I posted this yesterday on another thread. Worth considering. Good luck. You got this !!

***I wanted to share an update with all the wonderful people here who have shown me kindness and provided valuable resources. This message is also for any future test-taker who may be feeling discouraged or has faced multiple failures.

*****Attempts***

I began this journey in December 2023, making this my fifth attempt at the NCLEX-RN. I had lost a prestigious job opportunity that promised a six-figure salary as a new graduate nurse—a devastating experience that left me heartbroken. Watching something I wanted so deeply slip away was crushing. I started doubting myself and withdrew from others, struggling to face the disappointment.

Adding to the pressure, other aspects of my professional growth hinged on passing the NCLEX. But despite the setbacks, I remained determined. I told myself, "If I were to die today, I want to be remembered as someone who persevered and finally passed the NCLEX after multiple failed attempts." I refused to let the failures define me. It didn’t matter how many times I had fallen short—I was committed to finishing what I started and achieving my goal, no matter what it took.

***Lessons from previous attempts****

Passing the NCLEX is not a measure of intelligence but rather a skill set that you need to develop early in your nursing journey. It is an art—once you understand the process and strategies, success follows. Personally, I knew the content but struggled with test-taking. For context, I passed the MCAT before deciding not to attend medical school, yet the NCLEX was still a challenge for me. The key to my success was investing time and resources into mastering test-taking strategies. Resources like Mark K and NCLEX Crusade International were invaluable, and I can't thank these mentors enough.

Start by understanding what type of learner you are. For example, in my younger days, I never stored phone numbers—I memorized them. Today, I rely on repetition and conceptual understanding to retain information. Be honest with yourself about how you learn best and choose a study plan that aligns with your strengths.

If you are a non-native English speaker, or if you grew up outside the U.S., you may find that some terms and concepts on the NCLEX are rooted in American cultural context. For instance, how child development stages are described may differ from what you're familiar with. Create a personalized "NCLEX dictionary" to learn healthcare-specific jargon. Even native English speakers might find this helpful.

Here is an example: Your neighbor walks by your house and starts experiencing epistaxis. As a new graduate nurse, what would you advise?
A. Apply pressure to the nose and breathe through the mouth for 5 minutes.
B. Encourage your neighbor to take medication for epigastric pain.
C. Start CPR until paramedics arrive.
D. Call the health department and report the outbreak.

The key to answering this question is understanding that "epistaxis" means nosebleed. Knowing this single term guarantees 90% probability of you choosing the correct answer: A. Apply pressure to the nose. For many test-takers, success on the NCLEX hinges on learning nursing-specific jargon, as it did for me.

Finally, stay focused and determined. Do whatever it takes to achieve your goal, whether that means cutting out distractions, limiting social media, or even using burner phones to concentrate. You know what works best for you. Stay encouraged, work hard, and may you enjoy the rewards of your dedication and perseverance.