Repeat NCLEX taker

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jan 5, 2005

Hi there, and fist of all... to ALLNURSES !!!

I really don't have any advice for you, but I do want you to know that I applaud you for not allowing yourself to be defeated... and to encourage you to keep at it. You are certainly not the only one who has retaken the NCLEX, and there are SEVERAL here who have had to endure what you are experiencing now. The NCLEX is tricky... and often I feel it's more luck than knowledgebase... just depending on which questions you get in the roll of the dice.

And it certainly has no bearing on what kind of a nurse you will be. :kiss

Just never give up, and continue to prepare yourself well... use all materials avaliable to you.. CDs and the like.

I'm sure someone will be along who has been through this as well, but in the meantime, keep on and be persistant !

Wish you the very best ! :balloons:

apg81 · Jan 5, 2005

Thank you for the quick reply and the encouragement! :)

Hi there, and fist of all... to ALLNURSES !!!
I really don't have any advice for you, but I do want you to know that I applaud you for not allowing yourself to be defeated... and to encourage you to keep at it. You are certainly not the only one who has retaken the NCLEX, and there are SEVERAL here who have had to endure what you are experiencing now. The NCLEX is tricky... and often I feel it's more luck than knowledgebase... just depending on which questions you get in the roll of the dice.
And it certainly has no bearing on what kind of a nurse you will be. :kiss
Just never give up, and continue to prepare yourself well... use all materials avaliable to you.. CDs and the like.
I'm sure someone will be along who has been through this as well, but in the meantime, keep on and be persistant !
Wish you the very best ! :balloons:

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jan 5, 2005

Thank you for the quick reply and the encouragement! :)

You're more than welcome... I'm sure you'll get some good tips here, and this site is the best, so be prepared to get seriously addicted... along with the rest of us ! :chuckle

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2005

Please consider this constructive criticism: your post states you graduated May 2005. I realize that is an error because we all think faster than we type, but I thought it might be a clue to your dilemma. Perhaps you are reading the questions too quickly and not getting the stem correct. My advice is to practice test taking strategies and READ the questions carefully. In my opinion, the language of the test is an obstacle to most people. Practice practice practice, then RELAX. It will happen.

apg81 · Jan 5, 2005

LOL. :rotfl: I meant I graduated in May 2004. I'm getting way ahead of myself like you mentioned. Thanks for the reply.

Please consider this constructive criticism: your post states you graduated May 2005. I realize that is an error because we all think faster than we type, but I thought it might be a clue to your dilemma. Perhaps you are reading the questions too quickly and not getting the stem correct. My advice is to practice test taking strategies and READ the questions carefully. In my opinion, the language of the test is an obstacle to most people. Practice practice practice, then RELAX. It will happen.

BandEmom · Jan 5, 2005

Have you done Kaplan? It really helped me (not that I have my results yet), but there really is some strategy to taking the test. I agree though that it is luck of the draw about the kind of questions you get. It is NOT a measure of good a nurse you are. Hang in there, you can do it!

ISM · Mar 1, 2005

Hi, all! I am new to this site, and your discussions are packed with great info. I have taken the NCLEX, unfortunately, 2 times, and planning to take it again in Feb 2005. I graduated in May 2005 and feel the info is not fresh anymore. I really want to pass this time! I feel that I study adequately. Does anyone hav any advice or suggestions to help me pass? For the repeat test takers, what did you do differently, if anything at all, to pass? Please help me! Thanks.

Hi i am in the same boat as you. done it twice and want to attempt it again; however i plan to do a refresher because i am from the caribbean and have been a nurse for a total of 17 yrs, 3 of which inactive. but never give up and trust in the power of Prayer. God is in control.

*PICURN* · Mar 1, 2005

I have to disagree with this "luck of the draw" stuff.....

I'm not saying that NCLEX is a "perfect test" but it is set up so that you get a set % of questions from each area...not to mention the test has to determine w/ 95% accuracy that you have answered over 50% of the questions above the minimum competency level. It starts you out w/a question, and if you get that right the questions continue to get harder. If you get questions wrong, they continue to get easier until you start getting them right again.

It's really not "luck" if you pass NCLEX b/c you got questions that you were familiar with.

I think a lot of it has to do w/how many practice questions someone takes to prepare for the NCLEX. Not just going back and looking through your notes from your classes, or studying patho out of a book. I think you need to take a TON of practice NCLEX questions (preferably on a computer so you get a feel for the test) and then find out what your weak areas are and THEN go back and study those weaknesses.

Kaplan really helped me. I think I did over 3,000 questions and it really helps you understand what the question is asking, and how to eliminate choices.

rngrad2009 · Mar 5, 2005

It's good to study with at least 3 NCLEX books. Once you do all of the questions and read the rationales from the first 2 books, the 3rd book's material really sinks in. Saunders has a nice book, which clues u in on how to eliminate those 3 questions. good luck :balloons: