Second Time NCLEX Passer Story and Advice

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Thought I would share my story since I've seen a few people posting who didn't pass on the first time like myself.

I took the NCLEX for the second time on Friday and passed (PVT does work btw ;) ). I failed last June.

This time around I knew I had to rework my study approach so I decided to go with Hurst who I highly recommend for content review. I graduated in 2008 (foreign grad) so really needed to brush up on my core content and learn to think like a brand new nurse again.

The first time around I don't think I gave the exam the respect it deserved and really winged it...big mistake. There really is a method to studying for and passing NCLEX.

1. I waited for the Pearson Vue letter that they send after you fail to arrive so I could see the areas I was deficient in. Take note of these areas so you can work on them.

2. I took a break from all the NCLEX books and study for a while until I was refreshed and motivated again. I couldn't study for it while I was still upset, bitter and exhausted from it all.

3. I signed up for Hurst Review and dedicated myself to really following their study schedule, except for practicing delegation and assignment. I personally found that if I jump from book to book to review to review you will not only confuse yourself, but you will mess up the methods they are each teaching you to pass. So I trusted in the process and went with it.

4. I used LaCharity Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment which I really feel is essential. Hurst is a core content review. If you know your core content you can pretty much answer most of the questions on the exam.

5. I made flash cards with all vital lab values on it because last time the one lab value I didn't know seemed to make an appearance in about 15 questions. (murphys law lol). KNOW these!

6. I personally didn't do hundreds of practice q's because I focused more on studying content this time around and really learning how to answer the questions...IE focusing on what they were asking instead of last time when I really did just try to answer the question without knowing the core content behind the question.

7. I did two practice exams and scored in the high 80s. I didn't take these quizzes until I'd finished the lecture series.

okay the actual exam...I know each test is different but this was mine.

1. LOTS of SATA - I used True False approach to tackle these

2. Drag and Drop

3. I had many EKG strip interpretations somewhere around 12

4. Delegation Q's

5. Infection control questions and room assigning, so know your infection control!

6. A few Pharm q's. nothing major.

it's all mostly a blur, but really I want to say don't lose hope, you can do this! I know it's so easy to get discouraged but you have already done the hard work of getting a college degree, this is something you CAN do! Keep trying and STUDY HARD!

Good Luck to all of you 2nd, 3rd, 4th time test takers you really have to believe in yourself that you can do it!!

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Congratulations to you and well deserved! :) I am foreign grad as well batch 2010 and currently preparing for the nclex rn. I am looking forward to be one of ya'll.

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Congratulations on passing MaisieMosca!!

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Congratulations!! Very happy for you!

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congratulations!!!very happy for you ..

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Congratulations!!! :nurse:

So happy for you. Thank you for sharing your story and study plan.

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thank you all for your congratulations!

If you haven't taken your exam yet, Good Luck, Trust in yourself and you CAN do it!!

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Congratulations! I just found out I failed my NCLEX RN exam. I had the whole 265 questions. I plan on retaking it in 45 days. I am determined to pass the second time around. Any advice?

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Absolutely, first piece of advice is to not doubt yourself. You can definitely pass this exam. I would see what the pearson review letter says when you receive it in the mail and see what areas you were below passing standard in.

Don't give up you sound like you have the determination to pass this!

Did you find that you were weak on content or you simply had a hard time narrowing down the answers?

Happy to help in any way I can! :)

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Congratulations! !:yes: are you licensed and currently working as an Rn in HI?

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