Repeating the NCLEX after Failing --test anxiety tips please!

[yogi2015]

Hi everyone,

I would like to share my store, as it may be long I encourage you to please read it and give any advice to which you think would be of help! I have read many blogs on here and find everyones input very helpful!! I recently just graduated nursing school in Feb 2015, I took my NCLEX Mid April. I got all 265 questions and was there for 5 hours. I left feeling devastated and completely defeated, i cried my eyes out in the parking before I could even leave to drive home. As I waited the 2 days, which seemed like a life time, I logged on an paid for my quick results. I was absolutely devastated when i saw that I had failed! I was overwhelmed with emotions, depression, i felt so stupid, completely torn down..i cried for about a week straight and just felt so dumb as everyone around seemed to be passing with no problems. As i look back I feel as though a big factor that hinder my ability to pass was test anxiety. The day before I did a drive by the center and found the room id be taking it in, even just then i was shaking so bad when looking for the room. The day of the exam I woke up felt confident, then started driving to the testing center, as i pulled in and walking up to the building i had to stop my self from tearing up, i was soo nervous and anxious I was wondering if everyone could please share their experience and if you retook the NCLEX how you prepared the second time!! I used Kaplan and Saunders Review to prepare for the 1st time. Also anything to help with test anxiety would be of huge help!!!!! Thank you soo much for taking the time to read my story!!!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

There are many threads in the NCLEX forum (under Students) about this. One's about what to do if you've failed more than once, but why wait?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the NCLEX forum

[Qteapi]

What did your report say were your weak areas? Look at your report and go from there....test anxiety...I feel your pain there....what worked best for you when you prepared for your nursing courses test? Do that which you are use to to calm yourself....did you test during a time that you are at your best? Meaning if you are a afternoon person don't test in the am and vice versa....I used both Kaplan and Saunders for My Nclex and bootleg PDA book and much prayer and was successful on my test first time out....the decision tree and Barbara from Kaplan I felt were gold for me....and I didn't try to do anything new cause that for me would increase my test anxiety...so I just stuck to what I knew. Finally the day before my test I did not study I just relaxed all day...did fun things...like lunch and shopping with my DD....now that you know where the testing center is you can use the day before your next test to just relax and do something fun...you know what to expect the next time!

[yogi2015]

Thank you! Yeah I'm going to relax the day before and also I scheduled the exam for the morning this time instead of afternoon! Thank you for your advice!