Just found out I didn't pass boards from my unit director. Any words of advice?

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 24, 2014

I'm sorry that happened you. Try the prioritization and delegation book by Linda LaCharity. It seems to help a lot of people.

caliotter3 · Dec 24, 2014

Were you working there as a tech before going into the GN position? Your situation is not as uncommon as one might think. And then there are nurses who are forced to work at the tech level because they can not get work at the nurse level. Imagine how they feel about that situation. This is temporary. Be grateful they did not let you go! The best advice I have ever seen for passing NCLEX, is questions, questions, questions, questions, until they seem like second-nature. Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 25, 2014

Moved to the NCLEX forum for more answers. We wish you the best.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2014

Being unsuccessful on NCLEX hurts, we get that! But they didn't let you go, they let you stay as a tech...that has to mean that you have proven yourself and must be very good at what you do-that's something to be proud of! Who cares what others think? The DON thinks you are worth keeping!

As for next time around...some amazing nurses fail the first time, I work with a couple of them! The test is a monster and you can know all your content but have trouble with test taking strategies, or be weak on content in one area. Wait for your CPR, figure out what you need to work on, and then make study plans. If you get the cpr and still can't figure out what the problem was, consider hiring a tutor. They will help you to find your weakness and strengthen it.

Best of luck!

CatrachaRn · Dec 25, 2014

Being told you didn't pass nclex by your employer hurts just as it does to find out on your own. If you have the choice to switching shifts to avoid the situation with coworkers and you want to do it, do it.. That way you have one less thing to deal with it. I speak from personal experience. The 2nd time I took nclex I only told two people. I also work with two friends that have not passed nclex and work as techs, but other coworkers don't know. As for studying, you have the good resources continue to study with purpose, focused. I also failed my 1st nclex, but passed on 2nd time. Best wishes.

1Jessie86 · Dec 25, 2014

Being unsuccessful on NCLEX hurts, we get that! But they didn't let you go, they let you stay as a tech...that has to mean that you have proven yourself and must be very good at what you do-that's something to be proud of! Who cares what others think? The DON thinks you are worth keeping!
As for next time around...some amazing nurses fail the first time, I work with a couple of them! The test is a monster and you can know all your content but have trouble with test taking strategies, or be weak on content in one area. Wait for your CPR, figure out what you need to work on, and then make study plans. If you get the cpr and still can't figure out what the problem was, consider hiring a tutor. They will help you to find your weakness and strengthen it.
Best of luck!

Will I get the cpr in the mail or do I need to pay for that?

1Jessie86 · Dec 25, 2014

What did you do differently your second time around?

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2014

PV will mail it, it's free.

CatrachaRn · Dec 26, 2014

Several things. I studied all 8 categories again. I began with my weakest ones first, then I moved to the strongest last.

I had a one page monthly calendar where I tracked my progress with subject and scores from practice exans. I studied hard on content because content get you out of the failing zone, and you can answer hard questions of critical thinking.

I only told two people when I took it the 2nd time. It took me several months to feel somewhat confident to retake it. I also prayed a lot. Heartfelt prayers, like talking to a best friend. Wish you the best.