Did you wait a few years before you retook the NCLEX?

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Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.

We all know there are those students who take the exam before or right after graduating and pass. Then there are those of us who take the exam, don't pass and wait a few years before retaking it for whatever reason. If you fall in the latter category, what did you do in the meantime, and what was your experience when looking for work after finally passing?

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

I would never wait a few YEARS to retake. If you failed the first time, chances are if you let that much time pass to retake you'll fail again. Plus, I think you have a time limit you have to retake by..in Texas you do anyway.

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Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.

I passed on the second try. I'm just looking for work now.

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I can see waiting a few weeks, but not a few years. After such a great amount of time most of the material is forgotten, making preparation that much harder. I have seen firsthand with someone in this situation that the motivation to start studying is not there. You might find yourself being questioned on your actions during a job interview. Who wants that? The longer one waits, the longer one goes without a nurse's paycheck, and their nursing career is delayed. Glad you passed on your second try. Good luck on finding your first nursing job.

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WHy would anyone wait a few years to retest.....Goodluck with that

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Specializes in IMCU.

I am not even certain you can wait years. Presume your "permission" to take the test will have expired.

I didn't know you could take the test before graduating (I assume you mean completing your courses and not the actual ceremony).

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Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.

To everyone replying to my original post, i would like to see what some of the experiences are of others who may have waited a few years to retest. I did, i did, i did! And yes, i passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All i keep getting is replies about what i should or should not have done. I cannot get those years i waited before i retested back, so please stop posting such replies! All i want is experiences from those who are floating in the same boat! Reread the original message and you will see what i mean!

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Sorry journne, but you should have made the post more clear. Didn't mean to offend you, I just could never imagining waiting that long to re-test, but o well congrats.

okay sorry

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