NCLEX-RN help/advice/suggestions

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Hi everyone! I graduated from nursing school this year. Before I get started, I'd like to point out: I was never a straight A student who breezed through school. I was a B student, with the occasional high C. I want to put this out there to be honest, and let everyone know I'm not chalking myself up as something I'm not. And as difficult as nursing school was/is- I'm proud, regardless. It's a really hard program, but I did it and I know it is so worth it all!

I took the Kaplan course after I graduated, and took the practice/trainer tests to study with. I was reading each rationale, and trying to get a feel for the decision tree, while familiarizing myself with this type of test-taking. I took my time on the NCLEX, as I have really bad test-anxiety (no matter how prepared I am) when there's so much at stake, unfortunately, I can't control it. I wanted to be sure I was reading everything thoroughly and really understanding what the questions were asking, and considering each answer. I took too long, not thinking I would get all 265 questions, and I ran out of time. I tried to rush through the last 60 questions or so, which was a horrible thing to do- I know. And I failed. I was devastated, but I told myself I'd pick right back up on studying, do it again, and beat this beast.

I then purchased the NCSBN review course, thinking that if it's written by the same people who write the nclex- it's got to be the best route for me to go. I gave it everything I had, and I felt so much more prepared going into this one. During my test, when I saw my test wasn't shutting off again, and I was already onto question 150, I tried so hard to not panic but per usual, my anxiety sky-rocketed, I could not snap out it. I just had this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was feeling so discouraged and overwhelmed as to what I'm doing wrong... why can't I pass this test when I've spent this much time, energy, and money into school, studying, and all of these reviews. I failed again, ran out of time, and answered about 220 by the time it shut off. The failure-letter I received in the mail afterwards, telling me I was "near passing" on every single category. I didn't have any that were below passing average, but I also didn't have any "above passing average" like I did on the first one.

I received a job offer at a hospital right before I took the nclex the 2nd time, and it is my dream job. I was so devastated to have to tell her that I did not pass, and that I was really sorry. To my dismay, she said not to worry, and that she has all the confidence in the world in me that I will pass the next time around, and that the job is still there, held for me, once I pass it this time. This pressure and the nerves I feel are starting to really take a toll on me. I feel like I've got to be doing something wrong. Every time I start feeling like I guess I'm just not smart enough to pass this, I have to remind myself: I passed nursing school. I'm studying my butt off. I have to try and be more positive, but when you've already failed twice, your nerves are shot just thinking about the possibility of not passing again...and it starts to get really discouraging.

Now I have found Uworld, and am more than halfway done with the nearly 2,000 practice questions. I've been scoring anywhere from a 45%, to a ton of 54-64%'s, and one or two in the 70'-80% range. I'm taking notes on every single rationale that is on Uworld to assist in my studying.

I'm sick to my stomach about it all & just looking for any advice from anyone in my same boat, any experienced nurses, new nurses, nursing educators...anyone at all who can share some advice/insight, suggestions, or help in any way (besides telling me I need xanax lol) I would be so appreciative! Thanks in advance for reading my little novel here! ;)

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You will find lots of company and suggestions on the NCLEX section of this site.

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/

Good luck to you on your next attempt!

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I'm new to this website, so I really appreciate you sending me that link- I will check it out now. Thank you!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to NCLEX

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How do you feel when you're answering practice exams on your computer? Perhaps it might relieve your anxiety if you treat the actual nclex exam as a practice exam. Focus on the questions on the exam rather than thinking if you're going to pass or when the computer will shut off. You can worry about that when the computer shuts off. Also, make sure to pace and not spend too much time on one question where you end up Second guessing yourself.

Remember mild anxiety is still manageable but once you reach moderate and severe there's no way for you to focus clearly.

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