I've Failed The NCLEX 8 Times & Now I'm about To Take It 1 More Time...

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I'm so ashamed of myself until I don't know what to do sometimes! I'm now 30 years old and have taken the NCLEX 8 times since 2004. I need some kind of inspirational help or something because this test has taken me to the pits of hell. Some of you will never know how I feel at work when I get ordered around by some new grad nurse to do tech work. I take my boards again on March the 10th, but I haven't studied for it. I have to take it now because my ATT expires Monday. I joined this because I need someone to talk to or something because i'm tired. I'm tired of lying to folks about when I got out of school, i'm tired of lying that i'm studying for it, i'm tired of just lying to myself completely. I constantly get complimented on how i'm such a great worker and employee, but that's only as a tech. I graduated with honors from high school and college and this is what my life has now come to?! My boards have held me hostage for the past 8 years and i'm so tired of it! It took everything out of my soul to admit how many times I failed this test. So if somebody wants to make a mockery of me, do as you must. But I need some type of inspiration or last second advice on how to at least just try my best when I take this test Saturday. And this is my last time taking it, PASS OR FAIL!

Study, study, study! Good luck to you. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
@ Merlyn... I never said I got into nursing to be seen or that it was a fashion symbol. And this test is not indicative of whether I care for people or can't care for people. YES, I HAVE FAILED THIS TEST MORE THAN MOST, but at least I never gave up! And maybe you should try another line of work because if that's how you talk to people you don't know, then God help the patients that you come in contact with on a daily basis. I've tried Kaplan and I've had a tutor! There is nothing wrong with my intellect in regards to this test, nor was there something wrong with the school I came from. Maybe you need a self examination. One thing about life, none of us know what deck of cards we'll be dealt. Mine came in the form of a roadblock to my career, but yours may come in the form of something much worse. I have been employee of the month more times than I can count. I have received numerous awards as a tech! If my heart wasn't in nursing, I could have very easily been doing something else besides making $11 an hour when I've graduated with numerous honors! Please examine yourself before you respond.

You have received many positive comments and input. I am curious as to why the only post you reply to is one that will try to attempt an argument. When posting in a public forum you need to be aware that people will respond with their opinions and they are entitled to their opinions. You have to admit.....saying that you are frustrated and concerned 2 days before a test that you have known about yet failed to study for is concerning.

I sense your frustration, if this post is real, but I have concerns about anyone who has attempted to pass the competency exam for their profession 8 times, is going for the 9th time and hasn't studied. It is now just 2 days away and you want advice and encouragement on how to pass. You graduated 8 years ago......nurses who are inactive for 2 years in some states need to take a refresher and re-board. I am saying this with the purest intentions and I am not trying to hurt your feelings.

I think you really need some self exploration to find out what is blocking you form passing a test to assure minimal safety requirements. Maybe you really don't think this is for you, maybe a different area of healthcare is better fitting. I think before you attempt to try again a refresher course is necessary before you attempt to retest.

Years ago when you failed three times you have to retake the class, in nursing school, that you failed in order to re-sit for the exam. Of course that is when we took several tests on each area of nursing so you only needed to retest the area you failed. But I think you should consider not testing, look into a nursing refresher course before sitting for the exam if you are truly convinced this is the profession for you. I also think you need to take a hard look in your heart to see what is blocking you.

I wish you the very best.....Peace

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"Some of you will never know how I feel at work when I get ordered around by some new grad nurse to do tech work." If you are a tech and someone asks you to do tech duties why would you feel bad about it? As a nurse you must be able to do tech duties as well as nursing duties but techs cannot do the nurses work which is why some things are delegated.. *major nclex category* For example, techs cannot help me charge the unit or do my assessments or charting. When you are a nurse this problem will fall on you.. every job title has its responsibilities. I am offended that you point out new grad nurses. Whatever their age they paid with blood, sweat and tears to get where they are too. We should strive for team nursing and help each other as much as possible. Good luck to you.

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I too can't understand why you are focusing on the negative comments instead of the positive ones. There are a lot of people cheering for you. Whether we passed the exam on the first, second, or more tries, we know the anxiety that comes with preparing/taking the NCLEX. For you to have to gone through that 8 times and still not give up, you're very strong and determined person.

Som Keep that determination going, be positive, pray to God and leave all anxieties aside. You can do all things through God who strengthens you. Just go in there, don't overanalyze the questions, and know that you will pass it. If not the ninth time, but the tenth because you are not giving up! I would definitely recommend doing questions, reading the rationale, and doing them over and over again.

I wish you the best and look forward to the updates!

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i say take all the negativity, anger, frustration and use it as a fuel to pass. if not for tomorrow then take it another time, the 10th time if you have to. you have taken it so many times why stop now? like i said, use your frustrations on working at your goal, show them and prove them wrong. good luck.

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My goodness,

I see many mentions of prayer and God, and luck.....

THERE

IS

NO

SUBSTITUTE

FOR

PROPER

PREPARATION

Do you guys remember therapeutic communications? Remember offering unrealistic assurances? Agreeing/Disagreeing?

Seriously folks? Come on......

When what was thought to be proper preparation turns out to not be...then enters a new word...ACCOUNTABILITY....

Self evaluate, then go back to prepaaring

The definition of crazy is doing the same thing time after time and expecting different results.....

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I'm sorry, but I will have to agree with the person that said you should perhaps try another option. Nursing, as you know is a very complex art. It's more than just passing an exam. You must have the complete package: attitude, fortitude, strength and knowledge. And while I can appreciate the fact that you have what seems to be a great work ethic and love for medicine, maybe nursing is not what you should pursue. Stop lying about your past and free yourself. If you graduated from an RN program, then you must have pre-reqs that you can use for other fields, such as respiratory. With your education, you could even work as a liason for medical organizations or even pharmaceutical companies. I say give up nursing and find what us best for you. Good luck.

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Read this article:

Its called the 10,000 Hour rule:

How To Raise A Superstar | Wired Science | Wired.com

It essentially states that you have to spend at least 10,000 hours practicing at something in order to master it. (give or take a few hundred hours)

ive said this before in another thread: Practice Practice Practice and Practice till you throw up.. Then Practice some more!!

Take every practice Nclex book out there.. Take soo many practice questions that your are dreaming of them..

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

We wish you the best. However, as others have said, best wishes, prayers are not really what you need at this point. I think in your heart, you probably know that a refresher course might be needed, in addition to different studying techniques.

This is not meant to be mean-spirited, just honest. I presume that you want honesty when you post what you posted.

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Specializes in LTC.

I believe in the power of prayer so I am praying for you! I pray that God orders your steps whether you pass or fail. I pray God gives you peace tomorrow on your exam day. Please study if you do have to take this test again. You showed an "I don't care " attitude and that worries me. You are taking this for the 9th time you should have prepared in some way, shape, or form. Best wishes to you.

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I think you should take an honest look at your options and I don't think that means giving up nursing.

1) Refresher course - You have been out of school for 8 years. A refresher course could help you get back some of the skills you learned in school. And give you a better chance of getting a job.

2) Tutoring - I think, this in conjunction with a refresher course could help you pass.

3) NCLEX-PN - Look into seeing what it'd take to become a LPN/LVN. You might be eligible to take the test. You would just need again possibly some type of refresher and tutoring.

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Specializes in Homecare, Public Health.

i don't know what to say. you have to study, study, study!

as far as taking the nclex-pn it's a different test of knowledge but not any easier- you still need to study. medical diagnosis, treatment and medications, nursing diagnosis and implementation of appropriate interventions diets, etc., don't change with the type of nclex you take.

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