Graduated 1998 but never passed NCLEX. Thinking about an LPN program

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I came across this site today b/c I did a google search for people who had never passed the NCLEX-RN but wanted to go back and attempt again. I graduated with BSN in 1998 but never passed my boards after 3 attempts. Now I am ready to try again. I am also considering and LPN program. I am not sure if I should just study for my NCLEX-RN or do the LPN program. I'm nervous and have always thought about doing this again. Please share your success stories or those of your friends who have overcome this type situation.

Going against the grain here. It's been 13 years since you graduated. You made 3 attempts and did not pass. The ante has been upped significantly on NCLEX since you were originally prepped. Questions are different, harder. IMO, it's not like riding a bike (not after this long). A review will only refresh you so much. The refreshers I know of are more to prepare you for working (after you've been out of the field for a few years), not for taking NCLEX (and I believe that you should be an RN to enroll).

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer. I'm just looking at it from an objective (albeit pessimistic) view. May I ask, how were your grades in school?

You do have other options. LPN is one (you can sit for RN after a while if you feel that you've gotten back into the swing if nursing).

You could also look into auditing some classes (where you got your degree or at another school).

I don't consider you being pessimistic. I appreciate the honest feedback. You guys work in the field. You all know what I am up against after 13 years. I appreciate your advice.

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I have to agree with nurse educate. If you couldn't pass in 1998 after 3 tries, an LPN course may be the best way to get back into the field. The NCLEX is harder, and a lot of what you learned in 1998 has changed.

I agree with her too. Everyone was very encouraging but I think the LPN will get me back up on what's going on in nursing then later go for the RN license. I appreciate you guys

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:D Thank you all so much for responding. You have been encouraging and helped me look at things realistically. I always wanted to be a nurse. When I didn't pass, I went on to have a great life even though I wasn't working in my preferred career choice. I was recently laid off so now I am looking for direction in my life. I have a 4 year old daughter and I want to make sure she is taken care of. I was apprehensive but after your feedback, I don't feel as overwhelmed. I am so glad I came across this site. I'm going to apply for an LPN program, work for a while, then go after the RN license.
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I would just take a refresher course and study study study for the NCLEX program. Save the money your going to spend on the LPN program and buy yourself a jacuzzi or something and put the rest away for your 4 year old daughter. Hire a tutor and put in the effort. Thats my opinion, you obviously have the intellectual ability to pass, you did achieve the requirements of a degree afterall. Take a chance, you don't really have anything to lose. You can always do the LPN if all else fails.

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I was under the impression there was a time limit?

I work w/ a Kaplan and nursing instructor who told the horror story of the grad who could not take the class nor sit for NCLEX d/t having let 10 years pass.

The grad was informed she would have to start completely over.

Not trying to scare anyone, but curious myself if this instructor was correct or full of BS (as I sometimes suspect, lol).

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I was under the impression there was a time limit?

I work w/ a Kaplan and nursing instructor who told the horror story of the grad who could not take the class nor sit for NCLEX d/t having let 10 years pass.

The grad was informed she would have to start completely over.

Not trying to scare anyone, but curious myself if this instructor was correct or full of BS (as I sometimes suspect, lol).

I'm about to call my board of nursing. I will let you know if there is a time limit

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I'm about to call my board of nursing. I will let you know if there is a time limit

There is no time limit in my state but they have a list of refresher courses available. I'm gonna just study none stop. I can't start the LPN program until January. That gives me 6 months to attempt the NCLEX-RN. I decided today that I'm gonna pass and won't need the LPN program. I will keep you all posted. Thanks so much for your help, encouragement, and feedback! :redbeathe

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I would just take a refresher course and study study study for the NCLEX program. Save the money your going to spend on the LPN program and buy yourself a jacuzzi or something and put the rest away for your 4 year old daughter. Hire a tutor and put in the effort. Thats my opinion, you obviously have the intellectual ability to pass, you did achieve the requirements of a degree afterall. Take a chance, you don't really have anything to lose. You can always do the LPN if all else fails.

I'm gonna just study none stop and take a refresher course. I can't start the LPN program until January. That gives me 6 months to attempt the NCLEX-RN. I decided today that I'm gonna pass and won't need the LPN program.

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Specializes in family practice.
I'm gonna just study none stop and take a refresher course. I can't start the LPN program until January. That gives me 6 months to attempt the NCLEX-RN. I decided today that I'm gonna pass and won't need the LPN program.

Thats one of the attitudes needed. Now get to studying anyway you can. Refresher courses and what not. Answer questions as best as you can. If you miss questions look up the rationale. If its something that needs reading, read it. get a study partner if you can.

You have the right set of attitude, its now time to put action with it.

All the best.

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Zionsdaughter....did you ever pass your boards?I see this post is 3yrs old....just curious what your outcome was

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