Can I take the NCLEX late? Like two or three years after I've graduated with my BSN?

notmanydaysoff · Jul 20, 2010

just curious, but why would you want to do that? I'm thru in November and plan on doing NCLEX as soon as I can. seems as though the material would be fresher taking it sooner rather than later.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 20, 2010

Best to check with your state board of nursing for details on that.

I don't know of any statistics on pass rates for immediate vs delaying testers, but I do know of a few members here who failed the NCLEX and then took a long time off before retaking it. Based on their stories, it seems like it's harder to pass once you've been out of school for an extended period.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 20, 2010

I would have thought the quicker you took it the more chance you have on passing. Some states I believe will require you to sit within a certain period so you would need to check with your state

bubbles10 · Jul 20, 2010

Im not sure what your reasons are for delaying to take the NCLEX but I would think the earlier the better. Also think about it in this way, you spend years on nursing with the actual schooling and pre-courses, why waste all that time and take a risk if you dont have to.

elkpark · Jul 20, 2010

I don't know of any statistics on pass rates for immediate vs delaying testers, but I do know of a few members here who failed the NCLEX and then took a long time off before retaking it. Based on their stories, it seems like it's harder to pass once you've been out of school for an extended period.

Not only does it seem to be harder to pass the longer you wait, but it will definitely be harder to find a job the longer you delay between school and looking for work. Nursing is v. much aware of the "use it or loose it" principle. '09 grads are already getting passed over in favor of '10 graduates because the '09 grads are considered "stale" -- with a gap of a few years between when you finished school and when you're looking for jobs, you will be a v. unattractive, uncompetitive candidate. I would really encourage you not to do this unless you have some really compelling, unavoidable reason. Best wishes!

JoshNS · Jul 20, 2010

Thanks for the advice folks. If I could have it my way I'd take it as soon as I graduated.

Reason I'm asking is because of paperwork complications.

caliotter3 · Jul 21, 2010

Don't understand why you would want to delay. Only causes problems with forgetting what was learned in school. Many people pass with doing very little study when they take the exam soon after school. Others who put it off, end up never taking the exam, a waste of their nursing education.