Here's my story...

[PA_CoffeeFreak]

I didn't anticipate taking 2 years to pass the NCLEX. The first time I took it, I had studied haphazardly and let my anxiety get the best of me. I felt so much pressure to pass. My husband is a student and cannot work so our income depended upon me. The more I worked the better our financial situation was but I was not able to keep up with my study schedule. When I walked out of the test center the first time, I knew I failed. I had all 265 questions and too many math for med questions during the last portion of the test. It was a bad sign. What came after the test was even worse. In the following months, my husband and I could barely afford to pay our rent let alone our other bills. I began to have emotional breakdowns. With my student loans and current financial state it would be risky to decrease my workload without having any guarantee of passing the NCLEX. On the other hand, if I took a step of faith and passed the test the 2nd time around, not only would I be able to work full-time but I'd make more money as a licensed nurse as well. Much to my husband's chagrin, I decided to study for my exam again AND decrease the hours I worked. Things continued to decline for us financially. My husband began selling the things he loved (his piano, favorite CDs etc.) so that we could stay afloat. Seeing that just broke me and I couldn't have felt more depressed. Then I was reminded that nothing touches my life without God's approval. Through my daily devotions and endless prayers I came to terms with the challenge ahead of me. I realized that if this was the task God set before me then He would provide everything I needed to accomplish it including making sure that our basic needs were met somehow. And you know what? That is exactly what happened. Someone would unexpectedly send us a check exactly when we needed it, random opportunities to make extra money popped up etc. Though the pressure was even worse this time around, deep down I knew that we were going to be ok regardless of the outcome. During the test, I promised myself that I would not plow through just to get it over with. I would take breaks every 50 questions. I had so many triage/priority/SATA/med questions is was a bit unnerving. So when 50 questions came around, I got up to use the restroom and just pooped my little heart out (anytime I'm stressed I have major GI issues lol). I sat there in the stall telling myself repeatedly, "You can do this!" (Can you imagine what someone would think if they walked into the restroom hearing me say that? Not that I cared but still lol!) Then went back into the testing center, ate part of my sandwich then returned to the test. Not even 10 minutes later it was finished. My initial reaction was that I accidentally kicked the outlet and that's why the computer turned off! Then the survey popped up and I couldn't believe it. When I walked out of the test center and looked at my husband who was waiting for me in the car, I felt elated. I knew that this long hard road was coming to an end. Two years after graduating and after one failed attempt, I found out today that I passed!

[jolena_75]

Wow, what an encouraging story!!! Congratulations on passing , I am so happy for you!!

[+one]

very encouraging indeed, thanks for posting :)

[Fleeba]

So happy for you! Thanks so much for taking the time to post your story and your study suggestions.

[LoRNzo]

:bow:Wow very inspiring... Congratulations you deserve it:bow:

[ShannyRN]

GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! I'm in the process of loosing my house..with nowhere to go!! Sleeping on the floor, no furniture...but I trust GOD even when it's not making sense. So, I study...right here on the floor...fasting and praying some days. With this being my 5th time taking the test, I know that I shall prevail. I just know God will see me thru. He will get the glory!! Again, congrats to you!!! May he continue to bless you and honor your faithfulness!!