NCLEX PN Review Help!! I keep failing

ejm99 · Jan 22, 2011

I'm in LVN school now but I would think it would be really difficult to pass the NCLEX 5 yrs after you finished class. I had a difficult time just remembering everything we learned before the 4 wk holiday break! There is no way I would trust myself to remember it for the NCLEX.

I'm thinking that if I were you I would buy a good review book, pull out your notes, start making notecards for lab values and meds... and really do everything you can to do nothing but sleep, eat and study. Do all you can on your own...THEN consider taking a review/prep class. As a back up. I would get VERY structured about my time, scheduling everything I do around my studying...passing will change your life...it's worth making it a priority w/ no other interference for a few months.

I'm curious did you have to take an exit test when you completed school? If you did ....how did you do? and which test was it? we have to take the Hesi Exit...I've heard bad, scary and horrible things about it and am about to start studying for it as soon as possible to give myself the very best chance to pass. If we dont pass the exit exam we are not eligible to sit for the Nclex.

boisern84 · Jan 22, 2011

I would suggest going over content to make sure you have a good grasp. NCLEX needs to be sure that you will be a safe competent healthcare provider. You don't need to know every drug but you do need to know the main ones cardiac meds/teaching, insulins, psych meds, diuretics but don't forget basic patient care like safety (what to do in case of a fire) what items contain latex etc. Don't take the NCLEX again too soon, make sure you clear your head and start from the beginning.

j477 · Jan 28, 2011

Hi just wondering how soon after you took your test did you get the good pop up? I took mine yesterday at noon and tryed the trick and got the good pop up like 4 hours later. I checked again this morning and still had the good pop up. Is that a good sign that I might have passed? I'm freaking out! :bluecry1:

juh_lee_suh · Jan 28, 2011

i understand EXACTLY where ur coming from! i took the test for the PN this past tuesday went to 205 && didnt feel confident & tried the PVT and i got the bad pop up! i was very discouraged cuz i studied, took the life savers nursing review so idk but im not giving up im going to study the whole month a feb but im starting back the community college on feb7th with a full load of 4 classes! and working part time! im going to study the lifesavers book & do exam cram & ATI, its been 3 yrs for me since graduation but im NOT giving up! i wanna work as an LVN soo bad!! && just feel success when i get my license!! good luck to you!!! study hard && prayer :]

CrazyGoonRN · Jan 29, 2011

Hi just wondering how soon after you took your test did you get the good pop up? I took mine yesterday at noon and tryed the trick and got the good pop up like 4 hours later. I checked again this morning and still had the good pop up. Is that a good sign that I might have passed? I'm freaking out!

I got the good pop when I tried it about an hour after I took the test. There is no need to freak out. If you got the good pop up then you will continue to get it everytime you do it. It sounds like you did great! :)

j477 · Feb 1, 2011

Thanks alot for the response CrazyGoon! :heartbeat I guess I just wanted to be re-assured somehow. I'm still waiting for my official in the mail. And Ive been checking the BOVN everyday for my license number. I believe in the PVT but theres gonna be nothin like gettin that letter in the mail or actually seeing my name on the Boards! :clpty:

lilady5 · Jun 15, 2011

Hello how r u?? I was wondering if u took the nclex again lately. Um gettin ready to take mines and im in the same boat as you. I graduated in March 2009 and i took the test twice and i failedn twice. Its very fustrating to know that all of the stuff you learned is not clicking to your brain during the test. The last time i took it i was mostly in a blank stair during the test cause i couldnt figure out certain info. So i know how you feel ive been askin people what they use to study and aot of people said saunders or exam cram. I used sauders last time. So this time im using exam cram its helpful to my knowledge..... LOL. But I wish all the best of luck with your nursing career.

lovely_chelsie · Jun 28, 2011

Let me share my strategy to you guys. Sometimes when we take test we are so focused on how hard the test is which gives us anxiety. We tend to forget that we need to condition our mind and body to absorb information as we review the material hence securing that it stays in our mind and will be readily available one we need to pull it.

I work in the medical field and is a senior pre-medical student. And I simply can't help to not atleast try to share what I do that makes me get through all the hard exams that I need to pass in order to more forward. With that said, let me now start the steps. These may be simple but then again, sometimes we tend to neglect the simplest things correct?

1.) Get enough rest and sleep - sleep at least before 12 MN regenerates our mind and body completely.

2.) Our neurons functions best around 4 in the AM - With or without my sleep, this miraculously works for me.

3.) Listen to classical music by Bach, Mozart, Handel or use binaural or isochronic tones in Alpha, Beta and Theta (use earphones as it has a slightly different tone in left and right ear) - This is a brain entrainment technique that focuses the mind on a present task and helps it function at it's most optimal potential. You can find these at youtube and at some sites on line.

4.) Get as much green on the background - color therapy helps memory as well. Probably because the color green relaxes the mind - absorption and learning is at it's best when the mind is relaxed.

5.) Don't eat too heavy when reviewing - this pulls the blood away from the brain. Eat but just enough to cut your hunger. Keep a light snack readily available.

6.) As a health profession I know I'd be hated but "coffee" works for me.

7.) This may not apply to all but I'm a Christian - I pray a lot. I dont show it to anyone, but in my heart I keep a prayer. A positive prayer. Prayer and Meditation gives peace. Again, peaceful mind is a pre-requisite in learning. And besides, we don't have to put all the burden in our shoulder - Trust in the One who has the power to control everything.

Good luck to everyone - I wish you all the best.

MrCAPR, LVN · Jun 28, 2011

HI Pass2011! I did the American Healthways and its worth it the price. I was there during the session of April 2011. I just took my Nclex PN on June 24, 2011. I live in California, so I have not received my results yet. I tried the PVT and it gave me the good POP-UP message. I went all the way to 205 questions. I am really hope I passed.

As you, I have take my Nclex 2 times and last Friday was my 3rd one. Also, I tried the PVT on my previous tries and I did not get any POP-UP, but this time I did. So, I keeping my faith up.

I will encourage you to go the American Healtways review. Mr. **** the instructor is pretty good. They test your knowledge before you schedule your test. Keep it up and you will Pass.

Study everyday in a quiet zone, do a lot of questions and reading. Try to do at least 300 questions during the day, but not less than 200.

Many of the advices that everyone else on the forum is giving you are true. Prioritize your answers, ABC's, Maslow, Nursing Process, Therapeutic communication, Safety and control.. Keep it up..you can do it.

I will let you know if I passed my test once I get my official resutls. Oh by the way, try to study with someone who is also taking the test.

Good luck on your study sessions and good luck to me too. :up: *wine

Nclex PN Craziness · Jun 30, 2011

Hey there,

I called the BVNPT today (BTW I called at 8:00AM and was on hold for 50 minutes) and they are going over the tests that were taken on the 23rd. So your test should be looked over very very soon!! Good Luck!! I did the PVT and also got the Good Pop UP but am still scared, that was the hardest test I have ever taken. I took mine on the 27th with 86 questions. I had a lot of SATA, Meds, Contact Precautions, The what would you have charted that helped your client that will save your ass if you get sued, no med calcs or maternity (my two strengths). Crossing my fingers. Let me know when you get your results so I know how fast they are grading these. BEST OF LUCK!!!

Nclex PN Craziness · Jun 30, 2011

HI Pass2011! I did the American Healthways and its worth it the price. I was there during the session of April 2011. I just took my Nclex PN on June 24, 2011. I live in California, so I have not received my results yet. I tried the PVT and it gave me the good POP-UP message. I went all the way to 205 questions. I am really hope I passed.
As you, I have take my Nclex 2 times and last Friday was my 3rd one. Also, I tried the PVT on my previous tries and I did not get any POP-UP, but this time I did. So, I keeping my faith up.
I will encourage you to go the American Healtways review. Mr. **** the instructor is pretty good. They test your knowledge before you schedule your test. Keep it up and you will Pass.
Study everyday in a quiet zone, do a lot of questions and reading. Try to do at least 300 questions during the day, but not less than 200.
Many of the advices that everyone else on the forum is giving you are true. Prioritize your answers, ABC's, Maslow, Nursing Process, Therapeutic communication, Safety and control.. Keep it up..you can do it.
I will let you know if I passed my test once I get my official resutls. Oh by the way, try to study with someone who is also taking the test.
Good luck on your study sessions and good luck to me too.*wine

Hey there,

I called the BVNPT today (BTW I called at 8:00AM and was on hold for 50 minutes) and they are going over the tests that were taken on the 23rd. So your test should be looked over very very soon!! Good Luck!! I did the PVT and also got the Good Pop UP but am still scared, that was the hardest test I have ever taken. I took mine on the 27th with 86 questions. I had a lot of SATA, Meds, Contact Precautions, The what would you have charted that helped your client that will save your ass if you get sued, no med calcs or maternity (my two strengths). Crossing my fingers. Let me know when you get your results so I know how fast they are grading these. BEST OF LUCK!!!

MrCAPR, LVN · Jun 30, 2011

Oh my Gosh, that's really nice to know. The agony of waiting is destroying my nervous system. I really hope to pass. Thank you for the information.