Really discouraged about re-taking NCLEX

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Hi everyone,

I'm tired of talking to all my friends who passed the NCLEX about me not passing. It only makes me feel worse. I'm not looking for a pity party just would like other peoples insight and advice.

I took NCLEX 2 weeks ago, didn't get the pop up window when trying to register (the trick didn't work) so I know I didn't pass. I haven't received the letter yet and have been trying to study but none of my scores on the practice tests are improving and they actually seem to be getting worse.

It seems like I'm so eager to study (and have a 3 months old to work around) that I have all sorts of materials and I'm just trying to do it all and getting confused. The decision tree doesn't work for me- I try but feel it rarely applies to any questions. I feel like I've exhausted all efforts in improving and really understanding "NCLEX land".

I was relying on passing the first time and studied my butt off despite having a newborn so I could help out financially and now I can't. Im so scared to fail again- I keep reading and studying and practicing but like I said nothing seems to be working and I CANNOT fail again.

All my friends passed, even ones who didn't do as well in school as I did...Why don't I get these questions? I feel like I either have no idea which of the 4 answers are correct, or I get down to 2, and pick the wrong one despite using the strategies we were taught.

PLEASE HELP ME:(

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Hi, I just took the exam today, and if I follow the PV trick, I passed. I can understand your frustration & I tried to prepare myself for the possibility I may not pass. What I would suggest is to wait for the read-out of the results from Pearson Vue. This way you will have an idea of the areas you need to focus on. This may help alleviate some of the pressure of trying to cover everything again.

I completed school while pregnant & ultimately raising 4 girls so I know how difficult it can be but I also know it's possible. God has a plan for all of us, so trust this is just part of yours. Good luck!

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Specializes in Physchiatry.

DO not worry, have faith in yourself and all will be fine again. I am a foreign trained nurse and i am testing in dec for the first time. I also have a 9month old who is so occupying. I just try to keep my head up and get the ball rolling. I am sending you lots of Hugs and wish you all the best for next time.

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Hey, like you, I failed my first time too.. But I'm taking the exam again this winter and I'm determined to pass. Don't lose hope! We can do this! Keep the faith! Good luck :)

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You can do it. Never give up

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Hi lucynewmama,

Never never never give up! I recently took the Nclex-RN on 10/22, had all 265 questions, and passed! I was so sure I failed because I wasn't prepared to sit for 5.5 hours (only had 2 hours of sleep the night before because I was nervous). Well, I mentally prepared myself to retake the exam by accepting that I had failed and to never give up. I wasn't going to dwell on failing the test, and let it keep me from performing great on the second try. There are plenty of web sites that offer great tips for studying when re-taking the Nclex. Look back and analyze how and what you studied for the first test and do some changes. The Ncsbn course helped me a lot. I find that if you don't know the content, you won't understand the question. While I was taking the test, I too found that the decision tree (learned from Kaplan Review) did not help me one bit, so I trusted my gut instinct when choosing my answers. I reviewed NCSBN, did all the questions in Kaplan, studied (memorized) lab values. Never give up, and don't let anyone or anything discourage you. You got this!

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Hi,

I also didn't pass on the first try in Feb '13 I haven't sat to take it again as yet either. I does shock you and set you back but like I tell myself I have a reason to do this, not for me but for my son. So that my son can know I never gave up and that I was able to provide a better life for him. It's a struggle but consistency is key...whatever isn't working for you try to change it up and make it more interesting while your studying to be able to retain and understand the information. I hope all goes well and I know the next time you will be better prepared and YOU WILL PASS!

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Dont give up, I passed it for the 5th time this saturday. Keep going at it

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, ER.

How many resources are you using? I think it's better to work with one resource and simply study more efficiently with that one. If you use multiple sources you're going to get different nursing considerations, different lab value ranges, etc. I say take a few days to breathe and relax and recollect yourself, when you get your results in the mail look at what areas you scored near or below passing, are they consistent with diagnostic tests you took? If so then you know what to focus on. How were you during test day? We're you extremely anxious? panicky? Being in either of those states can hamper your ability to focus and think clearly. Try not to think in a "I cannot fail again" mindset, i had to change that before taking NCLEX for the second time and it helped a lot focusing on the positive instead of negative. Remember you finished nursing school, figure out the things that prevented you from passing and focus your studies based on your nclex results. Good luck!

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Wow thanks everyone! This really helped. :) I know I'm not the only one in this situation but it helps knowing others are or were in my shoes and have moved on from it. I came up with a study plan and have been working really hard at it. Super duper determined and know I am a great nurse and that my CNA experience has taught me a lot. I cant wait to be back on the floor talking to patients and listening to their fondest memories in some of their last days. Keep telling myself a computer test is not what makes someone a good nurse or a nurse at all-its things like this. And I want that back! :) WE CAN DO IT! STUPID COMPUTER I WILL OWN YOU NEXT TIME! haha :)

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I'm feeling discouraged and scared about taking it for the second time too. I failed in 75 questions (I went way, way too fast) and like you, was surrounded by excited classmates who ALL passed. I was absolutely shocked that I didn't. I took Kaplan, was one of the top students in the nursing class, really thought I had it.

So I am getting ready to re-take this bad boy at the end of November. It's daunting to study "by myself" instead of surrounded by friends in Kaplan. I have carved out 2-3 hours almost every day, I do about 60 questions a day and really study the rationales, and I'm focusing on just the Comprehensive review Book by Mary Ann Hogan (the questions in Saunders seem too easy to me), LaCharity's PDA book, the study guide I found on this site, and memorizing my labs.

I wish you the best of luck... I think maybe taking a step back, concentrating on why I failed, redoubling my efforts, giving myself lots of confidence pep talks, will result in success the second time around. :)

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What state are you in NurseBerter? Im in California. Im also retesting at the end of November. Well if they process my retake application and there is an opening available. It is rough though, I almost feel left behind like everyone is celebrating and going out for dinner and drinks and of course im not invited cuz that would be awkward but I always used to be...It sucks. Makes me want to pass even more. You're lucky you get 2-3 hours! I get 1-2 cuz of the baby :( I actually went to Kapaln so I have their onine review with question but I almost completed all the questions so Im trying to do a few a day so I dont run out. We can do this, you're right. Take a deep breath, focus and pass!

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