[4evaStudent]

Hello, I am 4evaStudent with a question that hopes to gain positive feedback. My situation in a nut-shell...I graduated from a ADN/RN program 8 years ago. Sat for the NCLEX twice and failed both attempts. I have a passion for the medical field, but I am uncertain what the best course of action for me would be given my above circumstances. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

[TheCommuter]

Welcome!

Perhaps if you posted your question in a busier forum such as the General Nursing Discussion forum, you'd get a whole lot more feedback without having to wait very long. Good luck to you. I included the link below.

www.allnurses.com/forums/f8/

[earle58]

whatever path you choose, yes, you need to take a refresher course.
i just don't think i can honestly respond to your dilemma.
if you are opting to pursue your bsn, as a way of forestalling the nclex, then no, i would not suggest that route.
there are sev'l test-taking courses available, to help you with the nclex.
that and a refresher course, should put you on the right track.

best of everything.

leslie

[txpixiedust]

First you need to check with the Board of Nursing in your state, to see if you would be allowed to take the test. If you are, then I'd find a refresher course and take that. I believe in Nursing school, we were told that you had to pass the test within 4years - and if you didn't you would HAVE to go back to school again. It could be different in your state though, so check it out.

If you go back to school, or take a refresher, etc. I think you should also try to find someone to mentor you - someone who is a Nurse, and would be willing to anwswer questions, explain things you have a hard time with, and ENCOURAGE you!!! If you made it through Nursing school you were prepared to pass the NCLEX. You probably had a great deal of test anxiety - and only took the test 2 times, so you didn't conquer the fear of testing.

If you decide take a refresher & test, or go back to school - I suggest getting the HESI NCLEX study guide! The HESI guide is AWESOME and it has a CD with questions in the back, that are great for practice - as well as giving you a list of areas that you are strong & weak at. Also...the HESI site has a cassette tape with meditation/positive affirmations about passing the NCLEX. I know it sounds hokey -but it was awesome. The lady says lots of things, like "I enjoy learning and studying for the NCLEX", or "I learn things quickly, and my mind works well", or "I am prepared for the NCLEX", or "I look forward to taking the NCLEX and showingwhat I have learned", etc.... One side of the tape is for listening to while you're awake and the other side is for when you're sleeping. Another great suggestion they give, is to take an index card and write your name, RN and then under that the day you take the exam, and then under that PASS! One of my friends in school bought a tape for each of us for Christmas last year - and I listened to it a lot before the HESI exit exam we had for school, and the NCLEX exam.

Good Luck & God Bless!
txpixiedust

[poppy07]

Also, grab a review book and start practicing questions as much as possible! the more you do, the more you will learn and the better you will become at answering. you need to determine if it's the content or the questions that are giving you the hard time, then either focus on difficult areas or learn question-answering techniques.

[Silverdragon102]

Welcome and hope you make a decision to what you want to do and go. If you decided to go back to nursing we have a great NCLEX forum with good tips and support

[Tweety]

Welcome to Allnurses.

Good luck to you! The BON might require you to take a refresher course prior to taking NCLEX again.

Best to contact them.

I'll move your question to the General forum since you have a specific question beyond an Introduction.

Welcome!

[4evaStudent]

Would it make any sense to do an EMT program and advance to Paramedic status and try to continue my education towards a BSN to better prepare me to sit for the NCLEX all at the same time? Or should I just concentrate on school solely? Would going the EMT route be "back-stepping" with the ADN that I already have? Not sure if this is a wise career decision or even realistic. I have a desire to work as a Trauma Nurse eventually and wondered if the skills as a Paramedic would help me with my long term goals. I need a paycheck while going back to school and thought this EMT interest would better prep me with crtical skills than working as a CNA. If anyone has had a similar situation, knows of one and can offer me any suggestions/recommendations I will gladly listen. Thank you so much!

[wayunderpaid]

no EMT school. Study for the NCLEX, take a refresher course, do lots of questions. Concentrate on the task at hand. Good luck
Wayunderpaid