I've failed NCLEX-RN 3 times and need advice

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I graduated in 2011 and have tried everything I know to study. I've used Kaplan, Saunders, ATI books, hurst review with no success. I went back to my school for help but they were not of any help. I have gone to the ATI website and see that they have a via email tutor series where you will have daily assignments but I don't know if it's worth the $300 for the study session. I am at a loss I'm almost to the point of giving up. I have 2 young children and cannot even get a tech job because I'm over qualified. Any and all advice would greatly be appreciated.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Only two choices here. 1) head down keep plugging away or 2) move on. How bad do you want this? Are you psyching yourself out?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Until recently, three times was the limit. If you failed the third time, you were no longer eligible to retake the exam. Sometimes I think there was wisdom in that.

I don't want to step on your dream, if that is what nursing is for you, but there's no point in retaking the exam unless you've done something different to prepare for it. Perhaps you need an actual review class. Maybe you need to repeat some classes.

And maybe you need to just move on.

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I graduated in 2011 and have tried everything I know to study. I've used Kaplan, Saunders, ATI books, hurst review with no success. I went back to my school for help but they were not of any help. I have gone to the ATI website and see that they have a via email tutor series where you will have daily assignments but I don't know if it's worth the $300 for the study session. I am at a loss I'm almost to the point of giving up. I have 2 young children and cannot even get a tech job because I'm over qualified. Any and all advice would greatly be appreciated.[/quote

Personally i think giving up is a waste. What would you gain from quitting? You need to change not only your study habits but the way you think. Tell yourself positive things. Picture yourself everyday as a nurse. :) I think ATI is a great program and worth the money. I also feel a refresher course is important because you've been out of school for awhile.

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from personal experience try NCSBN 3 weeks for $50!. I use ATI virtual tutor for the try, it did not at all!

I passed the second try using NCSBN for 3 weeks, focused on Cardiac, respiratory, emergency, and repeatedly practice all the question banks from 1 to 49. pluse really focus on doing the Prioritize, delegation, and assignment book. This is just what I did and share with you, and nothing more.

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DO NOT give up! :) Some people just find exams tougher - who is anyone to say you would make an unfit nurse? I haven't taken mine yet, but just do questions. If you've reviewed content and you feel comfortable with it, plug away at questions and get used to those and if not, then pick one source and stick with it. Saunders is very comprehensive. I just purchased the NCSBN and I love the questions on there. I try doing 200 questions and I am already seeing my scores improve. GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
DO NOT give up! :) Some people just find exams tougher - who is anyone to say you would make an unfit nurse? I haven't taken mine yet, but just do questions. If you've reviewed content and you feel comfortable with it, plug away at questions and get used to those and if not, then pick one source and stick with it. Saunders is very comprehensive. I just purchased the NCSBN and I love the questions on there. I try doing 200 questions and I am already seeing my scores improve. GOOD LUCK!

When would you suggest someone give up if they are unable to pass the licensing exam? After five tries? Fifteen? I really think three tries ought to be enough -- and it used to be the limit. If you've flunked twice then you need to take remedial action before trying the third time, and the third strike should be OUT.

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Compassion! Empathy! Understanding! Loving! Encouragement! Ect, Ect, Ect, That's what NURSING is about people.

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When would you suggest someone give up if they are unable to pass the licensing exam? After five tries? Fifteen? I really think three tries ought to be enough -- and it used to be the limit. If you've flunked twice then you need to take remedial action before trying the third time, and the third strike should be OUT.

I respectfully disagree - often times, with a big exam comes anxiety and stress and people cope differently. After 4 years of education and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in your career, you should continue to try your best. I do think that it should be mandatory to attend a review class after 2 times or 3 times. I think people should give up when they are ready to give up. If nursing is their dream and they are willing to put in the effort and time required to prove competency, then they should be able to.

To the original poster - good luck in preparing. Keep on working hard and doing your best.

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Please don't give up my friend. You went through the gruesome path of Nursing School and graduated. Amen! Grab the bull (NCLEX) by the horn and fight like there is no tomorrow. Don't be discourage. Many went through and is still going through that situation right now. Believe me, you are not alone. We are not giving up and you shouldn't give up either. Stay Strong! Happy Successful New Year to you Bugbear.

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Please don't give up my friend. You went through the gruesome path of Nursing School and graduated. Amen! Grab the bull (NCLEX) by the horn and fight like there is no tomorrow. Don't be discourage. Many went through and is still going through that situation right now. Believe me you are not alone. We are not giving up and you shouldn't give up either. Stay Strong! Happy Successful New Year to you Bugbear.[/quote']

This post above scares me!!! "Gruesome path of nursing school". Seriously?! Tomorrow is my first day of nursing school and I'm nervous as heck :/

Sent via my iPhone using allnurses.com ❤️

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Have you considered having an evaluation with an educational psychologist to unveil any learning issues or test anxiety? Their help can be of great value.

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