Didn't Pass NCLEX - Where can I work to get hospital experience?

Published Dec 3, 2015

Career Columnist / Author

145 Articles; 3,547 Posts

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Hi Nurse Beth,

I graduated BSN on 2007 in the Philippines. I have earned my RN license there as well. Now that I'm in Houston I have taken the NCLEX-RN exam but I did not pass it. Now, I don't know what type of hospital job I can apply for that can give me hospital experience. I don't have any previous hospital experience here in the US but I have worked for an Assisted Living Facility.

Dear Did not Pass NCLEX,

The kind of hospital jobs you can apply for without a license are non-licensed jobs. A Certified Nursing Assistant is certified (not licensed) by the state of Texas. You will have to check with the

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, to see if you are eligible to take the certification exam without taking the training. It's very possible since you have completed nurses' training.

You could look into work at a Rehab facility, or at a long term acute, if there is one in your area.

Regarding your NCLEX, try again. Many nurses have taken the test more than once before they passed.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth