So I decided I really didn't want to study for the NCLEX. When I heard you can just take it again, I thought: brilliant. I'll just give it a shot and see if I can do it. If not, I'll disillusion myself of what the test is not and I'll study a bit each day for the next month or so.
Luckily, I don't need to be working right this second, and I'm not in an embarrassing situation where employers are waiting on me to pass.
Wondering if anyone else decided to give it a whirl without studying.
My experience today:
I started out thinking, "Hey, these aren't so bad. Not so bad at all." But by question 50 I was quite ready to be done.
I have a hard time staying interested in tests. Mostly, I think, because they don't scare me, and they certainly don't interest me. I simply find them boring.
Having heard the test could end at question 75, I had high hopes. Real high hopes. These soon turned out to be hopes made of wishful thinking. Question 76 arrived. Then 77...99...110....150...180...I soon realized the test was on to me and I wouldn't be let go until I'd received every delicious question it had to offer.
Around question 240 I seriously just wanted to walk away, it was becoming so tedious. 265. Finally. Test ended. Whew. That's a lot of questions if you're not used to that kind of question load. Took me five hours. I didn't take any breaks because I didn't want to run out of time.
I've since learned you can run out of time and it will just look at your last 60 questions. I also learned that there is no way for the test taker to know whether he/she passed based on how many questions they received.
While I doubt I passed, I honestly have no idea. The fact is, the test kept giving me questions...so I was hovering somewhere around certainty--either just below, or just above. It was basically five hours of guessing.
Oh well. I'll either be very pleased I don't have to study for that test, or I'll frown for a second, laugh, and start going over some questions (and memorizing some lab values, etc.). I think I'd start with that "random fact" thread, only because it seems way more fun to read than actual practice questions.
But if I DID pass, I think it would be really funny. I think the ability to retake the test in 45 days is so generous. I wish I'd just taken the test right away, after graduating, instead of vacationing for a few weeks doing nothing. Then I could be even closer to my second test date. I'm telling my fellow students (who can afford the testing fee x 2) to just take it now and see if they manage--again, if they can afford the time off/fees.
Different strokes for different folks.
Oh yeah--I also had a classmate do this today. We just decided to do it the other day and signed up for the first available test. She scored a 75 (argh, so lucky to be done so quickly, either way) and was out of there.
So sorry to hear you failed. Good luck as you prepare to take the NCLEX again. Best wishes and keep us posted. You have so much support here. :icon_hug:
...thank you for sharing....you are such an inspiration for those of us who feel so paralyzed at the thought of taking this test...your experience proved to me that it is only a test...and I should not be handicapped by the anticipation of taking it....I will study...but I will not be defeated by it...the very best to you in the future...
Algernon, I am a nurse today partially because of your post. I failed the first time and did not want to take it again...that is until I read your post. You gave me the determination to pass the NCLEX, I only hope and pray that those who have read your post can motivate you as well. I believe in you, and I know you believe in you, so please re-take the NCLEX, you can and will pass.
I'm so happy to hear my experience, or outlook, was helpful to some people out there. That REALLY makes me happy. To think that even one person out there was less afraid of this "big bad test."
It's not really a big deal in the long run.
Easy does it.
Victory is inevitable.
Thanks again for all the cheers :)
joyfulone (hope I got the name right) - i'm so proud of you!!!
Wow.. This thread was like a juicy book. I ripped through every post, page waiting to see the outcome. I was afraid Algernon wouldn't come back to tell us..lol. Well, there goes my just wing-it idea..Thanks for the try and the story! I guess I'll study a little:D
Algernon, while I admire your easygoing attitude, I find it curious that anyone would attempt a life-altering challenge without preparation. Yes, it's only a test. But it WILL change your life by making you an RN, and it WILL prove your previous 2, 3 or 4 years of study have paid off.
What's the downside to reviewing the material before the test? I didn't go crazy, but I sure studied. I just don't understand why anyone wouldn't even try to study a little to maximize their chances of passing.
Good luck on the restest - get cracking on those books so you can get out quick next time :)
Algernon, while I admire your easygoing attitude, I find it curious that anyone would attempt a life-altering challenge without preparation. Yes, it's only a test. But it WILL change your life by making you an RN, and it WILL prove your previous 2, 3 or 4 years of study have paid off.
What's the downside to reviewing the material before the test? I didn't go crazy, but I sure studied. I just don't understand why anyone wouldn't even try to study a little to maximize their chances of passing.
Good luck on the restest - get cracking on those books so you can get out quick next time :)
yeah. thanks :)
don't misunderstand me. i wasn't advocating anyone not study. just saying i didn't and being honest about what happened.
thing is...there's a lot of fear-culture in the world of nursing. always made me sick to see it. i'm one of those people who does take life seriously, but in a very laid back way. but i mean what i say and i care VERY much about those who are close to me. i don't need people creating fear for me to motivate me. fear is a terrible motivator and just destroys the heart and soul over time and makes people crazy. life is scary enough already.
yes, the test will 'change your life' but u can retake it in california (my original point) which is so cool. and certainly there's no downside to studying before the test! :) i just didn't want to.
i'm only talking about my situation. i have a job. i'll get around to nursing soon...but i'm not in a rush. i've enjoyed the break from school/nursing.
i just want those incredible people out there who are scared to death to have some perspective.
to those people: the test has nothing to say, really, about what kind of person you are, or who you are. nothing.
take your time. b ez on yourself. one step at a time.
can u explain it to me again about whether you get the same or similiar question once again can mean that it was correct but computer need to make sure?? or most people tell me because once person get it wrong it will come back because person hasn't answer it correctly
I guess I'll study a little:D.thumb.gif.11fa0ddb3aacfb1b3953bc671abcfb7e.gif){kind=avatar}
Melinurse
2,040 Posts
So sorry to hear you failed. Good luck as you prepare to take the NCLEX again. Best wishes and keep us posted. You have so much support here. :icon_hug: