Nervous about taking NCLEX-RN

SoonMomToBe · Jan 6, 2009

Yes you can either fail or pass with minimum number of questions or maximum number of questions. I too will be taking the exam on the 13. But I'll be writing the exam for my 3rd time. I failed with 75 questions the first time and I ran out of time the second time around and failed again, it was devastating for me but I am now going for my third time because I am not giving up.

So make sure you pace yourself in your exam, and go well prepared, this exam is no joke.

Good luck to both of us on our upcoming exam.

:icon_hug::tinkbll::wshgrt:

mich321 · Jan 6, 2009

I have been reading posts on this board for a few months, and I have seen people post that they have passed with 75 questions, failed with 75 questions, passed with 265 questions, and failed with 265 questions. From what I understand, the number of questions on your exam does not indicate whether you pass or fail. I believe the level of difficulty of the questions you answer determines whether you pass or fail.

MistiroseRN · Jan 6, 2009

The best advice I can give you is expect 265 questions. Don't watch how many questons you have. Think before you answer even if you believe you are right. Don't let anything distract you. Keep focused on the test. You don't get through nursing school by accident. Take breaks! Get a good night sleep the night before. Good luck!

caliotter3 · Jan 6, 2009

Good luck on your exam. You can do it, no matter how many questions.:typing

emptybee · Jan 6, 2009

Don't focus on the number of questions...focus on the question itself! Eliminate two of the bogus answers and make sure you ask why each answer would be plausible..

i totally agree....expect all 265...because i expected 75, I started to panic and hyperventilate at 76! Ugh...don't be like me!!

earthcrosser · Jan 6, 2009

Try not to pay attention to the number of questions that you are getting. If you do that, you will start to have super anxiety levels, which is so not good when testing. Just relax (as hard as that sounds) and take your time while you work through the questions. If you finish early, you finish early. I got 75 questions and was miserable until I paid for the results because I was fixated on not getting to answer so many questions (which, admittedly, is what my dean said would happen when I tested, haha).

All you can do is be prepared, well-rested, and eat before testing. I also wouldn't think about how others did - everyone is different and the question bank is changed, so testing circumstances really can't be compared. The worst is really after you're done with the test - those days until you can find out the result are tough (try to do something fun and distracting, hard as that may be).

go mizzou · Jan 6, 2009

Yes you can either fail or pass with minimum number of questions or maximum number of questions. I too will be taking the exam on the 13. But I'll be writing the exam for my 3rd time. I failed with 75 questions the first time and I ran out of time the second time around and failed again, it was devastating for me but I am now going for my third time because I am not giving up.
So make sure you pace yourself in your exam, and go well prepared, this exam is no joke.
Good luck to both of us on our upcoming exam.
:icon_hug::tinkbll::wshgrt:

Good luck to you on your exam! I have just become so upset because I have been reading a Kaplan book on test-taking strategies and I've read the entire book and started taking the exam. Of the first 3 questions, I only answered 1 right! Has anyone else used this Kaplan NCLEX-RN book and know if their questions are similar to those on boards?

mich321 · Jan 7, 2009

Good luck to you on your exam! I have just become so upset because I have been reading a Kaplan book on test-taking strategies and I've read the entire book and started taking the exam. Of the first 3 questions, I only answered 1 right! Has anyone else used this Kaplan NCLEX-RN book and know if their questions are similar to those on boards?

I read the Kaplan test-taking strategies book too. I haven't taken the NCLEX yet, but I did find the strategies helpful on tests during school and on the HESI exit exam. I didn't take the practice test in the book or on the CD. I decided to switch to the Saunders book.

ValerieCQ · Jan 7, 2009

I read the Kaplan test-taking strategies book too. I haven't taken the NCLEX yet, but I did find the strategies helpful on tests during school and on the HESI exit exam. I didn't take the practice test in the book or on the CD. I decided to switch to the Saunders book.

I used Kaplan and I believe that their questions are at the level of difficulty for the NCLEX. But also use other sources for questions as well. Good luck!

ValerieCQ · Jan 7, 2009

I finished my ADN on November 13 and am taking the NCLEX on Tuesday, January 13th. I am sooo nervous about this! I was not this nervous when I took my LPN boards. I was wondering, has anyone received the minimum number of questions and failed? I've heard it can happen, but don't know of anyone it's happened to. Also, has anyone who received the maximum number of questions passed? The people I know who received max questions failed. My heart goes out to all who have taken NCLEX and not passed. My best friend did not pass the first time and I know what a hard time she had with it. Good luck to all who are getting ready to take their exams!

Honestly, the number of questions you get doesn't determine if you pass or fail. I've seen it go both ways...pass at 75, fail at 75 and same for 265. When you go into the test, be prepared to answer the full 265. When I first took the exam, I kept thinking 75, but when the computer kept going, the more my stress/anxiety level increased. Also, if you keep getting questions, that means you're still in the game! Good luck!

smn2010, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2009

you can pass or fail with any number of questions. there are 265 questions, your minimum is 75, your maximum is 265. with that said, again, there are people who have passed and failed with any number 75-265. you shouldn't waste your time on this. just focus on knowing your content and being able to determine what the question is asking. whether you take your test and the computer shuts off at 75...85...95...265...doesn't really matter. your goal, regardless of the number of questions you complete, is to pass.