Graduated 20 yrs ago, failed and now studying for NCLEX

KIMYNURSE2B · Mar 21, 2009

I like the Saunders- Comprehensive review for the NCLEX-PN-exam

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2009

I'd be surprised if you didn't have to repeat the program after 20 years out of it. How much material can you have retained? Enough to pass the exam? Maybe after studying. Enough to practise safely? I can't see how.

Congrats on being persistent though!

ZanatuBelmont · Mar 24, 2009

I graduated 20 yrs ago and failed NCLEX-RN. So...here I am today,garbage in my life behind me, consequently much more focused. I have never given up on my dream! I have been advised by my Nursing Board in state of Washington to take the NCLEX-PN first, work as an LPN, and at some time in the future, take the NCLEX-RN. The Board is also going to help me find a mentor. Sounds like a plan! I am reviewing Kaplan NCLEX-PN (2010) and find it very useful. But, YEEK! I feel I should be using more reviews. Any and all advise is appreciated. Thanks! :bowingpur

I'm a little concerned that the state of Washington is considering letting you take the NCLEX-PN after 20 years. This is not a personal attack directed at you, I am just baffled it's allowed. So much has changed in 20 years.

VEBERT1020 · Mar 24, 2009

Thanks for your concern. I have a mentor and once I pass the NCLEX I will be taking a refresher course and then an extensive preceptorship. And...afterward, I will be interning at a Psyche hospital.

The NCLEX-PN, tests entry-level practice of practical/vocational nursing. No matter where I work, I will be supervised by an RN. I was instructed by the Board to take the NCLEX-PN rather than the RN. Additionally, I have been a certified Addiction Counselor for 15 years, consequently it's not like I have been out of the medical arena.

coaster · Mar 26, 2009

Washington state has refresher courses you can take after a 20 year lull. After taking one myself, I am finding it difficult to land a job as an LPN/LVN in Washington and/or California. No one wants to hire unless you have 1 years experience. So where can we go for that? Very frustrating.

finallyanurse17 · May 6, 2009

Good for you on deciding to pursue your dreams. Like you I went to school for LVN 10 yrs ago and did not pass the boards, and it scared me. I never took it again but was working in the medical field front office. Then when I became a mgr I was making the same pay rate as an LVN so why go back. But my dream was to be a nurse too. Well, I just passed my boards for LVN so now I am a nurse..yeah.. so it's never too late, you can do it. Have faith in yourself, I used saunders and the cd really helps you get ready for the boards in the same method of how you would take the exam. Good luck

coaster · May 7, 2009

Oh, I think you misunderstood. I didnot fail boards for LVN/LPN. I just let my license expire because I chose to be a stay at home mom for many years and just didnot renew. I took the refresher course to gain it back again. If I had just paid my dues all those years then the refresher course would have been unncecessary. Live and Learn!!!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 7, 2009

My mom's good friend passed her nclex 15 years after graduating from NS. You can do it also ! Maybe you should try a refresher course. Good Luck !

Mandylpn · May 8, 2009

I graduated 20 yrs ago and failed NCLEX-RN. So...here I am today,garbage in my life behind me, consequently much more focused. I have never given up on my dream! I have been advised by my Nursing Board in state of Washington to take the NCLEX-PN first, work as an LPN, and at some time in the future, take the NCLEX-RN. The Board is also going to help me find a mentor. Sounds like a plan! I am reviewing Kaplan NCLEX-PN (2010) and find it very useful. But, YEEK! I feel I should be using more reviews. Any and all advise is appreciated. Thanks! :bowingpur

WOWSA! :yeah: You have guts!!!!!!!! you will make it with that attitude! :smokin:

TheNewCuteNurse · Jun 5, 2009

Its great that you didn't give up. You made i through the hard part and that was school. Have faith and believe!!! Kaplan is a great book/coorifice for strag wise. Saunders is very very helpful in nsg content and the cd is great but it has the same/ very similar questions as the book. I rec using a different book or cd to practice questions so u can have a variety of dif style questions. and i say this bc i took the nclex and failed the 1st time but i waited my 45 days and went right back. I passed on the 2nd try with da help of Kaplan, saunders, and exam cram. GOOD LUCK

caliotter3 · Jun 5, 2009

At least you are being supported by your state nursing board. In my state, you would spend a year or two just trying to get in contact with them. Sounds like you have a plan. Good luck.