NCLEX- what if I can't pass? Please! Need Suggestions!!

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Hi everyone,

I know this is going to sound unbelievably pessimistic and for that I apologize in advance. I took the NCLEX on July 5th and found out I failed at 265, which I took as a good sign (I was trying to find the 'silver lining') as I figured at least that meant I had been hovering all along.

Well, since then, I have been studying. In all honesty, I feel as though I know alot more than I did the first time i took the exam and am scheduled to take it again the first week of September. I even have a job waiting for me on a peds oncology floor that I'm really excited about.

Heres my question (and primary fear): If i dont pass AGAIN, what can I do? What does one do with a BSN and no license?? I have work experience and a masters degree...I'm not a 21 year old grad so I have work experience. Are there any suggestions? Words of encouragement??

I'm taking Kaplan and ATI and scoring above the 65% Kaplan suggests on the Q trainers (I'm up to #3) and scoring at about 63% on the Q bank. Is this good?

Thanks so much

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THINK POSTIVE

a lot of people have the shakes when they take a test that has so much riding on it

if the worse happens and you fail it again it is possible to retake

it is probably to late to take a test class but they are offered and many people are able to take a test after the class

good luck

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THINK POSTIVE

a lot of people have the shakes when they take a test that has so much riding on it

if the worse happens and you fail it again it is possible to retake

it is probably to late to take a test class but they are offered and many people are able to take a test after the class

good luck

Thanks Chatsdale, I'm trying to think positive, but I am super nervous. I did take a class for the test...kaplan. thanks for the good wishes, they are appreciated. ill let you know what happens.

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You should not even be thinking "what if I fail AGAIN?" but rather, "I'm going to PASS this %$^&! thing!"

Looking at what might happen if you fail a second time is a complete and utter waste of time. Planning for what to do if you fail means you are spending time assuming failure instead of using that same time to improve your passing odds.

Don't go there. Focus on what you need to fix to get through the test with a PASS. Find out what areas you were weak in, where you need to work more. DO LOTS AND LOTS OF NCLEX-STYLE QUESTIONS. Get to the point where no matter what questions are being tossed at you, you know how the NCLEX wants you to answer them!

Something I've noticed of those who haven't passed (and I've talked to at some length) is that they spend too much time rationalizing why they chose their answers, and why the test answer wasn't the best choice. MISTAKE. Obviously, if they WERE correct, then the discussion would be moot. DO NOT spend time arguing with yourself, or the screen, or others why your answer was really the right one.....know what I mean? I'm not saying you're doing this, of course, just that it seems to be a trend.

Spend the time you have on tweaking your test-taking skills. Brush up on your knowledge deficits. Do some deep breathing, and know you CAN pass this test. You didn't go to school for four years to NOT pass. This first test was a glitch, and one you can overcome!

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Look at the forum how to pass nclex RN - any suggestions? from 7/24/06 lots of good tips.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f197/how-pass-nclex-rn-any-suggestions-169787.html

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LET NO THOUGHTS OF LIMITATIONS ENTER YOUR MIND!!!!!!!!!

I understand what you are going through though, I too failed at 265 questions in June. Then I just took it again and had 265 questions again and passed! Seriously this is the worst test absolutely evvveerr and I truly believe it does not show how well you can do in the nursing profession. Let me give you a suggestion that I swear will help, it was my lifesaver. I used the book called Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment by Linda A. LaCharity, Candice K. Kumagai, and Barbara Bartz. I would say 75-80% of the test was questions that were identical to this book. It is a absolute must as all the questions on the nclex are somehow about these three areas. Takin the Kaplan course too is going to totally help you rock this next test. Every day though you need to say outloud to yourself, "I am a registered nurse. I can pass this test." Saying I CAN is such a powerful thing. And remember, a focused mind is the most powerful force in the universe! GOOD LUCK!

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LET NO THOUGHTS OF LIMITATIONS ENTER YOUR MIND!!!!!!!!!

I understand what you are going through though, I too failed at 265 questions in June. Then I just took it again and had 265 questions again and passed! Seriously this is the worst test absolutely evvveerr and I truly believe it does not show how well you can do in the nursing profession. Let me give you a suggestion that I swear will help, it was my lifesaver. I used the book called Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment by Linda A. LaCharity, Candice K. Kumagai, and Barbara Bartz. I would say 75-80% of the test was questions that were identical to this book. It is a absolute must as all the questions on the nclex are somehow about these three areas. Takin the Kaplan course too is going to totally help you rock this next test. Every day though you need to say outloud to yourself, "I am a registered nurse. I can pass this test." Saying I CAN is such a powerful thing. And remember, a focused mind is the most powerful force in the universe! GOOD LUCK!

Thank you honey, I hadnt seen your post till today. Though its only been 10 days since i made my post, im feeling SO much better. My kaplan scores have gotten a heck of alot better. Today I took the readiness test and scored @ 70%. I even scored that high on the qbank. Its really very encouraging. I have one week till the big day and I'm going to review, review, review. A good 12 hours/day if neccesary. This time around, i'm going to do it! I have to prepare myself for the possibility of 265. I hope not to get so many, but if i do-- i can pass, just like you. Ok, thanks for your words, it does help. I hope to post good news soon!

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all the best to you

keep practicing the questions

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I took my exam the first part of August. I took the Kaplan class 9 months prior(sort of) and they said that if you passed the final you'd pass your NCLEX no problem. I figured since I scored high in Kaplan I didn't need to study for NCLEX. I sailed, went to the river, and goofed off all summer. I looked at the Kaplan test questions again the day before the test. I went in feeling all confident and once I sat down to the first few questions I knew I was in trouble. After shutting off at 75 questions I walked out pissed and ready to call up Kaplan and give them a piece of my mind. I KNEW I failed which was a first for me. Turns out I passed. NCLEX was nothing what I thought it would be and I still feel disappointed in the Kaplan test prep. but it must have got me through. So, I'd say keep going over the questions, especially the ones dealing with patient safety, diseases and how they are spread, and the precautions that nurses should take and I bet you'll do well. If you don't, keep getting back on the horse, learn where you are weak, and go at it. You WILL pass. Although I didn't fail the first time I was shattered thinking I did. I think it was my pride that was hurt the most. Put it aside, buckle down, and pass that silly test! You can do it and we are all pulling for you. You have the knowledge, allow yourself to remain calm and the knowledge will come through. If you have any questions send me a note.

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I took my exam the first part of August. I took the Kaplan class 9 months prior(sort of) and they said that if you passed the final you'd pass your NCLEX no problem. I figured since I scored high in Kaplan I didn't need to study for NCLEX. I sailed, went to the river, and goofed off all summer. I looked at the Kaplan test questions again the day before the test. I went in feeling all confident and once I sat down to the first few questions I knew I was in trouble. After shutting off at 75 questions I walked out pissed and ready to call up Kaplan and give them a piece of my mind. I KNEW I failed which was a first for me. Turns out I passed. NCLEX was nothing what I thought it would be and I still feel disappointed in the Kaplan test prep. but it must have got me through. So, I'd say keep going over the questions, especially the ones dealing with patient safety, diseases and how they are spread, and the precautions that nurses should take and I bet you'll do well. If you don't, keep getting back on the horse, learn where you are weak, and go at it. You WILL pass. Although I didn't fail the first time I was shattered thinking I did. I think it was my pride that was hurt the most. Put it aside, buckle down, and pass that silly test! You can do it and we are all pulling for you. You have the knowledge, allow yourself to remain calm and the knowledge will come through. If you have any questions send me a note.

I'm taking the exam tomorrow at 3pm. I'm nervous, but I know I've studied just as hard as I can. I'm still reviewing and will continue the rest of the day (that helps to calm my nerves, though most ppl say dont look at stuff the day before). Hopefully, I'll have good news this week. Thanks for being supportive, I appreciate it :-)

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Hey I also know what your going through. I had taken the exam a month ago and got up to 265. I was devastated when i found out that i failed. I had just retaken the exam yesterday and got another 265. =( But I did study alot and hopefully all goes well. I was told that it doesnt matter how much ?? u get so...im corssing my fingers. I also agree that this test does not at all signify whether your going to be a good nurse or not. I mean why all the drug questions..if u have a drug book around u and a pda..that doesnt make sense. lol Good luck to all that are taking it and remain hopeful! We can do it! lol

P.S._ Did anyone else get alot of chemo drugs on their exam?

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Hey I also know what your going through. I had taken the exam a month ago and got up to 265. I was devastated when i found out that i failed. I had just retaken the exam yesterday and got another 265. =( But I did study alot and hopefully all goes well. I was told that it doesnt matter how much ?? u get so...im corssing my fingers. I also agree that this test does not at all signify whether your going to be a good nurse or not. I mean why all the drug questions..if u have a drug book around u and a pda..that doesnt make sense. lol Good luck to all that are taking it and remain hopeful! We can do it! lol

P.S._ Did anyone else get alot of chemo drugs on their exam?

Hi Cutie,

Sounds like we have a lot in common. I took the exam yesterday as well so we're both waiting for test results....

I ended with 96 questions- it was the most shocking thing in the world to the computer just shut off. I KNOW I got my first question wrong and I think I got others right. I studied so hard for this thing that it kills me to think I may have failed...I mean, if I failed @ 96 I did REALLY bad.

As for your 265, I know tons of people who passed at 265 and I'm really hoping for you its no different. I didnt get chemo drugs on my exam, just as an aside. I did get alot of select all that apply, a few questions on hepatitis which i was surprised about and tons of prioritization questions.

Hold on honey we've only got a little while longer till we get our answer!!!!

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