Can't Pass NCLEX, So What Jobs Can I Get With My Nursing Degree?

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I'm not going to look for help or encouragement like I did the last time because the folks on here made me feel less than cricket dung. I've been out of school for a while now and I've failed my boards at a record number. So what can I do with my nursing degree? Are there any good jobs that hire folks with a college degree? I really want to get as far away from nursing because it makes me depressed, angry, and all things bad. There's no way in hell I can be a tech my whole life, especially being a former AP student and graduating with freaking honors. If I had known my life was going to turn out like this, I'd just have fun and get average grades with everybody else. But somebody please give me some sound advice. And going back to school is out of the question! I'm 31 and going to school has done nothing for me but give me a lot of plaques and $40,000 worth of student loans that'll follow me to my grave.

Unfortunately you cannot practice as a RN if you're not licensed. You can consider trying again although i do not know how many times you took the test. I say, anything above 3 failed attempts requires a remediation course and 6 failed attempts is the end of the line. You can consider practicing outside the country, if you truly feel you can't pass it. Seek help and guidance from others.

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I had a friend pass after her 8th time and today she is a RN, PhD....She is a great Nurse, professor and inspiration to all. NEVER give up. But do get focus and seek out tutors, remediation, etc. You can and will Pass.

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I had a friend pass after her 8th time and today she is a RN, PhD....She is a great Nurse, professor and inspiration to all. NEVER give up. But do get focus and seek out tutors, remediation, etc. You can and will Pass.
Thank you Steven for this post. It is a reminder that the race is not for the swift nor the battle to the strong, but to those that endure to the end.
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Hi Schizoh,

i didn't pass the first attempt. I want to re-write the nclex. Pls, What materials did you use during your preparation?

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

If you don't pass take a review course. You need practice in how to take the test.

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Considering that I read all of the comments and didn't find that anyone actually answered your question, it's a little discouraging. Everyone just said keep trying. I personally was searching for the answer to your question too. Except I finally decided that it wasn't my passion anymore. And now I'm stuck with $40,000 in debt to a degree I can't find a use for other than the healthcare field. So if someone could answer our question "What jobs can I get that isn't nursing or tech related?" it would be well appreciated. :)

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I would also like to know the answer to this question. What other options do you have if you cannot get past this test? Also anyone recommend options for really how to take this test? Just frustrated as I know the material but cannot get past this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I would also like to know the answer to this question. What other options do you have if you cannot get past this test? Also anyone recommend options for really how to take this test? Just frustrated as I know the material but cannot get past this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kaplan is known for teaching test taking strategies. Work with no license? Any job that does not require a nursing license??

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That's not right that individuals on this website made you feel that way.

You could be a scribe, I know a few friends of mine went into that job title since they didn't want to take boards.

I am sorry you've had difficulty passing boards.

I will say that I didn't pass the first time either. Can I ask how many times you've taken boards?

A lot of people may suggest other NCLEX review materials, but given that I didn't pass the first time or the second. [Yes it took me 3 times] and I'm a GREAT RN. And I am planning on going for my NP. That doesn't have any affect on you as a nurse. AT ALL.

I would suggest HURST.

Hurst Review

Previously, I used Kaplan, Lipincott's, Davis's, etc. NONE of them helped me.

HURST did.

Just a suggestion...

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See my response below

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I 110% understand how you feel. If anyone could help me, I'd appreciate it!!!

I've been out of school well over 5 years with my Bachelors and still have NOT passed. I've done everything I could think of: cut my hours down at work, moved back in with my parents since I do NOT enough money to live on my own and pay my bills (mind you I'm in my damn 30s-could I feel more like a loser??!!?!?!?), went back to my college for help, did Kaplan multiple times, bought so many Nclex review books....I mean this whole ordeal has completely ruined things for me in my life, my life has stalled....or maybe even went backwards. Nobody takes me serious. Can't find a decent/better job. I go to interviews and I feel them laughing at me on the inside when they see I have my Bachelors of Science in Nursing, but do not have the 'RN' since I still have not yet passed the damn Nclex.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!! What else am I suppose to do? My life is passing me by and I'm spending what's 'suppose' to be some of the best years of my life completely miserable, depressed, sad, insecure, high anxiety....you name it.

I can't even imagine being happy in life anymore. I have legit tried so hard with this and it is just NOT happening. How do you even think positive after years and years of failing?!?!?

Again, please help! Feel free to reach out to me!!!! Anyone!!!!

Jessica

(414) 322-8892

[email protected]

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

JL80, I highly recommend you remove your phone and email from your post. You never know who may stumble across that info and use it against you.

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