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I took the NCLEX exam in July and did not pass. So I ended up buying the Hurst review and did that whole review online with all the content, videos, and tests. I also got the RN master NCLEX app and did that when i was on the go. I felt pretty good about the content. I recently just to the test and i got 165 questions and once again i did not pass. I am so down and feel like I can't do this. I had a job lined up for when I passed and I have lost the position because I did not pass. I have to wait 45 days to re-take which would be in Decemeber. Just wondering if anyone else has any suggestions. I don't think it is lack of content, I think it is more to do with how to answer the questions. I have difficulty with that and didn't know if anyone could help. I also have Kaplan, but i have not really utilized that resource but was thinking that may be a good idea for practice questions. I just hope someone has suggestions. I am feeling defeated !

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smaxwell21 sorry to heart that! stay positive you will pass!

I am taking my exam soon too for second time! I am using Hurst & Kaplan, Nclex Mastrey App too!

My advise to wait for the CPR to see what was wrong! focus on your weakness! Buy the strategy book for Kaplan probably you lack how to answer critical thinking questions! Still review Hurst note that you have and practice more questions! do not feel sad.. I know people passed on their 5 and 6th try! You will pass!

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Stay positive! You can do this!

Okay, I just took it last week and passed on my first attempt. Here's my advice: KAPLAN! I cannot say enough about Kaplan's strategies for tackling NCLEX questions. I only used Kaplan for NCLEX prep and focused on HOW to answer the questions rather than content. I did their content review and then did practice questions on a daily basis while utilizing their strategies on EVERY question. Kaplan goes over the "rules of the NCLEX" which include things like focusing on "textbook/ideal" nursing rather than what you've seen in the "real world," remembering that on the NCLEX you have all the time in the world and all the staff in the world available to help you and other patients, if the intervention in one of the answers requires an order then you already have the order, never "pass the buck," always assess the client before the equipment, and pain is considered psychosocial (therefore not priority) on the NCLEX, etc. Also, focus on the decision tree that Kaplan gives you. This is literally step-by-step on how to answer every NCLEX question. Also, focus on the client needs category "Management of Care" (the biggest category on NCLEX) which includes prioritizing "who do you see first" questions, delegation questions, and legal and nursing ethics questions. When prioritizing, think about "expected vs. unexpected," "actual vs. potential," "stable vs. unstable," "acute vs. chronic," look at the time (is one patient 48 hours post-op and another just 2 hours?) and age of the patient. The list of strategies just goes on and on!!! It's honestly what helped me pass on the first try. "Safety and Infection Control" is another big one: focus on precautions (like what standard, airborne, droplet, and contact precautions are and which diseases require which precautions). Other than that I would not look at any more content (unless you feel you need serious review in a subject), just focus on these strategies and Kaplan's strategy review. Book I liked: Kaplan NCLEX-RN Strategies, Practice, and Review. I checked out the 2012-2013 version from my local library, therefore free! I'd recommend seeing if your library has one or something similar. Excellent resource!!

I seriously hope this helps a bit. I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! :)

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Thank you for your advice! I have renewed my Kaplan so I plan on just doing questions each day and going over the why they are the answer it is. I found the decision tree hard to use on every question but they make it look so easy. Maybe it just comes with practice that i will learn more. I plan on watching some of the videos to see what they are about and learn there way of answering questions. I just pray i can pass it this time. On my CPR i got all "near passing" except in 1 category so i must have been right there riding that line. So it seems like I have to review all the categories lol. I find myself struggling with Safety and Infection Control so that is one thing i am going to work on. Thank you for the advice and I pray that i can pass this 3rd time. I dont know how much more studying I can do lol.

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[COLOR=#003366]smaxwell21 Don't overwhelm yourself! I am taking my second attempt next month! I have been studying Hurst notes and understanding each subject I am also doing NCLEX mastrey! I did Qbanks for Kaplan my average has been increased! I am not studying a lot but I am getting better in answering questions by answering why each answer and then I am able to pick the right answer! Decision tree works only on high level questions! My weak places are infection control and Health promotion too! Keep up the positive work and you can do it :)
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Yea! I think I know most content I am thinking i will just review the content in Hurst, and then really do a lot of questions to learn how to answer them. I just have heard that Kaplan helps with learning how to answer them! Thank you! You will definitely be successful your second attempt! You already know what to expect! Keep up the hard work as well!!! :)

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[COLOR=#003366]smaxwell21 my friend advised me to watch youtube vidoes for priority questions and memorize mnemonics for infections at the en since its biggest section in the exam. I hope so! I am taking it my exam end of November and I am working less but I go to library all day I have no life and break till I take the exam :/ STAY POSITIVE WE ALL CAN PASS!
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That is a good idea! I will try watching those videos!! Thank you! Yes we call can and WILL pass!!!!!

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