coping with failing the NCLEX

[buddhanah]

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

[gumdrop]

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

....you know what? this is the prayer that lifted me up.. hope u too ..

"LORD,

When I lose hope because my plans have come to nothing. Please help me to remember that your love is always greater than my disappointments and your plan for my life is always better than my dream. Amen."

...nothing in life is so hard that you can't make it easier by the way you take it...goodluck 2 us..God bless.

[serendipity05]

Gumdrop,

That was a very beautiful prayer. Reading it made me realize how selfish I was and I admit it. I am still in that stage. It is so hard to move on but I know in time, It will happen....When all these is over, I'll be a perfect picture of success!!!!! Thanks for sharing your prayer with us.....

[luv2shop19mall]

everyone on this forum sounds exactly like me but i posted it somewhere that sometimes failure is better for some people.. i think becuz we stronger at some things that we didnt expect to be strong @. i failed nclex about 4xs. just imagggggine how devastating that was. i was so into school and so dependent on this financillay and i didnt make it. i always put away all my other things justy for reviewing and nothing seems to wok for me. i dont know .. i shouldnt be feeling like this. i feel so weird. but knowing that i have people commenting me on ehre makes me feel better so we are all on the same boat. noone is alone. i know theres people out there that are feeling exactly like me. ;( good luck and we can all do this.

[crystal M]

I understand what your going through probably even more than you know i have taken the nclex pn 3 times and failed i just took it 7 days ago i was so embarrased at wrk luckily this time noone really new i took it the good thing is my position is a dialysis tech so i still have my job its been a year since i graduated and im starting to feel hopless but i know if i made it through school i can pass this test i to am not a good test taker i really need advice on what i should do to pass the next time cause i honestly know that i can do it and it is well worth trying and not giving up...dont worry your not alone..

[or_nurse24]

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

Hi!! It would sure be a good idea to have study buddies... i'll also be taking the NClEX not soon but next year and I would like to hear from you guys...I really need a support network to make me move on and restart another review. may it be online or just self study. I just hope we have a new thread or forum for the support buddy groups so we could keep in touch with each other... Diggetty77 you could start it and let's call it the SUPPORT GROUP BUDDIES..Isn't it a nice team. Let's all join and help people who need to be encouraged in their nursing career also... have a wonderful day!!! God will be with us in this beautiful plans of yours..You started it and may you be an inspiration to all....

Always;

or_nurse24

[Blue23]

Hello Everybody,

Like you I just got my horrible news today... the F word. I so upset. Buddhanah reading your post was like reading everything I was feeling. Everyone had so much faith in me, and know this. I'm so embarrassed. I just started my new job on the med/surg unit also... now what? I've been crying all day. I don't know if I have it in me to do this again. I worked so hard to get through school and to study for the NCLEX and I fail. There were people on my unit who said that went out and partied the night before, or they never even studied after they graduated and they did just fine. You do I say to them?

What is Suzanne's plan?

My nurse director says it's not the end of the world but I know she's disappointed in me. To get back on the horse is easier said then done. Where do I even begin studying? It seemed like everything I did before wasn't even on there. What if I get the Performance Report and I follow those guidelines then I go to take it again and none of that stuff is on there?

[jls1117]

this is my first post...i know exactly what u guys feel..i took the NCLEX a few days ago and also found out that i "F" the test using the quick results. I went all the way to 265 questions..and it just got harder n harder n harder...priority after priority questions, delegation, discharge, follow-up at least 4 select all that apply and one that asked me to arrange in order the steps on how to do a procedure. I got bored and i guess i gave up towards the end of the test and did not take it seriously. I had the feeling that i failed after taking it because i really had a hard time...but i still tried to have that positive attitude that maybe i still passed but i didnt. It's the worst feeling in the world. I cried my eyes out after finding out the results. I felt embarassed, but i know i shouldnt either. Coz i know i did my best. my friends and family have been very supportive and they understand. and they didnt think of me any less.. I will retake this test...and do things differently..study my hardest...and just wait till i pass the boards to start working..i figured whats the rush in looking for a job when its always gonna be available anywhere....coz before the test i actually had a job lined up and i just recently turned down the position so i can concentrate more on studying...

[Izsqueen]

buddhanah,

I know EXACTLY how how you feel don't give up! Have faith in yourself, you WILL pass next time @ least that is what I keep telling myself. We didn't go through nursing school and get this far to let this one test determine our future right? Our friends that passed didn't get the exact same test as we did we can't compare ourselves to them I was embarrassed too, I still have not told many of them. You know what though? My boss told me that some of her very best nurses did not pass the NCLEX the first time and that this test is not what makes us good nurses our hearts are.:nurse:Hang in there Good luck next time!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

This is a thread from 2006