Hi there!
It feels good to be back. I had decided to take a month away from writing so I could bring in other topics to discuss along with giving my brain a bit of a resting period (kinda).
As some of you know if you have read my bio, I recently graduated from nursing school. Once you graduate you are required to take your state boards exam for whatever state you currently reside in. On July 16, 2019 I took my NCLEX for the first time and FAILED! My test went all the way to 265 questions and it took me the entire 6 hours to complete.
The resources I used to study prior to my testing date was Uworld. I completed almost the entire test bank with about 500 questions remaining. Instead of breaking down the material by system, I decided to tackle it at “random” because the reality of it is that you will not get your exam by “category” when you are testing.
Once my results came in which took about 4 weeks, it categorized my exam for me and it rates you as “Above, Near, or Below passing standard”. All of my categories (which are 7 I believe), rated me at “near passing standard”.
Feeling defeated as I worked so hard and to know that I was so close, made things harder for me to process. If you have failed your NCLEX you are required to have a waiting period of 45 days prior to being able to test again. Nevertheless, I persisted. I waited my 45 days, submitted my application to the Texas Board of Nursing and Pearson Vue NCLEX-RN.
This time around, I used 4 resources to make sure that I was getting enough information as possible. I recognized my weak points and decided to tackle those first. Using Uworld, Hurst, Kaplan, and Mark Klimek audios. Personally, I felt that I was strong in my area of content, so I scheduled the following testing date- October 5th.
Testing date came again, I scheduled at a different testing center along with a much earlier time than my prior attempt. I went all the way to 265 and almost ran out of time this go around! In disbelief, especially with how confident I felt with the first 75 questions of the bank. As many of you already know, so I won’t go into details, the NCLEX is CAT based, therefore, it will shut off once it has been able to gauge where you stand in your knowledge base.
I waited for about an hour after leaving the testing center and decided to do the Pearson Vue Trick. I got the BAD POP-UP! Feeling hurt and frustrated, I waited the 48 hours and got my “unofficial results” that indeed I FAILED. Trying to comprehend what had occurred I had to learn to gather my thoughts and create and list to assess what I had done on my first attempt, what I did this attempt, & where I was lacking…
FIRST ATTEMPT:
- I used Uworld as a study guide as I had heard many good things about it.
- I studied for about 3 weeks prior to taking the NCLEX-RN
- Just recently had given birth to my Alice, so she was almost 3 months, when I tested. And if there are any moms out there, she was NOT on a sleeping schedule.
- I only slept 2 hours the day before my exam & I scheduled for 2pm.
- I did not eat prior to going into the testing center.
- I studied hardcore trying to retain any last bit of info that I could.
Overall with my first attempt, I felt that I should have studied a bit longer, ACTUALLY slept and had something to eat before going into the testing center.
SECOND ATTEMPT:
- Used 4 resources (Kaplan, Uworld, Hurst, Mark Klimek)
- I completed the entire Hurst book & took notes on all 4 resources combining them into 1 book.
- I SLEPT!
- Had a light breakfast before going into the center along with my normal coffee routine.
- I felt confident & my anxiety was not through the roof as my prior attempt.
So why did I fail the second time around although I felt so much more prepared?
After getting home and having a conversation with Scott (my husband), we were able to boil it down to my misunderstanding of the comprehension of the questions. I’m unable to understand what the question is asking OF me & did not apply different strategies to breakdown the questions. IF any of you are struggling with understanding the questions, I recommend you hop on YouTube and search for “Nclex style strategy questions” to strengthen that foundation of ABC’s, first & priority, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory.
Although I am saddened that YET AGAIN, I must wait 45 days to re-take my NCLEX, I’m looking forward to tackling some questions and strengthening my skills.
Always remember, just because you were unable to pass your NCLEX on the first attempt does not mean you will not be a GREAT nurse! I’ve shadowed nurses that have failed the NCLEX 6 TIMES before getting licensed! Our time will come. Make sure you are always looking at ways to improve your craft & don’t be afraid to ask for help with he areas you need improvement on.
Best of wishes to all of you, until NEXT time!