Writing multiple times?

Marsha238612 · Sep 26, 2013

Here in America we are used to lifting ppls spirits. And always telling ppl "you can do it" even if that person has failed 100 times. I believe it's something that's engraved in us and I'm not sure whether it works or not. We praise children even when they do the smallest of tasks and again I don't know if that works or not. Maybe you're right, and there's a point where we should be honest and not praise/encourage someone who might not just be good at what they're trying to do. Very complex situation.

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Fiona59 · Sep 26, 2013

Frankly, after reading some of the posts here from our American fellow nurses, I'm afraid to wind up in hospital down there.

Passing the registration exam after only multiple attempts, others questioning what pain is (you are a drama queen if you don't meet their expectations), seeing all patients as drug seekers, etc.

I'm just glad I carry a tonne of travel insurance when I venture south of the 49th!

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Sep 26, 2013

I have the same problem responding to someone who is trying to get into nursing school that had to repeat multiple pre-req classes and gets a low score on the TEAS test and they ask if they will get into school. The problem is that just because you have the dream and ambition to become a nurse, doesn't mean that you have the ability to become a nurse and it is hard to break it to someone that their dream probably wont become a reality. What happens is that for the right price there are some private schools that will take them and progress them through their program only to have the student not have the skills to pass NCLEX. Now they have huge student loans, no license, and no job to pay them off.

Wrench Party · Sep 26, 2013

Before I also get flamed, I also have wondered about this. Any competent American program will:

a) screen candidates appropriately before admittance to the program (based on TEAS, letters of recommendation, GPA, etc.)

b) test students in NCLEX style format from Day 1

c) provide additional resources for practice and logic of the NCLEX, since schools live and die by their NCLEX passing rates

(my school provided ATI, the Saunders book, Uprep and then a Hurst review to awesome results- most of my cohort absolutely

slaughtered the NCLEX first time out)

d) identify and assist students who need extra help with testing

amoLucia · Sep 26, 2013

Agreeing with OP & martina238612. Am curious what those NCLEX test takers nsg school grades were? Did they struggle thru nsg school? Did they just breeze thru? Why are they NOT passing NCLEX?

I just shake my head when I read here that a student is so distraught about barely passing school tests. And I note the sense of surprise that, HEY, nsg school is really, really tough! And not being used to having to experience the struggle for grades in such a competitive, success-driven environment is something foreign. The work-world environment is just as competitive also.

NCLEX is the same test across the board for ALLapplicants. That's a constant. The fact that one applicant just can't pass the same test (when all the others could) says to me that there's a problem somewhere.

I am sympathetic for the test taker's time & money spent in pursuit of a career that they can't seem to achieve. But enough is enough.

Wouldn't it be something if pts were to ask a nurse, "how many times did you NCLEX? Oh, 6 times! No thanks, I want a nurses who did it first try. Get me another nurse."

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Sep 26, 2013

I know some may not like my question/comment either, but I'm really wondering about something. In 1980, when I took my state boards as they then called them, I felt prepared from my schooling. I have noticed more and more that a lot of nursing grads, feel somewhat unprepared for their NCLEX. Why is that? The only thing I studied before my boards, was Saunders Review, that we all bought with our books for classes. I must say that at the time, I felt that I learned what I needed to, to be sucessful and pass. I've noticed that a lot of you spend a great deal of money on review classes and books. What do you think has changed in 33 years?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 26, 2013

Let me put it this way: I love music and I love to sing, and indeed I'd do it for a living if I could. There's only one small problem with that: I'm not very good at it. In fact, I have a terrible singing voice, and the only place I dare sing out loud is in the car with all the windows rolled up, as my cat howls when I sing in the shower at home.

Soooo...do I keep taking voice lessons, hoping to become good enough someday to go on American Idol and win a recording contract? After all, it's my dreeeeeeeeam and I want it so bad I can taste it, so why not go for the gusto?

`ding` Reality check time: Because I'm NOT good enough. In fact, I can't carry a tune in a 55-gallon drum and never will, simply because I lack the talent for it. So the smart money says it's best to find a different passion and do something else. (Which is why I'm a nurse and a writer. )

That's how I view repeated attempts to pass the NCLEX. If one can't pass the first time, I think it ought to be a three-and-out proposition. Plus I think that all three attempt(s) need to be made within a year of graduation, because the candidate WILL forget much of what s/he has learned in the interim.

I'm sorry, but too many people of my generation did a terrible disservice to their offspring by coddling them and making sure they never had to deal with life's unpleasantries. Unfortunately, at some point (stuff) gets real and they are shocked---shocked!---to learn that not everyone finds them as special as they've been led to believe, and thus we have graduate nurses who fail the NCLEX a couple-three times and are genuinely befuddled when someone tries to tell them that it's time to give it up. Just because something is your dreeeeeeam doesn't mean it's within your reach. Says the nurse who can't hold a note to save her life.

loriangel14, RN · Sep 26, 2013

I have noticed one thing when you read posts from people preparing to take their licensing exam, no matter what country they are in. They always seem to approaching the material as if they haven't already seen it before. NOW is not the time to be learning this stuff. you were supposed to have learned it in school.I used no prep materials at all, just studied my books and notes from school. If what you are being tested on is based on your school work why would you need anything else to study with?

How bad was the school when a grad needs 1 half a dozen or more tries to pass?

chrisrn24 · Sep 26, 2013

I'm with ya 100%.

I have posted in a couple of the TEAS threads that everyone needs not to study for it. When I took it back in the day I was explicitly told "do not study for this. It will not help." But when I posted that here it was like "what? No!"

I bought one review book for NCLEX and went to a program my school paid for to review. The week before the test I went on vacation and studied for maybe 30 minutes every day. And I passed on the first try.

I don't mean to be cruel but I agree that it shouldn't take someone multiple attempts to pass NCLEX.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2013

I'm glad someone finally brought this up. I feel it detracts from the profession if there's a "try til you make it" policy. How many times are docs allowed to fail and retest? I feel there is a discrepancy that is only to our detriment as a profession.

amoLucia · Sep 26, 2013

Viva - you said a mouthful!