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

Nurses Career Support

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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.

I'm sorry that people are discouraging. I think it depends on your experience and what state you live in. I have not passed my exam and I've been out of school for a while myself. I have worked as a CNA and an MA. I do plan to take the test gain this year. Hope things turn up for you.

if you didnt pass the boards yet. it means you didnt do your best. coz if you did. then you'll get it. i also failed the exam for the first time and didnt give up. but i was lazy for few months thinking if its really meant for me. then i started reviewing again by myself i took time before taking the boards again. and last march i passed. well im just saying that you have the chance on passing might aswell try to figure out what is wrong. if you want to share your study habits tell us here. we might give some pointers base on experienced. if you wont try again thats the time your accepting failure as your choice. go back to your path and try to focus more.

Specializes in Surgery.

I can't imagine how depressing that must be for you. :( Someone who went to my school and graduated in 2008 and took the NCLEX every time she was able to and just finally passed at the end of 2011. And she found a job right away while I'm still looking! I don't know what kind of personality you have, but some people get into pharmaceutical sales. Some large corporations have employee wellness programs and hire people with nursing degrees. I wish you the best of luck.

Hi there! I was just thinking about your previous thread the other day and wondered how you did on the exam. I'm sorry that you didn't pass. I took the exam last Tuesday for the 3rd time and found out I failed last Saturday. As soon as 45 days is up, I will take it again. =) Don't be discouraged. It doesn't matter how many times you have failed. Don't give up. You can do it!! =)

I'm sorry so many were so disparaging but I hope you don't give up. Anyway, I could imagine if you go into healthcare with your experience your BSN (if that's what you have) would be very valuable.

Never! Give up... You made it through nursing school you will pass this test. This test is not a measure of your intelligence. Trust me just do your part again and leave it in Gods hands. You will pass ...Life has its trials and tribulations but at the end of the day things always work out. I honestly do not believe God will put you through nursing school and then leave you out there with nothing. Please please do not give up! For those discouraging others you maybe on cloud 9 for passing this test but just remember you may have your own trials in the future it could be work it could be anything. Life is not centered around passing this test so lets encourage one another. God is faithful...

Make sure you love what you're doing. My friend failed the local boards back home twice already and i think if she failed one more time, she's not gonna be allowed to take the exam again. but i believe in her because i know she really wants to be a nurse. Nursing can be a rewarding job, but needs a lot of dedication. :)

I'm in a similar situation. I graduated back in 2006, failed 5 times and tried to forget about it for awhile. This year I told myself I'll give it another try because I dont want my education to go to waste. I know nursing is for me and that I can't give up. I'm scheduled to take the exam this thursday but feel that I am still not ready so I might reschedule. I've been applying for a few jobs as well to help my husband pay for our bills. I have worked as a nurse assistant/aide, medical assistant, healthcare partner, and tech. I too, don't want to be a tech for the rest of my life! We just have to hang in there and not give up. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help...if you decide to take the NCLEX again, let me know...maybe we can study together online & exchange notes or something. Best of luck. :)

Specializes in L&D.

Give it another shot! However, it's probably best to take a break and just relax if you want to try again. (: Just take some "you" time to destress and get back into a positive mindset. It sounds like a very heart-wrenching situation, and I will send positive thoughts your way! Good luck and I hope everything works out (which it probably will ;) ).

Sorry to hear that some forum members made you feel that way don't give in what others have to say leave your life the way you wanted and achive the goals that you set for yourself. I have encountered the same problem when I looked for help I got many negative comments but guess what? it only made me stronger, helped me become more driven. Don't give up you will pass if not this time perhaps 7th or 9 th time. Everything happens for a resason. Always remember God is control and not people so don't give in to what some uneduated people might tell you. You have your degree that already says a lot about you. Don't give your wheel to others take charge and ignore nonsense you can do it trust in yourself. I am sure you will make it this time if you need notes I can share it with you.

Karen

Negative feedbacks from other people only means to push you harder! Dont let negative feedbacks put you down. There just spoken words...we all encounter those type of people and they should not affect you. Honestly, ive failed nclex pn 4 times and im taking another shot at it next wednesday. No one knows but my husband and a good friend who have encouraged me. Have faith in God cause every situation your at has a meaning to it. I was laid off work end of jan this year and know deep in my heart that He put me this situation for good cause. Yes were struggling but with faith and prayer He has always been there for me. Please do not give up bcause you are a failure if you dont keep trying at it. As what my kids tell me all the time never give up. I wish you the best of luck and know God will shower you with good things if you believe in Him. He knows what is good for us and these trials are just His way of knowing if your a strong person!

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