Do NOT give up hope! Here is my becoming an RN story

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I've looked through these pages constantly for advice or to get the answers to the questions I had. Now, I want to share my story now to give at least one person that reads this some hope.

I graduated from my four year nursing program. It was an excellent program! People barely make it through the program. I had a job lined up and I'll I had to do was pass the NCLEX. I felt ALL the pressure in the world and I am a person that puts a lot of pressure on myself normally. With that said NCLEX day came, I panicked, and barely went inside. I did go inside and I knew as soon as I walked out I failed. I know everyone says that but for me it was true. I did the PV trick and got the bad pop up. 2 days later got the quick results and I was right. From that day on I fell into a depression. I struggled with my friends passing and the job I could've had just gone. They actually were going to wait for me to retest in 6 weeks to give me the job and I couldn't bring myself to it. Something I work SO hard for my whole life just gone by one test. I had never really failed anything before and boy did this hit me hard.

I tried to pick myself up, study again, but in the end each time I just couldn't. My mind would take me back to that day and I'd feel the panic all over again. At that point in my life I was in a dark place that I felt like I couldn't get out of. I worked part time at a different job but always had the NCLEX lingering in my head.

I applied with the NJ BON 3 other times before I could actually bring myself to sit for the NCLEX. Of course I had the run around from NJ BON just like everyone else does and it took forever to get the ATT each time. The last time I decided I wasn't going to be scared anymore. That ONE DAY did NOT define me.

I found a program that fit my needs. I didn't need a content review I needed critical thinking and how to relax on test day. I joined Joan Palmeri's Happy NCLEX review course. I joined one time before I actually sat again and then a second time. I went through the course and was able to be calm when sitting and doing practice questions. I was able to control my anxiety and breathe. I'm sure that is what got me through my NCLEX the second time I took it. 4 years after I graduated from nursing school.

My attitude was completely different than it ever had been before and I was able to BREATHE. I passed my NCLEX and after weeks of back and forth with the BON I have my license.

If you're in a situation like I was I want to tell you it does get better and do not give up! You are strong, you a brave, and you can do it! If you fail, you fail, and it IS OKAY! It is not the end of the world, it does not define you! Your path may be different than others but it is that way for a reason!!