Only 50% pass the 2nd time

ira100178 · Oct 31, 2008

good question.......i wonder why too......but i think these exams thoroughly screens the applicants and not all can put up with the mental standards that it is seeking. i think it involves many factors....many... :confused:

rak85 · Oct 31, 2008

is this thing real;am going to write the exam for my second time,may be because those who take second time are psychologically upset and that shows up in exam;..............those who take second time we dont believe in this,right!

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 31, 2008

I am sure there are many factors involved. But in my opinion, there are 2 major ones for the difference in pass rates between 1st time takers (85%) and 2nd time takers (50%).

1. The pool of people taking it the 1st time includes everyone -- those people who are well-prepared for the test and have good test-taking skills and those people who don't. However, the pool of people taking the test a 2nd time is significantly different. Those people who were well-prepared for the exam and have good test-taking skills have been eliminated from the group because they passed the first time. The only people left in the pool that takes it a 2nd time are those that were either poorly prepared, or have poor test-taking skills, or who had some reason (such as illness) to not do well on the exam the first time. With a different pool of test-takers, it's not surprising that the pass rate is different.

2. People taking it the 2nd time may be more stressed -- but maybe not. A lot of people are really nervous the first time because they can't imagine what would happen to them if they failed.

scubadooII · Oct 31, 2008

Well I hope Im in the passing part of the 50% because this time around I studied my butt off ~ unlike the first time

chicookie, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2008

Well I hope Im in the passing part of the 50% because this time around I studied my butt off ~ unlike the first time

I agree I feel the same way. We will pass and like it! :)

scubadooII · Oct 31, 2008

I agree I feel the same way. We will pass and like it! :)

When are you scheduled?

RNof2008 · Oct 31, 2008

I am sure there are many factors involved. But in my opinion, there are 2 major ones for the difference in pass rates between 1st time takers (85%) and 2nd time takers (50%).
1. The pool of people taking it the 1st time includes everyone -- those people who are well-prepared for the test and have good test-taking skills and those people who don't. However, the pool of people taking the test a 2nd time is significantly different. Those people who were well-prepared for the exam and have good test-taking skills have been eliminated from the group because they passed the first time. The only people left in the pool that takes it a 2nd time are those that were either poorly prepared, or have poor test-taking skills, or who had some reason (such as illness) to not do well on the exam the first time. With a different pool of test-takers, it's not surprising that the pass rate is different.
2. People taking it the 2nd time may be more stressed -- but maybe not. A lot of people are really nervous the first time because they can't imagine what would happen to them if they failed.

So what does it say for people who have to take it for a third time? Yes I believe it and that is the cause of failing thinking about it while you're testing.:uhoh21:

Ximena2008, RN · Oct 31, 2008

Many factors why we fail exams: 1-we don't prepare the right way, 2-we stress out, 3-we take it lightly and so on. The first time I failed I was very sure I pass but I did not. The 2nd time I was sure I failed and I did bc this time even though I prepare more I was so discourage that I freak out in the exam. Now I am getting ready to test again, new study plan, new strategy (Suzanne's plan). In my case I try not to care much about statistics but to do my very best each time, this is my dream and I rather look at the people that pass, their ideas and suggestions than feeling sorry and scare, even though that is how I feel. In the case of the ones that failed and that includes me, I believe that positivism is best. Again this is only my opinion. Good luck to all of us.

fins · Nov 1, 2008

If it's any consolation at all, I used to work with a nurse who had to take the exam 3 times. Actually, she may have failed three times, and passed on the fourth, I forget. Anyway, she's one of the best nurses of that class year - it's amazing what an orientation three times longer than usual can do.

Like they say, do you know what they call a nurse who takes more than one try to pass the NCLEX? A nurse.