PASSED NCLEX on 2nd Attempt

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Hello Everyone!

I wanted to share with you my experience with nclex-rn. I did not pass the first time. But with the good lords grace I passed on my second attempt. The first time I got 76 questions (FIVE SATA). As soon as I finished the exam, I knew I had failed!. I knew this because the test was not challenging at all and I felt like I was missing easy questions. I was super devastated because I felt like the exam thought I was so dumb that it cut me off at 76.

The second time around I was able to reach 140-150 questions (10-15 SATA, 1 MED CALC). I was thinking I was going to take the whole test and did not pay attention to what number of question I was on but I did remember the last question(I know I got it correct). During the test, I made sure to give my all after question 75 because I knew at any moment the screen would turn blue. I also remembered what kaplan state "YOUR STILL IN THE GAME" so keep going and make the best out of EACH question. My anxiety was at all time high but I did NOT want to return to the testing center for a 3rd time so I was really giving it my all.

A little about me, I have struggled with anxiety all my life. Through out nursing school, I used the testing center for help on concentrating on the exam. I graduated December 2015 and my school did not offer a review prep course. We were told to log into ATI tutor and complete as many modules as possible. This was not a grade so I did not use it.

I want to mention everything I used.

HURST LIVE REVIEW AND ONLINE VERSION

I attended the live review the week after my graduation(best time to do it) and I also used their online version. At the time I felt like the review was great. I did like that the videos were not boring but they do have some older videos that will cause technical issues. I also liked how it was interactive with using the work book.

Hurst is a "light" review. It does NOT go into full depth. For example, when it came to learning about the liver all you get is information about cirrhosis and they claim it as how you can use that information on anything liver related. I felt like nclex did ask me more specific questions that I didnt not have in this review. I should have taken a more in depth course because the last time I actually studied medsurg material was April 2015 and I was studying January 2016. I obviously need a more intense refresher course. Lastly, I did not like how hurst does not focus on how to answer nclex questions. They want you to know content but it would be helpful to eliminate the distracter answers. They do offer practice question bank but it does not allow you to pick and choose how many you would like to take a time. The questions are similar to nclex. I sent them my fail results and I did not get my money back because I didnt complete one qbank. They have a remediation course which is NOT HELPFUL it basically makes you fill in the blanks to questions you have already answered on the workbook. I still have access till April 10,2016 and would like to share just send me a private message.

Scores

64/125

73/125

74/125

61/125

65/125

UWORLD

I purchased this qbank for my first and second time. I feel like uworld is way harder than nclex! I say this because nclex is about fundamentals and making sure we are providing patient safety. To me Uworld focused too much on critical care.

The reason why I repurchased it for the second time is because it does give great explanations and has so many select all that apply! You can also choose how many questions you take at a time and use it as an app on your phone. I also still have access till April 10,2016 and willing to share :) I only used about 1000 questions from the 1900 bank.

1st time purchase Performance Score 48%

2nd time purchase Performace Score 60%

　

SAUNDERS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW 5th Edition

This review was gifted from a friend that passed nclex. I did like it and felt like it has a lot of useful information. But the nclex practice questions are not similar to test. They also only have one select all that apply on the test.

KAPLAN STATEGIES BOOK 2015-2016 VERSION

This book is such an EXCELLENT way to study for nclex because it focus on the breakdown of the test. It allows you to know what content will be on tested and relieves some stress because once you get to the testing center there wont be surprises. The book has a practice test of 265 questions. These questions by far are the most similar. I bought the book at barnes and noble for $35. I would suggest going over the testing strategies before the test and morning of test day.

NCSBN LEARNING EXT 3 WEEK COURSE

This review is AMAZING! I wish I would have bought the 5 week course becuase there is so much information on it. I do feel like the content did go with the examination. Like the Kaplan book, the review is layed out just like the test plan. The questions are similar to nclex but there is some that is just content review not actual critical thinking.

IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME......

I would have not purchased Hurst. I would of maybe shared with a friend if possible because the videos are good. But I wish I would of spent those $350 on KAPLAN Book and NCSBN. I would of also tried to relax more because my first time around I was extremely tense.

ADVICE

3 Days before the test try to go over all your notes and truly understand the concept behind the information. As you are reviewing ask yourself questions like what if they make me put this patient with pancreatitis with someone with HIV, Would this be appropriate? Also, make sure you know your lab values backwards and forwards. The day before the exam, lightly go over PPE, Labs, med calc, and Test Strategies. STAY positive and only read the positive post on here!

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Congrats you deserve it, sounds like you really put alot of effort into it.

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Specializes in Professor,Med Surg, Long term care Research, Admin.

Congrats to you. You did it.

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Congratulations, was wondering if you could email me your uworld acess if you haven't already given it to someone else thank you. Email [email protected]

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Thank you so much for this! I am taking a Hesi today and they make me feel so stupid. I am uplifted by all of your studying and help!

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sorry just gave it away

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