Taking Nclex-RN for third time!!!

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Hello supportive nclex takers! I just found out today that I failed my nclex-Rn for the second time. The first time I had 110 questions and the second time I only had 77 questions. I had lots of meds I didn't know and multiple prioritizing and delegating, as well as infection control and select all that apply. The first time I used the exam cram study book and cd and the second time I used Saunders and the exam cram. I waited 5 months before retaking it again and felt confident in my abilities. I had good study habits and was scoring above average on the simulated tests. Any advice for the prioritizing? I feel as though the questions on the nclex were not cut and dry like they appeared on the saunders and exam cram reviews. There was never anyone with SOB or chest pain. Does pain come first? Any recommendations on where to get helpful prioritization questions? It's very discouraging, although I know I can not give up. I am willing to try new study materials and take any advice I can get. Reading everyone's experiences on here has really given me a piece and mind and a feeling of hope that it can be done eventually!!! Thanks again!

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Good luck on your next try. As for new study materials, you probably need to do some investigating, because it might take some time for all of the publisher's to catch up with the new test format. Read the back of the book at the bookstore and look for descriptions online to see how up to date the review sources are. Do the same for live reviews if you consider one.

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What are the options for live reviews? and how much do they cost? I haven't really looked into that. Also, it's odd because I took my first exam in october. and coming into this one, I knew that the test had changed since April 1st, although I didn't quite notice any changes. I will definitely be looking into an updated review book. Thanks!

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Hello supportive nclex takers! I just found out today that I failed my nclex-Rn for the second time. The first time I had 110 questions and the second time I only had 77 questions. I had lots of meds I didn't know and multiple prioritizing and delegating, as well as infection control and select all that apply. The first time I used the exam cram study book and cd and the second time I used Saunders and the exam cram. I waited 5 months before retaking it again and felt confident in my abilities. I had good study habits and was scoring above average on the simulated tests. Any advice for the prioritizing? I feel as though the questions on the nclex were not cut and dry like they appeared on the saunders and exam cram reviews. There was never anyone with SOB or chest pain. Does pain come first? Any recommendations on where to get helpful prioritization questions? It's very discouraging, although I know I can not give up. I am willing to try new study materials and take any advice I can get. Reading everyone's experiences on here has really given me a piece and mind and a feeling of hope that it can be done eventually!!! Thanks again!

I have found the 2010 version of Lacharity's "prioritization, delegation, and assignment" a VERY helpful book with studying for the priority type questions. There are a ton of those on the actual nclex. Go to amazon and buy the book for around 20 bucks and just choose the next-day or 2nd day delivery. When you read this book, you will see how similar the style of questions is to those on the nclex rn exam. The saunder's 4th edition is a good reference/teaching tool. After reading the Lacharity book, use the text book of your choice to write down and memorize all of the main lab values: ptt, inr,wbc, hg, hct, protein, +na +k, albumin, etc.... Then find and study the procedures for airborne, contact, and droplet precautions. Know which disorders fall under which category i.e. knowing that TB is airborne and the patient should be placed in a room with negative air pressure. Find and study which values constitute respiratory acidosis, alkalosis, and metabolic acidosis, alkalosis. Know the therapeutic serum levels for digoxin, lithium, dilantin, and theophyline. Review the process for blood transfusion, noting what type of fluid to use, how long to infuse prbc, informed consent, what to do if reaction occurs, what size catheter to use with the transfusion, etc... Review the buck's, bryant's, and skeletal traction. Know the patient positions for the main diagnostic exams (ie liver biopsy, patient is positioned supine with right hand under head). Review the dietary sources for vitamin deficiencies (ie calcium: yogurt, tofu, dark green leafy veggies). Review the dietary restrictions for Celiac disease. Remember: Airway, breathing, circulation. As for maternity/ob, you may want to review the main disorders like preeclampsia, placenta previa, FHR, ultrasound, and amniocentesis.

While the nclex is so huge, it's impossible to study every single subject area, and it is also impossible to do every single review question in every book you buy. I am no nclex expert. I failed. I did have a car wreck on the way there, which may have contributed to my stress level; but at the end of the day...I did not feel as prepared as I should have been. I had to regroup and remember exactly what areas I needed to focus on. Good luck on your next try!

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Thanks for the great response West! All those things you mentioned I studied and memorized. And of course when I got to the test, nothing I had really worked hard at studying or remembering was asked. So that was frustrating. I will definitely check out that prioritization book because that is where I think I was weak in and it seemed like the majority of the questions I got on the test were that.

I have saunders 4th edition, which I will continue to use. I have a feeling that the main thing I need to focus on is the actual "taking" of the test. I feel like I end up rushing through the questions, instead of breaking them all down.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and support! And please continue to respond!

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Hello! I just read your posting and I took the nclex for the third time.....i am very depressed and discouraged....BUT we both must continue to try. my best friend finished RN school 4 years ago and passed her nclex after 5 attempts. she did hurst review! kaplan doesnt really work (in my opinion ). keep ya head up!!! WE can do this!!!! :)

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