Passed RN NCLEX (75 questions) 3rd times after 3.5 years.

[NonaManado]

Hi, I just passed my RN NCLEX with 75 questions. It was my 3rd chance, 3.5 years after graduation.

I just want to share my experience. I know how it feels to fail. Over the years, I finally learned how to take charge and get over the anxiety and self doubt.

I failed my first test right out of school (2013). I was defeated and discouraged. I kept on studying here and there but was not very serious about it. Then life happened. I was so consumed with all my problems in life that I did not even have the urge to study for NCLEX. Fast forward 2015. While working as LVN, I studied Kaplan and the diagnostic test said I have 92% chance of passing. I was so happy, took the NCLEX the 2nd time and failed it with 365 questions and only 5 minute to spare. I had my first panic attack during the test. I was sweating, nauseated, palpitation, and not even reading the questions carefully because I was running out of time. I'm surprised the test did not shut off earlier. It gave me hope that if I would've gotten the last answer right, I would've passed the test, as it was a SATA question.

Then I bought the NCSBN RN NCLEX review. I thought since they're the ones who make the test, then whatever that's on their review must be the ones that I need to learn. So I bought the 3months subscriptions and spend as much of my free time studying. This time I took my time studying and understanding. I dont care how slow I go, I just need to make sure I understand what I'm reading and able to recall it anytime. I did not finish the last part of their questions, because one week before I take the NCLEX, I found out about UWORLD. My last week studying, on my days off I took 75 questions at 0800 and pretend like I'm taking the real test, and review the results. On days I have to work, I use the study mode. The NCSBN and UWORLD worked for me. NCSBN gives you whatever that you really need to know, and UWORLD challenges how you think. UWORLD has a lot of SATA and exhibits question. Their math are also the harder ones. The answer review questions makes so much sense. I only get 50-60% on the tests and took not more than 400 out of 1900 questions. I didnt even do their self assessment because i didnt have enough time. Uworld questions made the actual nclex questions felt quite easier.

If you are working on passing the nclex, and felt like you're weak on both content and strategy, I recommend those two programs. Study with understanding.. If I forget about a disease, I like to google for pictures because I'm a visual learner. be kind to yourself. When you're taking a break during study time, do something completely different; I mean do not watch a movie (or anything that requires you to stare at a monitor). Go cook, or take a walk. I also went to gym everyday and make sure I got enough but not too much exercise that I am too tired to go back home to study or too sore the next day.

It is important to be at peace with yourself. I wrote some empowering notes for myself in my phone and I reflect on it everyday. Add and edit if you need to. Use famous sayings or bible verses-whatver that works for you. Here are some of mine, you're welcome to use them too:

"I am strong. I am passionate"

"I control How I feel"

"I am blessed and fortunate. There are a lot of people who are in indescribable pain and loss"

"I am beautiful inside and out"

"kindness is one of my biggest strength"

"my standard is so high. Dont beat yourself too hard"

"I am thankful for what I have; my health, my family, friends, *names*, my sparkling past and future"

"There will always be things that I will never understand, and that's okay"

"I didnt come this far to only come this far".

I also have a new goal... To be a nurse practitioner. This gave me a new set of mind; that I am studying the ABC's of what I needed to know. Aim for the sky!! Nothing is impossible. You only fail when you stop trying.

It's not where you are in life, it's how you get there. It's not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

Get 2 days off before the test. Keep studying, rest more. light exercise a day before. Also 15-20 min light jog and stretch/yoga in the morning you take the test. Get that blood pumping. Put some nice clothes on, make up, smell good, feel good. I youtubed "empowering words" and meditate on it before the test.

English is my second language. I always thought that i am not so smart. But I did it with perseverance. If I can do it, you can do it too.

All the best!

Love, New RN.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the NCLEX forum

congratulations