NCLEX help

CECE,RN · Aug 20, 2009

Well I also studied with ATI and I can't say that it didn't help me with taking the exam, but most of my help came from "Prntice Hall Nursing Nclex RN Test Prep CD-Rom" (Comprehensive Review for Nclex-RN: Reviews and Rationales by Mary Ann Hogan 2008 Pearson Education. Find this CD and I'll bet you will pass next time. I took into the testing center the pyramid you learned from ATI that taught how to priortize a question's answers and to know exactly what the question was asking before answering...etc. Maybe it was luck, but so many of my questions was the questions that came right off of this CD. When I started getting the questions that I had already seen in my studying, I gained so much confidence while taking the test. I had 75 questions and passed the first time and the CD had alot to do with my passing. When you go through the questions, make sure you really understand the rationales behind each question because the same question can come on the Nclex, just reworded. But if you understand the basis than you should get the question correct if it pertaining to the same content that you studied....hope this helps...Good Luck :typing:yeah:

uglykitty1 · Aug 20, 2009

i TOOK NCLEX TODAY AND HAD 75 QUESTIONS I WAS WONDERING IF IT MEANS ANYTHING IF THE LAST TWO QUESTIONS ARE EASY??? I THINK I WILL BE IN SAME BOAT AND TAKING FOR SECOND TIME...I USED KAPLAN AND IT ACTUALLY WAS PRETTY GOOD PROGRAM

CateJohnson · Aug 20, 2009

is this what you are talking about Prentice Hall's Reviews & Rationales: Comprehensive NCLEX-RN® Review (Prentice Hall Nursing Reviews & Rationales Series... http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Halls-Reviews-Rationales-Comprehensive/dp/0131195999/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a

fanofmusic · Aug 21, 2009

Hi there, test anxiety is real but there are ways to overcome this. Taking the NCLEX is like taking any other exam with a bit more pressure. But don't be discouraged or embarrassed. I took the Kaplan program. I found it helped me so much. I really utilized the practice questions, went to all the classes and put a lot of hours into the program. I would practice the questions as if I was taking a real test. I did a ton of questions in one sitting just in case I got the maximum questions on the exam. Also, when answering the questions, pretend that you are actually in the patient's room as a real RN. This will kind of force you to think rationally and critically. It always comes down to two really good answers. I took my time and took deep breaths throughout. You are exactly where you need to be in life...there are no accidents. Keep persevering and good luck to you!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

Moved to the NCLEX Discussion forum.

CECE,RN · Aug 21, 2009

is this what you are talking about Prentice Hall's Reviews & Rationales: Comprehensive NCLEX-RN® Review (Prentice Hall Nursing Reviews & Rationales Series... http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Halls-Reviews-Rationales-Comprehensive/dp/0131195999/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a

Yes....looks like it.

CateJohnson · Aug 21, 2009

Great picked it up last night. I dont start the program until May of 2010 but I like most people have a bad test taking time, so if I study for the next two years while in the program I will have a better chance and not messing it up! thank you!

KAYBDT6, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

Hi All,
I am a new graduate with my BSN and have failed the NCLEX twice. The first time I had 234 questions, I prepared using ATI, studied everyday for six weeks and failed. I have test taking issues as it is and the anxiety really got to me. The second time I had 75 questions, prepared with various books, ATI again, and did some of my friends Kaplan questions. I went into the exam positive and when the computer shut off I was so happy, felt good and was sure that I passed this time. I was so confident! Well, today I found out that I failed for a second time. I have a job and everyone is very supportive and encouraging but I feel like such a failure, I hate going into work as a PCT (I got demoted) and I feel stupid and am very discouraged. I do not know what else to do. I am at a loss for how to even prepare for this again. I am stressed and emotionally drained I dont even want to take the test again, I feel like giving up:cry:.

NCLEX ABCDZ STRATEGY

A. Spend 1/3 of your time reviewing content you don't understand

B. Spend 2/3 of your time answering test question

C. Used most comfortable NCLEX review book for content.

D. Begin with the area that is most difficult for you or area that are least familiar

E. Use a good nursing reference manual or internet to find information

F. Define the disease in terms of pathophysiological process and understand the disease process.

G. Identify the early and late symptoms of disease

H. Identify most important or life-threatening complication associated with the disease.

I. Define the medical treatment.

J. Identify nursing intervention associate with early and late symptom of disease process

K. Identify what to teach patient and family to prevent in other to adapt to disease process.

L. list the area you need to review.

M. Answering question in a test mode will improve your test taking skills

N. Each time you answer question, check the number of question you answered correctly that will motivate you to read and study more next time.

O. Keep track of your score to see how you're improving in all area of your content.

P. If you answer less than 65% correctly, these is a WARNING SIGNAL!! Spend lots of time reviewing content and stop doing question on the weakest area

Q. If you answer 65-75% correctly your performance is improving and success is certain. Continue working with the content until your score is above 75%

R. Every wrong answer, identify why you answered it wrongly.

S. Practice 75- 85 question to known how you'll be prepared for NCLEX Exam and see how many you answered correctly

T. Do understand the question first, formulate your answer of hand and compare with the option given to see how close your answer!!

U. Anticipate Test question will increase in difficulty when you get the first question right!!

V. Do not panic if someone finishes before you!!

W. Do not CRAM CRAM!!

X. Remember that you have learned a great amount of nursing knowledge and the exam is only designed to determine whether you're able to practice safely @ entry level

Y. Keep a positive attitude and Pray!!

Z. Wish you all best of LUCK

jaenesa · Aug 22, 2009

I know how you feel I took it 4 times and passed by using Saunders. I took Kaplan Review still failed . Keep your head up and trust in God. It will soon be your time to shine.

kittiebabe · Aug 22, 2009

:heartbeat"I know how you feel I took it 4 times and passed by using Saunders. I took Kaplan Review still failed . Keep your head up and trust in God. It will soon be your time to shine.":heartbeat

Me too, I failed twice just by using saunders. And I had kaplan review in my first take didn't made it either. :cry: Now I'm trying to study back again, and try again for my 3rd take...I'm not giving up though. I'll keep a head up though it's kinda hard after knowing I didn't made it last week. But I believe in God and in the power of hard work and determination. I'll remain positive and try again.

kittiebabe · Aug 22, 2009

:heartbeat"I am a new graduate with my BSN and have failed the NCLEX twice. The first time I had 234 questions, I prepared using ATI, studied everyday for six weeks and failed. I have test taking issues as it is and the anxiety really got to me. The second time I had 75 questions, prepared with various books, ATI again, and did some of my friends Kaplan questions. I went into the exam positive and when the computer shut off I was so happy, felt good and was sure that I passed this time. I was so confident! Well, today I found out that I failed for a second time. I have a job and everyone is very supportive and encouraging but I feel like such a failure, I hate going into work as a PCT (I got demoted) and I feel stupid and am very discouraged. I do not know what else to do. I am at a loss for how to even prepare for this again. I am stressed and emotionally drained I dont even want to take the test again, I feel like giving up:cry:.":heartbeat

Hi sweety! first of all, I would like to say my heart goes out to you. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't fail. I know how you are feeling right now, for I am in the same shoe as what you're going through. I know it must be overwhelming, and I know exactly how you feel. But never give up my sweet. Keep trying.

I too failed twice, I found out last fri. I didn't made it through the pearson trick and finally got my eval. report last saturdday. It has only been a week and I still feel low, stressed out, and emotionally drained like you. But I'm not giving up, and so do you. I also used ATI on my first take along with my saunder's and kaplan online. I didn't made it. I took it last year. I finally revamped myself and tried to study again for my 2nd take this time I only use saunders and found out last week I didn't made it. I was heart-broken. I really felt I was really, my computer shot off at 75 and I felt comfortable and at peace, just like what you said. I thought I was ready. And 2 days later I found out i didn't made it either. I was devastated. But after a 5 day of pouring out my disappointments in tears. I've finally found peace with myself...and refiled for my 3rd try for the boards last wednessday. I also purchased the ncsbn online course and i've found it to be very helpful, i'm utilizing it right now. And I just got my package in the male for my prentice hall's nclex-rn by pearson and so as my nclex-rn exam cram cds by pearson as well. I just findly finished mapping out my new study plan and hopefully it'll aid me in my study. I will still be using my saunder's and lacharity for my nsg. content as well. Hopefully, I will be able to get my ass in the gear here anytime soon. I know you must feel down right now...and it's fine..let it all out. Be sad...be ******. Be mad. But remember you are not alone, and you must never quit the fight. Stay positive my friend, even if the light seems dark and everything seems to negative...stand up tall, and never quit. Let's both study are hardest and be ready for our next battle. I am here for you and I feel your pain and disappoint. And I'm here to encourage you, it's okay my friend...our time just hasn't come but it'll be soon. Never doubt that we will be RN's soon enough. Keep believing that! Okay!

Here's a poem I posted in one of my thread, hopefully it'll inspire you as it has inspired me.

*Don't Quit"

BY Clinton Howell

When things go wrong,

As they sometimes will,

When the road you've truding seems all uphill,

when the funds are low, and the debts are high,

and you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't quit.

Life is queer with a twist and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

when he might have won had he only had stuck it out;

Don't quive up though the pace seems slown,

You might succeed with another blow.

Success is a failure turned inside out,

the silver lingina a tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you may never can tell how close you are,

it may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're at your hardest hit,

It's when things seemed worst,

that YOU MUST NOT QUIT!

Don't ever give up.