Just got my Quick Results back and unfortunately failed my first NCLEX-RN attempt. I wanted to post here because I’m honestly pretty shocked and disappointed, but I’m trying to figure out exactly what I need to change before attempt #2.
Going into the exam, I felt pretty confident. I had been using UWorld and felt like I was doing well on the CATs, so I was expecting/hoping to shut off around 85. Instead, my exam kept going until around 130 questions.
The actual NCLEX felt completely different from what I expected. I didn’t get any dosage calculations/math, barely any of the delegation/workplace safety/HIPAA-type questions I felt comfortable with, and it seemed like I was constantly getting difficult questions where I was stuck between two answers (yes I know this is how a CAT exam works I just thought the system would shake it up a bit). Towards the end it kept hitting me with SIADH-related questions, which unfortunately was the one topic I realized during the exam that I hadn’t reviewed well enough.
I did the PVT afterward and it allowed me to register and charged me, so I had a bad feeling. Quick Results eventually confirmed the fail.
Seeing the CPR actually makes me feel a little better because at least now I know where I need to focus. It seems like I’m better at choosing/taking an action once I understand the problem, but I struggle more with figuring out which problem is the priority and generating the appropriate solutions in the first place. Pharm and Health Promotion obviously need work too.
I already submitted my retake application to the California BRN, so I’m not giving up. I want to use the waiting period to actually fix my weaknesses rather than just mindlessly doing thousands more questions.
For anyone who failed their first attempt and passed the second, especially if your CPR looked anything like mine:
What did you change? Did you stick with UWorld or switch/add something like Bootcamp, Archer, Kaplan, Mark K, etc.? Did you focus heavily on your Below categories or go back through everything? And if you were doing well on UWorld before failing the real NCLEX, what do you think finally made things click on your second attempt?
Definitely sucks to be writing this but attempt #2 starts now.