Kewlchik

Well the first time I took the NCLEX-RN I had studied of course but went into the exam with a little TOO much confidence. I didn't take any breaks, and once I got to 200 questions I really started to panic and instead of focusing on answering the questions, I was just trying to get the stupid thing to turn off! lol.. So of course I failed with 265 questions (a.k.a all of them!!!), I mean who whould pass taking the test like that? I was very upset mainly because I just didn't want to study anymore. So I got some good advice, purchased the Kaplan comprehensive online study guide and got to work. 4 weeks into studying I foundout I was pregnant which made it sooo hard to stay awake and study. Fatigue had completely taken over my body & mind and I was starting to get frustrated again. I figured out that I was only able to concentrate until about 50 questions. So I decided that when I take my exam I would take a break at every 50 questions. I finished Question trainer with a 68% and the Readiness test with a 69%. Feeling ok, but trying not to be over confident I got up and drove to my testing site. Took my break after the first 50 questions...(bathroom break, got a snack, etc). Went back into the exam and when I got to number 75 I just paused, took a deep breath and said to myself "ok, let's see what happens" It SHUT OFF! I paniced and was relieved at the same time. those 48hrs after the exam were the longest, and to make it worse I was at work when I could finally check to see if I passed. I refused to check it at work, in fear that if I had failed my day would be totally ruined. So my husband got online, put in the credit card info... I had told him to not tell me anything, that I would check it when I got home...he's like..."well, you nailed it!" I'm like what?????? I PASSED! Thank god I thought to myself, THANK GOD!!! :)

First of all...CONGRATS on finally PASSING! Your story about nursing school sound similar to mine. Nursing was my 2nd degree and actually I scored with a 98% chance of passing the NCLEX and failed the first time.. I was devestated. But was given advice about Kaplan and again feel relieved since my scores on the questions trainers (I just finished #5) are anywhere from 50-60%. Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and your info, it was very helpful.

Yes! because I believe the number you're shooting for is 65%. Just out of curiosity...how were you scoring on your question trainers? I take the exam in a few days and feel in a bit of a funk, I can't seem to score more than a 55 or 60%! and it says to aim for 65% to be in good shape...grrr!!! Lately I've been happy to be a bit over 50%...what's your take on it?

I guess it depends on who you ask. I thought Kaplan was much more acurate to how the NCLEX questions really were. I used Saunders book and Mosby's flash cards along with an ATI CD with a 1000+ review questions...got all 265 questions on the NCLEX and failed. I was so angry because I felt like the material I had used to study had no relavence to what I saw on the NCLEX. When I started studying with Kaplan I was relieved that the wording and types of questions were similar to the actual test. AND... Kaplan helps you READ and ANSWER the questions using strategies instead of just looking at the question and reading the answer. This was a weakness I found I had for sure.

I am retaking the NCLEX-RN in 2 weeks and am having an AWFUL time studying these last few weeks. For my 2nd time around I bought the comprehensive online Kaplan class (as suggested from a fellow RN who failed her first time as well). I found out in the beginning of March that I'm pregnant and have horrible fatigue right now. I'm lucky to stay awake and concentrate long enough to take 50 questions quizzes and up with no better than a 60% since I started using the Kaplan. Today I took a question trainer quiz (100questions) and only scored a 46%... at this point I'm wondering if I should reschedule my NCLEX-RN???? anyone have any advice on this?? I'm at a loss right now... me today --->

I really like your idea about closing your eyes every 5 questions. I have such HORRIBLE test anxiety (which I think is what did me in the first time I took it). I'll have to remember that one and try it when I re-take the exam. Thanks!

I was at a Gambro unit that was bought by Davita. The only thing I noticed was that they combined some of the positions that we had in place and layed off a few people. It wasn't huge though. I think in my large clinic there were 2 people that lost their jobs or were redistributed/retrained as something else. One was an inventory tech (which now as Davita in our region is the responsibility of the AA) and because of Davita's applications and the way they verify insurance, our person that did that job was given a severance package. Other than that, the change was smooth. I love Davita as a company, I but think it is poorly run in my region. I wish you the best of luck with whatever company picks you up. BTW, where's the clinic located??

I'm feeling you! It's hard when everyone around you is passing and you feel stuck because you cannnot get past this obstacle. You will get past this! I'm a horrible test taker and I remember sitting in the exam just panicing because the questions kept coming and coming. I think I psyched myself out. Like another poster said, you have to feel as confident as possible (which seems impossible I know). But you know your smart, you know you can do this. Don't give up! hmmm....maybe I need to take my own advice! I have heard great things on this board about Suzanne's Plan and plan on using that to study again. Good luck to you!!

good luck to all !!!

Nusring school beat up on me good today. I'm in my first semester and today I failed my final skills test. Yeah, I can take it again but it's just making me so angry. :angryfire I would have understood if it was something important but it really wasn't. I was to instruct a pt how to use an ice pack and how to use a cane. I did everything beautifully and was really excited to be all done and felt I did a really good job. But then she nailed me with "well you didn't tell the pt to wear non slip shoes and make sure there's a clear path before walking" I could have passed out right there. It's so frustrating and now I have to go back on Monday, do that all over again plus another totally random skill. I'm terrified now I had a game plan to have this out of the way, enjoy my weekend a little bit but now it's all screwed up. Looks like I'll be taking off work just to go practice..UGH!

Where do you work?... I'm and AA at a DaVita unit in Wisconsin. I was told I'd start around 23 or 24 when I graduated.... :)

Hi there... I'm in my first semester at UWM and don't know much about the program at Madison but I know that. At UWM it depends on if you're applying in the fall or spring. I was accepted in the spring where UWM took 96 students. They just sent out letters for students accepted in the fall and there were only 56 students from UWM accepted. It is because they share the program (a.k.a professors) with uwwc and parkside. 3.3 is pretty good and if you write one heck of an essay I'd say you have a really good chance of getting in. Yes there are extra pre-reqs but I think it's just physics right? (which I would suggest NOT taking at UWM...the prof is a nazi!!) anyways I hope that helps! Good luck!