NCLEX freak out

traumahawk99 · May 30, 2006

that's the way you're supposed to feel. the test is designed to do just that. read the threads in this forum, and i think you'll feel a lot better.

AmyD_RN · May 30, 2006

this is so going to be me on Monday. I am sure you did great, please let us know and try to remain calm , go for a walk, movie or a massage. What state did you take it in?

AmyD in Ohio

INFJ · May 30, 2006

I took it in AL...we have the fast results check, so I'll know on Thursday. I have GOT to find something to preoccupy my time! Right now I'm just obsessing and 2nd guessing everything! I have no idea how to feel!

Good luck on Monday! =)

AmyD_RN · May 30, 2006

what did you use to study? just curious is all! good luck let us know as soon as you do! i will be looking for your "passed" post!

AmyD

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 30, 2006

While nothing is written in stone, 75 questions means good news more often than not. Try to relax!

ZASHAGALKA, RN · May 30, 2006

I posted this recently for someone ABOUT to take the test, but some of it applies. Relax and remember that 85% pass on the first try:

Remember while taking the test that this nasty computer program is trying to find your 'level'. As such, it moves back and forth between questions that you CAN answer, and those you can't.

Add to that the fact that 15 of the questions are being 'tested' for future use and may contain VERY difficult concepts.

If you get 75 questions, you could conceivably pass by only answering about 30 of them correctly (~50% of the 60 valid questions PLUS the 15 extra questions).

It just depends at what LEVEL you are getting the right AND wrong answer. A wrong answer isn't a bad thing; in fact, the questions will get more and more difficult until you DO start answering questions wrong.

That, and the computer is designed so that if you miss in a certain area, it will keep going back to THAT area. I hear so often some variant of "Oncology is my worst subject and it seemed that the test asked me all oncology questions!!!!!" Well, yes, the computer is designed to focus on you. Remember CAT stands for computer ADAPTIVE test; it adapts to you: your strengths . . . . and weaknesses.

The point I'm making is that EVERYBODY feels like a rock when they are done. Don't let the fact that the questions seem difficult un-nerve you while you are taking the test. This is another thing I've heard time and time again on this board: people freaked because the test shut off at 75 and they felt they needed more time to 'make up' for how difficult things were so far. So, many people get their stress levels worked up during the test because of its difficulty. DON'T. That is simply not an accurate indicator of how well you are doing.

I've also heard people freak because the test kept going well past 75. That's not a bad thing. As long as the test keeps asking you questions, it means it is still trying to accurately gauge your level. If you were doing very poorly, the computer would know by 75 that you aren't at a high enough level. The fact that it keeps asking questions means that it is still trying to 'gauge' you. In fact, it doesn't even mean that you aren't doing very well. All testing past 75 means is that the computer still doesn't have a clear cut 'read' on you. So, don't freak out by that, either. I can't tell you how many people come back w/ "Can you pass with 168 questions?" or some variant. The answer: of course.

My point is don't let these things influence your stress levels WHILE you are taking the test. They simply aren't accurate indicators of how you are doing and will only serve to increase your stress with a possible result of decreasing your effectiveness.

One final thing. Many people apparently have this idea that if they answer the last question right or wrong, it is indicative of passing or failing. I have seen where this is simply not true.

Good luck all test takers.

~faith,

Timothy.

INFJ · May 30, 2006

Thanks guys! I am seeing a trend with most of the people who took 75 questions and thought it was a monster. I just hope that it works that way for me, too!

I did a whole lot of Saunders (from the book, as well as the CD), but I did all of the questions and CD in the Kaplan NCLEX-RN book. I also got a book at a Sylvia Rayfield review course that I went to and did most of the questions in it, as well as attended a HESI review (which stunk). I don't really feel that the questions were like what I was practicing, they were much harder and much less cut and dry.

Keep your fingers crossed!!!!

Amy

hope to be a nurse · May 31, 2006

Thanks guys! I am seeing a trend with most of the people who took 75 questions and thought it was a monster. I just hope that it works that way for me, too!
I did a whole lot of Saunders (from the book, as well as the CD), but I did all of the questions and CD in the Kaplan NCLEX-RN book. I also got a book at a Sylvia Rayfield review course that I went to and did most of the questions in it, as well as attended a HESI review (which stunk). I don't really feel that the questions were like what I was practicing, they were much harder and much less cut and dry.
Keep your fingers crossed!!!!
Amy

INFJ keeping you in my thoughts. Good luck to you.

I will be taking my test on Monday, June 5,2006.

Try to relax because you may be stressin for nothing, I know it is easier said than done.

Again good luck

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 31, 2006

Good luck!

Dink75 · May 31, 2006

Just finished taking NCLEX-RN. It cut off at 75 questions...I think I only knew about 3 of the answers for sure. It was the hardest thing that I've ever taken -- it made HESI seem easy! I am so scared that I failed. I feel numb...shellshocked, really. I feel like after all of this school it comes down to this crappy feeling! Plus...I KNOW that I KNOW so much more than this test reflected!
I'm just PRAYING that I don't have to do this again! Plus I have my DREAM job in L&D and don't want to have to tell my nurse manager that I'm a failure....
Words of wisdom????
Amy:chair:

I'm with you! I just took the NCLEX-RN today and it stopped at 75 questions. I really had no clue after a while. I am just numb. I always scored over 1000 on any HESI I ever took. This test was just mind-blowing. I have never felt so inadequate and useless in my entire life. Well, nothing to do now but wait till Friday for Quick Results. Four of us rode together...2 got 75 questions, 1 got 76 questions, and 1 poor soul had all 265 questions.

boniscot · May 31, 2006

I have just returned from taking the Nclex this morning. My test was scheduled for 11:30, but i got there early and they took me in at 10;30. Well I personally thought it was really difficult, and I felt like I didnt know hardly any of the answers for sure. It really knocked my confidence big time...and now I have this huge knot in my tummy...I really think I have failed. My test cut off after 75 questions.....and I was left feeling brain dead. I really wanted to answer more questions so I could prove that I could do better....it was a really frustrating feeling. I have a lot riding on this exam and I really needed to pass......I have been checking my state site for my license status....but it just says pending...im in AZ...anyone know how long it takes....my nails are bit away to nothing...wish me luck guys....!!!:uhoh21: