Nclex Tips & A Shot In The Arm Please!

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Hi. I am another NCLEX student, preparing for the exam.

Did anyone get discouraged, frustrated, exhausted during their studies? I am at that point. I'm trying to pace myself, but don't want to drag out my studies, nor do I want to schedule myself too early!

I'm working on Kaplans Qbank and the Saunders workbook with some improvement.

To those RNs, any encouragement for a tired out nursing student with 3 kids, a job and a stack of books and an online course to work on!!? Yikes!!! :monkeydance:

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I can so relate to you...

Took the nclex about 40 days ago, got 75 questions and failed. I am now studying again and have my test scheduled for Monday, August 20th. I have Kaplans, Saunders, Mosby Flashcards and the Que Exam Cram. I've been doing 100 questions a night, trying to read Saunders, do a few flashcards at my lunch breaks. I do the quizzes/exams and average between 61 to 67%. I get so frustrated with these exams and quizzes and teetering between is it good enough or do I reschedule?

I also have 3 kids. My husband had to go back on overnight shifts so I could study because he used to work 3 to midnight and studying was impossible. I'm working FT and have the fear of not passing again and having to tell work again which is waiting for me to transition from my LPN to RN. Argh!!!

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I'm just so happy to hear that I'm not alone!! I have a feeling we mom/employee/students just have to learn to relax so that we can read clearly and think critically for the test. I cut back my work hours a while ago to prepare for this big one. The kids have been out of school for the summer so that's another ball to juggle. How understanding of your hubbie to switch to nights so you can study!

Had a massage recently and just ordered a progressive relaxation cd to help me relax--something I need.

61-67%, that sounds pretty good from what I know. I noticed that I do much better when I'm not stressed or tired. I too think it's hard to really know when to schedule to test.

Let's keep going and keep our eyes on that light at the end of the tunnel! Best of luck to you---keep studying hard--I have a good feeling it'll pay off. I sure hope so because I've got a lot riding on it too. Thanks for the reply!

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Hey look at the sticky I am following suzanne's plan this time. I have heard alot about suzanne working for alot of students. I will be taking it a third time on oct.

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Persistence is a great virtue!!!!!! I know the majority of members don't give up! We will not give up. There are tons of ways to approach this exam---let's make it our priority! I think just venting my frustration has helped. Thanks for your replies.

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I can only speak through my experience but my advice would be to not wait too long, three months tops. The longer you wait the less you'll retain from school.

And there's no way to completely prepare for NCLEX. Not to scare you but to put it into perspective.

I failed and since then have seen most study aids, Kaplan, Saunders, ect. and nothing in my opinion looks like NCLEX. All great sources of nursing info but NCLEX is from somewhere else.

It can be beaten but it's a game of odds, more right than wrong so take it when the odds are better. That would in my opinion would be a few months of review after graduation.

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Good advice. I'm planning to take Kaplan's Question Trainer 5 tomorrow and will decide on my "date" from there.

I just wish I weren't so down about all the studying I have to do. It's just something I'm going to have to deal with. Hopefully my quiz grades will rise to give me some temporary satisfaction!

Kids will set you back (I do love them, mind you!) a month or so--depending on how many and how old they are---but you're right, when that scale begins to tip it's time--thanks so much for your advice!

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So the question is, do I take it on the 20th and hope for the best? My quiz scores are between 60-67% it seems. I have myself in such a tizzy, I don't know what to do. One minute I think I want to reschedule it as I'm deathly afraid I'm going to fail it again as I don't feel like I have the base knowledge I need. I have done 100 practice questions per night and my scores have raised from 56-58%.

The bridge program I took was awful. It was taught by one teacher who never lectured, and never taught. It consisted of reading and when test time came around, we got a pretest with a majority of the answers on them that were on her test! If you could memorize, you could pass the test. With three kids, and working opposite hours, I couldn't keep up with reading 200 pages or more pages per week so I read here and there, always did my other assignments, but felt like I learned nothing.

Any advise? Should I keep plugging away until my scores are in the 70's or do you think the extra studying won't matter and I should just try?

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Specializes in LTC/rehab, ED, med-surg.

Hey all...I took my NCLEX for the first time June 26, had 265 questions and did not pass. My retake is on August 22 and so far, I've been studying lab values non-stop, did the learning extension program, and am now starting on Suzanne's plan. I probably won't get through the entire Saunder's book in time for my exam, but I hope to review key areas like fluids/electrolytes and prioritization/management. Unfortunately, I can't really empathize with having kids yet...my temperamental cat doesn't quite qualify. I can however understand being 21, finally having a 'free' summer after years of school, and trying to motivate myself to stay inside and study! :lol2: Best of luck to both of you, you guys sound extremely motivated and on the right track...keep me updated on how you do, ok?

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PNS-don't feel bad. i just bombed another kaplan test this morning, qtrainer 5. i know now that i do need a good nights sleep to test! (upset only at myself for lack of discipline!) you may be like me, needing more content review. so let me get this right, you started off with 56-58 then improved to 61-67 after your 1st try? if so, you may be ready.

i'm even thinking of purchasing another recommended study site--ncsbn--just to help me further.

back to reviewing all my rationales!!!!!! chin up---we'll get thru this!

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The 56-58 up to 61 to 67 is about 3 weeks review for an hour or two a day? It's not a huge increase. I can almost always narrow down to the two right answers, but often select the second best.

I think I'm going to have to suck it up and reschedule. I don't want to drag this out, but I have myself so distraught and my scores aren't that high so its better to be safe than sorry. My plan of action is to reschedule (as much as I dont want to), take the weekend off, do something fun and destress and then go back at it. I don't know if I will ever be ready, but I will be more confident if my scores are above 70. I think I was in the 70's when I took my LPN boards and passed the first time.

Last I looked, my new date will be Sept 10. I'll keep you posted. You do the same. Chin up!

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You and I do sound similar!! Did I tell you that I rescheduled since I was so stressed for lack of time to study? Well, I'm thinking Oct. 27th now. How long have you been studying??

Did you do the Kaplan class? They did say that 65 was a good number to go by for passing...you know yourself and frankly, I've felt sooo much more relieved since I rescheduled. We will stick to our new date though, right?? In the meantime, I've signed up at a local fitness center to pump some of that O2 into my brain!! Nclex is around the corner. We can, have to, and will do it!!

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