Need Advice :D

Nursing Students NCLEX

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My name is Zach and I will take my NCLEX in 2 weeks for the 2nd time. I just want you guys to assess if I'm ready to retake it. First of all, I failed at 140Q (near passing; 1 above) 20 SATA, 10 Order Q, 3 meds, no math, 1 picture). My first try, I did Hurst and Lacharity. My Hurst Q reviews were 75, 90, 84, 83. I studied about 2-3 weeks for the test.

Now, I studied about 5 weeks already and different things I did were learning ext, kaplan QT, and still hurst. I finished the learning ext program and average in the range of 65-75 on their QB after reviewing hurst content (I would say my average is in the 68%, I had more 60's than 70's). Kaplan QT I have 55-62 range for QT1-QT5. I will save QT 6 and 7 on the week before my test.

Today, I took Hurst Q Review 6 and 7 and made 75 on both exam (one of the test had only 117Q for some reason). This scared me because I was making 90's and 80's on my Hurst, I was supposed to be more prepared this time around but I scored lower =(

Should I move my test in Oct (I'm poor, I can't afford blowing off 325 per test) or should I gamble and take it.

Thanks in advance fellas

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My advice would be if you have to second guess yourself based on if you feel ready or not move it back. I wish I would have the first time. Now if you want to move it back based off anxiety just take it and relax. You'd be surprised at how well you actually do. Also how did you get the questions from Kaplan? I heard those were really good.

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Hi Zach,

First, no one ever feels ready. I certainly understand the trepidation, but if you wait until you feel ready, you are never going to do it!

I didn't do Hurst, so I am going to let someone who knows what they are talking about weigh in with that, but your Kaplan scores sound pretty similar to mine and I passed first time. How are you doing with the Kaplan qbank? I would do 100% (or close to it) with those before I tested. Also what about the readiness and the diagnostic? Kaplan likes your scores to be over 60% in those, are you there yet?

PV allows you to reschedule one business day before you test without financial penalty, so you do not have to make a decision right now, I suggest getting through the qbank, and 6 and 7 then decide (or post your scores here and ask for advise again).

Remember to breathe! And best of luck!

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Hi Zach,

First, no one ever feels ready. I certainly understand the trepidation, but if you wait until you feel ready, you are never going to do it!

I didn't do Hurst, so I am going to let someone who knows what they are talking about weigh in with that, but your Kaplan scores sound pretty similar to mine and I passed first time. How are you doing with the Kaplan qbank? I would do 100% (or close to it) with those before I tested. Also what about the readiness and the diagnostic? Kaplan likes your scores to be over 60% in those, are you there yet?

PV allows you to reschedule one business day before you test without financial penalty, so you do not have to make a decision right now, I suggest getting through the qbank, and 6 and 7 then decide (or post your scores here and ask for advise again).

Remember to breathe! And best of luck!

My kaplan doesn't show readiness, where do I check that?

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Dude you did good enough! I believe it doesnt matter what you study or not! Kaplan/hurst and so on! Just believe in yourself and think like a NURSE! You went to school for atleast 1year for lvn/ 4tears for rn! You shouldve atleast the mind of being a nurse! Also dont doubt yourself and dont forget GOD he will help you!

I only studied saunders 4th edition CD only and the exam cram book only 1000question. Thats it. And had a good sleep and eat then took my test. Lasted till 125+ then the computer shut off! Did the trick and good popup showed up! Just be positive man!!

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Dude you did good enough! I believe it doesnt matter what you study or not! Kaplan/hurst and so on! Just believe in yourself and think like a NURSE! You went to school for atleast 1year for lvn/ 4tears for rn! You shouldve atleast the mind of being a nurse! Also dont doubt yourself and dont forget GOD he will help you!

I only studied saunders 4th edition CD only and the exam cram book only 1000question. Thats it. And had a good sleep and eat then took my test. Lasted till 125+ then the computer shut off! Did the trick and good popup showed up! Just be positive man!!

thanks for the encouragement sir! I will bring your confidence with me when I take the test.

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Good luck You got my prayers man!

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Umm--I thought all Kaplan courses had a readiness and a diagnostic test. It should be on the same page as the q trainers. If there is a mini-Kaplan course out there that doesn't have this, I am not aware of it. Scroll down, if I remember right, it is the last one on the page. If it isn't there, give them a call and see what you can find out.

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Hi ~

I used several resources including Kaplan, Hurst, Saunder's, NCSBN and La Charity PDA. I think if I used one resource, I would not have passed. I think Hurst is excellent for core content (know this information backwards and forwards) as well as their 5th day or accompanying materials (infection control, med's and other videos/handouts). For Kaplan, their questions (qtrainer and qbank) and their question videos. The question videos go over about 300 various questions - pulling apart the stem and evaluating/eliminating answer choices. This is super helpful and in no time you see and are better at tackling NCLEX questions. Also, within qbank, there are also 4 sample tests (think 50 q's each) that are priority, SATA and such. These are also great questions/practice. For me, I went into NCLEX knowing "a bit about everything" and this seemed to work. Core content, labs, infection control (precautions - what PPE to wear and if door is open or closed), chest tubes, common med's and classes of meds, herbals (know common ones like garlic, gingko, kava, st. johns wort, etc), procedures (ie. admin eye/ear drops, tube feedings, catheter, suctioning, bed pan, 24 hour urine test, etc.), and priority/delegation (what patient to see first, what can LVN do versus UAP - know the specifics of what RN's, LVN's and UAP's can/can't do as this will help you on NCLEX). Procedures are likely to be your "put in order" questions and some of your SATA will be core content - like hypothyroidism, or hyperparathyroidism, etc...

I agree "you will never feel 100% ready" for NCLEX. However, if you know the basics/core content (pretty much what I mentioned above) well, I believe you are well prepared. You will get more questions right, if you know all the basics/core content/strategies - read every word in the question/answer choices - there are CLUES within to help direct you to the right answer. Remember, assessment before implementation. Remember ABC's and acute vs. chronic, etc.. You can do this!!

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Hi he'd wards which kaplan course comes with those videos .

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

If you buy the kaplan on-line (any full package - not just the qbank) it comes with their content videos, question videos, qbank and qtrainers.

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