Taking NCLEX-PN for the third time and going through much in life - please help!

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I graduated in March, started studying in April and took it for the first time in the beginning of June. Testing is my weakest. Our school was enrolled with Kaplan's company. I studied on my own using the PN testing book and online bank questions; I also studied with classmates reading the rationales. I didn't pass and I was devastated.

People advised me to take it right away, which I was planning at first but life just happened. I think I was just exhausted from school and a bit heartbroken over the test. I am emotional and I didn't want the emotions to get to me or hold me back the next time around. I was planning on taking it that summer but (like I said) things happened - my friend got married, I was living life again (unlike the life of nursing school), and I actually fell in love with a great guy (wonderful timing, right?) That caught me off guard bc like many of us, we have certain goals in our lives and even though it doesn't happen when we expect it to, we just have to accept it, be thankful, and keep going. I wasn't planning on having a relationship, especially while I'm at this funk of getting my license but I am happy. With this blessing, that doesn't mean NCLEX has gone...it certainly hasn't and it's still my number 1. I'm passing my mid 20's and I've experiencing life (it feels like). I'm the oldest of two girls. I have a very overprotective mother (very old fashioned, I swear she's from the 50's) who is very critical, narrow-minded, judgmental, and has not let go or accepted that her kids are adults. She happens to be an ICU nurse for more than 20 years. I do admire her knowledge (and from what I see, the new grads like her) but you can imagine, she's definitely those people stuck in her ways. This whole NCLEX with me failing has gotten her stressed out more than me. I understand she's my mother but it doesn't help when you can feel her negative energy. Like I said, she hasn't let go either and all of these changes and "life experiences" I'm going through isn't sitting well with her. She uses alot of her tactics she used when we were growing up (negative reinforcement) and it's really stressing me out.

The second time I took the test was in October and didn't make it. How did I study? I worked on becoming more confident on my test taking skills by simply believing in myself more. I took those Kaplan review courses again (online) and I spent hours and hours during the day just doing questions til my butt was numb and afterwards met with the boyfriend to have dinner (and for the record, he's been very supportive. W/o saying too much, he's also in a career also where he has to take a board exam. He's been studying with me and it's nice to have someone who GETS it).

Now on my third time, I don't know anymore...i really don't. All I know is that I don't want to keep postponing it and wasting time. I'm also stressed out with my mom stressing out. I know I will figure it out but in the mean time, I don't need her anxious energy. I'm thinking of reviewing with HURST or another company. Kaplan helped with strategies but I need more of a content review. I was also thinking of reviewing with old classmates again. They also were thinking of reviewing again bc entrance exams for the bridge program are coming up. Maybe I just don't know how to study? Please help! I need a good plan...and your prayers, please :) I feel like I'm one of those nutcases that needs a good lecture to understand everything... I need to hear it, write notes... guess the effects of a part time online program is getting to me. Grrrrr. I heard HURST has great lecture videos online :)

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You have to try to not let how your mom acts affect you. I am 29 and it took me a while to do this. Like you said I also felt my dads negative energy. I never took the nclex before but I mean on other things in life.

I started the hurst review online it so far its great.

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To make you feel better I am taking it for the fourth time, graduated back in 2007 and yes I have had a remedial course. I try not to let negative energy affect me. So many people telling me that it's not worth trying anymore but I personally dont believe in that. When you want something that bad you will get it.

I went through emotional stages as well and life for me felt like a roller coaster that never ended. It prevented me to achieve my goals. My situation is actually worse than yours to make a long story short. I am determined to prove everyone wrong, not just for them but for myself especially. So hang in there, you just graduated and everything is still fairly fresh! Think positive!

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I totally understand where you are coming from. I graduated in Dec 2010 and it took me 3 trys finally I got my license Jan 2011. I used Hurst the first 2 times but the 3rd time I went to NCSBN Learning Extension and it helped out a lot. Hurst is also a good resource I still log in now and review info but the NCSBN practice tests after the reading material helped put it together. Good Luck and don't give up!

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I took it twice and did not have luck on myside Im ready to get in the study mode again September was a year since i graduated the program. Im also due in January so another reason I need to get on the ball. I am a HORRIBLE test taker... 1st go around i did Hurst Review didnt pay much attention like i should of i think? and the 2nd i did Kaplan with a girlfriend i was above the passing % she was below and SHE PASSED nclex and I failed! so now i am discourage and dont know where to start but i do know I CAN NOT GIVE UP!

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I am in the same boat. Graduated in 2009 and still havent passed. I havent scheduled my test yet but ive got until december. I plan on taking it this month but my study mode was put on hold cause i got caught with the flu. Where do you happen to live? Maybe if were from the same city we can setup a study session. Let me know. I know exactly what your going through..

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