New To Site, Failed 1st Time, just need help.

Proverbs 16:3 · Aug 20, 2008

Hi,

my heart goes out to you and while this is a difficult time for you, it isn't the end of the world. you can take the exam again and pass.

you don't NEED kaplan to pass the exam. I started working as a GN before i took my boards and i think that was a bad idea cuz i didn't get time to study. I think the thing that helped me was that my school had a rigorous program that began preparing us to take the boards since january so the fact that i hadn't studied since may didn't seem to bite.

Here's what i'm gonna suggest, if you can, get the nclex 3500, i've heard the nclex 4000 is out, if you can, get that and do the questions on it. I felt most of the questions i saw on the nclex was something i'd seen on that cd in the past. I've been using that CD since 2006 and i feel it prepared me well for answering those 17 Select all that apply and 4 fill in the blanks i got.

If you don't have the money to invest in that CD - it's not expensive, i mean i got it 40% off at borders but that was the last copy they had.

But anyway, the other option i'll suggest is Suzanne's plan. It's completely free, and it's worked for people. From what i've read on these forums, you do need to follow it and devote the time to studying using the plan.

Personally, i don't think you should rush out there and try to take the exam again soon. Yes, you may have a family to support and stuff like that but it's better to take your time to prepare and pass the second time around instead of rushing and having to take it 5 times.

Also, consider other factors, were you anxious? were you rushing through questions? i saw some questions on that nclex it took me 4minutes to select and answer and that was cuz when i looked it at first it seemed like it was asking something else but when i read again, i got what they were asking for. By taking my time to answer the questions, i wasn't nervous when it shut off at 75 questions. If anxiety is an issue for you, work through it before you take the exam again.

Hold onto your dreams and don't give up on being a nurse. You've worked hard in nursing school and you deserve to be where you want to be. I would strongly suggest getting the nclex 3500 because i'd have freaked out at all those back to back SATAs and fill in the blanks if i hadn't practiced them on that CD for 2.5years. And if you cna't get that, i strongly suggests Suzanne's plan.

Remember there are always people here on this board to support you.

All the best as you study for the exam again.

Virg'sGirl0715 · Aug 20, 2008

Thank you for the support and encouragement. I really needed that. I was looking at Suzanne's course here and I can't figure out where to start. My sister is sending me the books by Kaplan as a gift. I will look into getting the NCLEX 3500 also. Maybe something my mom and dad can help me out with.

I appreciate everything you said. I will take my time. I was anxious before the exam and I made this big transition from moving 1100 miles away from where I use to.

I know what you mean about taking 4 minutes. I did take a while on some, but other seemed like I was looking dead at the answer.

Cheers!

Jen

Proverbs 16:3 · Aug 20, 2008

I've heard the nclex 4000 is out so you might want to look for that but it's got all the practice you need in select all that apply and fill in the blanks plus pinpoint the spot on the diagram. I moved, too and had to drive back to take my exam, the only thing is that i thrive on a little amount of anxiety so doing 80 on the new jersey turnpike and wondering if i was gonna get to the test center on time might have helped a little bit.

If you see a question where you think the answer is dead, just take your eyes of the screen, close it, clear your brain out and read it again, there's a good chance you may get what they're asking for. Don't give up on any answer! Do questions and read the rationales.

There's a sticky on this forum that'll tell you about Suzanne's plan. Read that and pm her if you have any questions.

Thank you for the support and encouragement. I really needed that. I was looking at Suzanne's course here and I can't figure out where to start. My sister is sending me the books by Kaplan as a gift. I will look into getting the NCLEX 3500 also. Maybe something my mom and dad can help me out with.
I appreciate everything you said. I will take my time. I was anxious before the exam and I made this big transition from moving 1100 miles away from where I use to.
I know what you mean about taking 4 minutes. I did take a while on some, but other seemed like I was looking dead at the answer.
Cheers!
Jen

Silverdragon102, BSN · Aug 20, 2008

Suzanne's plan only uses one book the latest edition of Saunders, if you follow it as set out then odds are greatly in your favour. It is not designed to be used with any other study material. All information can be found in the sticky here https://allnurses.com/forums/f197/07-08-revision-suzanne-s-first-tip-314448.html