NEED HELP BADLY!

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Dear readers,

I need help badly! I graduated LPN school in '15, have taken the NCLEX 3x's to of no success. Do to some life tragedies I can say I was totally unprepared to tale them but I did so I wouldnt lose my money. Now Ive EXHAUSTED my opportunities in the State of GA & now have to apply in another state which I have been approved to do so but sti fearful of another money lose & failure. I just don't understand. I study like no other, passed school but can't pass boards. What they give to you when you fail as a reference of your weak areas, I study in those areas but I JUST DON'T GET WHAT IM DOING WRONG. CAN ANYBODY ADVISE OR LEAD ME HELP THAT POSSIBLY WHERE STUDYING IS CUTTING IT

I STUDY FROM NCLEX PN

THANKS-

Thank you mediwizard....to answer your question, currently im still utilizing an app NCLEX PN to study from & the book Lippincott Review for the NCLEX ed.10. I'll up for ANY/ALL suggestions at this point PLEASE.

I have also heard my classmates mention Uworld and Kaplan. I personally did not use them but I have heard lots of positive reviews. Each individual needs to find what method would work for them.

Also how did you review previously? You have to reflect on what you did and rationalize why they did not work for you. When you failed the first time,did you change the way you study for the next NCLEX? If you did, why did it not work? Is it because the way you study does not coincide with NCLEX type of answering questions or is it because something happened in your personal life. If it has to do with personal life, can you maybe find a place or time that you can focus on reviewing?

Also NCLEX would definitely give you a feedback regarding how you did with the exam, you mentioned that you studied according to it but still failed. I would say just review the entire NCLEX regardless of whether you are above the passing criteria based on those feedback especially since it has been quite a while since you graduated. Also you would know when you answered incorrectly since NCLEX would ask the same question/same category of questions.

You mentioned an app, how consistently do you review that app? Is it just browsing? If it is then that would not help you at all. You need to be consistently studying, I read NCLEX app type questions inconsistently while I was reviewing, It taught me certain things but I did not find it helpful for me personally. Again, we are all different so find what would work for you and avoid what made you fail the NCLEX the previous times. Also answer the questions using the computer. NCLEX is computer based so it is imperative that you answer the questions the same way.

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Understand. But 1 question, what do you mean by answering a question "computer based" & the same way?

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Understand. But 1 question, what do you mean by answering a question "computer based" & the same way?

NCLEX is a Computer Adaptive Test meaning it is taken via computer and the computer would analyze your ability by the way you answer questions. Hence you need to answer NCLEX type questions using the computer to familiarize yourself with the test format. I study best by reading through a book and flipping the pages, etc but for this test, I had to take the review questions using the computer to make myself comfortable with using a computer which the NCLEX will be given by. It is basically trying to build muscle memory and making your body familiar to sitting in the computer for long hours so hopefully by the time you actually take the NCLEX, your body is used to it and hopefully lessen your anxiety.

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Understand. But 1 question, what do you mean by answering a question "computer based" & the same way?

I do not know about LPNs but in RN NCLEX, there is a category to the questions being asked. I.e. you would need to answer questions that are more critical thinking based and avoid the memorization ones. I am not saying do not utilize them, I did but I used it as a 'stepping stone' to the harder, more NCLEX type questions. NCLEX would not just ask you questions that are too easy i.e. memorized. You need to apply what you learn and NCLEX would give you scenarios and want you to critically think to answer them.

Did you also know or are familiar that you can take a break right? If you do feel more anxious, take a breather for a minute or two, it would not stop the clock but it might be what you need to maybe settle your nerves a bit.

Do not study the day prior and just relax yourself. Go to the testing center early, have a good breakfast, maybe even bring some food and water if you end up having to stay later. I know RN NCLEX can take up to 6 hours or so.

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

If this is something I really wanted I would push again and again for it. Never give up. There are a lot of different avenues you can take. Speak with your provider about your anxiety with taking tests (if this is your issue). There are a lot of adaptive strategies you can use to overcome your test anxiety. Good luck to you.

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Critical thinking.....that's my struggle...what would help??

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