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Failed the NCLEX? Four Strategies That Will Put You Back on Track
Megan Malugani / Monster Contributing Writer
You’ve completed your nursing education but didn’t pass the test that signifies you’re ready to become a full-fledged nurse: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). How do you bounce back after failing? Nurses who’ve been there, as well as experts, say it takes inspiration, dedication and diligence.
“Don’t give up,” advises Cheryl, a South Carolina RN who passed the NCLEX-RN in June 2005 on her second try. “You persisted until you graduated from nursing school, and you will also have to persist and apply yourself until you pass the state boards.”
These tips will help you bounce back and recharge for your next try at the NCLEX:
Realize You’re Not Alone
“It’s not necessarily something nurses talk about, but you might be surprised by how many people have failed [the NCLEX] once or even twice and gotten their careers on track anyway,” says Donna Cardillo, RN, a Sea Girt, New Jersey-based career coach and author of Your First Year as a Nurse. In fact, about 14.5 percent of US-educated and 48 percent of internationally educated RN candidates failed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt in 2007, according to statistics from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Also in 2007, about 12 percent of US-educated and 51 percent of internationally educated LPN/LVN candidates failed the NCLEX-PN on their first try.
Analyze Your Failure
Would You Pass the NCLEX?
Figuring out where you went wrong can help you avoid similar mistakes next time. Cheryl knew she was failing while at the computer taking the exam. “My stomach was in knots,” she says. “I was miserable when I left.”
Cheryl immediately recognized the cause of her difficulties: Because she had taken several years to complete her RN education while working as an LPN, she had learned some of the concepts she was expected to know long ago, and she didn’t use them in her everyday practice.
Other reasons new graduates fail the NCLEX the first time include illness, lack of sleep, a family crisis, disorganized post-graduation study or being distracted in the test setting, according to Patricia S. Yoder-Wise, RN, EdD, a professor in the School of Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
SAM1974
about 5 hours ago
2 comments
Anyone who would love to share with me ,bouncing back from failing twice, please let me know
reversenayr
2 months ago
50 comments
i passed the NCLEX EXAM. its so chicken. well, study hard,be dedicated and pray. that's the secret. adding to that is KAPLAN and saunders review materials.
dhaynes
2 months ago
4 comments
Hello everyone I need help. I've taken the n-clex exam 4 times. I've just finish with my Master's Degree in Health Service Administration. I want to try again for my nursing test can anyone suggest what is the best n-clex reveiw to take out there. I've been out school for 5 years so I need a refresher course.
nursegreen
2 months ago
2 comments
I took my nclex 2 weeks ago, and i didn't pass. I got all of the questions. 265.. I felt so horrible!! and I still feel horrible.. all of my friends are passing, that makes it even worse for me, and my emotions and my self esteem. am wondering what books should i use, I don't have money for Kaplan, so does any one can recommend any books, or ideas, currently I'm studying from the incredible easy book!! anybody with ideas, and advice?
annsabijonermac
3 months ago
4 comments
I want to take the NCLEX Examinations. I am residing in the Philippines. The problem is there are lots of Filipina nurses who passed the NCLEX and yet they have not gone there in the US for good. Should I give myself a try even with this circumstance?
felicia43
3 months ago
2 comments
That is so me, i didn't pass 1st time 2nd and missed the third time because a family emergenacey then i gave up total and nursing is what i love to do. I have been looking for a refesher course can't find one for LVN.
tjohnson01
4 months ago
2 comments
Please dont let this detour you from your ultimate goal in becoming a nurse I can sympathize with you because I failed it twice and it has taken me 11 years to get up the strength to go back dont wait to long or let depression keep you down I use to be very embarrassed to tell people close to me and classmate I didnt pass my nclex exam and when I would go to a medical facility or hospital I would cry within because I would re-think about how I just gave up on myself it may seem like its impossible but I am a true believer in God and his wisdom but still I didnt pass my exam the 2nd time now 11 years later I am trying to go back and finish wihat I started the goal is not to think and dwell in our pity but to keep pushing ourselves to our ultimate goals in life never give up on your dreams if you dont succeed the 1st, 2nd or may 3rd time keep trying I know someone who took the test 6 times believe it or not she a LPN recently today after 5years ago because she never gave up. You can do this!
cds860
4 months ago
2 comments
I am deeply troubled right now...I have not yet received my letter from the boards as to whether I have passed or have not passed my NCLEX, though I am quite certain that I have not. I am certain because several of my classmates have received RN status at the BRN website and I have yet to, though I took my NCLEX before many of them. I have been unable to sleep for the last week and a half and find myself lying in a stupor most days and cry several times a day for no reason. I've become depressed because I know I've failed and failure is something that has never been a part of my life. I know I'm suppose to stay positive and jump back up onto that horse and ride full throttle to pass the second time, but I have not been unable to shake it off. I need to talk to people that have been in this position, I need some support. My family has tried so hard to stand by me during this time, but they can only do so much, as they have never been in this position.
please
6 months ago
4 comments
ok i,m trying to get my lic i know i need to pass the nclex but should i do lnp frist or go stright to rn i have,nt been to any school but i,m trying if anyone can help pls do..
Valestina
7 months ago
2 comments
I have taken the nclex 3 times, I be so nervous and can't think, watching the time clock, hands sweating. So now I feel that nursing may not be my field.I love taking care of the sick. My friends are always calling me asking medical questions and I know what to do. Wander can you take the nclex written. I'm in Richmond, Va. Some one please help me !
swipper
7 months ago
4 comments
Please help me. I graduated in 1993 from LPN School and can't pass the boards. Now it is 2009 and I still haven't pass. What should I do give up at this point or keep going for my dream.
annapurnaswamy
7 months ago
6 comments
I failed n-clex because my husband was suffering from hemolysis and I failed because of lack of concentration on studies.Now I am interested to appear for the examination but I do not have money is there any sponsor available, I am an Indian,52 years woman???????????????
reversenayr
7 months ago
50 comments
I just recently passed the NCLEX-RN exam. i am a phillipine educated nurse and the exam is very easy. the computer stoped at 120 items. saunders review and kaplan is the best book i can recomend. does anyone of you can help me find job in your hospital?
theoposc
7 months ago
2 comments
can you guide me which review school I could go?
dhaynes
8 months ago
4 comments
Well I've taken the n-clex rn exam 5 times. I finish nursing school sense 2004 and I'm still trying to pass this test. The last time I took it was November of last year. I'm praying that one day God will grant me the passing of this test.