Failed Nclex First Time---Still Want to go to CRNA School

suzanne4, RN · Jul 19, 2005

Sorry that you didn't pass, but I would be more concerned with feeling very comfortable with the material rather than rushing to take the exam as soon as possible.

You will be much further ahead that way. Now what were you using for studying and how much preparation did you have for the exam? How many quesitons did you do and what book/CD did you use?

Take things one at a time and lets get you thru the exam first so that you can get your experience, then go onto the next step.It doesn't work in reverse.

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2005

I found out yesterday that I failed nclex! This was my first time taking the exam and I am devastated. My dream is to become a CRNA and I am planning on retaking the exam asap. So my question is, will the schools know that I did not pass nclex the first time around? If so, do they hold it against you? Thanks!

i don't think they'll ever know.

crna is your long term goal, but your short term goals are going to get you there... and focusing on passing your boards is the most fundamental stepping stone to your ultimate goal of crna.

stay focused on passing this test... go to a review course. the most important thing you can do now is to NOT be devastated and to overcome this obstacle, as there will be many on your journey.

crnahopeful32 · Jul 19, 2005

Honestly, I did not study that much for the exam. The week before I moved to a new city and started a new job. I thought that since I did well in nursing school, that the exam would not be that bad. Boy, was I wrong! I felt like I didn't know anything. I did practice questions only the week before with Kaplan and Saunders books. We also had a mini review course the week before I graduated in May. I just didn't take it seriously enough and now I'm paying the price. I'm afraid it's going to affect my chances of getting into crna school--do you know the answer to my previous question? I also found out today that I have to wait 90 days before retaking the exam.

TexasCCRN · Jul 19, 2005

No one will know about your NCLEX score, nor will they care. You need to pass to get on with your life. I recommend contacting Marlene Hurst and Hurst Review services. I have first hand experience with this group and they are excellent. They will give you any help you need. NCLEX is not about how much you know. You know that you know alot...you passed nursing school right?? It's about how to take that certain kind of test. Hurst review can give you strategies for passing the test as well as the core content that you need to focus on rather than all the stuff you won't need for the test. Take a look at the website and feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I know how distressing it can be in your situation. check it out...it is well worth your time and money to pass... http://www.hurstreview.com

Good Luck

momandnurse28 · Jul 19, 2005

I don't believe anyone will know you didn't pass the first time and even if they do-I don't think it will matter. I just passed my boards. My 2 cents is to use the Saunder's review books and to brush up on your prioritzation (i.e. you have 4 pts with blah, blah, blah...which do you see first). Also study diseases that are currently making news, like TB and AIDS. Best of luck to you!

crnahopeful32 · Jul 19, 2005

I don't believe anyone will know you didn't pass the first time and even if they do-I don't think it will matter. I just passed my boards. My 2 cents is to use the Saunder's review books and to brush up on your prioritzation (i.e. you have 4 pts with blah, blah, blah...which do you see first). Also study diseases that are currently making news, like TB and AIDS. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the advice. I have the Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN, 2nd edition. Is that the book you used? I had a ton of priority questions.

emtmoon1 · Jul 19, 2005

I know several people who did not pass on their first try; one of which had to retake the test 4 times before passing. She is an excellent nurse - not very good at taking exams. As mentioned in the previous posts, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Complete as many practice test questions as possible via the review books/CD's to become comfortable with the structure of the questions. Most of all, don't let your attitude/fear of the exam or your self confidence hinder your abilities and knowledge, and ultimately your success in passing the boards. You CAN do it! Good Luck

atlanta · Jul 19, 2005

do you know the answer to my previous question? I also found out today that I have to wait 90 days before retaking the exam.

90 is too long.. If I were you, I wouldn't wait for 90 days. May be you can apply for license from other states where waiting time is shorter... Have you heard about COMPACT license from some states that may permit you to works in so many states, which may also include your state.

crnahopeful32 · Jul 19, 2005

90 is too long.. If I were you, I wouldn't wait for 90 days. May be you can apply for license from other states where waiting time is shorter... Have you heard about COMPACT license from some states that may permit you to works in so many states, which may also include your state.

I have thought about that option. If I apply to another state, do I have to be a resident? My dilemma is that I just moved to a new city and I am bound to a lease for 12 months, so I can't move or anything.

BabyRN2Be · Jul 19, 2005

I'm sorry that you didn't pass the NCLEX your first time. It seems like you've learned from your mistakes, and that you'll learn from them. You already know what the material is like, so you have that going for you the second time - not that you'll get the same test mind you, they all are different. If you can, take the time to study for your next scheduled NCLEX. You are not the only one that this has happened to, and there are many wonderful nurses out there who did not pass the NCLEX the first time.

I'm just curious, if I might ask, how many questions did you get? I hope you don't mind me asking.

Also, they won't know that you didn't pass the NCLEX your first time and it's likely that they won't care. Like others have said, the NLCEX is a long term goal. In the long term scheme of things, this is a minor setback (note: LONG term goals, not short term). You have a lot to do before you can apply to CRNA school. Go out and prove to everyone that you would make a great CRNA, and be able to back it up.

Once again, I'm sorry you didn't pass the first time, but in the long run, no one will know. Just focus on passing next time, and everything should be fine.

Best of luck to you!

momandnurse28 · Jul 19, 2005

Thanks for the advice. I have the Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN, 2nd edition. Is that the book you used? I had a ton of priority questions.

Yes, and the Q&A book. I think it really helped. Do the questions and do a quick review of anything you get wrong. Remember your ABC's and remember that any change in LOC is a red flag.