I am writing this note to help new graduates understand the NCLEX a little better. First of all I will tell you the truth, I wanted to quit after the 3rd time, I serously contemplated if I wanted to be a nurse. But I told myself that if I could make it through nursing school I can do anything. So the most important thing I learned is never give up. The NCLEX isnt designed to see what you know, it assumes "you know your material" what it looks for is if you are a safe nurse and if you can make priority decisions. (THIS IS HUGE) on all of my tests. I was an A-B average student, I have worked as an NAR for 5 years and graduated may 2004.
No matter what anyone says it DOES NOT MATTER HOW MANY QUESTION YOU HAVE. NEVER DOUBT YOU ARE DOING BAD BECAUSE YOU KEEP GETTING QUESTIONS. When you keep getting questions it means you are still in the game. It's not a bad thing. I'll tell you what mine numbers were. Also I would HIGHLY recommend Kaplan and Saunders book and question trainer. Kaplan is absolutely wonderful. The main thing you need to know how to do is answer the questions, there always seems to be two good answers, you need too pick the best and by doing questions it really helps to feel the groove of what they are looking for. It is Expensive but worth every penny. and they always stick by you. Here is why the # of questions doesn't matter.
DID NOT TAKE KAPLAN
1st - 75 Questions Failed- not even close
2nd - 75 Questions Failed - not close
TOOK KAPLAN
3rd - 167 Questions Failed closer
Kept going to Kaplan
4th - 262 Questions ran out of time. (If you run out of time they take your last 60 questions and if any one of them is below the passing standard you fail). Failed. Practice your time you should spend an average of 1 Min. 4 sec. per question.
Kaplan
5th - 265 failed real close
Took Kaplan classroom AGAIN.
6th- I was so scared the computer shut off at 255. I thought for sure I failed. So nervous. But I found out that I had passed. It was the best day in my entire life. I cant believe I am finally a RN. My dream since I was a child has come true.
I thought I would share my story to you all to help those eho had trouble like I did and to let you all know that you can do it and to always believe in yourself. Your patients are going to trust and believe in you, and you also need to believe in yourselves. Feel free to write to me I would love to help out.
Thank you so much for your honesty. I took the NCLEX in February of this year and did not pass. I know I need to prepare for it and take it again ASAP, but to tell the truth, I haven been out of it and in a funk. I need some inspiration to get me back into it, because I feel like my life is on hold right now. I am happy for you and proud of you. Thank you so much.
I also want to congratulate you!! WOW! You've got perseverance and strong will! :yeah:
I'm getting ready to take the NCLEX soon and after hearing your story I know that not passing it on the first shot is not the end of the world (although it would be GREAT)
I am writing this note to help new graduates understand the NCLEX a little better. First of all I will tell you the truth, I wanted to quit after the 3rd time, I serously contemplated if I wanted to be a nurse. But I told myself that if I could make it through nursing school I can do anything. So the most important thing I learned is never give up. The NCLEX isnt designed to see what you know, it assumes "you know your material" what it looks for is if you are a safe nurse and if you can make priority decisions. (THIS IS HUGE) on all of my tests. I was an A-B average student, I have worked as an NAR for 5 years and graduated may 2004.
No matter what anyone says it DOES NOT MATTER HOW MANY QUESTION YOU HAVE. NEVER DOUBT YOU ARE DOING BAD BECAUSE YOU KEEP GETTING QUESTIONS. When you keep getting questions it means you are still in the game. It's not a bad thing. I'll tell you what mine numbers were. Also I would HIGHLY recommend Kaplan and Saunders book and question trainer. Kaplan is absolutely wonderful. The main thing you need to know how to do is answer the questions, there always seems to be two good answers, you need too pick the best and by doing questions it really helps to feel the groove of what they are looking for. It is Expensive but worth every penny. and they always stick by you. Here is why the # of questions doesn't matter.
DID NOT TAKE KAPLAN
1st - 75 Questions Failed- not even close
2nd - 75 Questions Failed - not close
TOOK KAPLAN
3rd - 167 Questions Failed closer
Kept going to Kaplan
4th - 262 Questions ran out of time. (If you run out of time they take your last 60 questions and if any one of them is below the passing standard you fail). Failed. Practice your time you should spend an average of 1 Min. 4 sec. per question.
Kaplan
5th - 265 failed real close
Took Kaplan classroom AGAIN.
6th- I was so scared the computer shut off at 255. I thought for sure I failed. So nervous. But I found out that I had passed. It was the best day in my entire life. I cant believe I am finally a RN. My dream since I was a child has come true.
I thought I would share my story to you all to help those eho had trouble like I did and to let you all know that you can do it and to always believe in yourself. Your patients are going to trust and believe in you, and you also need to believe in yourselves. Feel free to write to me I would love to help out.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us. It was so encouraging for those who may not have passed NCLEX on the first try. Your perserverance really off, and I really don't believe that you are going to have a pt ask you "So, how many times did it take you to pass the NCLEX?" :)
Like others have said, some people are not good test takers. It really doesn't have a bearing on whether you will be a good nurse or not. I've heard stories of students doing well (A's and B's in class), did well on the NCLEX, but couldn't relate what they had learned to real life situations.
Thank you for the encouragement and I'm positive that you will make a great nurse!! Congrats on your acheivements! :balloons:
:yeah:
Queen2u
242 Posts
Thank you so much for your honesty. I took the NCLEX in February of this year and did not pass. I know I need to prepare for it and take it again ASAP, but to tell the truth, I haven been out of it and in a funk. I need some inspiration to get me back into it, because I feel like my life is on hold right now. I am happy for you and proud of you. Thank you so much.