Terrified of failing NCLEX. Based on my performances on practice tests, do I have a good chance of passing?

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi all. I test next week and I’m so nervous I’m sick about it. Based on how I have done so far, do you all think I have a good chance of passing? These are the resources I’ve used and how I’ve done.

UWorld: I have taken one assessment and got a “High” chance of passing (53rd percentile). My qbank average is 56% (58th percentile). I have been making sure I read ALL rationales and using the option on UWorld to create flash cards if I come across a topic I’ve forgotten/didn’t know.

Kaplan: I took a 3-day review course and have completed 2 CATs. I also ordered the Kaplan PrepPlus book and did the 180-question exam that comes with that book.

1st CAT: shut off at 75 questions. Overall green score. All subcategories yellow but I got a green in management of care

2nd CAT: shut off at 130 questions. Overall green score. Green in pharmacological and parenteral therapies & physiological adaptation. All other subcategories yellow.

Prep Plus Exam: 68%

I’ve also used Archer review some but only about 200 or so questions. My average is around 57-58%

According to these scores, I think I have a good chance of passing but I don’t feel ready at all and I’m super stressed. I just really want to pass the first time because I've already accepted and started a job. So I just wanted to get some second opinions! Thank you!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Well, Jess, it sounds like you're doing what you need to do in order to pass the NCLEX!

Back in my day, they were called State Boards. I purchased three test booklets and didn't do really well on them. And then it hit me: I'm taking the RN Boards as an LPN with 7 years experience and am giving the answers that I think are correct. I need to give them the answers that they want!

With this new perception, my scores improved significantly!

Be kind to yourself- we were are stressed to varying degrees before we tested. Of course you want to pass! You've done a lot of hard work to get you where you're at!

By the very last day of the class portion of the RN program, I was one crispy critter, having to deal with working full time and some major life stressors. I didn't know that we had to take a mock state boards in order to complete the program, so I said, "The heck with it!" and filled the little answer bubbles in randomly, completing the entire what-was-to-be-an-eight-hour-exam in 45 minutes.

I still got a 40% chance of passing state boards!

I'd advise you to continue doing what you're doing but do some healthy things for yourself like taking a break from the test-taking, exercising, eating right, getting a good amount of rest, and partying some!

My second opinion: You'll do fine. 

Good luck, Jess!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Moved to NCLEX forum for best responses.

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Hey!! I’m currently studying for the NCLEX with only UWorld right now. 
do you feel like any of the things you listed helped you retain the content more? If you don’t feel comfortable answering now, can you come back after you take the NCLEX to share what prepared you the most? 
 

For UWorld I’m doing the questions and reading and writing the rationales. 

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Specializes in ICU + 25 years as Nursing Faculty.

Based on what you have reported, I think you have mastered the content.  However, it appears that your emotions are the biggest threat to your success.  Pick the emotional control tool that you find works best for you: meditation, visualization, cognitive behavioral therapy, prayer, etc... and use it twice a day, every day between now and the exam.  When you get your emotions under control, you will do just fine on NCLEX. ?

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Specializes in NCLEX Prep Expert - 100% Pass Rate!.
On 1/6/2021 at 11:20 AM, Bleblenurs18 said:

Hey!! I’m currently studying for the NCLEX with only UWorld right now. 
do you feel like any of the things you listed helped you retain the content more? If you don’t feel comfortable answering now, can you come back after you take the NCLEX to share what prepared you the most? 
 

For UWorld I’m doing the questions and reading and writing the rationales. 

Hi there! There are several things that you should be assessing to determine if you are where you need to be for NCLEX success. 1) Scores (are you CONSISTENTLY scoring above 65% each time you do a set of 75 questions?) 2) Have you developed a systematic approach to answering NCLEX questions EVERY SINGLE TIME? 3) Can you demonstrate understanding of the nursing concepts that drive decision making? 4) Do you feel confident? 

If you'd like to learn more, please send me a private message or visit my member profile where you can find all of my contact info.

Good luck!

-Damion

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