Failed nclex-rn many times. thinking of taking LPN nclex.

Balzac · May 6, 2015

I usually stay out of the NCLEX threads but I can't let this pass. Being an LPN is not second prize for not being able to be an RN. The LPN is not an assistant. They are licensed nurses in their own right. If someone can't pass the NCLEX RN (after 4 tries!!!??), I doubt they could pass the NCLEX PN. I've taken both and found the PN version to be harder. After 4 failed attempts, perhaps it's time rethink careers.
ETA--I just realized the penultimate post was a year ago. My point still stands.

Yes I am FULLY aware that LPN is not an assistant (but requires supervision with a PT like as an RN does). But, I also stated and agreed upon on my previous paragraph the fact that it is NOT also a consolation price for not being a successful RN. PN plays an important role in the team but sometimes people become so sensitive that PN should not be compared to an RN because they're all high and mighty like an RN. We are in a society that competition plays an important role in comparing two different career paths. I did compare RN-PN to PT-PTA for the fact that "some" people can pass on other levels without being on that top level right away. PTA is not just being an assistant - its an Associate Degree on their own right too. It is NOT just a diploma as others thought. So dont be so sensitive on this issue.

Why does some USA states allows more than 3 attempts on their exams and Canada will only have 3 attempts even though we are using NCLEX too now. I am sorry but I do NOT agree that you failed 3 attempts you need to RETHINK that maybe nursing is not for you. IEN have difficulties with comprehension on exams. Now, people will say if they cant comprehend on exam then they are likely unsafe to practice in work settings - exams and real situations are different from each other. So I do not believe in that kind of reasoning. So funny when people say I doubt you will pass PN when you can not pass the RN. When we take exams, it is important to consider what your stress level on the day of the examination as this will IMPACT the result of your exam. I also believe that people can psychologically tell themselves that this is sub or lower level of my education and I can able to pass it. To some this works but to some it doesn't.

I was not born in Canada but I was educated and trained in Canada as an RN. I did fail my first CRNE and NCLEX-RN and passed ALL of them on 2nd attempts. So what's the matter in trying the PN exam because your not successful with NCLEX-RN. How would you know if you will not try it ? Is there any peer reviewed articles or research done stating that students who were not successful on NCLEX-RN will likely fail the NCLEX-PN on IEN? I believe as long you have the money and time to retake things - you should do it. I do NOT believe that people should change careers because they failed 10 times. I have a co worker who is been working for 10 years now and still makes a mistake in punching the numbers on an IV pump machine - so should I tell her that since "you do not know how to punch the right numbers in the IV pump machine, you should change careers."

Some USA states allow multiple times to retake NCLEX and they do NOT see this as a threat for unsafe practice nor advice students "rethink of your careers- you are not fit to be a nurse" If the BON starts saying that you should rethink your careers and I will believe on your "point that still stands out"

Your point that PN exam is harder than RN or almost same as hard as RN ... so what? That is why there is a word called "HOPE" as long you can able to write it and no one stopping you to write as many times as you want whether a PN or RN exam I will not listen to people like YOU telling others it is HARD. It maybe hard for you but for them it is NOT. I am not rude but I want people to know especially Bubba that there are challenges and roadblocks in life of a person. It is easy to say "rethink" when you are not in that situation - Aurora - I am sure if it happened to you - you will say it too but doing it, hmmm I doubt that you will take action. Bubba, as long BON lets you write as many as you can with NCLEX - go for it. If they let you write the PN - go for it. Remember - famous people in the world who had failed many times but still successful because they did not stop believing that one day they will make it. Anotehr example is JFK jr. failed his bar exam twice and he said that he will not stop retaking the exam until his old enough.

In 1989, Kennedy earned a J.D. degree from the New York University School of Law.^[24] He then failed the New York bar exam twice, before passing on his third try in July 1990.^[25] Kennedy vowed, after failing it for the second time, that he would take it continuously until he was ninety-five years old or passed,^[26] though if he'd failed a third time, he would have been out as a prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney's office, where he worked for the next four years.^[27]^[28] On August 29, 1991, Kennedy won his first prosecution.^[29]

^{PS - No offence Aurora ... next time you become sensitive ... ask yourself why did you even pursue}^RN^{instead of being an LPN when you you know for yourself you can do more as being an}^RN^{than just as an LPN. Why dont just stay LPN because you are hoping (when you were still an LPN) that you can do more as an}^RN^{. I just saw the word HOPE in your thoughts. :)}

Trauma Columnist · Jul 30, 2015

Lets please be kind to each other. There are some raw emotions here. Sometimes it is better to pursue other careers. However, that is NOT what the OP is asking - they want assistance to pass the NCLEX.

Please offer assistance, not criticism. Thanks.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

Some USA states allow multiple times to retake NCLEX and they do NOT see this as a threat for unsafe practice nor advice students "rethink of your careers- you are not fit to be a nurse" If the BON starts saying that you should rethink your careers and I will believe on your "point that still stands out"

Balzac, you bring up a good point about the problem with not having national licensure, that is individual States each have an individual Board of Nursing that sets the standards for practice in that State. It IS a problem, because as you've seen, some States recognize that a candidate who cannot pass the exam in a specified number of attempts (or within a specified number of years post-graduation) is also a candidate who is not prepared to begin practice as an entry-level nurse.

Unfortunately, there are still States that allow an unlimited number of attempts; as long as the BoNs get their application fees, they are fine with it. I'd hate to think that they are more interested in collecting fees than they are in safe practices.....or perhaps these States go with the overwhelming statistics that show someone who repeatedly attempts to pass the exam will ultimately NOT pass....ever. Maybe that's just all it is: the odds against someone taking it five times and passing on the sixth, as an example, are VERY VERY small. Sure, there is always the anecdote about the person who passed on the 8th attempt and is an amazing nurse (by their own opinion) but in reality, you probably have a better chance of being hit by lightening than passing the NCLEX at that point. And an increasing number of States are recognizing this by refusing to allow so many re-takes.

States requiring an unsuccessful candidate to do review courses, refresher nursing courses or outright repeat nursing school altogether are becoming more common. It's a growing trend, and I think it's fair to say that at some point ALL Boards of Nursing will catch on and update their regulations.

My personal take on all this is that if a candidate has failed to pass the exam after three attempts, it isn't unreasonable to expect that candidate to do SOMETHING differently in order to have a chance at passing. After all....continuing to do the same thing repeatedly and yet expecting a different outcome each time really IS insanity. Wouldn't you agree that following the same course of action (regardless of study materials used) yet expecting a different result is ridiculous?

If self-study did not work the first two times, three times, FOUR times.....perhaps a study group would be in order. A 1:1 tutor. Online class....SOMETHING that is different so that the candidate might be able to pass.

Without the knowledge necessary, without the language skill necessary, it is expected a candidate will fail. Gaining the knowledge and improving the language simply HAS to be done in order to be a viable candidate for licensure.

It's a very sensitive topic, I know, and some are better at soothing upset failed applicants than others, but all it boils down to is this: if one consistently fails this minimum-competency exam, one must ask himself/herself WHY.....and then do whatever is necessary to change the next outcome. Or, if all else DOES fail....yes, begin to explore career options that will allow more likelihood of success. It's not mean, it's just outlining the possible options.

JaaaeyRN · Aug 18, 2015

I am a foreign born but educated in the U.S.

I have tested both PN and RN NCLEX. The difference between both exams were scope of practice. General nursing knowledge/skills are still the same for both PN and RN.

Even I graduated from US college, I sometimes found it hard to comprehend the test questions and some answer choices.

So maybe try to brush up English first. I'm sure with your BSN, you have all the nursing knowledge and skills.

Good luck.

Nrs4lf · Aug 19, 2015

Hi everyone so I too have failed the Texas BON NCLEX RN exam x 5. I have always been a terrible test taker and I did very well in nursing school. I have been an LVN for 7 years and I have been given many compliments to my teachings for other nurses. I started as a CNA for two years then a medical assistant for twelve years before I went into a nursing program. I was a "B" student and made it through LPN school while I worked full time with three children at home. I passed RN school but failed at my exam and I truly believe largely because of working too much and now my time expired so I do not feel that it's fair to say I'm incompetent or I shouldn't have another shot at it in another state. Everyone including the BON keeps saying remediation, although every time I contact the BON they say go back to your school. They are of no help in fact this last time I stated that what was the rationale in doing nursing school over again to obtain the same degree ASN?? I didn't fail nursing school I failed an exam due to many issues each time I took it I did not put forth the effort it required. So what I need is an answer on how I can take this exam in another state or who I can contact to help me because like a previous post I read, a nurse has to do great in the books and on the floor and trust me there are RN's loosing their licenses daily due to "Floor" mistakes because we all know that book world and real world differ drastically. I deserve to obtain my RN I've worked hard, proven my ability in the classroom, set examples even for some RN's that do not have the skills I have, so can someone be more sympathetic to poor test takers please. Thank you, oh and my friend who also graduated with me whom was an "A" student in the classroom and has failed also needs help alongside me :) much love to all you wonderful nurses.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 19, 2015

Hi everyone so I too have failed the Texas BON NCLEX RN exam x 5. I have always been a terrible test taker and I did very well in nursing school. I have been an LVN for 7 years and I have been given many compliments to my teachings for other nurses. I started as a CNA for two years then a medical assistant for twelve years before I went into a nursing program. I was a "B" student and made it through LPN school while I worked full time with three children at home. I passed RN school but failed at my exam and I truly believe largely because of working too much and now my time expired so I do not feel that it's fair to say I'm incompetent or I shouldn't have another shot at it in another state. Everyone including the BON keeps saying remediation, although every time I contact the BON they say go back to your school. They are of no help in fact this last time I stated that what was the rationale in doing nursing school over again to obtain the same degree ASN?? I didn't fail nursing school I failed an exam due to many issues each time I took it I did not put forth the effort it required. So what I need is an answer on how I can take this exam in another state or who I can contact to help me because like a previous post I read, a nurse has to do great in the books and on the floor and trust me there are RN's loosing their licenses daily due to "Floor" mistakes because we all know that book world and real world differ drastically. I deserve to obtain my RN I've worked hard, proven my ability in the classroom, set examples even for some RN's that do not have the skills I have, so can someone be more sympathetic to poor test takers please. Thank you, oh and my friend who also graduated with me whom was an "A" student in the classroom and has failed also needs help alongside me :) much love to all you wonderful nurses.

After reading through the story, what jumps out at me is the bottom line: you will not be allowed to sit for the NCLEX for the State of Texas until you have done what they want. That said, you CAN apply to another State; if you pass the exam AND pass their licensing criteria, they will issue you a license that you can then ask Texas' BoN to endorse.

In a nutshell, you will need to find out what States will accept your application, pass the NCLEX, get a license, and then pay the fees for a license to work in Texas. Be aware that circumventing the Board of Nursing's requirements (by getting a license elsewhere and then applying to them later) might not be acceptable. They certainly might give you the license....or might not. MOST of the time, people do seem to be able to go around the rules on this one and get licensed eventually.

Paying fees to all the entities involved will be cheaper than nursing school; it may or may not be cheaper than a remediation course. But with TX, since you've exceeded the maximum time allowance to take/pass the exam, you have no choice but to apply to another State and hope for the best.

Before all that, you might want to consider WHY you failed the exam five times: you said you were a terrible test taker, but obviously you passed the PN exam. And you said you were a good student, so you obviously got through the nursing program. Being "a terrible test taker" isn't the problem here, therefore. Would be best to really examine WHY you failed so many times; the reasons you cited really aren't the whole story. You might do well to look at it more critically, before you spend a lot of money on another test.

Good luck!

(btw, can't trust you on this one: it's actually pretty hard to lose one's license; there aren't RNs "losing them everyday due to floor mistakes" regardless of the hysterical fears new grads have )

springchick1, ADN, RN · Aug 19, 2015

Hi everyone so I too have failed the Texas BON NCLEX RN exam x 5. I have always been a terrible test taker and I did very well in nursing school. I have been an LVN for 7 years and I have been given many compliments to my teachings for other nurses. I started as a CNA for two years then a medical assistant for twelve years before I went into a nursing program. I was a "B" student and made it through LPN school while I worked full time with three children at home. I passed RN school but failed at my exam and I truly believe largely because of working too much and now my time expired so I do not feel that it's fair to say I'm incompetent or I shouldn't have another shot at it in another state. Everyone including the BON keeps saying remediation, although every time I contact the BON they say go back to your school. They are of no help in fact this last time I stated that what was the rationale in doing nursing school over again to obtain the same degree ASN?? I didn't fail nursing school I failed an exam due to many issues each time I took it I did not put forth the effort it required. So what I need is an answer on how I can take this exam in another state or who I can contact to help me because like a previous post I read, a nurse has to do great in the books and on the floor and trust me there are RN's loosing their licenses daily due to "Floor" mistakes because we all know that book world and real world differ drastically. I deserve to obtain my RN I've worked hard, proven my ability in the classroom, set examples even for some RN's that do not have the skills I have, so can someone be more sympathetic to poor test takers please. Thank you, oh and my friend who also graduated with me whom was an "A" student in the classroom and has failed also needs help alongside me :) much love to all you wonderful nurses.

You have failed 5 times. Taking the exact same test in a different state isn't going to help you. Take a remediation course or get some help. Plenty of people have worked full time and still passed boards (including me) so that's not an excuse. You need to take a long hard look at what you want and if this is really for you.

Nrs4lf · Aug 20, 2015

Thanks so much for the reply and with that said maybe not daily but it's defi happening and it could potentially happen to anyone of us nurses :/ although your correct in noting this :). I have failed due to not putting 100% but in all honesty I also waited too long to test and did not put full effort on my part and given another opportunity I will make it happen if I can find a way to make it happen. I will do a refresher course and pull out my books after I find a way to be able to retest, I just want another chance thank you.

JPGasmin · Aug 20, 2015

I applied for Florida at first, but since I failed three times, I appliedin New Mexico board of nursing and going to review with hurst and Kaplan to hopefully pass it this time. Good luck with your results

Hey i'm also a foreign educated nursing student. I have applied to Florida and have just failed it 2 times. I am wondering if it was worth it to study abroad. The education was cheaper but not as hard and competitive than the US, and it did not prepare me well enough. I am feeling very depressed because I don't want to fail a 3rd time and have to reapply at a different state. Is it easy to apply in New Mexico as it is in Florida???

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

The NCLEX is a national exam, therefore it doesn't matter where you take it. Seems to me if you want to work in Florida, you ought to seek a license from them FIRST. If you become ineligible to test in Florida because you have maxxed out on the number of attempts, THEN look at applying to another State. Doesn't make sense to do it if you don't have to.

WLD, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

I am on your shoe, if you did not take it yet. Go for it!!!

Marga777 · Dec 25, 2015

I think it is a good idea to take PN test.I'm an LPN myself and train other LPN my company hires.One of the nurses had the same problem as you are.So she took a test and was lucky.LPN does pretty much the same things as RNs do so try to pass PN. But be aware that it is almost the same test and people who didn't pass the RN version usually have problem with PN.