50-60 SATA questions on NCLEX??

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Ok, my whole body is shaking right now. I'm in my car outside the testing center. I'm too overwhelmed to drive; it wouldn't be safe!

I had my appointment at 3:45pm but arrived at 3pm. Once I checked in and started my exam it was almost 3:30pm.

So the computer screen shuts off at 75 questions, and I just freeze. My chest feels tight and I'm SOB. I sit there for what seems an eternity before I finally raise my hand to signal that I was done.

Am I supposed to feel like I failed it big time?? I did not feel confident with most of my answers. And to top it off, I'm pretty sure that I had over 50 select all that apply questions. I didn't think that was possible! Well, of course it's possible. I just didn't expect it.

I tried taking my time with the questions, but I was still out of there in just over an hour. I don't think I could go through this again. & now to wait the 48 hours or attempt the dreaded pvt...

This is such a bizarre feeling that I don't think anybody could understand unless you've gone through it yourself-Feeling relieved that it's over with but at the same time there's an overwhelming fear that it was all for nothing.

This may be my first post.. And although I'm not expecting replies, it was good to vent. I love AN.

I think I can drive home now. :)

Actually the "trick" at the time was if you received a certified letter then you had failed. If it was a thick brown mailer you passed. The reason for the certified letter was at the time we could practice as a GN (graduate nurse) and somebody kept working after failing. They claimed they never received the letter.

WOW! That is so different! The 48 hours is so much more kind, but to us, even that seems like a long time. How long ago did NCLEX revert to computerized testing? And how many questions did you have to answer in those two days?

One more question-a "big thick" envelope? What did they send??

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congrats, and welcome to the fold :D

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I think having that many SATA is a good thing! It just means you were well above the competency line. My fiancé took it last week and pretty much had the same experience as you, 75 questions with a ton of SATA. She thought she failed for sure but did the PVT an hour after the test and got the good popup. Sure enough, she paid for the quick results 48 hours after and passed!

I take it in 2 days and I'm extremely nervous!

No..no..no! Getting a lot of SATA doesn't mean that at all. SATA are a type of alternate formatted question. Thats it, just a differently formatted question. No more to them, no less. They do not signify that the tester is passing. They are NOT indicitive of higher level/above passing line questions. Depending on the question itself it could just be a content question which are lower level/below passing line.

An SATA could say something like this:

The chambers of the heart include (select all that apply), now while it is a SATA question, it is most def not a higher level question.

My NCLEX-RN seemed to be 2-3 SATA then a regular formatted question, then back to 3-4 SATA. My test was a majority of SATA. Yes, I passed. Several of my friends and classmates had very few (less than 5) on their and they passed.

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I could have written that same post. Took my NCLEX yesterday too, and had almost all alternative formats. Everyone says that means I passed because I had all higher level questions. But I feel like I was punched in the stomach. I did the PVT and got the good message so cautiously optimistic until I can find out tomorrow for real. I am an LPN and at work today I knew I was thinking like an RN. :) Hang in there, you are not alone. Hugs from one scared nurse to another.

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Congratulations Monica!

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I could have written that same post. Took my NCLEX yesterday too, and had almost all alternative formats. Everyone says that means I passed because I had all higher level questions. But I feel like I was punched in the stomach. I did the PVT and got the good message so cautiously optimistic until I can find out tomorrow for real. I am an LPN and at work today I knew I was thinking like an RN. :) Hang in there, you are not alone. Hugs from one scared nurse to another.

The bolded part of your post is very incorrect. SATA does not indicate a higher level nor lower level of question. It is an alternative format just like multiple choice, drag/drop, etc. SATA questions can be above or below the passing standard. Having many or none means NOTHING.

Good luck to you. Odds are you passed simply because the stats are in your favor....not because of anything related to SATA :)

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
WOW! That is so different! The 48 hours is so much more kind, but to us, even that seems like a long time. How long ago did NCLEX revert to computerized testing? And how many questions did you have to answer in those two days?

One more question-a "big thick" envelope? What did they send??

It had the state board of nursing rules and regulations handbook and some miscellaneous paperwork in it.

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I just took NCLEX today. Shut off at 75. I had 32 SATA, several drag and drop and exhibit type questions and 3 dosage calculations. I'mso thankful that I live in TX and they participate in the quick results! This is going to be a long 48 hours!

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I just took NCLEX today. Shut off at 75. I had 32 SATA, several drag and drop and exhibit type questions and 3 dosage calculations. I'mso thankful that I live in TX and they participate in the quick results! This is going to be a long 48 hours!

Wish you the best!

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Hoping you passed! :)

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