REAL NURSES, REAL CONVERSATIONS
advertise with us find a job post your topic join the community log in
RealityRN
Visitor Topics
Will I ever pass the NCLEX?

Hello, I am a graduate nurse and I just took my NCLEX for the 2nd time yesterday and today I found out that I didnt pass again.

I just feel like a failure because I studied and I scored better in the areas that were low when I did practice test at home. I'm just not sure what to do next, if there is anyone that has been through this or know anyone.

I just need some advice because at this point I feel like a failure and I do not know what to do.

HUNurse


Read more Visitor Topics articles

53 Responses to “Will I ever pass the NCLEX?”

  1. Rae, RN Says:

    Hi!

    You can pass. I just took the NCLEX in August. I recommend you get the Kaplan review book. The book is so easy to review. I went through it in 2 days. The tips are awesome. I used the tips and it worked. The computer shut down when I answered 75 questions. There is a definite strategy to the NCLEX. One tip I used is don’t look for the right answer first. You need to eliminate each wrong answer to get the right answer. You have everything you need to answer the questions in your head. The book can teach you the strategy to use to find the right answers. Try not to stress out about it. You know what to expect now so use that to your advantage and relax. Good luck!

  2. HUNurse Says:

    Thank you for your advice. I did utilize the kaplan book both times and they do help but Im just not sure if I am a bad test taker. Again thank you for your advice and I will utilize that book this time as well.

  3. PMRN Says:

    If you’ve tried studying for the test, going over the kaplan material (which is the best in my opinion), maybe it’s time to shell out the few hundred bucks to take the Kaplan review COURSE. A few of my classmates did it and had nice things to say about it.

  4. HUNurse Says:

    I did that as well the first time and I did like the course because it helped me to understand how to answer the questions. Im not sure what to do this next time because it feels like I have done everything that I can think of. Thank you for your advice.

  5. Beth Says:

    Describe to us what you have done to prepare. How many weeks in advance did you take to start preparing? How much time did you take to prepare? What did you do the day before or the day of the test? Did you get the Q-bank from Kaplan?

  6. HUNurse Says:

    For the second time I spent about 12-13 weeks preparing using focused test provided by my online teacher then the last week I took a predictor test through Assessment Technologies Institute(ATI) that predicted that I would pass. I used ATI and I also used Kaplan as well but I did not have Qbank. The day before the test i relaxed and went out to eat. So im not sure what to do next time because I thought that I prepared very well that time.

  7. mapenzi Says:

    I had such an experience when I took my RN Nclex. What helped me when i did the test the third time is remembering how they tested the last 2 times. I realized that I was weak when it came to lab values and prioritizing using the lab values. Therefore I concentrated on that. When i did it the last time I only had 75 questions and i knew that I had passed.

  8. mapenzi Says:

    Please keep your head high and do the best you can. You are not alone. I know it can be depressing and one may feel like a failure. I hope my advice helped

  9. HUNurse Says:

    Oh ok. Well thank you and your advice was great. When I get my results back I will focus on my weak areas. Thank you.

  10. RochesterRN Says:

    Get this book and do 300 questions per day for a month. Read the rationale as soon as you do the question. I swear by this book. Our university actually required it. I didn’t read topics. Doing these questions over and over and reading the rationale helped me remember common themes. Good luck!

    Saunders Q & A Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination (Silvestri, Saunders Q & A Review for the NCLEX-RN Examinatio) (Paperback)

  11. Emily H, RN Says:

    It’s Ok! You can do it! I failed miserably the first time I took it, but then realized that it wasn’t necessarily about what you know, but strategy. I got ahold of a tutor who went through the Kaplan Question Bank questions with me. We went through them and through them, and I wasn’t sure how she was “tutoring” me, but then I saw massive improvements when I did the questions on my own. Email me @ [email protected] and i’ll tell you more specifically about how she helped me. But always remember that the airway is the most important. then comes breathing/circulation, then doing the least amount of harm. But AIRWAY first!

  12. Emily H, RN Says:

    also, failing the nclex does NOT mean you’re a bad nurse…or that you can’t be one…but get a great tutor first because i think if you fail the 3rd time (which you WON’T), you have to do some remedial courses before you can take it again.

  13. HUNurse Says:

    Thank you all for all of your help and I will utilize all of the suggestions you all have given me. I just got my results back and my areas that were weak the first time increased so all of my areas wer scored as near passing standard. Again thank you all for the words of encouragement!!!!

  14. Krankenschwester Says:

    My advice would be to practice all the questions you possibly can- get those books mentioned above in another post. Thats the best way to study. Good luck to you!

  15. yogiverge Says:

    Hi HUNURSE,

    Don’t give up and don’t be discouraged!! I’ve been in your shoes……I had taken the NCLEX so many times that I don’t even know which time I passed! I know it was after the 5th time, I think….hahahaha…..but don’t despair….set your goal and go for it!

    What finally worked for me was Kaplan review and Saunders review questions……I would get up every morning and practice about 100 questions before going to work…..and then at night I would review rationales and apply Kaplan techniques, ie: prioritization,ABC’s etc….I did that for little over a month and I kept mum about when I was going to take the test again….next thing you know, I passed and surprised everyone! including myself. It’s been 8 yrs now, and I look back at those hard times….but I persevered and always believed in myself! Don’t give up, set your goal and go for it! You will do it!

  16. HUNurse Says:

    Thank you for your encouragement. I have started to review again and I do have the Kaplan Review and Saunders Review. I will be using those. I will be successful!!!!!!

  17. KAP Says:

    I think the biggest suggestion is do all the questions you can, and the night before the test do no questions at all. Try to relax (yeah right, huh) and just do your best. I suspect that you’re just a person with test anxiety, as are a lot of people. A majority of my class had problems taking the NCLEX, so try not to worry to much about it, and certainly dont be discouraged. It’s tough, but I’m sure you’ll get it soon. Take care!

  18. Karen Koeberl Says:

    I also failed the test twice and I understand all the feelings you are experiencing. I took advice from my clinical instructor who adviced me to get an anti anxiety med.It really calmed me down and made the information stick in my mind. Sometimes it’s not that we don’t know the content, it’s our own anxiety that trips us up. I just took it Wed and passed. Keep practicing questions NCLEX3500 and SAUNDERS was the best for me. I thought Kaplan was a waste of money. Do get the strategy of the ABC’s and Maslow down.Good luck! You will be an R.N.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  19. Florida ICU Nurse Says:

    Don’t freak…easy for me to say right? Well, i failed 5 times before passing it on my 6th time. Each & every time not only me but my family & co-workers were shocked! I mean i had never failed anything in my life…whats the deal??? After the 5th time i studied NO knowledge info & only NCLEX test taking stratigies. It helped me to get into their way of thinking & HOW to answer the test questions. Both answers are right…what now? Truth be told if i had this piece of advice right out of school i would have surely passed the first time. You can not memorize the drug book- so don’t waste your time trying…study how “they” want “their” questions answered.

  20. Beth Says:

    Way to keep positive, You WILL do great!

    You’ve taken all the right steps, you’ve reached out for advice, you now have some more resources…now review 1-3 hours a day, 100 questions and rationales.

    Take mini breaks between hours, quick walk around the block, brief phone call to a friend, but then get back to it.

    Don’t forget “Me” time” pedicure, manicure, movie or lunch with a friend, reading a fictional book etc…but NCLEX every day for at least a month before the test, six weeks at the best.

    Answer questions based on critical thinking and application, like you were actually performing what the question is asking you based on the skills you’ve learned.

    Good luck and you WILL succeed!

  21. TXNurse Says:

    I think you may be OVER studying! At this point you don’t need to study you need to just review your weaker areas. Remember the day before go out and enjoy the day. DO NOT OPEN YOUR BOOKS! Relax and you will do just fine. We all believe in you, It’s time you believe in yourself!

    Best of luck!

  22. HUNurse Says:

    Wow, it is just uplifting to know that I am not the only one that this has happened to because it felt like that at first. Thank you all for your advice and I will be successful. I do agree with understanding how to answer the questions because I know content I just need to differentiate between the last two answers. I have not set a date yet but I just got back to studying. I also am using the HURST review book which tells me how to answer the question. Again thank you all for your encouragement!!!!!!!

  23. Florida ICU Nurse Says:

    good luck!

  24. ewilliams3 Says:

    I am a terrible test taker. I hyperventilate sometimes, my palms get so nasty I have to wipe them on my pants about 10 times during the exam, my legs bounce 23846 miles an hour and I don’t sit still.

    I was so nervous that the day before I took a spa day and I didn’t study at all. I went and got a facial, mani-pedi and full body massage… I didn’t talk to any of my friends the day before nor did I study that day… no one knew I was taking the exam except my boyfriend… it was a mental health chill zone out day. I think that is what helped me pass….

  25. Julie Coe Says:

    You can pass!!! I got the book NCLEX for dummies, its a WONDERFUL book. The first time I took it I failed with 75 questions and after reading this book, I passed with 75 questions….It can be done, dont give up!!!

  26. Nikki Says:

    Hi there im in the same boat as you. i am preparing for my thrid time im doing the hurst review right now and think its helpful content wise. i am going to get the saunders book and do that before i test. didnt know if you passed or not the thrid time if not i understand… im scared as is you were im sure. if you did pass which im sure you did what did you do for this time… if not were in this together so lets lean on each other and share ideas!!! email me if you want to keep things on the quiet side… [email protected]

  27. HUNurse Says:

    Yeah I am doing the hurst review as well. I am preparing to take the test again soon though. Thanks for your concern.

  28. Rnbutterfly Says:

    Try the book exam cram! it is an interactive cd and book that is just like the boards. I used it and passed, i have spread it out to others and they all have passed. It is knowledge based, if you miss a question it backs you up a level. I totally recommend it! Have faith in yourself! you made it through school and you can make it through this! Good luck to you!
    Steph Rn

  29. janegalt Says:

    Passed boards the first time – had a friend very nervous type – she didn’t pass x 2. Went to doctor and got ativan – passed.

  30. Pat U Says:

    Yes you will pass the NCLEX. Just follow the following steps
    Believe in your self.
    Study hard.
    Do not live any stone unturned.
    Make sure you finish NCLEX Q&A book and understand rational for each answer.
    If your do what I have advised above, you will pass this exam the first time you take it.

  31. deberge Says:

    Hey I just took my boards yesterday for the fourth time and am awaiting the results. I know it’s frustrating! I graduated with a 3.8 and thought this would never happen to me. It’s been my dream so I haven’t given up yet, but sometimes feel like it. I had all 265 questions yesterday and the last question i believe was below the competency level, so I’m pretty sure I failed again. It’s hard but gotta keep your head up. Anyone have any advice for me? I have done saunders, kaplan, and kaplan complete course online, nothing works!

  32. vmrock2006 Says:

    I have failed 4 times. I am so tired of taking this test. I am so confused about what I should focus on. One time I took it I did just practice questions but felt weak in content areas during the exam. The next time I read Saunders 3rd edition cover to cover. I did better but apparently not good enough. This test is controlling my life. I have no idea which direction to go. I have done Kaplan and had a tutor. So confused…any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  33. Becky Says:

    Thanks for all of the inputs. I also have not had good luck with the N-clex.
    I am taking the Hurst review in hopes that it will help me.
    I have three more available times to take it but, have less than a year to take the test, graduated in 2007.
    I have just got to get it over with and get on with my life….it has been a very big burdon.
    Good luck to anyone else out there that is still working on passing the N-Clex.

  34. Becky Says:

    P.S. feel free to email me.
    [email protected]

  35. Nancy Says:

    I used an RN Pocket Guide I bought on this website http://www.informedguides.com and it helped me. I used it like a cheat sheet and brushed on the basics, then went from there. Good luck!

  36. Yvette Says:

    I failed the first time I took the NCLEX….I got a book that focused on how to take the test not the actual content…it worked…the test shut off at 75 questions and i even though i failed it because i was told that if you get 75 questions you either passed or failed….i passed…antother thing that helped tremendously was that i took one whole day at a hotel suite to fully concentrate on areas i needed more time on, i have 2 kids to the lack of interruptions totally helped!

  37. Brittany Chanel Says:

    I graduated in May 2009. I really recommend the Kaplan Review Course for anyone who is interested. And also, the book that comes along with that class is very helpful and easy to read. I passed the NCLEX the first time at about question 115 or so. Using the “decision tree” and the other tips I got from the class helped me to eliminate the wrong answers first and then make my decision on the write answer. Also I recommend brushing up on the basic’s like lab values, math formula’s, meds, and normal VS’s. I know for me anyway, I would get so bogged down in reading the review book I would find myself overlooking the small things and basic’s. Also don’t forget to take breaks from the studying, don’t over do it you will feel like you fry your brain and smoke will come out of your ears. Study about an hour take a five or ten minute break get a drink or a snack then come back and review in your head what you just studied…if you feel like your having trouble go back and review it one more time and if will help if stick in your brain the next time. Good luck to everyone having difficulty passing the NCLEX…you CAN do it…If you made it through nursing school, you can make it through the NCLEX!

  38. HUNurse Says:

    HEY I FINALLY PASSED MY TEST IN MAY AND NOW I AM A LICENSED RN. THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUGGESTION’S!!!!

  39. JayceeNS Says:

    I am a Nursing student and it is ruff! But making it. I was wondering does anyone have any nclex books they would like to sell? If so email me @ [email protected] thanks

  40. nike soccer Says:

    You know what to expect now so use that to your advantage and relax. Good luck!

  41. nike soccer Says:

    . I’m just not sure what to do next, if there is anyone that has been through this or know anyone.

  42. nike soccer Says:

    Hello, I am a graduate nurse and I just took my NCLEX for the 2nd time yesterday and today I found out that I didnt pass again

  43. mikey digs Says:

    Don’t feel bad, nike soccer. I had graduated from nursing school five years ago with a 3.29 GPA. Failed my NCLEX the first time, and walked away, never taking it again. I mean, that’s how frustrated I was. I was practically burned out after going to nursing school and working part-time for three years. I am still a GN and am thinking about going back to take the NCLEX again.

  44. Lauren Says:

    Yvette, what is the name if that book?

  45. pinaygirl Says:

    Hi,I have taken the nclex 5 times and failed. I did kaplan, hurst,rnquiz.com, etc..I have no idea what to do next. I am so frustrated, but don’t want to give up. If anyone out there has any suggestions please respond.

  46. manilagirl Says:

    Pinaygirl…don’t despair…you will eventually pass the test….are you planning on scheduling it next?…where r u based?

  47. Howdoupass Says:

    I’ve taken this test 3 times and dont ill ever pass. I have study every thing and done hundreds of questions. Please help

  48. Jane Says:

    Take my Nclex didn’t pass.im Try not to get emotional coz I’m pregnant.need advice..

  49. sandy Says:

    Finally…after several failures…this current senior RN ( from a top tier nursing school )
    helped me succeed with ultra-high yield content that ultimately got me through! Email me directly ( subject header “Best of the best…NCLEX-RN tutor help needed…”) using enycity at g mail. GL!

  50. Diane-Kay Kelly Says:

    I took my nclex on jan 6,2016 and failed its my 7th attempt i am very depressed because i have worked so hard for the past 8 years i have done numerous review classes study dozens of books and did review courses i need help.I am determined to pass this test am currently I had to degrade myself doing home health aide but i dont intend to make it a career how can i pass someone please help me.

  51. 3rdattempter Says:

    Im just about to gocus my mind and build myself up about taking this test again and determine to pass. The last two times i took it something terrible in my life happens and it just takes my mind and thinking process else where. Well today it times. i have all my study materials out ready to work toward my goal of getting my RN title. I live in Baltimore area if anyone would love too link up help and motivate each other lnhorton123 at yahoo. Goodluck to everyone

  52. Ifraheem Says:

    Hey guys I m in a truble cause I m going to take my nclex exam 2nd time. When I took the first time exam that was very diffirent. Cause I used caplan online prepare course. But I didn’t pass. Now I m going to take nclex again so please someone help me who has just pass this exam. It will be very helpful for me. And I need to someone tech me about nclex exam please email me for any advise. Cause I don’t know how to prepare this exam. Realy I m very confuse. Cause nclex questions was very different. And I don’t want waste my time. So please someone have good idea give me than u

  53. Ifraheem Says:

    Please email me ……for help …….to pass nclex in 2nd time ……”[email protected]” thank u ….”

Leave a Reply

search realityrn


sign up for weekly cartoons, tips, and blog posts
email
first name
last name

Register to win a pair of RX Medical Silver Fox Crocs


Nursing Jobs