed that I had taken a HUGE step backward and didn't pass a single category. In fact, I actually scored 'below the passing average' on three of them this time. I wasn't anxious or nervous during the test. I read every question and reworded. I used process of elimination on the one's I wasn't sure on. I did everything I was supposed to, except... answer the questions correctly.
I am lost now. I retest in November and don't even know where to begin. I have no idea if it was my lack of knowledge, my inability to put USE my knowledge effectively, or if it was the format of the NCLEX itself that got to me. I think I should do a review course maybe. I have purchased the Saunders Review for NCLEX-RN Exam 5th edition and am currently waiting for it to come in the mail.
Am I totally an original here? Am I the first person any of you have heard of that did this total flip flop when it came to taking the NCLEX? Does any one have any ideas for me? I am going to use the test plan I have read so much about on here from Susanne but should I also do an online review as well? Is there any certain thing or book that someone can suggest for my preparation to retest and/or study? I feel like a total failure here. I mean, for goodness sake, it isn't like I don't understand anything I learned in nursing school. I managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA and feel completely confident when I am (was) nursing. If I didn't know something I knew enough to look it up and was able to safely practice while I had my GN license. My fellow staff and manager seem to believe in my abilities, but what's going on????
Okay... I'm done. This got kinda' long and seems to be repeating itself a bit. Sorry.
I'm probably the first one to tell you that what happened to you is the same exact thing that happened to me. My first test of 265, all were "near passing"...second test of 261 which I ran out of time were "near passing"...and my third test last Aug. 22 of 75 questions were "below passing"... It seemed like I have gotten worse. I paid for kaplan twice on my first 2 tests. My 3rd one however, I just reviewed my book and practiced the trainer cd over and over again. I still failed.
Same as you, I was lost on how to study differently this time. I'm currently doing suzanne's plan. I have to be honest, it's a very good place to start studying. You should try her plan and hopefully it will work for you :)
Pull yourself up again and keep going. The battle is not over yet. I also had a 3.5 gpa when I graduated but that really doesn't matter now for what matters is if we pass or not. It will only take a matter of time that we'll do this so keep going! :)
Echota ~ Thank you so much for letting me know that someone else can actually do the NCLEX twice and even after more preparation and practice can actually do worse the second time around. Dang that exam huh? I think we both have to figure the format out. I honestly believe that my knowledge is there I just need to not only learn how to apply it for the questions presented but also to learn how to tackle the test format of the NCLEX itself. I have ordered my book to follow along with Susanne's plan and am stocking the mail man everyday looking for it so I can begin.
We can both do this! Make sure to let me know how you do. I will anxiously waiting to hear.
To everyone else that has responded to me ~ Thank you SO much for your words of encouragement. I truly appreciate each and everyone of them!!!
echota
83 Posts
Hello rags,
I'm probably the first one to tell you that what happened to you is the same exact thing that happened to me. My first test of 265, all were "near passing"...second test of 261 which I ran out of time were "near passing"...and my third test last Aug. 22 of 75 questions were "below passing"... It seemed like I have gotten worse. I paid for kaplan twice on my first 2 tests. My 3rd one however, I just reviewed my book and practiced the trainer cd over and over again. I still failed.
Same as you, I was lost on how to study differently this time. I'm currently doing suzanne's plan. I have to be honest, it's a very good place to start studying. You should try her plan and hopefully it will work for you :)
Pull yourself up again and keep going. The battle is not over yet. I also had a 3.5 gpa when I graduated but that really doesn't matter now for what matters is if we pass or not. It will only take a matter of time that we'll do this so keep going! :)