How long do we have to take boards generally??

goodstudentnowRN · Mar 22, 2010

A refresher course would be good for her...She needs a good review course too.

caliotter3 · Mar 22, 2010

A refresher course would not be a bad idea. As for it being a requirement to retest, she needs to contact the Board. Generally, one should not wait indefinitely, no matter what the state rules are. The longer one waits, the harder the test, and also the more opportunity there is for rules to change that are not in favor of the procrastinator.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2010

Thanks! I meant to say nclex exam instead of "bsn", but you guys got the picture! Thanks again.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Mar 22, 2010

We had someone from the the BON come to our nursing class and she stated that one has up to 5 years after graduating to take the NCLEX with 45 days minium between each attempt. I am sure that it is different for each state however.

kaliRN · Mar 22, 2010

Definitely different in each state, our BRN posts dates on our letter stating we are eligible to test. There was also a date on my ATT (though if she never applied for NCLEX a second time, she would not have received a second ATT). In our state, graduates have a year from the date initial eligibility and must wait 90 days to retest. So it's obvious there are great disparities between states.

A refresher course, along with a good NCLEX review course are a in my humble opinion a necessity. Additionally, doing a gross volume of questions - 5000 - would probably help her to be more successful. Statistically, one is much less likely to pass with such a gap in currency. But each individual has different capabilities, and I am quite certain, some individuals could pass the NCLEX even 10 years after graduation.

All the best to your friend for finding her way back to nursing! I wish her success.