Can one wait to take the NCLEX for more than a yr .......

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Mar 28, 2008

It has been my experience the longer you wait to take the NCLEX, the tendency to pass boards decreases. Most of my friends took boards as soon as they could because the most information was still in their head. We had a friend who waited 5 months, didn't pass. While this is not always the case, I wouldn't reccomend waiting that long.

I am not sure how long the time frame is, you might have to call the board for that information, or check the board of nursing website in your state.

RNmom08 · Mar 28, 2008

Take them and get it over with. Statistics show fail rate increases with time. Just my :twocents: .

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 28, 2008

From what I understand, this varies from state to state. I do agree with others, though...I would not wait too long. Life situations come up, it is tiresome to study all the time, and in most cases, you get the main point, but it is the little nuances that may puzzle you. I have heard of situations many times, where people have waited as long as 5 years, and one even 9 years. I would not want to wait that long, personally. My strong suggestion is to get them overwith. Most people do pass the first time, and you need to put this phase behind you.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

Take it ASAP

Suzannes study program is a really good system for NCLEX preparation...

kristen929 · Mar 28, 2008

I actually had the opposite experience. I took it TOO soon and did not pass (because I didn't give myself time to study properly - I used the study books the first time around; did questions on the computer the second - MUCH better!). When I took it three months later I did much better and passed it pretty easily.

NoWaNrN, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

I also heard the pass rate decreases the longer you wait. Just out of curiosity why would you want to wait a year anyways?

Nursing girl28 · Mar 29, 2008

I wouldn't wait. I graduated in December 2007 and just took the NCLEX on March 11th and I was a nervous wreck. Thank God I passed but it is true what they say that you start forgetting things. I actually woke up one morning and couldn't remember the difference between a sign and a symptom. Scary! but don't wait too long because you may not get to schedule your exam on the date you want because of unavailability and not too early too.

Just do some practice questions on the computer and look up stuff you have forgotten.

Good luck. Hope this helps and remember BREATHE while you are taking it!!!!!

Almost everyone feels like crap once they get done because you may not be able to tell if you passed or not.