FailureX2

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Dec 30, 2006

Alright, now. You have to get your chin up and decide that the third time is a charm. I've worked with many nurses who passed the first time, as well as ones who had to retake the exam one or more times. I am certain about one thing: While it's normal to feel a big sense of disappointment right now, you have to realize that failing the NCLEX twice does not make you dumb, it does not make you a failure, and it does not mean that you will become less of a nurse than a first-time passer.

There are so many factors that go into the pass/fail decision of each exam that it's impossible to say what happened to you. When people fail a second time with fewer questions they often feel like they must have regressed, but it just isn't that simple. Try to get the number of questions out of your mind.

Between those two attempts, you've taken 354 questions (many of which were not even scored) spread out over two different days and probably just a few hours. It's very possible, with the stress that surrounds the NCLEX, that they weren't your finest two days. Maybe the questions/topics just didnt fall in your favor. Bottom line: You can't let these bumps in the road deter you from the destination that both you and I know you deserve to reach.

We'll be thinking about you as you resume your preparations. If you're looking for a good study plan, Suzanne4 (the other moderator of this forum) has a fantastic one with a huge success rate. Contact her via PM. I don't think you'll regret it. Best of luck to you!

Leilah75_RN · Dec 30, 2006

hey! dont feel bad. i myself didnt pass. upon reading your letter, i felt that i was the one writing it. its was like me. plus the fact that i am alone here and all dealing with my husband's family who aparently did ace their exams the first time and been top nothchers of their class. My family knows what happened. didnt pass so ok, there will be next time, but its different when its your new found family is the one who will ask if u passed or failed. altho they might understand you, the feeling of a lil shame will always be there. they might say something behind your back, maybe not.or i am just getting paranoid lolz i felt like hmmm oh my i am becoming more dumb. lolz. as i look back, i am not dumb. i may have failed the 1st try but my previous work loves me (Egland NHS Hospital). Been beging me to go back and work with them again. my patients and so as their families likes me so much. so i said, i may have failed the test but i know i am a good nurse myself. Nclex is a super highway for us to be able to work here in america. it goes by the book. if you fail once or twice, there will always be next time. whether u pass or fail, it will not change the way u care for people. caring is from the heart not from the book. book enhances your knowledge so that the care u give will be of more higher quality.

i am a good nurse and so u are too and all of us here who are doing all the best we can to become a fully registered nurse.

dont loose hope. i am going to try suzanne's plan as well. be positive:P remember u are not alone in here. we are with you. best of luck to all of us.

ISM · Dec 30, 2006

so i went for a re-take of the exam.......the first time i was devastated having to sit there and take all 265 questions....to find out that i failed. i studied my ass off.... 3-4 hours a day for at least 4 weeks! using the computer and my saunders book. i am an lpn, transitioning to an rn, i passed my lpn the first time and only had 90 questions. so now this second time, i studied more frequently with less questions, memorized lab values, knew my drug classifications, studied using the kaplan testing program, used a different study book, i was ready, i was confident. i went to take the test and i felt good, i took my time, and at 89 my computer screen goes blue...my heart dropped into my stomach....i was done.....i figured either i did really good.....or i did awful! i leave and make my way home, the day goes by and no results....i'm going crazy because the last time i had known my results by the time i got home. so i wake up, go to work, and about 3pm i check my e-mail....and this time.....i get a letter explaining how to put together a study plan!!!! i cried...i puked i was so disgusted with myself, everyone says that they are sorry....but it's not their fault....it's mine! how can i go from 265 questions to only 89? simply because i got more dumb......or simply because my judgement now is so crippled i do not trust myself to answer correctly? is this wrong for me to think? i let everyone down......i let my husband down, i let my parents down...everyone that believed in me that i could pass! so far i am the only one to fail twice in the program....and only one other girl failed once. i so want to pass.....i wanted to the first time i did not pass........the days are awful......i have to listen to everyone ask now...how i did, and yet...i have to once again say i failed.......

hang in there; i failed x2 and awaiting results of my third try. just don't give up o.k. i feel your pain.

Silverdaisyd · Dec 30, 2006

thank you all for your kind and uplifting words. i have made an appointment with my advisor from nursing school to help me put together a study plan that is due on jan 5th. the board has to approve it before my third attempt. i have no clue how to put together a study plan, but my advisor who was also my instructor is willing to help me. i just hate the fact that a stupid test has to be the final say in whether or not you get that title rn. i feel i am going to tackle this even harder than the time before. i have looked at the suzanne's plan and will implement some of them into my study plan, any suggestions? has anyone else had to put together a study plan?

ISM · Dec 30, 2006

thank you all for your kind and uplifting words. i have made an appointment with my advisor from nursing school to help me put together a study plan that is due on jan 5th. the board has to approve it before my third attempt. i have no clue how to put together a study plan, but my advisor who was also my instructor is willing to help me. i just hate the fact that a stupid test has to be the final say in whether or not you get that title rn. i feel i am going to tackle this even harder than the time before. i have looked at the suzanne's plan and will implement some of them into my study plan, any suggestions? has anyone else had to put together a study plan?

suzanne's plan seem to be working for lots of retakers. i did it and did realise that my level of confidence did increase where taking the test is concerned. my problem is that i clamp up when taking tests and thought after much prep. that i would be more relaxed;no way ! i started to get anxious when i realise that i worked on my weakest areas and hardley got any of it. that is what happens; one has no idea what will come on the test. any way i wish you the best of luck. it is unfortunate that a score determins if you are an r/n. people like me a hands on and can perform very well in the practial; but theory, noooooooo! chin up. god bless