Please tell me you're joking!

[AKA_Glamour_Pearl]

Just venting. I had a conversation with a classmate and it seems that she's completely misguided. First of all, the majority of my nursing class has passed the NCLEX-RN. There are a few people left who haven't taken it yet and a few that have failed. In speaking with my classmate, I realized that she seems to think that because "certain" people have passed the exam, that it was because the exam that they took was easier. She goes on to say, "Well, I heard the exam in _______ is a lot easier than other states.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Isn't the NCLEX a NATIONAL exam? I told her that. I also informed her that statistically, 86% of first time takers will pass it. I believe that was the correct percentage.

It's a test of MINIMUM competence to practice. MINIMUM.

I also informed her that the NCLEX is an exam where the test taker is testing against themselves. We will ALL get the same content, but not the same exam. My exam is based on my competency level with the computer trying to issue questions to keep me at or above passing. Another classmates exam is based on their competency level. That's why some of us pass in 75 questions and someone can fail. Oh, and yes it's true that someone can fail with the minimum, because I have a co-worker that failed with the minimum.

He too, believes that it's not fair that he was given the hard exam and failed while some people got an easy exam, and they're really not that smart. The last remark that I heard was something about him writing the State nursing board. I have no idea what he's talking about. This was a very arrogant statement in my opinion, but that's his viewpoint. Very misinformed and arrogant though.

I was blessed. I had the minimum and I was in and out in a flash. I had a some classmates who had similar experiences, but I also had classmates who were there up to 5 and 1/2hours. To downplay someone's accomplishment, by saying that it was due to where they tested...or because they got the easy exam is an uneducated and rude comment.

This concludes my vent. Just take the NCLEX when you feel ready. Don't take the exam because you know that you can pass, if "Sally" and "Jennifer" passed. Don't take it in another state because you heard that it's easy in that state. It's not. You will be taking the same exam that you would be taking anywhere else, because it's not a state exam,it's a NATIONAL exam. That's why it's called the NCLEX. It's a random exam based on YOU. If I included some information that is incorrect, please educate me.........If I left out something, feel free to address it.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Good post, I agree 100%.

[eagle78]

I have not taken it yet but you got my vote...

[linsmirn]

Some people make excuses for the most silly things, theres no such thing as an easier nclex exam, it's all the same content, you either know it or you don't. Instead of blaming the exam they need to start studying.

[caliotter3]

I would not be concerned with her opinion. She will probably continue to voice it after all attempts to educate her.

[Faithful Pau]

I agree with the information, this is true..

But then again, maybe its just their own way of getting it out their chest? A defense mechanism that they employ for them not to feel too bad... Just my two cents worth though.. Still, you are right in educating her about understanding the NCLEX... You did your part already, its her loss if she does not understand...