75 questions.....please help!!!!!!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 10, 2003

This is actually so reassuring for me, looking forward to the NCLEX.... We hear so many horror stories, in school and out, that the NCLEX looms ahead like an ogre that will at the very least take a good nip out of one's behind!

Thank you all for sharing--I feel soothed. (and I don't feel soothed all that often)

cbrnbloompa · Dec 10, 2003

You passed...I just took the nclex two months ago and I only recieved 75 questions and passed. I fyou were failing thetest you would have gotten more questions to prove yourself...stop stressing you will pass!

PMHNP10 · Dec 10, 2003

3rd shift guy is correct...the number of questions are irrelevant. You can have 75 questions and fail or take the entire battery and be one of those random lucky folks who pass, but get the full length version.

That being said, though I soooo remember my exam. I was aware of the minimum cutoff and believed that if I got that minimum I was for sure a RN. So I get to 75, answer the question and brace myself. I press the little continue button and up comes 76. At that very instant, I yelled out "ahhh sh@$" and resumed taking my test. Of course I was completely embarrassed because there were others in the room--taking some sort of test (not the NCLEX). I think my test ended at like 86 or so questions and on that last one, I threw my hands in the air with a "yes" (although a little less audible). My logic going into the test was if I feel I knew most of the questions I would be alright. Problem was, though, when I was done, the only question I was 100% sure of is how to determine the frequency of contractions during labor. This did not give me much confidence because to say the least, L&D is not my strong suit. BTW...I passed.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2003

There is no way to predict, regardless of how many questions you got. So I am taking the plunge and congratulating you early o passing because I bet you did.

indie · Dec 10, 2003

As 3rdshiftguy stated, the number of questions before shut off is irrelevant.

But we should keep the facts in mind for future NCLEX (RN) CAT takers. The computer keeps offering questions until

1. you answer 'enough' questions right (and thus 'prove' you are safe to practice nursing)

2. you answer 'enough' questions wrongly (and thus 'prove' you are not safe to practice nursing

3. you run out of time (approx five hours give or take mandatory and optional breaks)

4. you run out of questions (over 300)

Proving you are safe is more a matter of getting over a threshold level of accuracy rather than getting every question right, whether you get cut off at 75 or 300+. The test is a measure of consumer protection; whether it actually measures a minimum level of safe practice is irrelevant. You need to have the skills to pass it before you may get a license.

I was one of the instructors who had students who volunteered to take the pilot tests for the computer generated NCLEX some years ago. We all feel it beats the old 'two-days in a strange basement doing MCQs'.

The important thing to remember is that while the computer is still running, you still have a chance to prove you you can pass the test. Keep calm, take all the breaks offered to you, take a snack and water for the breaks and keep going.

I've known students pass (and fail) at minimum questions, maximum questions, 40 mins, five hours and everything in between. If you've got thru nursing school, you can pass this test. Good luck to those waiting (and those reading for the future).

nurse62 · Dec 10, 2003

Mine did the same thing, I fretted for 48 hours. Pat yourself on the back, for YOU PASSED!

Charmed · Dec 16, 2003

Just wanted to thank all of you who read my post & replied, even though I was too 'crazed' then to appreciate the kind thoughts.....I certainly appreciate them now. Can't believe I'm actually an RN now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PMHNP10 · Dec 16, 2003

:roll :balloons: :balloons: Congrats...now you have an official license to learn. Use it wisely and this field will be full of rewards.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2003

Woot! Congrats!!!!!

Bambi · Dec 16, 2003

Hoo ray! Way to Go!

allele, LPN · Dec 16, 2003

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:nurse:

ravi · Dec 16, 2003

Congratulations Charm...I also gave my NCLEX exam on 11 dec and I am still waiting for the result. When did your name showed up I mean to say after how many days...You r help will be really appreciated....I am in so much tension...

Thanks