Any Philippines educated nurses who took the NCLEX? I can use some advice

Updated:   Published

Background: I graduated from the Philippines last year, and have since failed the NCLEX twice. I have applied to Florida and now have 1 more try out of my 3 to pass. I am feeling very depressed because I studied really hard this last time, and did 240 questions in all 6 hours.

Right now I don't know what to do. I also have an issue with the way I was educated. I went to school in the Philippines. We did not have Kaplan in school or have the HESI exam. I did not learn a lot of the same things as my US counterparts, and during my NCLEX studies I felt like I was learning some things for the first time. Suffice to say I feel inadequate as a nursing graduate. If I fail again I would have to go through the whole registration process again for a different state, but it's not like my school is in the states, it's in the Philippines. So getting that paper work would be a bit difficult. I live in California and it is difficult for foreign educated nursing students. I would have to take a few more classes. Luckily I don't have to take those classes in Florida but I am also limited to 3 tries before I have to.

Sorry for that rant, I am very depressed. But my question is what has helped you the most pass the NCLEX as a foreign educated nurse?? and which states do not require extra classes before taking the NCLEX unlike California???

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Im sorry to to hear that. May i know how did you study for the exam? I also studied in phil and planning to take te exam this year

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to NurseRegistration

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

There are tens of thousands of Philippine educated nurses in US who hasn't had any problem taking the NCLEX. And I'm pretty sure nursing schools in the Philippines are well regulated by the commission on higher education. The commission makes sure that educational institutions are at par with international standards so blaming your educational background on your frustrations won't get you nowhere.

If you failed the second time then that kinda gives you a hint that there is something wrong with your process in preparing for the NCLEX. Assess what is going wrong, and then formulate a plan, then implement whatever it is. Trust me, you're not the only one who has tried to pass the NCLEX multiple times but just keep trying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There are tens of thousands of Philippine educated nurses in US who hasn't had any problem taking the NCLEX. And I'm pretty sure nursing schools in the Philippines are well regulated by the commission on higher education. The commission makes sure that educational institutions are at par with international standards so blaming your educational background on your frustrations won't get you nowhere.

If you failed the second time then that kinda gives you a hint that there is something wrong with your process in preparing for the NCLEX. Assess what is going wrong, and then formulate a plan, then implement whatever it is. Trust me, you're not the only one who has tried to pass the NCLEX multiple times but just keep trying.

while are absolutely correct thousands of Philippine have passed, twice the number have failed fact more than their American counter parts. Once any candidate has failed the chances of passing dismissed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Internationally educated nurses like Filipinos have low passing rate compared to US educated where more than 80% of them passed at first take. Our curriculum is recognized by CGFNS. So there's no doubt, we don't have a problem on that. NCLEX is a difficult exam. It is a test of critical thinking. Answer as many questions as you can. Master every system. Learn how to attack questions. Attend live lecture here in Kaplan Philippines. Here we are taught how to approach every question style. Kaplan is an expert on that. Almost everyone in our class passed NCLEX. Study harder, focus coz sometimes questions are rather tricky.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can do it kabayan. I've been off the nursing track for 5 years and I'm going to challenge the NCLEX next week. It's so terrifying because it will be my first attempt and i have no clue on what to expect. Wishing u the best luck! Never lose hope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was in the same situation just last year. I blamed everything too. But that doesnt mean that you can just keep on blaming anything that you can put the blame on. If other PH educated nurses can do it, so can you. Its all about hardwork & determination. I graduated last 2008 & only took & passed my nclex last year. I used Hurst and Simple Nursing as refreshers & Kaplan Online for testing strategy. It took me 6 months to finally be confident to take the exam. && thats everyday. Only have weekend breaks. But then I was already out of school for 7 years. I couldnt remember anything. I suggest you do Kaplan. & be serious about it. I forced myself to answer & review 100 questions a day. It's exhausting. But everything worth having doesnt come easy.

Another thing, you know you're lucky that it only took you maybe 4-5 years to get your BSN with little to less hassle of getting in to nursing school in the PH. you didnt have to undergo the competition of getting to nursing school like how it is in America. You have to do a 1-2years of prerequisite so you can do 2 years of RN in which it is only an associate. Then you have to do another 2 years to get your BSN. So you may want to be thankful instead of blaming your PH education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why not just register with a state that offers unlimited times you can take the test, it would be far easier.

Texas allows you to take it until you pass, You have 4 years.

I am sure there are plenty others states that don't limit how many times you can take the NCLEX

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi. I'm sorry to know what you've been through. I'm also foreign educated nurse; I'm not sure if this would help you but I took CGFNS first; studied their thick book that came along with registration, enrolled to a review school for CG, took the exam and carried on self-studying for my nclex for about 15 months; I used Mosby, Lippicott, and even the Gapus review materials for nclex and a few others that known and unknown friends shared with. As I only registered with New York State, it took awhile completing my CVS-NY. When it was finally approved, I applied for ATT, and granted entry to Saipan, CNMI for the exam. To me, it was more tough taking the CGFNS than nclex, but I know some would say otherwise. Having said that, I suggest you go over the simulated sample cd's again that came with the review books I've mentioned above; and practice the nclex simulated exam once you have your ATT. It does helps to be OCD ( obsessive compulsive) at times as most professionals are. Have patience and a lots of faith in prayers. If they are able to make it, I see no reason why you can't. All the best

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi guys, I hope yall doing great. I have question I've been searching everywhere and gathering information regarding NCLEX in USA specifically in Texas. I am not a local board passer (Philippines) and planning to take the exam. Is it possible, right? I want to know more for those who experience this before. what are the process and/or step on applying for the exam. Please I need your advice. Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp

This is the url for requirements & processes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion