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?
