Failed NCLEX 5 times

Nursing Students NCLEX

Published

i am so lost and need help. i work as a lpn and passed those boards the first time i tried 5 years ago. for the last two years i have studied and studied and i keep failing the boards for my rn. last week was the fifth time. i don't know what to do. i do all the pre tests and pass. a lot of my co-workers come to me for answers and i still fail. the first four test took me all 265 questions. this last test i thought i passed with flying colors. when it kicked off at 78 i thought finally. boy was i wrong i failed again. i don't know any one else who has failed this much. people are telling me now i should look into a different career. not sure if i should. i feel lost. what should i do?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Have you taken a NCLEX review COURSE--not just studying on your own? Those review courses can be very helpful. Are you answering the questions based on your experience? If you are, that could contribute. Remember--NCLEX is textbook answers, based on all nursing education that is appropriate to help one enter the profession. Hang in there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

First, congratulations for returning back to school to retrieve your RN degree. Second, don't give up. I would suggest reading this thread:https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/after-taking-nclex-559795.html

It talked about a nurse who passed NCLEX after failing five times. Her story is inspirational and she gives some of her study tips.

Good luck and I pray that you pass next time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Another great book for NCLEX RN is Prentice Hall Nursing by Mary Ann Hogan. This is the SOURCE of the NCLEX RN. Stay encouraged.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I am so sorry you are going through this. Is it a myth that you can only take the NCLEX 6 times total? I thought someone told me that once...that after the 6th time you must re-do the entire nursing program (uh, no thank you!) Honestly, if this is NOT true and you can take it as many times as you like then I would keep trying if it were me. I wish I had better advice for you. Take some time off to get refreshed and get back at it. Maybe even get a personal tutor? Good luck :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

So sorry to hear this... Don't give up !!! Take a review course and get the Kaplan strategies book.. Both are very helpful. One helps with content the other helps when you really have no clue what the question is asking..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Hematology, Infusion, clinical.

My immediate reaction is this...

NCLEX is based completely on the "perfect world" version of nursing. Is it possible that your experience as an LPN is causing you to answer the questions in the mindset of the "real world" scenario? Seems like I would have to retrain my brain if I ever had to take the NCLEX again after actually working as a nurse.

...just a thought.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,med-surg,detox,cardiology,wound/ost.

That was an excellent point! Perhaps you are overthinking the questions (easy to do and even easier when you are a nurse). Are you also second guessing yourself during the exam?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in stepdown RN.
That was an excellent point! Perhaps you are overthinking the questions (easy to do and even easier when you are a nurse). Are you also second guessing yourself during the exam?

I was going to say this too. Don't try to read too much into a question. GOOD LUCK :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree 100% with everyone who says don't give up!!!!

I just finished nursing school and took a Kaplan review class last week. According to my instructor, NCLEX tests you on book knowledge of nursing and facts used to make the questions have to be verified from 3 textbooks. It does not test you on actual nursing practice because often textbooks are way behind current hospital and nursing research.

I missed a *bunch* of questions on the Kaplan trainer tests, and for the most part it was because I answered the question the way nurses actually do things in the hospital, not on the correct "book answer". I bet that since you have a lot of nursing experience that is affecting your question answering strategy.

I also agree with the person who posted the link earlier about the other nurse in your situation. Those resources are excellent.

Please please please don't give up and keep us all posted!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatric.
i am so lost and need help. i work as a lpn and passed those boards the first time i tried 5 years ago. for the last two years i have studied and studied and i keep failing the boards for my rn. last week was the fifth time. i don't know what to do. i do all the pre tests and pass. a lot of my co-workers come to me for answers and i still fail. the first four test took me all 265 questions. this last test i thought i passed with flying colors. when it kicked off at 78 i thought finally. boy was i wrong i failed again. i don't know any one else who has failed this much. people are telling me now i should look into a different career. not sure if i should. i feel lost. what should i do?[/
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you tried the Hurst review? Pricey, but might be worth it for you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment