SO FRUSTRATED!!

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So I took my NCLEX-RN exam yesterday. I thought I was doing well because I was getting so many SATA. I counted about 26 SATA in the first 75 questions. But it didn't cut off at 75, it kept going and going. I had alot of teaching questions, infection control, priority, 1 delegation question, a few pictures, 2 math, 9 meds, no EKG, no drag and drop. I kept going until I ran out of time. I was able to narrow the choices down to 2 most of the time. There were also some questions on the professional nursing responsibilities and roles.

Also I am a repeat test taker. I did Kaplan the first time but I knew it wasn't going to work out because I was just giving my best guess on the questions, I knew I needed a content review. So the next attempt I used Hurst and a bit of Saunders as backup. I was doing well on practice questions from LaCharity, NCLEX 3500, and Saunders. But I guess that wasn't enough either. I am asking for help. People say they take the exam feeling like they are guessing, and they still pass. I just don't know what to do anymore. I also have seen the SAME questions pulled from my last exam too. I was very calm during this exam and took my time answering the questions. While taking the exam, I felt that I needed to know Saunders, word for word. I could not apply the decision tree to any questions either. What am I supposed to do now...? I feel like I just can't pass no matter how hard I try!!

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I feel for your frustration and worry, but there is NO WAY to know from what you've posted whether or not you've passed. The number of questions did not matter. The SATA questions, etc you posted on at length also don't matter (the format is not relevant to whether you are passing or failing).

What WILL matter is the official results. You may or may not wish to try the PVT; my guess is no matter what popup you get, you will still be worried.

I wish you the best, I hope you passed and don't have to face this again....but meantime, there's nothing anyone can tell you either way.

Hang in there!

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Specializes in MICU, CVICU.

I completely agree with you about feeling like you need to know the Saunders content word-for-word. I was a little thrown off by how detailed I felt like they were getting with the questions. I hope that you passed bc I would not wish anyone to take that test again!

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lmandrade, what did you use to study?

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Specializes in MICU, CVICU.

I used Saunders 5th edition for content and I took the Kaplan review course. We also had a Hesi review course during our last month in school.

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I also was an NCLEX re-take, and felt the same way the first time. I was able to narrow it down to two answers, and felt frustrated with the extreme details on the answer choices. After failing the first time, I focused on Saunders word-by-word. I realized I needed more content so I did one Chapter at a time, chew it good and swallowed.

I also google procedures, pictures, and videos, of anything still cloudy on my head. But that took some time, months. I knew the only way to face the Monster again was to have a solid content review. People say you don't need content, they are WRONG! Content get you out of the below passing line on CAT, and makes you not to guess answers, but to answer with confidentiality. I also used LaCharity for delegation, since there are lots of delegation questions.

I used Saunders for Pharmacology also. I re-tested on 4/24/14 and passed with 75 questions. I wish that State Board of Nursing send you a detailed test category review when passing, just like when you fail.

Compassi0n, I wish you the best. NEVER give up. I know the frustration first hand. Have a plan to study. I created a blank 265 question doc that I used to practice online questions. I also did a calendar with daily accomplishments instead of goals to stay positive.

CatrachaRn.

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Thank you so much CatrachaRn and congrats on passing!!! I don't understand why people say you shouldn't study content and just practice questions because don't you need a solid background on content to answer them?! Thank you all for the feedback! I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one who felt this way.

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Thanks. I also read this web site for lots of ideas on how to pass, and here I learned about the LaCharity delegation book, and to do relaxation techniques between questions during the exam. Again, I wish you the best, stay focus. Get away from negativity, and negative people. You worked so hard to pass nursing school, so keep going for the prize!

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