Please Help: It seems that I do not know nursing content :(

willdgate · Aug 21, 2006

Did you have any review material? such as saunders and kaplan, good luck

Leda · Aug 21, 2006

It is important for you to know that those preparing for the NCLEX typically score 15 to 20 percentage points lower on the Kaplan questions. So if you were scoring 75 to 80 percent on Saunders, it would not be unusual to score in the 50s on the Kaplan questions.

Your scores on the Kaplan questions does not mean you don't know nursing content, what it indicates is your unfamiliarity with the Kaplan question style. The most effective method of NCLEX preparation is to complete as many questions as possible (5,000 minimum), in a manner that promotes retention of the material and improvement in your critical thinking/question answering abilities (100 questions per day).

The NCLEX asesses your ability to deliver safe and effective nursing care via application and analysis questions. The best answer to these questions is based on sound nursing knowledge and the ability to "put together" this knowledge as you analyze the questions and responses, selecting the response that best fits the information you have been given in the question.

Self-confidence in both your nursing knowledge and your ability to select the best answer is critical to your NCLEX success. You must have this confidence before taking the NCLEX because essentially all NCLEX test-takers experience self-doubt as they are taking the actual test. So, if you were experiencing higher percent correct scores with another NCLEX prep source (i.e. Saunders) it would probably be best to return to that source and for your final week of preparation make an effort to complete a variety of questions, particularly in areas that you have assessed as your weak points.

The other option is defer your test date until you have been able to complete more questions, preferably from one source. Using too many sources leads to confusion and increases your self-doubt.

Best of luck with your NCLEX.

Bala Shark · Aug 22, 2006

It is important for you to know that those preparing for the NCLEX typically score 15 to 20 percentage points lower on the Kaplan questions. So if you were scoring 75 to 80 percent on Saunders, it would not be unusual to score in the 50s on the Kaplan questions.
Your scores on the Kaplan questions does not mean you don't know nursing content, what it indicates is your unfamiliarity with the Kaplan question style. The most effective method of NCLEX preparation is to complete as many questions as possible (5,000 minimum), in a manner that promotes retention of the material and improvement in your critical thinking/question answering abilities (100 questions per day).
The NCLEX asesses your ability to deliver safe and effective nursing care via application and analysis questions. The best answer to these questions is based on sound nursing knowledge and the ability to "put together" this knowledge as you analyze the questions and responses, selecting the response that best fits the information you have been given in the question.
Self-confidence in both your nursing knowledge and your ability to select the best answer is critical to your NCLEX success. You must have this confidence before taking the NCLEX because essentially all NCLEX test-takers experience self-doubt as they are taking the actual test. So, if you were experiencing higher percent correct scores with another NCLEX prep source (i.e. Saunders) it would probably be best to return to that source and for your final week of preparation make an effort to complete a variety of questions, particularly in areas that you have assessed as your weak points.
The other option is defer your test date until you have been able to complete more questions, preferably from one source. Using too many sources leads to confusion and increases your self-doubt.
Best of luck with your NCLEX.

Hi, thinks..I am doing Saunders now..With Saunders I feel that I know the content..You are right..I think I should stick with Saunders..With Kaplan, the questions were so much more difficult that I just got lost..

kizzysmom · Aug 22, 2006

Kaplan was freaking me out. I got rid of the book, literally tossed in trash. Went back to Saunders and am scoring in the 70's. I am taking the test this Sunday so I better get more questions in. I feel like I forget everything I learned in school.

mjorio · Aug 23, 2006

I am also in your shoes. I graduated on May 5th and all of my friends have taken and passed the NCLEX. I took mine yesterday and I feel like the dumbest person in the world. I'd almost bet my child on it that I failed. I read the Kaplan book and scored 66-67% and I took the Hurst review. I was a very good student in school. I went into clinicals with straight A's and made two B's during clinicals. I left there thinking of soooo many questions asking myself why did you put that stupid answer. Those questions were unlike any study questions I have ever seen. I think I may have gotten five right. If you want my opinion I think it's the luck of the questions. I know there are 75 questions in that computer that I know but I felt as if 99% of the questions that I got were on all of the topics that I knew the least about. My computer shut off at 83 and I felt like I was on a low level question but I will find out my end results at 9:00 am (this is why I'm still awake)-HA! I wish you the best of luck and my advice is that you take your time and read each question slowly!

NiteRocker · Aug 23, 2006

Oh how I remember the days...

I graduated in 2000. Had a baby 3 weeks before finals of junior year. Hung in there and did some finals with my class and a couple within a few weeks. Then, I was 5 months pg at graduation. I did not rush to take boards!

I took the exam in October. After many...many...many stressful weeks of reveiw questions I passed. It's not all in what you know, but how to take the test. What content are they looking for in a particular question.

Keep reviewing and just know that there is a point that you can psych yourself out. You 'know what you know' and the prep is just that, prep to give you confidence. It should not make you feel more stressed! I know job, finances and pride. But you can do it. It's time for some possitive vibes!

Six years later and I'm studying for certification in my area. And, again I feel the stress. But, it's different.

Good Luck!

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jun 26, 2007

i took kaplan and i am finally scoring 68% on the tests... i don't have a test date yet but will soon... i am also studying saunders...good luck to all who need to take their test