when to give up trying to pass

[avidhunter3]

So. My husband and I are both LVNs here in texas. My husband did the transition program and passed gaining an associates degree in may 2014. He has yet to pass his NCLEX despite repeated attempts. I dont even know how many times its been but I think like 6 or so. Please dont judge! He has SEVERE test anxiety and for whatever reason this is just conquering him. We have tried numerous testing strategies and books and classes. Every time he gets all 265 questions and his score report reads ABOVE PASSING AND NEAR PASSING in every area. I feel its the select all that apply. Here in Texas you have unlimited attempts at nclex for 3 years after graduation. We have spent so much money trying anything to help him pass.

I am just so over it. Its so frustrating and humiliating for him. I haye seeing him so dissapointed after studying so hard. I know a lot of people say "its just not meant to be". Maybe thats true. But why pass nursing school for RN then? And hes a nurse on a busy med surg tele floor so its not like hes never had experience. I myself went thru excelsior so he could go to the traditional program. I am scheduled to take my CPNE in December but I just feel so terrible about him not passing that I cant even study. If it were you, what would you do? Would you keep trying to pass the NCLEX until the 3 yr mark hits or just move on? I am truly asking opinions. Its just so disheartening.

[avidhunter3]

You are so right! I have heard so many people say ugly things about failing like "if you take it more than 3 times you dont need to be an RN", ect.....people just truly dont realize how hard this journey has really been. I want so badly to see him pass and conquer this beast! Thanks to you all for the encouragement.

[Jasel, BSN, RN]

Honestly I think what helped me the most was going into the NCLEX completely relaxed. I wanted to walk into that exam like I was going on a week long vacation afterwards. I wanted to pass, but I knew I was an LPN and I just made it through an RN program. And even if I did fail, I could try again. I did 100 multiple choice questions from Saunders CD every other day or so for a month, reviewed some study guides from our teachers. Finished in 75 questions.

His anxiety is what needs to be addressed. If he's failing despite trying several different learning styles I doubt it's his test taking ability that is the problem. As someone else said, while different people have varying degrees of difficulty with the test, the test itself isn't designed to be all that difficult.

Good luck.