Can I still be a nurse?

[knk102]

Hello - I'm looking for some advice. I have a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, and a BSN. I went back to college for my second degree once I finally figured out what I wanted to do. I lived in Pennsylvania at that time and our class was informed that once you graduated, you had to pass the NCLEX and needed to keep testing until you passed the examination. (Even one of my instructors had to take the test 6 times.)

In May 2008, I packed up everything and moved my life to Colorado. Shortly after I moved to Colorado, I received news that the state regulations had changed (they were revised on July 30, 2008) and that you could now only test for licensure in Colorado a limited number of times. Had I known this prior to my moving, I would have staying in Pennsylvania and made sure I got licensed for Colorado BEFORE I made the big move.

I just took my test again on December 28, 2009 and did not pass. Every time I took the test, I sat for all 265 questions for 5 hours. My results always come back as "near the passing standard" in every category, and some are "above the passing standard."

My question is if anyone has any advice for me other than "pack up your life and your family and move to another state"? Have I incurred a $45,000 debt/degree that I won't be able to use now?? This is really stressing me out (which equals stressing my entire family out as well) and I would greatly appreciate some insight.

[MikeyBSN]

How many times did you fail the NCLEX? According to the CO BON, you can fail the NCLEX 3 times but then you must take a remedial didactic course. Theoretically, you can apply for a waiver of the 3 time requirement but the board says this would be "rare". Your other option is to apply for a license in another state and try to get receprocity.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

You can do it but I would suggest you do not rush to resit the exam again but take the time to read and post in the NCLEX forum which you can find under the student tab above

[knk102]

Thanks for the replies. I've actually taken it 4 times and did not pass. And for this past time, the 4th time, I wasn't told about a remedial didactic course, they just made me eligible so I scheduled through Pearson.

[aura_of_laura]

You should be able to take the NCLEX in any state you please, and then transfer your license when you pass. I went to school in PA, moved to MN for a job in WI. I took the NCLEX in MN, but was licensed for WI (I think they had reciprocity). For personal reasons, I moved back to PA before I ever took the job in WI - all I had to do was fill out some paper work and transfer the license! Not a piece of cake, but maybe something to look into? Check into reciprocity before testing - I know there are a few states that have lower standards and aren't accepted by the maority...