Failed NCLEX Twice! Need help please

[nickthetrick]

Hello all.

I'll give a little background about where I am. I graduated from a 4 year BSN program in May of 2016. I took the test twice since then, one in June of 2016 and then one in November of 2016. The first time I took it, truthfully I felt good but at the same time rushed. Second time I took it I felt even better than the first. Since then I have pursued a different career, not in the medical field and have not taken the test since. I became very discouraged after the second time and pretty much gave up on the test. I did pretty well in nursing school, low 90's and never thought I would find myself in this situation. Before taking the exam I did lots of studying (8-10 hours a day for each exam for months), using a couple different courses including Kaplan, Uworld and a couple of others I can't remember. (I did not like Kaplan at all due to the fact it was just about 'how to take the test').

Fast forward to 3 years later, July 2019 and I want to give it another serious try, however I don't know where to start. I feel its something I need to do for myself. I'm not sure if it was content or test taking that I didn't do well with. I'm looking for some insight on where to start and which programs use. I do have a full time job now and can't study as much as I used to back in 2016 but I do plan on spending a majority of my free time studying. I don't have a deadline for when I need/want to take the test, but just want to be comfortable with everything before taking it again.

I've done some research and am interested in Hurst, NRSNG and the actual NCSBN review courses but am unsure if I should use one of those or something else.

Any advice and insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Before you start studying again, contact the BON for the state you wish to test to ensure you are still eligible to test. You have been out of school three years, in some states you would need to take a refresher course or something.

Take a look at why you were not able to pass the first two times, see the areas of content you needed to strengthen. Especially now being out for a long time, the information is not fresh, and a live review course would be beneficial, as you need to know information as well as how to take the test.

Additionally, looking for jobs, if you pass the boards might not consider you for any new grad positions.

Good Luck to you.