Need help on how to prepare for then nclex rn. Failed first time I took the test.

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I do not know how to prepare for the nclex rn this time around. I took the Live KAPLAN course, and their online ?'s, I even paid for the online access a second time before taking the nclex the first time. I tried answering nclex questions most of the time and I read some chapters out of the KAPLAN course book. I'm not sure if the amount of time (Five months from Grad date -12/2007) that I had to let go by before taking the exam had a big impact on the end result or not. Although, I did have to leave the country for a couple of months on and off, due to highly important personal matters. Nonetheless, I am terrified to take the test again, and I am running in circles trying to figure out what book to study from, or if I should try another nclex prep course. It will almost be a year since I graduated, and four months since I took the exam, and all I know is that I want to be an RN, I worked wholeheartedly to become a nurse, and I just can't believe that this TEST is what is holding me back. It is hard when your family and children ask you why you are not working yet, and I do not want to fail them a second time around... :cry: I noticed on this website that Suzanne's Plan is highly suggested, however you must have 15+ PM's and I am new to this site. Please know that any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank You! :typing

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don't let it stop you. I didn't pass the 1st one that i took on sept 23...and i'm on my feet again reviewing the stuff for the second round. I'm following suzanne's plan and i'm really confident in it. You should too

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Whilst studying the first tip (requirement of Suzanne's plan) you have plenty of time to get 15 posts. Doing the quizzes will take a few days or more

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I've read many positive threads about Suzanne's plan, and thus have decided to go out and buy Saunders 4th ed., since I only have the third addition at home. If there is any other book that you think is well worth the money for the nclex rn, please let me know...

Thank you all for your help and support.:)

P.S. If you have any additional study tips/suggestions, or know ways to reduce or deal with test anxiety please let me know.:up:

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Case Manager.

Hi PolarBear,

First of all, congratulations on graduating! Like you, I studied Kaplan and didn't pass the first time with 265 questions and 6hrs. I let pass at least 5 months before I took NCLEX again. The 2nd time I had studied learning extension and practiced answering at least 200 questions each night before I went to sleep. It's a review online and you can take it according to your needs. In my case, I took it for 3 weeks because that was how much time I had left before my next scheduled exam. It only cost me $50 and it was worth it, because I passed with 75 questions in 2 hrs. All in all, I didn't study as much the second time around. You can do a search on "What I did to pass the 2nd time". It explains what I did to pass. Good luck! :nuke:

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

I would go with Suzanne's Plan. I would also read the Random Facts Sticky Thread, the Infection Control Thread and Obscure Diseases Thread. :rolleyes:

Good luck!:hrns&wlcm:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the NCLEX forum

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hi can i know how to have suzzanes plan? how to have it? please help me im terrible to pass the test since it will be my 2nd time to take...please help

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Here's what I did:

1. Took Kaplan - I don't think the course helped me but the book did

2. Read Kaplan Course Book cover to cover

3. Read Saunders Comprehensive Review 4th Ed. cover to cover

4. Woke up every morning and did a Qbank test 50 questions

5. Took the quizzes at the end of each chapter in Saunders before reading, then taking again at the end

6. Did every single Kaplan question available, all Q trainers and Q bank

7. Did a bunch of NCLEX 3500 75 question comprehensive tests

8. Did a bunch of Saunders 100 question tests from the cd that comes with the book

Honestly, I just holed myself up and bombarded myself with material. And yes I still felt like I knew nothing on the day of and I know quite a few questions that I got wrong. But I passed in 75 and obviously my plan worked for me :)

I also think my school rocked! :bow:

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I'm sorry to hear, i'm in the same boat as you. I thought i studied enough the first time around, but it just wasn't our time.

i'm planning on takin it again in a month, and i brought Saunder's and was thinking about using Suzanne's plan on this site, and i also have Exam Cram which has a lot of Nclex type questions. There is also a site Nclex 3500 that has questions, it's free... I have a month so i figure that the first week and a half or two i'll do content review from Saunder's n for the last two weeks just do anywhere from 100-200 questions a day, the more practice the better right?!

Hang in there, you graduated from nursing school! You'll pass, just keep ur head up! and stay positive

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dear polar bear....i studied from the saunders text book and also solved saunders CD....also did some tests from the Kaplan...it was beneficial for me...when u read certain chapter..make a small point book to write down the important point's,formulas,lab values etc...and u can carry the book when ever you are travelling ,if u can't take the books and CD'S..don't be discouraged my friend for believe that u can do it thru god who knows what is the best for you....honestly speaking...prayer was my greatest weapon which helped me sail thru....ALL THE BEST:up:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
hi can i know how to have suzzanes plan? how to have it? please help me im terrible to pass the test since it will be my 2nd time to take...please help

Check out the sticky for her program. Stickies are threads we think are useful to members although we do limit how many we have and can always be found at the top of the forum

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