Needing some help here, failed the RN boards 3 times.

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I graduated from RN school in 2002 and have taken the boards 3 times, the last being in late 2003. Since then I have married and been busy with 3 children (2 are twins), so haven't had anytime to think about it. I have been a practicing LPN since Feb. 2008 when my girls were born and then I decided to stay home. I had come to the conclusion that I was never going to be an RN but in all reality the only thing keeping me from it is the darn NCLEX. I know I can do it but it is so nerve wracking with the way the test is given. I have major anxiety once the initial 75 ?'s are done and then every ? after that you think "o.k. is this going to be the last one?" I know I need to take it again and prepare with practice ?'s. Does anyone have any advice for me? I am scared to death and also don't want to keep throwing money down the drain if I don't pass. 2 out of the 3 times my info sheet stated I need very little improvement on all areas and was just under the passing line. How discouraging is that.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Set a study time that is protected and try to keep to it. Practise questions and read the rationale. If an area you are not sure on then would suggest use the Saunders comprehensive review and study the chapter.

Good luck

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I am in your boat, I have also failed 3 times since I graduated in 2007. I took it twice in 2007 (I don't think I took it serious enough back then, I failed both times at 75) and once earlier this year, but this year after months of preparation I failed at 265 questions, so I did improve and was close to passing. Don't focus on the fact that you already failed, that will just get you down, believe me. Focus on the fact that you WANT TO and WILL pass this time. I would recommend Kaplan's QBank, the questions are tough, but it helps you learn and prepares you for the difficult questions on the NCLEX. I would also recommend Saunders and Mosby, they are both good books, especially for content (Saunders questions are a little on the easier side though to be honest, but it helps for content review). If possible, try to find a one on one tutor, I have been doing that and it really has helped because she focuses on MY needs and deficiencies. Study like you have never taken the test before. You can do it, you got through nursing school, which we all know is the real hard part (although I'm beginning to believe that for some people the test is the hard part...). Good luck in studying and taking the test again. Do not give up!!!

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

I believe that most people who fail the NCLExRN do so because of test anxiety and poor test taking skills. I'd encourage you to work on controlling and reducing your anxiety to help you to perform at your best.

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Starz666,

Me too, the last time I failed I took the total 265 and was so close to passing.

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