Graduated 12 years ago, never passed the NCLEX - Advise to get back into the field

Nursing Students NCLEX

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hi

twelve years ago, at the age of 33, i graduated with a bsn and worked as a nurse extern while taking the nclex. unfortunately, i was not successful in passing and continued in the hospital as an aide while studying. i took the nclex 3 times but still did not pass. during that time i tried several of the study guides as well as the kaplan review.

i was about to get married and a job offer came up , therefore, i took a job in the finance business as a manager for one of the big 3 automotive companies. i had every intention of continuing my studies for the nclex. my career flourished and my wife and i started a family. after a successful career, our office closed, and i lost my job (as many have). although i was successful, i didn't enjoy my job. it was not personally fulfilling and didn't offer the opportunity to positively impact people.

i originally chose the nursing field because i wanted to have a sense of value and self worth that helping people and their families brought. i have a passion to work with people and a desire to do something that would change their lives in a positive way. the time i spent in both my clinical rotations as well as working in the field after graduation allowed me to experience that.

i really want to get back to the field but obviously have some things to accomplish. i have recently completed courses in medical terminology as well as anatomy and physiology. i have purchased the virtual - ati nclex - rn review package to prepare me for the nclex. while studying i am trying to get a job in a hospital as an aide so that i can be back in the environment and interact with the nursing staff in patient care. i hope that with diligent study and review using this system that i will be prepared to successfully pass the nclex, after which, i intend on taking a nurse refresher course offered through msu.

i would appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts about my plan and would like to hear from anyone who has returned to the field after such a long absence. what barriers did you experience or should i anticipate? am i crazy?

thank you all for your time.

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Even if you're able to pass NCLEX, and if you're able to get through a refresher course, you'll have to find someone who will give you a shot at an interview. And if you get an interview, you'll have to hope someone will give you a chance at a job.

Think long and hard about this, and read some of the posts from the new grads. These are nurses who are fresh out of school and can't get interviews to save their lives. These are the people you will be competing with for jobs. They're not going to need to work with mentors or work as nurse techs. Once they go through orientation, they'll be expected to work as staff. Do you think you can do the same?

I'm not saying this to be discouraging. I'm just trying to be realistic. Things are really tough out there right now. I don't think people should be giving you false hope. You are going to have a Herculean struggle ahead of you if you do this.

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Hi Tripper J!

I am in a similar situation to you and just wanted to give you some insight on what I've been doing.

I graduated with my BSN almost 9 years ago. I took the exam once after graduation & failed. I finally retook & passed the NCLEX exam in January 2011. I live in CA, so there are no time limits from the time of graduation.

To study, I used Kaplan On Demand & The Saunders Review. I realized that I needed to review a lot of content & learn test taking skills for the new types of questions, so I gave myself 6 months to study before scheduling an exam date.

Now that I have my license, I will be taking a 2 month RN Refresher course that includes both lecture & clinical with an RN preceptor on a med-surge unit. In CA, the refresher courses require you to have an RN license so you might want to check with your schools if you need a license to participate in the refresher course.

I have taken BLS, ACLS, PALS, EKG, IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal certification courses to help with my skills. I will be taking a basic & advanced fetal monitoring course, since I would ultimately like to work in L&D.

Like the poster above said, it will be much more difficult for someone like us to get a job, but I'm willing to put forth all the effort & work that it takes.

Best of luck to you :)

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Specializes in Trauma/Tele/Surgery/SICU.
Thank you to all that have been commenting. I appreciate the words of encouragement as well as the suggestions. Regarding the last post, yes I can take the NCLEX. Your correct that some states do have a time limit from the time of graduation. I live in Michigan and they are one of the states, but I am able to obtain a license in Ohio or Indiana and then practice in Michigan through reciprocity. I have spoken to each states board of nursing.

Thanks again and please keep the feedback coming!

I did not know that. I am also in MI which is why I thought you would not be able to take it. I was not aware of the reciprocity.

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Thank you to all that have been commenting. I appreciate the words of encouragement as well as the suggestions. Regarding the last post, yes I can take the NCLEX. Your correct that some states do have a time limit from the time of graduation. I live in Michigan and they are one of the states, but I am able to obtain a license in Ohio or Indiana and then practice in Michigan through reciprocity. I have spoken to each states board of nursing.

Thanks again and please keep the feedback coming!

I would double check on this if I were you.. Make sure you don't have to work for a certain amount of hours as an RN in Ohio or Indiana before applying for a Michigan license.

It might be just me, but it doesn't make sense that Michigan would give you a license to practice only if you passed boards in another state first. :confused:

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Specializes in Foot care.
...I just can't imagine trying to sit for this exam after 3 times failing and 12 years passing since you graduated.

I know what you're saying, but the OP might be in a different place now. The OP might have more focus and determination. Nothing like working in an unsatisfying career to put you in another frame of mind. I remember having so much trouble doing certain things as a younger person that I have no trouble doing now, and I can only think it's because age and maturity have given me focus and a lack of distraction.

Good luck, OP.

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Thats the same thing I was thinking about too Sugarcoma

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

moved to our nclex discussion forum. check the advice our members have followed to nclex success.

see: refresher programs: my licence has lapsed, ugh, retesting sounds challenging, advice?

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Dont give up I been out of school for 5yrs and I am still trying. I always wanted to become a RN and I will & so will you.

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You can do it!!! Your not alone...Our stories are almost alike and I will not give up. It's going to take time and alot of dedication but it's worth it. Be strong and believe you will be an RN.

God Bless

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Can you pull out your old notes and audit the nursing classes at your old school?

Is the review class more appropriate for nurses returning to the nursing field or for former students whom have been out of school a decade plus and are now trying to pass nclex.

I wish you no mal outcome. However, you have been out of school almost as long as Justin Bieber has been alive. Having the desire to help people doesn't mean squat and comes off as disingenuos if you are not going to invest a reasonable amount of effort and time in ensuring you are safe practicing nurse.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I did not know that. I am also in MI which is why I thought you would not be able to take it. I was not aware of the reciprocity.

NCLEX is a national exam and that is what has reciprocity, if you need to register with another BON and generally you do if moving permanently to a new state you are still required to meet the BON requirements as per instructions on endorsement

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Dont give up I been out of school for 5yrs and I am still trying. I always wanted to become a RN and I will & so will you.

Have you taken or are you taking a refresher course?

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