u/Cherry_cheek

I want to share my experience having failed the nclex the first time for people who are in the same position or have to take it multiple times. Failure on this test has nothing to do with your intelligence or ability, you just have to master the art of taking this test. I know how discouraging and disheartening it feels but don’t give up and keep practicing- the more questions you do the better- you’re gonna pass this!

A little background, I took the nclex first time in April and failed in 85 questions. It was devastating and I felt like I couldnt trust my instincts.

Going into my second attempt, I switched from uworld to bootcamp and I liked it much better. I used simplenursing and dr. Sharon videos for concepts that didn’t stick. Despite all my studying, going into the test I didn’t feel confident, (failure will do that to you!) but I took it SLOW, rereading questions and really grappling with each answer.

Here are tips from what I can remember of my test:

It felt like most of my exam questions were sata and I only selected answers I was 100% certain on. So, most of my sata questions I’d only have 1 answer MAYBE 2 and it felt wrong- I’d always have a feeling there was another correct option but it’s not worth the risk! On this test it’s safer to get 1 point with certainty than risk any points off!

The prioritization questions were not straightforward! Yes it’s always ABCs but i got tricky scenarios that were confusing like airway issues that came second to circulation issues- I recommend dr Sharon prioritization video series for practice with these.

I know everyone says this but at the end of the day it’s a safety test! I really tried to internalize this for my second attempt, so just simple critical care info knowing baseline what would kill a patient, critical ecg rhythms, when to initiate chest compressions, this all came up.

I wish i could remember my test better and be more helpful. I want to encourage multiple time test takers, you can pass this. Don’t give up, you’ve got this!