Can't Pass NCLEX, So What Jobs Can I Get With My Nursing Degree?

Nurses Career Support

Published

I'm not going to look for help or encouragement like I did the last time because the folks on here made me feel less than cricket dung. I've been out of school for a while now and I've failed my boards at a record number. So what can I do with my nursing degree? Are there any good jobs that hire folks with a college degree? I really want to get as far away from nursing because it makes me depressed, angry, and all things bad. There's no way in hell I can be a tech my whole life, especially being a former AP student and graduating with freaking honors. If I had known my life was going to turn out like this, I'd just have fun and get average grades with everybody else. But somebody please give me some sound advice. And going back to school is out of the question! I'm 31 and going to school has done nothing for me but give me a lot of plaques and $40,000 worth of student loans that'll follow me to my grave.

well ,I have to say: yes,you can!

go take a break, vacation?shopping? or some sort of thing like that,

then get back study again!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in O.R..
I'm not going to look for help or encouragement like I did the last time because the folks on here made me feel less than cricket dung. I've been out of school for a while now and I've failed my boards at a record number. So what can I do with my nursing degree? Are there any good jobs that hire folks with a college degree? I really want to get as far away from nursing because it makes me depressed, angry, and all things bad. There's no way in hell I can be a tech my whole life, especially being a former AP student and graduating with freaking honors. If I had known my life was going to turn out like this, I'd just have fun and get average grades with everybody else. But somebody please give me some sound advice. And going back to school is out of the question! I'm 31 and going to school has done nothing for me but give me a lot of plaques and $40,000 worth of student loans that'll follow me to my grave.

is this thread still available I see the entries are old, im in same situation wanted to know if anyone else was

Up Vote Up Vote ×
is this thread still available I see the entries are old, im in same situation wanted to know if anyone else was

Yeah any job ideas guys? I have to find a job ASAP and I want to be in the medical field but I have no experience, only my BSN. What kind of jobs can a look for? I am at a loss and don't have any clue how I am going to fill this huge gap on my resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Believe in yourself..don't worry about what people have to say that's bad...Jesus always keeps His promises...don't let your education go to waste..God would not have brought you this far to have you fail!!! Keep your head up....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Believe in yourself..don't worry about what people have to say that's bad...Jesus always keeps His promises...don't let your education go to waste..God would not have brought you this far to have you fail!!! Keep your head up....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

Unfortunately that will not pay the bills and I will study again but I want to work in the medical field while doing so. Everything I looks up appears to require more education. Anyone have any ideas on what sorts of jobs are available for an unlicensed RN?

I don't need encouragement about the exam. I spent 8 months studying and failed it twice. I only would like ideas on types of work that do not require more money for more classes and certifications. Actually I would do a 3 week phlebotomy course or one month EMT course if I knew for sure I could get a job. But I can't go into even more debt for another cetification to not get a job. I know there are a plethora of unemployed entry level phlebotomists and EMTs out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately that will not pay the bills and I will study again but I want to work in the medical field while doing so. Everything I looks up appears to require more education. Anyone have any ideas on what sorts of jobs are available for an unlicensed RN?

I don't need encouragement about the exam. I spent 8 months studying and failed it twice. I only would like ideas on types of work that do not require more money for more classes and certifications. Actually I would do a 3 week phlebotomy course or one month EMT course if I knew for sure I could get a job. But I can't go into even more debt for another cetification to not get a job. I know there are a plethora of unemployed entry level phlebotomists and EMTs out there.

I really do knot know. Phleb jobs are hard to come by and in many hospitals even if you are certified they make you take their class anyway. The Red Cross will hire you after completing their course. EMT is tough to get hired into as well, at least it is in Utah.

Have you considered private CNA care? I was charging $20 per half hour. You could do the 2 week CNA course, that pays $10-15 per hour in home care and hospice, plus mileage. And it's good patient care experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I really do knot know. Phleb jobs are hard to come by and in many hospitals even if you are certified they make you take their class anyway. The Red Cross will hire you after completing their course. EMT is tough to get hired into as well, at least it is in Utah.

Have you considered private CNA care? I was charging $20 per half hour. You could do the 2 week CNA course, that pays $10-15 per hour in home care and hospice, plus mileage. And it's good patient care experience.

Thanks for the advice. I know this is going to sound awful coming from a nurse but I could NEVER be a CNA. I would hate myself and I would be so miserable and depressed that I would be bitter and no one would want to be around me. And my friends were telling me the same thing because they know me.

I had two directions I could go. A medical field related job or get a job as an esthetician while I take my time and study for NCLEX. I decided to go the esthetician route. I have a Cosmetology lisence that I got over 20 years ago and I keep it current even though I never used it.

I got into nursing because I wanted to work in a medi spa doing things like Botox, fillers, IPL, etc. So since I have the Cosmetology lisence I can work in a medi spa doing facials and when I pass NCLEX then I can be trained in injections and other medi spa procedures.

When I graduated nursing school I was going to take the NCLEX and I have(?)/had a hospital job lined up. I was going to do 2 years in a hospital so I could do things like Doctors without Borders and travel nursing. But my plan all along from day 1 was to work in a medi spa. So I'll just do it a little earlier.

I can always get a hospital RN job later if I still want to when the economy is better.

Thanks for the advice though. This direction makes more sense to me right now. At least I will finally use my Cosmetology license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh! Well that's completely different. It looks like you have a direction that will benefit your ultimate goal. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Oh! Well that's completely different. It looks like you have a direction that will benefit your ultimate goal. Good luck!!

Thanks. I am all over the map right now. As I keep doing more research my direction changes. But it does appear easier to avoid the medical route right now. Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

dont know if this will help but you could look into taking the lpn i dont know the specifics but you have a lot of knowledge and experience and maybe you could be successful at that all the luck to you may god direct and guide your path through this rough time :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The thing is that you can't really TELL a prospective employer you have a Nursing degree because the first thing they will want to know is if you're licensed and, if not...why? It just won't look good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The thing is that you can't really TELL a prospective employer you have a Nursing degree because the first thing they will want to know is if you're licensed and, if not...why? It just won't look good.

Actually that is not true. Having a 2 year gap on your resume is a lot worse then putting down a BSN even if I didn't pass NCLEX. And healthcare employers like to see that you studied nursing even if it is not what you are doing that moment. I tried for three months to get a job as an esthetician. I did not get one single reply.

So I decided to take an EMT class and now I am working as an EMT. It is many, many steps down from RN but at least I am in the right field. And the fact that I had a degree in nursing helped. They asked me why I didn't pursue nursing and I told the truth because I am an awful liar and I still had several job offer. OK I know it is only an EMT job but I am still happy that I am finally working at least. I decided this time instead of going to a bad school I was going to go to the best. So I went to San Francisco Paramedics Association and they are tied with UCLA for the number 1 school with the highest passing rate at 98%.

When I walked into Pearson Vue the lady at the front desk said "Oh you are back again." It was quite rude and I said I was here to take a different exam. I know this exam is so much easier but there are still a lot of peole that go to bad schools and are not prepared. It was nice acing an exam at Pearson Vue and the next time I go in there I will ace the NCLEX. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment