coping with failing the NCLEX

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so I took the test with much aticipated anxiety and I left it with the feeling of blurriness and disbelief that the stress was finally over. A part of me really felt like I did it and I could now start my career as a "real" nurse. I celebrated with my friends, I told all my coworkers and everyone was rooting me on and telling me i had nothing to worry about, that I would do just fine. Two days later I was at the hospital working and my stomach was in knots because I knew that my early results would be posted. As soon as my shift was over I raced home because I couldn't take it anymore. I paid my 7.95 to pearson I closed my eyes and held my breath and I opened them to the one four letter word that I never want to see again....FAIL!!! I sat in disbelief for the moment and then all my emotions came at once and I cried more then ever before. My worst fears and nightmare had just become my reality and a million thoughts ran through my head...what do I do now? where will I work? I have to deal with that stress again? Well of course the first person I called was my mom and we cryed together for she knew how important this was to me. My parents just told me to come home and I did. The comforts of home are always good and parents are better to talk to in person anyways. I have been here for the last couple of days. I havn't called any of my friends because I am to embarresed and I don't want to face the people on my unit again. I know I shouldn't care what other people think about me but for some reason I really do. I know my time will come too but it is so hard when you see all of your friends passing and you are left behind. I know I am not a bad nurse but tests are not my forte. I know there are plenty of people who don't pass the first time but I certainley didn't want to be part of that percentage. So how do I cope? what are my next steps? more money, more stress, more emotions. I just want it over with. any suggestions?

Thanks buddhanah

oh my.. dont feel that way. i feel the same way. whether you are in california or out of united states. we all NURSES TRULY FEEL the same way becuase that is the way that we show how much we can care for others.. i truly know i have personiality, caring heart to care for others. its right the high academics dont have the ability to be a nurse they may be smart but shish attitude wise.. well neways. i feel like a looser also. well this is going to be my 4th time taking the nclex lvn.. this is lvn.. . i never imagined myself in this situation.i have been studying off kaplan and my scored increases gradually day by day.. i hope that it will work .. i thik we have no choice but to do questions. i guess so that you get yourself sitting in the computer so that by the time you get to the testing center you get used to it.. i felt like my life has been on hold.. my husband always tells me things like when your an lvn we can do this.. its like hes putting restircition just cuz im not a lvn .. shish. :angryfire even if im not a lvn . things should still be focused at the same things.. well im here trying to reveiw. i have my tabers dictionary. about 5 books in front of me.. my brain is cramped up.. HELPPPPPP.. :devil: BUT I HONESTLY JUST W:confused: :angryfire :crash_com I JUST WANT to bang my head on the wall. i think im becoming bipolar.. jk.. i dont know .. i just want to get that license.. why me..

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I failed my nclex as well and I butchered it... I only had 84 questions and I must admit that I guessed some of the questions when I didn't have any clue... I was having panic attacks/tremors what have you... I was thinking about a lot of things like work, embarrassment, family... if i fail. I was always thinking about "what's gonna happen if i fail" that kinda stuff and I FAILED and I'm soooo depressed about it until now (it's been a month). I'm going to retake mine in september and I am giving it my all to pass... good luck to everyone... let's hope for the best.

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I think that was most of my problem the first time around. The anxiety got the best of me. When I saw my picture of me they took at the test site--it was scarey. Doesn't even look like me--right there I knew I really must have been to stressed out on the first try.

And listening to all of the people who had already taken it. I prayed that computer would shut down at 75. Went all the way to 265. I came home and prepared for the worst and it happened.

I learned from it. Did it again and remained in control. This test was not going to control me!:nono:

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To Buddhanah & Cheryld1959,

Thanks, Buddhanah and Cheryld1959, for sharing your stories. I found out this afternoon that I failed the NCLEX. I am definitely NOT looking forward to "re-starting" to study.

I am concerned about my job (was supposed within the next few days) and telling my friends. It really stinks but I am glad to know that I am not alone.

I was wondering if either or both of you (or any reader in this situation) would want to share info amongst one another off of this website (or at another part of this website)? I was thinking we could be study buddies and check in with one another at specified dates to see that we're studying and to let each other know how things are going. Maybe even be some sort of supprt network? I don't know if anyone would be interested in anything like this but I thought I would toss it out there. I am new here so I am open to hearing any suggestions.

Thanks to everyone's suggestions, too.

diggety77

hello there!! I like that idea..i had the same experience as Buddhana except different exam, the CGFNS..After taking it the first time, i also failed. While waiting for the result, my feeling is ambivalent. When I actually checked out for the result, i also saw the four letter word "fail" and the score is 355. the passing is 400. oh boy! That time, i really felt so down. i turned off my cellphone and emailed my mom. She immediately called and when i first heard her voice, i can't help but to break down and cried. Right now, i am preparing for my nclex-rn exam, which I am planning to take before the end of the year. I am still waiting for my ATT and I am having a hard time to start.

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TO BUDDHANAH AND CHERYL MY NAME IS CAMILE I HAVE TAKEN THE NCLEXPN EXAM 4 TIMES AND FAILED 4 TIMES NEEDLES TO SAY I don't know where to go or what it is I keep doing wrong. I am a cna2 and I absolutely hate this job. I am 48 years old and I went to nursing school 1999 and am still not a nurse I am a very bitter jealous person and I probably don't need to be working with nurses but I have learned that becoming a nurse make some people arrogant and ugly in how they treat those whose titles are what they consider less than theirs. Go back and study both of you and take the exam again as soon as you can find out what your weak spots where and study those even more each exam is different so prepare as much as you can but do it while your still young and don't become one of those nurses that thinks she is better than the right hand in which she needs that's the nurses aide. GOODLUCK CAMILE

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To Buddhanah & Cheryld1959,

Thanks, Buddhanah and Cheryld1959, for sharing your stories. I found out this afternoon that I failed the NCLEX. I am definitely NOT looking forward to "re-starting" to study.

I am concerned about my job (was supposed within the next few days) and telling my friends. It really stinks but I am glad to know that I am not alone.

I was wondering if either or both of you (or any reader in this situation) would want to share info amongst one another off of this website (or at another part of this website)? I was thinking we could be study buddies and check in with one another at specified dates to see that we're studying and to let each other know how things are going. Maybe even be some sort of supprt network? I don't know if anyone would be interested in anything like this but I thought I would toss it out there. I am new here so I am open to hearing any suggestions.

Thanks to everyone's suggestions, too.

diggety77

i definitley know how you guys are feeling out there. i am feeling the same way too. actually i failed more than 4xs and i am going to the testing center in this coming month without making mistakes like i did on the 1st and 2nd.. i know im not perfect but its also my turn to pass. i went to nursing school.. woke up early studied really hard and this is the final step to my career. i really want to do this and i dont think ill be a mean one either. i knwo i have the heart fro it. i just need to stop being nervous. good luck to everyone .. i really love this forum ..
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TO BUDDHANAH AND CHERYL MY NAME IS CAMILE I HAVE TAKEN THE NCLEXPN EXAM 4 TIMES AND FAILED 4 TIMES NEEDLES TO SAY I don't know where to go or what it is I keep doing wrong. I am a cna2 and I absolutely hate this job. I am 48 years old and I went to nursing school 1999 and am still not a nurse I am a very bitter jealous person and I probably don't need to be working with nurses but I have learned that becoming a nurse make some people arrogant and ugly in how they treat those whose titles are what they consider less than theirs. Go back and study both of you and take the exam again as soon as you can find out what your weak spots where and study those even more each exam is different so prepare as much as you can but do it while your still young and don't become one of those nurses that thinks she is better than the right hand in which she needs that's the nurses aide. GOODLUCK CAMILE
i definitely know how you feel and support you all the way.. there are bitter nurses out there.. . i failed more than 4xs also. i know when you feel that way but you should also try again . i will go and retake my exam this coming month.. ive been out of school for almost one year and i can still remember some stuff but as time goes by its graudally wears down.. cna wokr is very challenging and i really give props to all the cnas becuz they work like superwoman and superman.. like robots .. i cant see myselg doing it.. i would give up with 2 patiuents.. but im alway here to talk to you just pm me. and with this forum .. i think everyone is feeling the same way. it really works to share it with someone. we are exactly on the same shoes.. same boat and im glad that im not the only one.. :nurse: we will get there one day.. ;)
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Hi...I too found out today that I failed the NCELX. It is the most awful thing in the world. There are so many emotions I have racing through my head; like can I do it again? But I just keep telling myself today, I can't get down about it, I have to pick myself back up and refous and make a gameplan for myself. As do you and all of the other that have to re-test! We will all get though this and our nursing license will mean so much more to us, becuase we had to work EXTRA hard to get where we are at; right!?!? Good luck to you and everyone else who has to retest...you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
all my best wishes and prayers go out to you . i know how you feel .. whethere its the rn or lvn test. i know how it feels i was very devastated. i failed 4xs and guess what .. im not giving up. im a ez quitter but not this time i went to schoo and worked hard all the way to get to this point.. :nurse: just dont get discouraged and things will go well.. your not alone.. i hope that things will not get discouraged.. i wish you the best.. :rotfl:
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Hi Kimberly,

Sorry to hear your news. It stinks. I found out on 7/8 that I failed and I am definitely feeling better now. I haven't done much studying since, but I wanted to let you know that I am in your same situation. Let me know if I can help, I was thinking that maybe I could organize an online study group or maybe just some kind of group so that we could check in with one another via email or messenger and share information, etc.

I would bet you have a lot on your mind right now. Take care, hang in there, and I'd love to be in touch if you feel comfortable.

diggety77

i also need help. im just new here but i failed my exam and i would like to have a study group but im here in ca and all my friends have passed. i really dont know who else to approcach except for the people that are feeling the same way.:jester:
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I recently found out I did not pass either. I do not even know what to do now because I felt I had studied and I was doing well on my practice questions. I know I have to think of it as it is only 2 months or so set back compared to having a whole life ahead of me, but its hard when everyone knew i was taking it and of course they ask about it and each time i cry and i feel like doing nothing else and it is all i can think about, frustrating...
i know how you feel.. failing this test has affected my emtions and my everyday lifestyle.. therefore i took it more than 4xs for the lvn .. thats how bad it was and everytime i get my results it fluctuates. i honestly dont know where to go but ive been answering the questions from saunders and i bought the ncelx qbank .. it drives me crazy but i know this will pay off and i will soon be posting good news on here.. thanks.. i will be taking my exam in sept. im not a quitter.. everyone out there we can all do this.:nurse:
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i know how you feel.. failing this test has affected my emtions and my everyday lifestyle.. therefore i took it more than 4xs for the lvn .. thats how bad it was and everytime i get my results it fluctuates. i honestly dont know where to go but ive been answering the questions from saunders and i bought the ncelx qbank .. it drives me crazy but i know this will pay off and i will soon be posting good news on here.. thanks.. i will be taking my exam in sept. im not a quitter.. everyone out there we can all do this.:nurse:
Camile here I'm happy to read all of your quotes. When you first fail you feel as if you are the only one in the world that has failed then you start feeling you are a failure at everything that you do. I might be getting old at what seems a landslide but I will try again thanks to your many messages that tell me that I am not really alone.Maybe someday I'll post a message that I finally passed and am on my way to a future. I still say to those that are young if you fail go back do it again while your young so that by the time your my age you'll be ready to retire or at least ready to take over a in charge position and know just what it is like to to start at the bottom and treat people right and you'll always be a success.
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Hey guys,

I failed it also. When my mom and I were sitting in front of the computer waiting for the results, I was so excited thinking that finally, no stress for me anymore. But I failed. I stared at the computer in shock! My mom did not know what to say either. My dad woke up and was speechless, my brother was the same way. THey could not believe that out of all the people, I would be the one to fail it. They were very sure that I will pass it the first time. Also, what sucks the most is that my parents were counting on me and my salary to save our house. I was devastated because all I wanted to do was pass the NCLEX so that for sure, I'll be making the money that I was making at that time and help my parents out. I was so devastated. I didn't know what to do. I know that God had a reason, but my first reaction was, "why now when You know that my family is counting on me?" I had every good intention in my bone that is why I wanted to pass it, I was not thinking of myself actually, but still, God did not let me pass it. I don't understand, I don't think I ever will, but one thing is for sure, I don't have faith and confidence in myself anymore, or anybody for that matter. I am so sorry for being so negative, i know that you guys are right, we have to think positive but right now, it just seems so far fetched for me. I can't do it yet, I'm still in the stage of figuring out why I failed, why me...........Goodluck to all of us

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