Preparing for NCLEX-PN! Please help!

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Hi Nurses!

So I graduated in November of 2012. It feels like forever ago. Ive taken the NCLEX-PN twice last year and failed to pass it. I'm slowly going insane. The first time, I got all 205 questions so I guess that means I almost made the cut but not quite. The second time, I totally bombed it at 92 questions so obviously that is NOT good.

It's been 6 months since I last took the test and since then, I've been soo discouraged. It feels like the year of nursing school I went through went to waste and that I'm not smart enough to become a nurse. This test has taken so much out of me. I am currently working as a caregiver and couldn't hate it more. It's not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. My schedule is completely unstable and I find it hard to even study at work with the distractions. I want so badly to quit but I need to work in order to afford rent, gas, and such.. so I'm stuck. :(

I recently paid for the $200 on PearsonVue but still trying to save for my ATT. I'm so drained from this job that I just want to pass my test, work in a job setting I've been dreaming of, and afford to live my life comfortably. I'm living off paycheck to paycheck and barely getting by. I'm behind on student loans and can't imagine ever being able to pay it off anytime soon if I continue to work for this agency.

I seriously need help! What do I do? How can I maintain a set study schedule if my work schedule is SO unstable? I'm at the point where I don't even know how or what to study anymore. I know this is the career for me. I can't picture myself doing anything else. I love nursing and I've been dreaming of becomming a nurse since I was young. Unfortunately, I've been cursed as a horrible test taker. HORRIBLE. I am a visual learner and if I was tested on my skills in a LIVE setting, I'd pass, no doubt. But taking tests have always been my kryptonite.

Please, if you have any advice for me; what to study, how to study, anything about the NCLEX-PN..PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.. reply or email me @ [email protected]

Anything would be helpful at this point and would greeeeatly appreciate it.

Thank you!

PS. Congratulations to all you nurses who recently passed the NCLEX. I truly 100% envy you and wished so badly I was in your shoes.

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OMG!!! I'm in the same boat as you are, I grad PN 2012 and took test twice last year and failed. I just got my ATT but I'm not sure when to schedule it and don't know where to start on study mode aaagggrrr! It's so nerve wrecking. Keep me posted maybe we can follow each other and encourage each other to get through this. What was your past study plans? We obviously need to change our methods of studying that's for sure...

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OMG!!! I'm in the same boat as you are I grad PN 2012 and took test twice last year and failed. I just got my ATT but I'm not sure when to schedule it and don't know where to start on study mode aaagggrrr! It's so nerve wrecking. Keep me posted maybe we can follow each other and encourage each other to get through this. What was your past study plans? We obviously need to change our methods of studying that's for sure...[/quote']

It IS soooo nerve wrecking! I can't stand it.

The first time, I used the 3 week NCSBN program ($75) online but that had sooo much content/reading that I wasn't even able to finish it. I also used Saunders & Kaplan QBank.

The second time, I still used Saunders, Qbank, and also Kaplan Testing Strategies. I also used apps on my iPad for flashcards (Quizlet).

The first time, I was nervous about the test but did better than the second time. The second time, I was over confident and feel like I rushed through the questions. How about you? What were your study plans and what is yours now? I totally feel like I need to start from scratch to pass this test :(

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Same exact here WOW! I studied Saunders and went through a prep class, second time I did Saunders Kaplan, ncsbn program. Seems like the second time I did worse than the first time. Yeah my plan is to start from scratch and study medical terminology, labs, meds and do lots of questions. I really don't know what else I can do. I was thinking of looking for a tutor but not so sure if that will work.

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Hang in there girl, we'll get through it.

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Don't give up hope guys. I graduated from my program in December of 2010, say for the boards that following August and failed. My dad got sick and passed away in the next year and a half, I picked myself up, studied my behind off, and passed on my second attempt. It is possible, please don't ever give up hope.

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Omg me too I took mine on November 23 and got to 130 am a mom of 3 a 9yr old 2yr old and 7mnth old and still breastfeeding it was so hard I took my baby to the exam and left her with my sister in the waiting room I couldn't do it I rushed thru it. Left heart broken with the feeling I failed and I did. I just got money to resend my application another $150 that took me 2 months to collect and still have to pay the 200 for the test!! I just purshse an app on my phone its really helpfull and it has a lot of what I did.. don't stress too much

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I am also an LPN, I understand you fight. Do not give up. Value your license, is my first advice, guard it with your entire being. Pray to your higher power to give you everything you need to advance to the next level. You stated that you work agency, if it is at all possible, work nights so that you can study. Block everyone out, i learned the hard way people can be jealous of success. I also need to read, hear, see, to get information to stick. Know however that everything you need to know you were taught in your classes. I borrowed NCLEX PN made incredibly easy. This book.series breaks topics down. With encouragement from your babies, your confidence, and your higher power, you will not fail.

Peace and blessings

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It'll work out! Don't worry

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