Never give up on the NCLEX-RN!!

Many times I've visited this site reading the discussions about the NCLEX-RN. Looking for some hope and encouragement reading experiences people have had about this dreaded test. Unfortunately I took the test three times. I definitely had discouraging times as I had all 265 questions the first two times I failed. I felt like I let my family down who had been so supportive during nursing school, even though they remained supportive during this trying time as well. Knowing that I was close to passing both times seemed to add to the frustration. Not that I knew everything because I obviously don't, but it seemed I didn't know what else to study. So much material but to be tested over only a certain amount. I did as many questions as possible, whenever possible. I did so much thinking during this time, evaluating everything I did to prepare. Maybe I was stubborn but I kept telling myself 'you know this, just figure out a way to get it done.' I came to the conclusion that maybe it was my nerves and being impatient during the test trying to just get through it which obviously affected my critical thinking. The third time I took it I made a commitment to myself to take my time and be disciplined with each question. I think I said a prayer between each question as well, ha, which calmed me. I also wrote out the verse from Philippians 4:13 on the erasable sheet they provide for you as a reminder. The feeling I had when the test shut off at 83 questions was definitely one that I still feel a week later. A couple of days later I found out that I passed and was a RN finally! I share this not to brag, but to hopefully encourage someone like me who may be struggling with this test. Know this, that you deserve to be in that chair taking this exam, you graduated nursing school, you worked hard to be in this position, own it and be confident in what you know...I strongly believe that's what it comes down to...have confidence on your last step to becoming an RN!!