HELP! Failed NCLEX before, out of school for 7 years, wanting to try again

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Hi all,

I graduated from Nursing school in May 2008. I took the NCLEX several times after graduation and was unsuccessful. I tried everything I knew to do and still couldn't pass. I admit after my last attempt I gave up and started focusing my attention on another career path. However, I've reached a point in my career where I feel like I need more. Nursing has always been in the back of mind but I kept putting it off. After much prayer and soul searching, I feel like this is something I've been called to do. If anyone has been in this situation, has any advice or words of encouragement I would greatly appreciate it! What books, study aids, refresher courses, reviews, etc. would you recommend?

Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Check with your state BON for specific requirements. You may have to re-take classes &/or clinical practicum after such a long time lapse.

Good luck to you.

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NC doesn't restrict the number of times you can take the test and you can test without restrictions or mandatory refresher courses.

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NC doesn't restrict the number of times you can take the test and you can test without restrictions or mandatory refresher courses.

Yeah, if you couldn't pass that test of basic knowledge, perhaps you need a refresher.

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NC doesn't restrict the number of times you can take the test and you can test without restrictions or mandatory refresher courses.

I think that's a terrible policy. Even if you could pass the exam, you have been out of the student nursing world for a long time, and you've never actually worked as a nurse. Things have changed in the past seven years. Technology advances, new meds appear, old meds are banished, research has mandated changes in practice. If I were in your shoes, I'd WANT a refresher course with accompanying clinical hours with a preceptor.

If you pass the exam, I would look for an opportunity to have significant preceptor time in any new job opportunity.

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

While you can certainly attempt the NCLEX again after revising alone, I strongly second the recommendation for seeking a refresher course. There are constant changes in practice standards, and even if you're somehow able to pass the test with only independent study seven years after your last formal instruction, I think you'd find it *very* helpful in terms of transitioning to actual practice. Having recently taken a formal refresher course will also show real good-faith to hiring managers when you're in the process of explaining in interviews why you believe you'll be an effective new grad seven years after your last clinicals.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
NC doesn't restrict the number of times you can take the test and you can test without restrictions or mandatory refresher courses.

That's really unfortunate. It simply sets you up for failure. You couldn't pay me enough to take the NCLEX 7 years after my last nursing class. You have no idea how much change may have occurred or even how much you have forgotten.

Be kind to yourself and take a refresher course. Not only will you be catching up & refreshing, but you may make friends with someone who can steer you toward job leads in this over-saturated job market.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to NCLEX forum

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Hello friend,

I'm the same boat as you. I also graduated May 2008. Its really hard for us because its been so long since we graduated and failed a few times in NCLEX. Well I'm currently preparing for my NCLEX this coming October. I'm going hard on NCSBN learning extension and answering questions on UWORLD. Please don't give up, I know a lot of people here are looking down on us because we have not pass the NCLEX yet. Do not worry our time will come and pass the NCLEX RN EXAM!

Try to listen to this youtube channel...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpmZQGTZXn9xd4nN59pbIWQ

Good luck to your journey friend!

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This may sound harsh, but if you failed multiple times right out of school, why do you think you will be able to pass seven years later? Studying a book or doing a review isn't going to help you. You need some serious remediation before you attempt to take boards again.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

The state may not have guidelines set in place, but I think a refresher course would not be a crazy idea. A LOT has changed in 7 years! How many times have you taken the NCLEX?

NC doesn't restrict the number of times you can take the test and you can test without restrictions or mandatory refresher courses.
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Specializes in ICU.
Hello friend,

I'm the same boat as you. I also graduated May 2008. Its really hard for us because its been so long since we graduated and failed a few times in NCLEX. Well I'm currently preparing for my NCLEX this coming October. I'm going hard on NCSBN learning extension and answering questions on UWORLD. Please don't give up, I know a lot of people here are looking down on us because we have not pass the NCLEX yet. Do not worry our time will come and pass the NCLEX RN EXAM!

Try to listen to this youtube channel...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpmZQGTZXn9xd4nN59pbIWQ

Good luck to your journey friend!

Nobody is looking down on anybody for not passing the NCLEX. They are being realistic. So say you pass in October, who do you think is going to hire you? Who is going to hire someone that took 7 years to pass the licensing exam and has no experience? Nobody is going to hire you. I'm sorry if that is harsh and not want you want to hear, but it's the truth.

Just because it's somebody's "passion" to be a nurse, or it's their "dream" does not mean they are going to become a nurse. Having a good knowledge of the material you learned in school and the basic skills you are taught in nursing school is the foundation that is needed to practice the art of nursing.

It's always been my dream to be tall, thin, and beautiful so I could be a fashion model. Instead, I'm 5'1" and still have some of the fat from when I was pregnant on me. And I have big boobs and a big butt. I accepted the fact that it was never meant to be no matter how hard I wished I would grow.

Some things just are not meant to be in life.

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