Keep the faith..My success story on passing NCLEX

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Hello All,

So I promised myself that once I passed the NCLEX, I would share my story. I used AllNurses throughout my RN journey and it truly helped me because I knew other people were going through what I was.. so heres my story.

I graduated nursing school in May of 2013. I wanted to get the NCLEX out of my way as soon as possible. It was a huge weight on my shoulders and in the back of mind regardless of what I was doing. I was hired at a level 1 hospital as a GN and was excited to start my new chapter.

I used hurst review and my school required kaplan. Needless to say I was burnt out big time on practicing questions and reading rationales..but I kept on because I wanted to pass the NCLEX so badly the first time. I sat for the NCLEX June 27th. Only two weeks after moving to a new city and starting my brand new job as a GN. Honestly, I woke up that morning and didn't feel bad at all. I went in thinking "I graduated nursing school..so I can pass and get my license no problem". The statistics show that most people pass the first time anyways. I didn't use the wipe off paper they give you nor did I take any breaks. I barely even took my hand off the mouse. Well 45 minutes and 75 questions later..the screen shut off and my test was over. I sat there in total shock..not knowing what to think. I had a lot of questions that were challenging, but I didn't feel like after 75 questions that I had proved myself. So as most do, I felt terrible and ran home to check the Pearson Vue trick..as tears starting coming down my face..I was directed to the credit card page.. I had failed my nclex. I had prayed and prayed to God to allow the trick to be wrong and that I could've passed. I got my letter a few days later and I had failed. I kept the faith and just knew that God would pull be through when it was time for me to have my license.

I felt terrible, felt that I had let everyone and myself down. I went over and over in my head what I could've done differently. I lost my GN and had to work as a PCA 2 on the floor I was supposed to be working as a nurse one. Thankfully my nurse managers were very supportive and told me to do what I needed to in order to study and work. My family and friends stood behind me and cheered me on as I went another 45 days of studying. This time I focused just on Kaplan. I did tons and tons of kaplan questions and made sure I read every rationale. I also used Medications in a box by kaplan..which are flash cards for the most popular NCLEX medications. This really helped me to decide what was important to watch for when giving medications and what wasn't.

Well 45 days later and I just retook my NCLEX on Wed August 21. I said prayer after prayer throughout my study days and right before I went in. I went in and after the tutorial I wrote down on the paper they give you, the most important things I wanted to remember throughout my test. I made sure to use the Kaplan decision tree and just little things I could ready if I started to get anxiety. I took about three breaks and made a habit of taking my hand off of the mouse between every question therefore I wasn't tempted to just click on answers like I had the first time. I would even close my eyes, gather my thoughts, say a prayer and start again. Once I got beyond questions 75 and was given 76, I felt at ease. 75 wasn't a good number for me because I had failed at that last time. I kept getting questions that challenged me. At one point I would get 2 to 3 select all that apply in a row. I kept focused and got to question 200 and just told myself I was going to get 265 and I was okay with that. I had time to keep answering..and every questions was a chance to pass. I quit looking at the number of questions after 202, but only a few later and my screen shut off. I couldn't believe that I was finished taking my second NCLEX and it shut off at a completely odd number.

I felt numb. I didn't feel like I had passed, but I wasn't set on failing either. I called my mom afterwards and told her I felt like I had done the best I could. I didn't try the Pearson Vue Trick because I didn't want that feeling again. I wanted something official. My head was spinning and I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I had told myself I was just going to wait for the letter in the mail because what you don't know can't hurt you. Needless to say, I could take it. I had to check the quick results. I worked yesterday and my results were available. I told myself I was going to check when I got home after my 12 hour shift. All my fellow co-workers knew what I was going through and encouraged me to just find out. My nurse manager told me that either way it was all going to be okay, but she was sure that I had passed.

I took my credit card..entered the information..clicked next while shaking and there it was I had PASSED. After everything..i had PASSED. Thank the Lord. :)

I just want everyone to know if you dont have success on the first time, dont give up. Trust me, i know it hurts and it was awful for me. I wouldnt wish the feeling on anyone..but passing the second time was even sweeter because I had to go that extra mile to pass. I had to take a demotion to PCA, study even more, and pray A LOT. I will say that I learned a LOT as a PCA and wouldn't trade that experience for the world. Everything happens in good time, you just have to believe that it will all fall into place when it is supposed to. Thank God for the blessings..because you are never given a burden. Failing seemed like a huge burden, when it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I know that this will only make me a better nurse.. and I am truly thankful for that. Also, thank the people that push you through..if it werent for my family, friends, fellow nursing students, and co workers.. I wouldn't have passed. God puts the people you need most in your life and lets the others walk out. Cherish those that support and love you. This journey isn't easy and those people are always there for you..

Good luck to everyone!! I wish you all the best.

--A brand new RN

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Thank you for sharing! Congratulations--your perseverance and tenacity will be great assets in our field! Xo

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Cant stop smiling after reading your story. Not because its funny more so it reminded me of how nervous I was taking NCLEX that was 20 yrs ago. Happy for you, so now your journey into nursing begins. Peace

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Thank you for sharing your story it had almost made me cry:)

Very touching story

I failed twice and this story of yours gives me challenge and strengths

Congratulations and thank you

Prayers for me for my nclex this sept 16 :)

God bless us all nurses and nurses to be

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Congrats :) You are a nurse! Its an incredible feeling to achieve your dream. I'm so proud of you.

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such an inspiring story! congratulations RN :)

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CONGRATS!!!! thank you so much for sharing your story!

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I know this is several years old but i really needed to read this.. i took boards yesterday (Saturday) on 9-23-17 and i was feeling self doubt bc i had 181 questions...i just felt i failed the test big time bc i went pass the 75 question mark... i had been down on myself and i have such faith strong friends and family to where i had one classmate tell me i know you feeling bum but i will have enough faith for both of us until you stop mopping and know that GOD is in control. I studied for 1.5 months Hurst, Uworld and NCSBN...I know i knew my material but i kept thinking in my head omg what is this... Hopefully tomorrow i will get my results with today being Sunday... I am praying I passed and will hold on to that faith until i see differ.... thank you so much for your post GOD bless you

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Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations!

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Thanks for your story,it's really glad that u passed the NCLEX RN, studying is not the only way to pass exam.we need faith in god and always pray to God to make the exam situations easy for you.best of luck for ur future.god bless you.

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:) :)

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I know this post is almost a year old, but I was curious how your NCLEX went. :)

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