Passed with 75!

[Lilog]

I know reading some of these posts where people fail multiple times can make you even more terrified, at least that's what it did to me. Well I'm hoping my experience can offer some guidance. I just passed yesterday with just 75 questions and about 2 weeks of studying (not including the 3 months I spent studying for nursing school exit exam from Mosby). My last question was wrong, so that NCLEX myth about the computer shutting off with a wrong answer automatically means you failed, does not always apply. The Pearson trick did work for me, as well as looking my status up under "grade report" for my state. Well over 50% of my exam was select all that apply, one dosage question, about 5 drag and drop, 1 figure, a handful of general and priority questions. I did not find it easy, there were actually VERY few I was sure of. I highly recommend the Hurst review if you need a fast overview and great explanation of things like WHY you get hyperglycemia with Cushings, not just a general list of s/s to memorize for each condition. I have 2 kids under 2 so being able to take 3 days to sit and watch every video helped tremendously. The online review will give you access to print out a packet that will go hand in hand with the videos and they have a "5th day materials" section where you can print things like donning PPE, different precautions, etc. The only thing I did not like about it are the dumb skits they threw in (no one has time for that). Google 10% code for it so it'll save you some $. I also went ahead and purchased the Kaplan question bank, doing all but 300 of the questions available. Once I started scoring above 80% I knew there wasn't much else I could do. I recommend looking over the basic procedures from your Medsurg books or something because those drag and drops can be killer, they'll throw a random step in there that can go one of 2 places. Learning Extension did not help me, nor did that Prioritization by La charity I think? Those 2 purchases were a total waste. Take a break when it prompts you so you can focus, I spent over 2 hours and was prompted at around question 64 (this prompt will make you think you failed because the test shuts down), so yes, I recommend you take your time answering each question at least up until 75. GOOD LUCK GUYS! and if anyone knows of any RN to MSN fast online programs please let me know =)

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

My last question was wrong, so that NCLEX myth about the computer shutting off with a wrong answer automatically means you failed, does not always apply.

That only applies to question 265, when the computer has to make a decision about pass or fail since it can not give you any more questions. If you answered the last question correctly and it puts you above the pass line, you passed. If you answered the last question wrong and it puts you below the pass line, then you failed.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Congrats, and welcome to the fold!

[nurselaur1]

Congrats!!!

[Xaldin4life RN]

congrats to being an RN!! I wish I can pass with 75 questions, one day.

I also agree that the PDA book was a waste of m time and money and did not help me with the NCLEX(or perhaps i just suck at computer tests) How did you approach the drag and drops? and how did hurst help you for the SATA and prioritizations??

[Lilog]

Hurst helped with SATA by providing me with the understanding of common conditions so that I was able to try and rationalize each selection. It was still challenging though, they always throw in one iffy statement in there. Kaplan Qbank helped me with prioritization, you start to get used to the questions. I was the weakest in therapeutic communication and prioritization until I did the questions. The drag and drops for me were a hit and miss to be honest. I knew the procedures, but they threw in an extra unknown step each time, it was just a matter of picturing how I would do it in my head, whatever I felt was more logical was the way I arranged it. Thank you! and good luck to the future nurses.

[k71k]

The whole theory on getting the last question wrong really isn't true. It depends on the difficulty level of the question that determines whether you pass or fail. So you can actually get the last question wrong and still pass.

[VanessaK83]

Last one wrong means nothing. I had be maximum number of questions on the nclex and I got it wrong, I passed!!! Congrats to you!