interviewing after failing NCLEX

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Hi,

I failed the NCLEX (summer of '06) and then passed it a month ago. I am wondering if anyone's had weird questions/situations in interviews, as in, "You graduated in May and you're looking for a job in November?" I was able to answer it by telling the truth WITHOUT saying I failed (spent time with family, went on vacation, etc.) but I am wondering if anyone's had bad responses from potential employers? And what about if the recruiter/HR dept. knows you failed but the manager doesn't -- do you tell the manager when s/he asks you?

I'm curious!

Thanks!

(I wasn't sure where to post this so it's here and in the NCLEX forum, I hope that's okay.)

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I don't think anyone would really care. They know it can take a while to get your license after school. All they want to know is that you have the license and you're breathing. You'll be fine!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Oncology, Hospice, Research.

I don't think that human resources is going to know that you failed the NCLEX unless you tell then and I would NEVER tell them. ;) It is irrelevant since you have now passed it.

As far as interviewing....I'd look the recruiter in the eye and say that you took the opportunity after completing nursing school to work on some personal projects (studying for the NCLEX!) but have finished them and are excited about looking for a job to commit to. Keep it casual and move on in the conversation. You don't owe them an explanation as to why you have not looked for work yet...you might be independently wealthy and just working for fun!

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