Failed the Nclex 3 times, what next?

Published

I need to write this because I need some help. Throughout nursing school I've had alot of anxiety when it comes to tests, I tried taking anti anxiety meds and they were no help, but I made it through and graduated in June 2013. Right off the bat I started studying with an online tutor that was provided to us by ATI and waited until I got the green light to take the exam, which I took in August. I got 265 questions but failed. During the test I felt sick to my stomach and very anxious, but that has probably been the best I've done at the Nclex yet. I decided to stop ATI and did a Kaplan review, I felt that it was a waste of time, we went to live lessons and reviewed questions, but I felt confident and usually felt like I knew most of it and retook the exam in October, failed again with about 190 questions but I felt like I was getting easier questions so I wasn't reachig the higher level questions. Then I went back to ATI after speaking to my professor and retook the Nclex for the third time a couple days ago and failed at about 90 questions, I felt like I was getting higher level questions, but was the most anxious I had been, I was crying when they were they the picture before the test I was so overwhelmed.

The problem is that nursing has been what I've always wanted to do but it's getting to the point where I feel that I physically can't pass the test. I have so much study material, Saunders, La Charity, all you can think of I have and have used. My grandfather in law recently passed and I quit my job to take care of him and now am looking for a job and I feel like my husband isn't bing supportive he's telling me to have a plan B, but honestly there's nothing else I'd rather do than nursing. I could do other things as I am fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, but I honestly can't wait to the day I am a nurse.

Ok this is long enough, if anybody reads this, what are your thoughts, I am so overwhelmed!

Thank you

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try and do breathing exercises along with guided imagery to help you relax. Think of a beautiful exotic beach or island and breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Also think about how bad you want to be a nurse and will make a decent living once you passed your boards.

Also could it be your diet? Caffeine, tea, coffee, sodas, chocolates? Do you eat and or pray (if it applies) before your exam? I hope these help and Good Luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah I understand..my hubby just failed 3 times also after he studied and did Hurst Review and last time did Saunders books. I'm frustrated to no end..all the money and time we keep pumping into reviews and exams. It seemed like he did pretty well on questions from Hurst Review but no failed at 75 questions. I'm very angry right now..we don't need this my hubby would make a fantastic nurse. Personally I don't understand why we have to do an NCLEX exam anyways since we were all competent enough to graduate nursing school. You would think they would have faith in our nursing programs..don't our degrees mean anything?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yeah I understand..my hubby just failed 3 times also after he studied and did Hurst Review and last time did Saunders books. I'm frustrated to no end..all the money and time we keep pumping into reviews and exams. It seemed like he did pretty well on questions from Hurst Review but no failed at 75 questions. I'm very angry right now..we don't need this my hubby would make a fantastic nurse. Personally I don't understand why we have to do an NCLEX exam anyways since we were all competent enough to graduate nursing school. You would think they would have faith in our nursing programs..don't our degrees mean anything?!

The sad truth. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the reply I thought I wouldn't get any. When testing I try doing breathing exercises and I feel like I just can't control how I feel. I eat healthy and exercise 3 to 4 times a week. I am a big coffee drinker I drink strong coffee at least twice a day but I don't know if this would affects me. I do eat before exam. I have been doing novenas up to the test since I am a practicing catholic, I pray alot, and have many around me praying, I just feel like the world is against me ;(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's tough I feel bad because my husband has been supportive, he has a great job but he is under alot of stress too having to deal with this. I honestly feel like there should be a practical test, I am not book smart at al but I have common sense and am great in the clinical area. I would always be the one in clinical helping others and I feel like that should count for something, I have people offering me jobs but its tough to say well I haven't passed the Nclex yet, its just so discouraging. I am thinking of doing a Hurst live review to freshen up and am looking for a live tutr, but those can be pricey. Well good luck to us, hope everything works out, I know how your husband must be feeling :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Personally I don't understand why we have to do an NCLEX exam anyways since we were all competent enough to graduate nursing school. You would think they would have faith in our nursing programs..don't our degrees mean anything?!

You are joining a profession. A profession much like medicine, law, accounting, etc. As such, there is a minimum professional standard that you must meet in order to practice. This is hardly exclusive to nursing and isn't meant to diminish the value of your education but to ensure that it measures up to that standard and that you are minimally prepared to practice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try Hypnosis therapy to help u with anxiety.

My classmate and I try it its work for both of us, so maybe its work for u! Check the group on for deals

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've never thought about it, thanks for the help, I will definitely look into it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lori, please don't give up on your dreams. I too failed the exam twice, I did it again on the 16th Dec13 and went straight to the CD page. I am stressed and depressed awaiting the official result on paper, so that I can start studying again. I am not giving up on my dreams. By the grace of God I put my self through Nursing School, graduated in 2008 but was undocumented so I couldn't do the exam then. Thank God now I am documented and did the exam three times and the 3rd don't look good either. But, I am a child of God and live my life with the plan of God. JEREMIAH 29V11 IS MY SCRIPTURE FOR LIFE. God have a plan for us all and in His time we will all pass this exam. Please don't give up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dec 21'13. It doesn't matter how hard it is, it doesn't matter how hard it gets, I am making it and I am going to make it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I PASSEDDDD!!!!!!

I did hypnosis and my anxiety went away, I was so calm I could actually think, I got 170 questions and finished it in 3 hours. I AM FINALLY A NURSE!!!!! I also did Hurst and it was a great refresher course!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion