NCLEX-PN -- second time around [need encouragement]

[sunflowerross]

I just graduated this June 2009 from a local private college. I was the 5th PN graduate to take the NCLEX-PN--and first to fail!!!!!! [depressing ] So far, I am one of two that failed [at least I'm not alone--right!!!?!]. There is only 3 left in our class of 18 total that still need to take it--I have no doubt in my mind they will pass. I am so depressed, I feel like I am a stupid-idiot. I don't even know why I'm posting this, I guess for therapy--I feel like I have no one to talk to. :zzzzz After reading a few of the stories on here, I don't feel so bad. I am actually inspired [thank you allnurses] to pick myself up, try harder, study harder and pass the second time around [still depressed though]. I went to the book store and bought, 'NCLEX-PN Review made Incredibly Easy'. So far it's a good read with great info.

I need to buy a book for idiots--do they have one??--lol! :chuckle

Anyone have thoughts/advice on other resources??? [i have two different DVDs w/ NCLEX-type study questions, also ATI books, DVDs and online practice testing.] I probably have all the resources I need, I feel like no matter what I study it's not going to be the information I test on--it's the roll of the dice!

For now, I wait for my new test date. :typing

My goal: to PASS the NCLEX-PN in September '09!!!

[sunflowerross, LPN]

it was a nightmare. I feel dummer now that I took it a second time. I failed - again. I'm not ment to be a nurse I guess. Seriously, that exam was a nightmare. I cried [no, sobbied] all the way home. It's not the typical feeling every gets thinking they failed, I took every single question--all 205!!!!! I studied so hard and I just don't have the mind for that style of test--there was stuff on that test I didn't even recognize. I was feeling so lightheaded by the end of the test, I didn't even know what I was reading--like I was going to black out. I would read the questions over and over by 175 and had no clue what they were asking, the answers were running together. I need to see a doctor, I have been having panic attacks and it felt like I was having one yesterday. Maybe he can prescribe me meds to help.

I'll be able to take it again in 45 days, but I don't even want to!!! My friend says I am so close even if it takes me 10 more times [at least that is more realistic]. I feel stupid everytime someone tells me I can do it, it's common sense. For my mind, it's NOT common sense. I am NOT a good test taker to top it off--I'm aweful!!! I have to work harder than your average student, at everything. Give me dirt and seeds and I can create a beautiful garden but an exam--I will fail!

Feeling like a pile of poop, laying in my bed watching golden girls today, need to go buy another bottle of wine; no, make that two more. Now my life is on hold for longer. Thank God my husband is so supportive, he is so smart, he has is Masters!!! I dont' think I should even go for my RN, I can't even get through the dang PN exam!!!!!!!!!!

I should be happy, at least I don't have a terminal illness, there's always a bright side of everything. At least I have a job at the hospital---I just don't wanna go back, it's humiliating to have co-workers ask, "so, how did your test go?" My reply, "oh, I failed FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!"

No, seriously, I have to think on the bright side--I'm ALIVE!!!!! Right!?!!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Many do fail but do not give up. Failing does not make you a bad nurse. If this is something you are determined to do and graduating from nursing school means you do know your stuff then devise a study plan that is different fro what you did before. Practise and practise questions and read the rationale. Do not rush to resit but prepare properly.

As long as you don't give up you can make it

[sunflowerross, LPN]

thank you silverdragon, i need all the encouragement i can get. you are wonderful! now that it's been a few days, i do feel a little better. i have many supportive friends, without them i would be so much more discouraged! thank you for your words of wisdom. i will keep studying, and keep on keeping on...finding more ways of studying. i will do it--even if it takes me 10 times!!!! nursing is my passion--i'm just happy i have a job at the hospital as a cna2 [it's just awful that i have to go back with my tail between my legs].

thank you to everyone here on allnurses!

[NEXTLOVER]

thank you silverdragon, i need all the encouragement i can get. you are wonderful! now that it's been a few days, i do feel a little better. i have many supportive friends, without them i would be so much more discouraged! thank you for your words of wisdom. i will keep studying, and keep on keeping on...finding more ways of studying. i will do it--even if it takes me 10 times!!!! nursing is my passion--i'm just happy i have a job at the hospital as a cna2 [it's just awful that i have to go back with my tail between my legs].

thank you to everyone here on allnurses!

hey sunflower, good to see that you're willing to try again! you don't even have to take it at the 45day mark. take it whenever you feel ready. maybe take it in jan 2010.

also, i don't know if this will help, but it did for me, i hardly told anyone i was taking the nclex. only told 1 person. why? because i felt the more ppl know, the more pressure i was going to get. all the expectations & questions of when's your test???, it could turn into a burden! the next time you take the test, maybe just let a few ppl know?

[sunflowerross, LPN]

Oh NEXTLOVER, thank you so much. I am going to take your advice for my next exam. You are so right, it's been too much of a pressure! And now, all my friends are asking me how my exam went--it's so depressing. I don't even want to answer the phone or return emails. :behindpc:

Thanks again, I am definitely taking your advice!!! And also Ativan!!! haha!

[KAYBDT6, BSN, RN]

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 best of luck!

[sunflowerross, LPN]

thank you kaybdt6--that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

:anpom:

[KAYBDT6, BSN, RN]

Be positive and never look down on yourself. Plan on how t pass next time. Deviate from distraction such as these forum in other to focus on your content and practice more question in test mode to keep track of your score. wish you all the best!

[Prado]

I also envy those who passed..but i always think to myself..that passing my second time will make me better.. i will value my job more than the ones who passed the first time, because i know what it feel like to be a failure... we all will be PN and then we will be able to celebrate as the others on this site.. then we will be able to write our success story on how we passed and help others who are also struggling through this exam... I am praying for myself and each and everyone of you .. good luck to us all!!!!!!!!

[alattimore]

After I read your post, I became hopeful. I took the Nclex in 07, being 9 months pregnant and failed. Im going to take it at the end of this month.Im studying anything I can. The main thing is to Believe and trust in God. I choose to think my perfect nursing career is not ready yet.Its only a test,that can be taken over.

[sunflowerross, LPN]

Thanx everyone for your support--I'm taking the NCLEX-PN exam this upcoming week. I've been studying the Saunders Q&A Review--it has the new alternative questions on there too!!

Also, took the advice of giving my self more time to study--and waiting for January instead of November!! January is here--AND, I've not told ANYONE of my exam except my husband. I'm so glad, I won't have that additional pressure!! Well, back to studying--five more days!!! Study study study!!!! :typing

Sunflower

[sunflowerross, LPN]

I FINALLY PASSED!!! I'm a Licensed Nurse! Third time's a charm in my case!!! ALL my hard work PAID OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoop whoop!!!

Thanx for ALL of your support!!!!!

Sunflower

:hpygrp: