Encouragement needed,... Didn't PASS MY BOARDS!

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here's my problem. i have been wanting to be a nurse for a really long time, it's always been something i felt i had a nack for. so, this may i graduated an adn nursing program as an rn. how awesome! but, since then, there has been a lot of bumps in my career path.... which feels more like tall mountains. i had two interviews right after graduating for jobs, and didn't get either position. (at the time i was horrified, but i felt it was good "practice" for upcoming interviews.) i lost a brother-in-law in a car crash on july 9th, and his funeral was the day i was supposed to take my boards! ack! thinking i was ready, i rescheduled them for that next week. i had 2 more interviews in that time span, and 1 of them were depended on if i passed my boards. i would have had a job! low and behold, i didn't pass my boards. :angryfire i am hoping to take them again the end of september, or early october. i had such hopes of having a job by now and being an actual working rn! i am just getting really down this summer with everything going on! i just want to know, i guess, if there are other people in my boat! or have at least been there. i know a lot of people don't pass their first time taking the test, but i guess i just need some encouragement. i hate having to pay all that money, again, to take the test. we are taking that test so that we can get a job and make the money... we don't have it yet!! :o i know things have to get better, it's just really hard to see all the people that were in class with you pass their boards and all have jobs, ya know?

melissa

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm sorry you didn't pass boards. Please don't be too hard on yourself. With your recent loss, giving yourself a month or so to review seems wise. I wish you the best next time around!

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I'm sorry you didn't pass, but you're right, many people don't pass the first time. Now, different things work for different people, but my best advice is to just get a hold of your NCLEX review book and do as many questions as you can in preparation. Borrow other peoples books too for different questions. Just keep answering questions! I was lucky when I graduated in that a past alumnus gave our class money to take a NCLEX review course....we only had to pay $28.00 for it. It was a big help, I thought. The class can be expensive, but if you can afford it I'd say go for it. I know that the NCLEX is quite different now than when I took it, make sure you have up to date material to review too. I believe they use 'fill in the blank' and 'choose ALL answers that apply'? Yuck!! I'm not sure I would have passed myself! It's a difficult test, and I'm sure you'll do fine the next time. You know what to expect as far as format and you have time to study. I hope your life stays nice and steady for the next test!! Good luck! :)

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

I know of a few who took it upwards to 4 times before they passed it. You have went through a lot.

When I was in my semeter of school, my niece, whom I was very close to was killed in a car accident. A Friday before an exam and one 1 week before the final. I was devistated. I went in that Monday to take the test, my instructors sent me home. Said I needed to deal with my personal life before I lay so much on the line. So I did. I waited 2 weeks and took both the exam and the final. I passed, but not with the best grades. I felt as though my world was crumbling, first my grandpa died in Sept (next to my last semester) and then my niece. But I didn't give up. I studied, tried to fill my head with information instead of pain, and went on.

I graduated with honors and passed NCLEX my first try in 83 questions. I was so proud of myself.

But - today I just quit my first job as an RN. It was difficult, but my health was now at stake.

Life hands us many bumps in the road, either we can sit by the wayside and hope someone will come along and pull us out of the rut, or we can get up, pick our selves up and press on. It is whatever you choose to do.

I have had two calls in the last couple of days for interviews. I haven't responded yet because I wanted to finish one thing (quit my other job) before I started looking for another one.

Good luck - keep going and don't give up.

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Melissa I sent you a PM, let me know if I can be of any help. I am in the same boat as you are

Natalie

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Send me your e-mail address via a pm, do not post it here.

I am putting together a program to guide you to passing this next time. So far, it has worked for every single person who has followed what I suggested. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

How neat, Suzanne. What a resource!

I'm so uplifted to know that you spend your time and energy to help students pass.

As they say, cool beans.

That's why I really really like this site.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

(((((((((HUGS))))))))) Melissa.

Take some time off.. a few really cleansing deep breaths (I know you've already shed the tears).

Then go at it once again, every bit as determined. You SHALL succeed !

Try, try again. You'll do it, and you're OK. :)

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Take some time for yourself. Give yourself a couple weeks to relax...read a magazine that isnt medical/nursing in content. Get together with some friends that arent in nursing and have a girls night, free from nursing talk. I highly recommend putting everything away. Pack up all your books, study guides, letters and notices about NCLEX during this time you're taking for yourself. Its really hard to walk by the dining room table and not feel like the nclex study guide is pulling you in like a tractor beam. In a couple weeks develop a study plan and attack it head on. You will feel more centered and whole heartedly ready to get back in the saddle so to speak.

You will be more prepared this time and remember that everthing you need to pass NCLEX you learned in school, now is the time to put it all together organize and prioritize and add a splash of your own common sense.

Warmly,

Lisa Ann, RN MLT :lol2:

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Thanks to everyone who has posted,.. you have all lifted my spirits. I have a very supportive family and awesome friends, but no one really knows unless they've been in your shoes. I'm going to get out there and kick some butt!!!! (when it's time)

MELISSA :roll

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Thanks to everyone who has posted,.. you have all lifted my spirits. I have a very supportive family and awesome friends, but no one really knows unless they've been in your shoes. I'm going to get out there and kick some butt!!!! (when it's time)

MELISSA :roll

thats the spirit!!! you are not alone i graduated adb in may too took my boards on june 23 and failed 2 days after i found out i found a lump in my breast i had an operation about a week later and luckily it was benign all the while i was studying to take them again and i did on august 10th i passed.......you can do it if you need time take it but if ure like me everyone told me to take time to heal and reooperate but i just wanted to get back and kick this tests butt and i did im sure you will too......listen to suzzane she helped me my 2nd time around :o) good luck im rooting for you :nurse:

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Sorry! I'm sure it's a good program, but I am trying to dig up the $300 it's going to take me to retake the stinking test,... don't have $500 for more studying material. I have plenty of stuff to review, I just need to really crack down and do it.

I removed the quote from your post, since that post has already been deleted. Suzanne

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