Failed Boards

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

I have failed boards twice now, and just need some advise. I have taken review classes, and have done several questions out of two different review books. I was wondering if there has been anyone in my shoes, and what you did to pass when you took boards again.

Never taken boards, but I do want to wish you the best of luck in the next try. Don't give up. I have read of MANY who took it over 3 times until they nailed it so you are NOT alone.

Good luck.

avahsmiles · Oct 5, 2005

i'm sorry that you didn't pass the nclex. if you don't have an nclex review book(kaplan?), maybe you can purchase one from a bookstore or ebay. i hear that it comes in handy. also, how are you feeling before you take the exam? maybe you've been really nervous and stressed out. if so, when you arrange your next exam, why not relax with a nice breakfast & cup of tea before you go, put on a nice comfy sweater or favorite shirt & wear it to the exam. walk into the room feeling confident. confidence, a positive attitude & a non-grumbly belly will get you through next time.

best wishes & don't give up. :)

JPrince · Oct 5, 2005

I agree. Get an NCLEX book (I think I used one by Lippinkott which was really good - that was over 6 years ago, but I'm pretty sure that's what I used to study). You can get it at Barnes and Nobles, etc. It reviews everything and has tons of sample tests to take.

I know it's so much easier said than done, but you've got to approach the test as relaxed as you can. Tensing up and thinking about previous answers will only complicate and frustrate you! Stay optimistic! DO NOT read too much into a question either! That's the biggest thing I remembered when I took it and it helped me tremendously. Hang in there and best of luck to you! I guarantee when you pass this time, it'll be the best feeling and a huge sense of accomplishment! :)

analee23 · Oct 5, 2005

I have failed boards twice now, and just need some advise. I have taken review classes, and have done several questions out of two different review books. I was wondering if there has been anyone in my shoes, and what you did to pass when you took boards again.

I took a review session that was a week long and provided sample tests and it's own review book. I had a friend that then failed NCLEX and was sent a large packet of information (from the review program) to assist her in passing the second time, which she successfully did. Some things to remember when taking the exam is that there is no way you can memorize everything, but you MUST know the basics (fluid volume/deficit, GI disease processes, basic OB, basic Peds, etc.)... prioritization is important to stay in the higher-level questions, but you have to have knowledge about disease processes to get to these questions.

Another thing to remember with prioritization questions is IF you can do something for the patient that is NOT out of your scope of practice, do it FIRST... but if everything listed is improbable or out of your scope of practice, call the MD. That saved my butt on a number of questions... best of luck and let us know how you do!

BabyRN2Be · Oct 5, 2005

AGardenour1,

I'm sorry that you failed boards. I just wanted to let you know that there is a forum on here under the student boards to talk about such events. The moderator, Suzanne, has helped many people in your shoes and she has a great success rate in preparing people for boards, whether it's their first or fifth time. If you get the chance, that would be a great forum for you to visit. Go under "Nursing Discussions" and click "Nursing Student Discussions."

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.

Kat

Jolie, BSN · Oct 5, 2005

Back in the dark ages when I graduated from nursing school, nearly everyone worked as a GN for a period of time prior to sitting for boards, which were offered only 2 times per year. It was the advice of our instructors that working experience was the best preparation for boards, as opposed to endless studying and review courses. Based on what I've read on this website about graduates failing boards, I have to think my instructors were right. Unfortunately, in this day and age, you can't get a job without passing boards first.

If you graduated in good standing from a reputable program, and have made a sincere effort to prepare yourself for the exam, then I think it is time to go back to your school and request assistance. After all, they happily took your tuition and fees for 2-4 years, you have a right to expect to be properly prepared by their program to pass the exam. Get in touch with the program director and request tutoring, clinical skills practice, study help, etc. Remind them that your inability to pass boards reflects poorly on their program. I hope they will help you!

suzanne4, RN · Oct 5, 2005

I have failed boards twice now, and just need some advise. I have taken review classes, and have done several questions out of two different review books. I was wondering if there has been anyone in my shoes, and what you did to pass when you took boards again.

Sorry to hear that you did not pass............which exam have you been sitting for and when did you graduate from school? (RN or the PN)

If you will send my your e-mail address via pm, do not post it here, I will gladly help you prepare for the exam.............:wink2:

StephRNBSN · Oct 6, 2005

i have failed boards twice now, and just need some advise. i have taken review classes, and have done several questions out of two different review books. i was wondering if there has been anyone in my shoes, and what you did to pass when you took boards again.

i know just how you feel. i have failed the dreaded boards also. after i had failed it twice without having gone to a review course, i decided to take the online kaplan review course. it does cost a chunk of change, but well worth it. when i went to take it the third time i was calm, cool and collective. not like the other two times when i felt my bp sky rocket and i almost passed out. after that third time, i came out of that computer room feeling pretty good about it and i did pass. oh and another thing...the nclex is textbook and not the real world. i hope that this helped you. good luck.

Sunshine78 · Oct 20, 2008

Hi,

I can understand how you feel. I failed my boards lastweek. I was beside myself. After crying for a few hours I spent time with people who matter most to me. Then I spoke with a few advisors from school and regrouped. Now I am planning on starting the Suzanne PLan and using Saunders. Im giving myself more time and reducing the pressure by NOT telling anyone my next test date. The pressure of everyone knowing was too much for me. Goodluck to you and I say this, You, I, WE, passed nursing school which isnt easy. We've made it this far. Thats says ALOT!

Goodluck, be well.

mondkmondk · Oct 20, 2008

I have failed boards twice now, and just need some advise. I have taken review classes, and have done several questions out of two different review books. I was wondering if there has been anyone in my shoes, and what you did to pass when you took boards again.

Hey, I totally feel your pain. It took me 2 tries for LPN boards (and that was back before computers; took the paper test) and on my 3rd try I finally passed RN boards. I too took review courses, hired a tutor, got every book out there and when I finally passed (both LPN and RN tests), Lippincott was the book to do it. I just barely was passing Lippincott practice tests and I feel the book is really hard, but it really taught me how to pick "the one" right answer.

My problem was that a right sounding answer would jump out at me, but I was reading too much into the question and I would inevitably, pick another answer. On my 3rd try for RN boards, I picked the answer that jumped out at me, took 75 questions, computer shut off and I just knew I passed that time and sure enough, I did. I contribute that to Lippincott's study books.

Good luck!

Blessings, Michelle