Will be taking the Nclex for the second time

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I tried the PVT Saturday after my test, and I did not get the pop up. The same thing has happened again yesterday and today, so I think I need to start preparing to take this test again. I read the Saunders book the first time around, did Kaplan online complete, but did not follow the program to the max, so this could be part of it. I also used the Lacharity book. I am so overwhelmed right now, because I do not know what type of study plan to put together to help me pass this darn test. I am planning on doing Saunders CD on study mode, going back over Lacharity, reading Kaplan 2010-2011 book, and doing Kaplan's Q bank, which they want another 209 dollars for! I also have Exam Cram, which I might just do questions from there instead of doing their content. I felt like that exam was hard, and I think I must have had an anxiety attack while I was taking it, lol. I went all the way to 265. I had three math questions, a ton of SATA, Infection control, every three questions were priority questions, a ton of teaching, two hot spots, meds and diseases I did not know. I thought I was ok with infection control and priority. Please Help!!!!!!!!!

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Stop stressing yourself out until you get the official results.

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Thanks, I am trying not to!!

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Wow this sounds like my first test....Horrible experience. I agree that you should wait for the official results & go from there. If you have to retake the letter that they send out will tell you which areas to work on. I just took my 2nd test today & stopped at 75. I used a gumbo of different texts/reviews. Saunders, learning ext, Kaplan 2010 book, & Lacharity. Really liked the learning ext & Lacharity. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

This sounds like my first attempt, too. I got 265 questions and was near passing on all standards except reduction of risk potential which was above passing. I'm taking mine for the 2nd time on Aug. 31st.

I googled NCLEX-RN review books and read about them... researched ones that had really good reviews and what majority of people found helpful and got them through interlibrary loan at my public library. It is a good way to save a lot of money and also get a lot of different resources. I'm using Kaplan, Saunders (strategy and Q&A review), NCLEX 4000 CD, Mosby, and NSNA endorsed review book.

I haven't talked to anyone who got the wrong result via the PVT... but you really do need to wait for your official results before you start freaking out. The computer grades your test and then it is graded a second time by a human... so you really never know. Besides, even if you did fail I suggest taking a week off to clear your head. It really is a grieving process if you ask me... It has been 50 days since I found out that I failed and I have just now gotten to the acceptance part.

Good luck! Whatever your outcome is, you will make it through it. You don't just get through nursing school for nothing!

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Thanks so much to all of you. I really appreciate your advice. Sinah did you use the Kaplan course book or the other one? I have the course book, but I am hearing about this strategy book. It sounds like you did pretty well on your test. Good luck!!

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I just borrowed the Hurst Review from a friend. The information looks straight to the point and not confusing.

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I agree, hurst review book is excellent for content review. Do many questions before your second attempt. I was in the same boat, first time, i had 265 questions, and second attemt i had like 140 questions. You will pass this test.

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Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

I used the Hurst Review to prepare for my first NCLEX-RN attempt. The book is a really good content review and resource. However, do not do what I did... I thought that the 6 Hurst practice tests that accompany the review on the website would be my "magic bullet" to passing the NCLEX-RN. I also thought that graduating from a pretty decent BSN program with honors meant that I didn't need a lot of review. I was extremely wrong and failed the exam with 265 questions. I had done a total of 1000 questions (600 Hurst, 400 NCLEX 4000 in about a 3 week period).

I think you should use the book and the questions, but make sure that you do more than just those questions... do some Kaplan, Saunders, Mosby... whatever you feel comfortable doing. All of these reviews make their questions differently and I have found it helpful to practice with a bunch of different ones. While I really do like all of the review books and their questions... I haven't really seen anything that is identical or largely mimics the NCLEX. I suppose that is on purpose so that we are on our toes for the test. :-)

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Hello Irish Rainbow... Yes, I plan on using the Hurst review book just for content. For my first try, I read the entire Saunders book, which was too overwhelming, and I took the Kaplan's live online course that came with the Kaplan course book. I did not do Kaplan to the max, so this could be part of it. I completed many questions, but I did not do all of Kaplan's questions. I plan on doing all of their Q bank questions this time and going back over the La Charity book. I think the test was closer to Kaplan's questions, but I was lacking in the content area and could not focus enough to apply the strategies. Thanks so much. Un2010, I pray I pass the second time around like you did! Thanks again everyone

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This test is very stressful for all of us. I failed my NCLEX and trying to study again. I am taking Hurst review, and i love it and i just wondering how much it will help me. I hope it helps me to pass this time. Plz pray for me. Thank you

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Yes it is stressful, but it will be worth it when you pass. Stay

confidant, and a little valerian root really helped to relax me before my test...Good luck to you.

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