RN Boards failed 3x

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I have taken my boards now 3 times. I have done Kaplan review, used Saunders review book, NCSBN 8wk program of content and questions and nclex 10,00. Am considering doing the virtual ATI program. I am looking for any suggestions of what others have used to pass the boards. In desperate need to pass this time.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

What were your below and near passing areas?

How were you studying before?

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I used the Hurst Review. In fact, it was the only review I used and it helped me tremendously.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

The first time had 3 below and the second time 2 belows. This time had all near passings. I got all 265 questions on the 3rd exam. Prior was 194 and 173. I was doing all questions and reviewing content this past time.

Prior I did Kaplan live review and the Qbank for the first exam. 2nd exam was just doing questions.

I just got 2 new books in the mail today nclex cram questions and alternate questions books. Not sure if they are gonna work out still need to look at them a little closer.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

The issue may not necessarily the source of the review, but how one approaches the NCLEX itself: understanding the four concepts of becoming a competent, entry-level nurse:

1. Safe, effective care;

2.Health promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4.Psychosocial integrity

Will determine WHAT the question is asking you; if you are having issues and have NONE passing; start with what stumps you in applying the questions-review questions and rationales; if you still don't understand the rationales, THEN review content for better understanding. If SATA and alternative format is an issue, then review strategies for understanding SATA, and alternate format, review rationales, THEN go to the content...understand where I am going with this?

Try also preparing for the exam by questions only; pay attention to percentage of questions correct-the higher your percentages, the increased chances of passing the NCLEX.

Before taking another exam, please take a step back and look at what is preventing you from choosing the best answer.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in NICU.

How well are you doing on the review tests? Doing NCLEX practice questions without reviewing the rationales for the questions that you missed and guessed correctly will result in not passing NCLEX. For example, if you did 10,000 NCLEX practice questions and got only 5000 correct, then the solution is not doing more questions, it is determining why you are getting the questions wrong, what concepts and subject matter need to be reviewed. Doing ATI live review is not the solution.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Thank you thank you LadyFree28 for all your help and wise words. I will definitely take all of your advice to heart. Thanks again.

M

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You need to take 2 of the practice tests. Correct them. See if there's a pattern to the type of questions that you are missing. Review the material in those areas.

Then take 2 more tests. Correct them. See if this has changed any.

I do not test well. I had to do a LOT of practice. DO NOT change answers (unless you accidently push an incorrect button) go with your gut. Think about ABC's and DO NOT read into the question. Take it at face value. Do not elaborate (DO NOT elaborate) don't start thinking about 100 different scenarios in your head.

Know you math for meds. Make sure that you know the different formulas. I actually used the scrap paper to quickly write them down.

See if your college has study groups. If it is a knowledge issue, see if you can audit a class that you may have a weakness in. Get tutored if you have to.

Mostly, it is the "there are 2 right answers but one is more right" thing....

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the NCLEX forum where there are many threads discussing this subject

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Thank you for moving my post. Had a hard time finding the right place to start the thread.

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Specializes in ICU.

You need to find out why you are failing. What areas do you need to study? What areas are you good on? This is what nursing school was supposed to prepare you for so I would figure out what areas you are weak in and go from there. I agree 100% with what LadyFree says. She always has excellent advice and I would follow it. Decide if it is something small you are missing and maybe need to brush up on or is it that you are lacking a fundamental understanding in some areas. Maybe you need a refresher course. Look closely at what you need to do because you are essentially throwing money down the drain if you don't fix what you are doing. And I hate to see people throw money away. Lol. :uhoh3:

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