I found out this morning that I failed the NCLEX for the third time. I am completely and totally devastated. I cannot put into words what I feel right now. I left out the testing center yesterday feeling I had finally did it. I am so heart broken right now I just don't know if I can pick myself up to do it again. I have a serious test anxiety problem and I truly feel it is making me where I cannot pass this test. I do good when I take test at home but put me in that room to take that test on the computer and I will clam up in a minute. I hate this!!! I feel like every ounce of pride I have is gone. Knowing that I have to go into work tomorrow to tell them that once again I didn't do it is killing me!!!! I guess I have reached an all time low so to speak!!
Well enough of my pitty party. I promised everyone I would let you know what happened. Please everyone just pray for me.
Crystal
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I too have failed 3 times, but I KNOW I am able to beat this dumb test. I will be taking my test again at the end of this month. I have resorted to anxiety meds in order to calm myself. PLEASE don't get down on yourself, it will only make it harder for you to build up again. Remember, you can do this!! You finished school and now you just have to finish this test. WE CAN DO THIS CRYSTAL!!! I also have resorted to a private tutor, which has helped me a great deal. I am assigned 300 questions every other day to do and by gosh I can get them done. Never thought that would be possible, but I am sitting here right now finishing them and noticing what a difference in correct answers I am getting.
Again, don't give up!! You can do this.
How many questions did you get?
Good luck, keep your chin up and smile.
N
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I had 265 questions every time! Thanks for the advice. I am going to go this week and talk to someone about medications I could possibly take to keep me calm. I hate taking any type of medication but I will do whatever it takes now. If you don't mind me asking you what kind of medication did you go on for anxiety. I have taken Zoloft in the past but it never really helped me that much. Just curious. I know I need to pick myself up but it is just really hard this time that's all. I admire you and wish you all the luck in the world. Thanks for replying to my message and take care.
Crystal
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I do not share this too often but test anxiety truely is a problem. On my third attempt at the nclex, I went to the doctor and got Xanex.
From personal experience, tell the doctor what your problem is and that you only need a small script. Then take the medication ahead of time to see how you respond to it. You do not want to be knocked out from this medication, just calm.
Do not take it on a regular basis but for its intended purpose. Look the medicine up to see how fast it is absorbed in the body and what its half life is so that you will know when to take it for your exam.
I must caution you, if you plan on taking this route, stay overnight in a hotel near the test site or have someone else drive. Remember, calm! Not tired. So don;t be tempted to take 10 mg instead of 5mg! Or whatever your doctor prescribed.
The first time I took the nclex .... [75 q. perhaps I did not know my material?]
The second time I took the nclex .... [ 265 q. I studied my butt off]
The third time I took the nclex .... [192 q and I sat near someone who was reading her questions outloud and that did not bother me. I took the prescribed med and practice relaxing under a physicians care .... I passed!
Have you thought about getting my relaxation CD? Here is a list of websites that may help you. Remember, it is effort on your part too, not just a "magic pill".
I want to let you know that you are in good company, as there are so many others that have attempted NCLEX a number of times and have not been successful. Please be sure and do positive things to address your text-anxiety. I strongly urge you to see your health care provider to discuss the test-anxiety and under their direction, take measures to reduce this.
As others have indicated medication can be either a blessing or a curse. I support the suggestion that you work on relaxation/meditation as a stress reduction techniqe. Be aware it takes some time for these techniques to be effective and you have to practice them faithfully, under NCLEX-RN test conditions once you have mastered the techniques. This is the only way to be sure they will work when you are actually taking the NCLEX.
Consider, also obtaining some independent assessment of your NCLEX preparedness. By that I mean it may be worth investing some money in taking an assessment test of your knowledge and NCLEX readiness. From my experience as an NCLEX coach/tutor it is usually a combination of factors that contribute to multiple NCLEX failures (test-anxiety, knowlege gaps, faulty test-taking techniques, reading comprehension issues, undiagnosed learning disabilities, mild ADHD,etc.).
You need to identify both knowledge gaps and problems with your test-taking strategies. Following this you need to identify a plan that works for you. The most important part of the plan is to surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you along the way. It is true if you have made it through nursing school, you can do anything!
If you've primarily studied for NCLEX by "working" questions you may want to consider revising your plan as you need more than just this method. Some suggestions for this would be to purchase and complete the workbooks that accompany the major nursing texts for pharmacology and med-surg. A strong base in both of these areas will contribute significantly to your potential for NCLEX success. The most important part of this approach is to concentrate on the critical thinking/case study sections of the workbooks or the texts. In these practice situations you apply the major concepts from which the NCLEX questions are written.
If you've been studying alone I would suggest finding a study partner, they don't have to be an expert. The most important criteria for your study partner would be that they believe in you and will help you as you study the material and work through the study questions.
Best of luck to you in your efforts.
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Thanks for your response. I was diagnosed with ADD & testing anxiety before my last attempt at the boards. I had been taking medication for the ADD but nothing for the anxiety issue. I enjoyed reading your email and your helpful advice and will take it to heart. I know I can pass this test I just need a little help that's all. I have a VERY supportive family and plenty willing to help I just need to ask for it. I have ALWAYS been a very independent person and have always tried to figure out how to do things on my own...........but I think I need help with this!!! Anyway thank you again for your advice and please keep in touch!! Look forward to hearing from you.
Crystal
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A good way to locate a private tutor for NCLEX is to contact nursing programs in your area. Many colleges/nursing programs have tutors on staff, or have nursing faculty, graduates, etc. that provide this service.
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Dear Crystal,
I am so sad to hear your news. Keep your head up. Once you face everyone at work, it won't be so bad. Actually, I feel you will feel relief after that step is over with. You can do it. Remember this, because I always have to remember myself too, that we have graduated from nursing school. That alone is a major accomplishment. We have to remember how far we have come. All we need to do now is beat nclex. Beat NCLEX. We will do it, Crystal. We will.
About medication. I took ativan the 2nd time around, and i will not be taking it again. I went to my doctor and he recommended it and i tried it before taking nclex. well, i took 0.25 mg and felt that it did'nt work, so on my first break during nclex i took another 0.50mg. I was falling asleep at the computer. I can't even remember my questions. I got 75. The first time I took Nclex I ran out of time. I answered apx 190 questions in 5hours. I was near passing on all, but the second time I had a few below passing. Yuk! I had so much anxiety that i thought taking more would help. it did not. i tried it only once before taking nclex. big mistake. be careful and try whatever med you feel may help you more than once before the test and leave the med at home on nclex day. i took mine with me. oops. I read anneliese respone about xanax and i might talk to my doctor again. also, i took advantage of her special on ebay. Her CD for only $12. I can't wait to get it.
I am praying for you Crystal. Hang in there.
keep me posted
I still have not scheduled my exam. I still have to send my payment.
I am hoping my husband gets a job this week. I have my income, but it's all going towards bills.
God Bless YOU!!!
Take Care!!!
Waiting to hear from you soon in good spirits!!!!!!
Maryrose
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Well I must say today was one of the hardest days I have ever had. Walking back into the hospital knowing in my heart what I knew just about killed me....but I did it. Some where supportive and some didn't care. It was truly hard but I am glad I didn't spend another day at home having a pitty party. My life since graduation in May has been nothing but this test. I don't understand why I am having such a difficult time....I know God knows I just wish I did. One thing I know is their is NOTHING more humbling in the world than failure that I know. I know this is going to make me a stronger person and a better nurse I just wish it didn't hurt so bad!!!!! I plan to send my paperwork off tomorrow to retest. I figured I should be able to retest by the end of December or the first of January. Between now and then I have GOT to learn to RELAX and create a less stressful environment for myself, start telling people NO if I cannot do something and start taking some time for myself. I NEVER........EVER do anything for myself always everyone else!! I know I can get thru this I just wish someone could tell my heart that right now! It just hurts that's all. A friend of mine invited me to go with her Saturday night to an art showing.......I got ready to turn her down because their is ALWAYS something to do with the house, kids etc. BUT I said to myself "you know what Crystal just go take some time for yourself" so I told her I would go. I am looking forward to dressing up and getting away if only for a few hours.
I want you to know Maryrose I wish you all the luck in the world when you go and retest! I know you can do it!! Please keep in touch and let me know your good news!! Look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care,
Crystal
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Crystal,
I am so sorry about your test. Remember I took it five times. I recommend the Kaplan course. I passed after I took it. You can do it. It is really hard. I had the anxiety. I took the course and that focused on how to answer the questions. Not content. Maybe that is what you need. You know the content but it is hard to answer what they want. I know it hurts, I know it sucks. I will pray for you. If anyone knows how it feels I do. You are paying so much for the test anyway, you might as well take a review. Have you taken a review coarse yet? or did you take Kaplan already? Hang in there.
Shaunda
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Crystal,
I'm jane a filipina nurse just came here last january.I dont know whats wrong with me.I failed several times up to now I dont know God's plan for me.I left my family in the philippines hoping that I can give them better future,but all of the GNI whom I'm working with already passed the boards and Im the only one left behind.Everytime on the floor I can see in their eyes asking:What's wrong with her?
I want to disappear...Im tired too.But Im keeping my faith that I can do it for my family.
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Crystal,
Hi my name is Billie, I took my RN boards in August and failed, I did not study the first time and thought I would be okay, well I was not and I was devastated and I know how it feels to have to tell everyone at work that you did not pass (horrible feeling). I just took my boards again November 15 and I passed thank God. I want to tell you how I studied; practice questions you can not do enough of practice questions, get a CD for your computer and do as many as you possibly can. Then go through your Med-Surg books page by page, don't read everything just skim. Be sure you study a little on all diseases ie. Addison's Myasthenia Gravis MS Cushings, just have a overall understanding of all diseases nothing to intense. Remember practice questions are key, I know that is what helped me I probably did over 1500 practice questions. Keep your head and spirits high, I know your probably saying, easy for you to say but I know a little about how you are feeling. You can pass this test you made it through Nursing School so you can pass this test just have faith and be determined you can and you will do it don't give up!!! I will pray for you. How long until you can take your test again and how may questions did you get this last time? Write soon BJ
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I know just how you feel. I just failed my for the 3rd time in the end of October. I dont want to go on! I feel like such a looser! I traveled 2 hours to a private tutor which hopefully helps. My job has dropped me down to a tech positon anda $6.00 pay cut and with 2 kids that's hard. I am 35 and I have wanted to be nurse since 16. I wish you the best and let me know how it goes.
Michele
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