Postpone nclex?

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Im new to allnurses.com so I apologize if Im not posting in the right area...I need some advice. I just graduated nursing school (dec.10) and I have been trying to study as much as possible (going for 100 questions a day) but my dad has cancer and hes been really sick so Ive been up at the hospital all the time (with my laptop and nclex cds) and studying up there too...Also, my fiance of 3years and 8mon and I just broke up..so a lot of stuff is going on...I want more than anything in this world to be a nurse- I am a cancer survivor so I cannot wait to help patients that are going through it...I want it so badly and I put everything I had into nursing school but now Im afraid because of what is happening with my dad and my fiance that I may become distracted. Im having a hard time studying...but at the same time I want to take it and pass it more than anything...Should I postpone it or just try my best to study and go in friday and try it? I believe if I can clear my head I can do it..its just the clearing my head im worried about. Another reason that I want to do it NOW is because my dad wants me to be a nurse so bad and I want to pass it in time for him to KNOW that I passed it. I would hate for something to happen to him first because I know how proud he will be of me when I pass.

Any advice?

Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

It's really up to you. But if it were me, I would take it. If you don't pass then you'll have to retake it, but I am under SO much less stress now that the NCLEX is out of the way. If it's done you'll be able to focus fully on your Dad instead of trying to do NCLEX questions at the same time. You do have a lot going on, but if you wait for the perfect time you may find it never comes. Good luck, whatever you decide. Best wishes to your dad.

Specializes in Psych.

I would encourage you to go on Friday and just DO it. I'll forewarn you that many, if not most, people leave feeling SURE they failed, so be prepared for that (but don't drive yourself crazy longer than necessary - search this site for the Pearsonvue trick, which you can usually do about 2-3 hours posttest).

The WORST that can happen if you don't pass is that you then have to shell out another 200 dollars to re-test.

Personally, I was glad I didn't study any MORE than I did. If you did fairly well throughout your nursing program, you're probably more ready than you realize.

Only you can decide what's right for you though. I wish you the best of luck with the exam and I'm sorry for the tough times you're experiencing right now.

Specializes in PACU.

Just take the test. The worst case scenario is that you fail and have to take it again later, which you'll be doing if you postpone it anyway. Oh, I guess it would cost you an extra $200 if you fail, but you probably won't. Not taking the test is setting yourself up for failure; the sooner you take it the more likely you are to pass.

If you decide you need to postpone it, set a definite, practical date. Then keep that date. Make yourself study each day as you have planned. Since you recognize that you have stressors, give yourself permission to think about your stressors each day for a short, limited time at a specified time. Do not allow yourself to go over that allotted time. I can assure you that if you allow your stressors to take precedence to the detriment of the NCLEX, in two or three months, there will be something else, and then again it will be so easy to get off track. You have to discipline yourself now. Best wishes.

Thanks everybody for the advice..Im going to take tonight off, cry over the break up, and try my hardest to start fresh tomorrow. Theres never going to be a perfect time to take it. I will just take it friday!! And pray! :) thanks

Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

You can do it! Hang in there.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of states give you a time limit in which to take the boards after you get your ATT. For example, in my state, I needed to take the NCLEX within 6 months of getting my ATT date. So if you do decide to postpone the test, check with your state BON to see how long you have--and to be safe, check for that info BEFORE you reschedule anything.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I graduated in May and haven't taken the nclex yet. I keep pushing the date back. I went through losing everything in a house fire back in April. I took the summer off to try to get things back in order (as much as I could). I studied on and off during that time. I also have children so I was more off than on. The reason I didn't take it was because I wasn't ready. Plain and simple. My mind just wasn't in the right place. I have been studying now and will test in Feb. To me it really isn't a big deal. Life sometimes takes you on a different path for a bit. It happens. I wish you the best. If you take it and fail, it's just another $200. I didn't want to lose my confidence and have been working as a lpn for the past year. I feel my skills and knowledge are sharp as ever. Only you can make this decision. We'll be here to support you in whatever you decide :D

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

When I took the HURST Review they said that if anything was going on in your life stressful or upsetting during the NCLEX to reschedule. She even joked to reschedule if you are PMSing. Her reason? Because it is even harder to pass such a hard test under additional stress and if you do not pass it messes with your confidence.

Thanks again everybody. Im determined to take it tomorrow. My nerves are getting better. I got a casting crowns cd with a lot of upbeat happy songs to get me in a better mood. Im excited (and still a little bit nervous obviously!) about Nclex and about being a nurse. I hope I can post soon that I passed!!! :) Thanks guys,

Its nice to know theres always someone on here to listen, chat, or give advice!!

Beverly

Specializes in BMT, Hematology and Oncology.

GOOD LUCK!! Keep us updated!!

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