Should I even Bother??????

Jules A, MSN · Sep 10, 2008

Since you have earned the right to sit for the NCLEX there is no way I wouldn't take it until I passed. Perhaps I've been lucky but I never had a problem finding a LPN job. You should know that LTC and Doctor's offices are often the biggest employers of LPNs. Good luck!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2008

Hey, pick up the Saunder's Review, find Suzanne's plan - she has close to a 100% pass rate - and knock that puppy out!

You never know where life will take you. Think of the license as another opportunity!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 10, 2008

I'd take it no matter what. Most LPNs complain about not being able to work in hospitals (depending on their area), but there is LTC, corrections, offices, clinics, and home care. I'd consider taking a review course, and as suggested, stop over at the NCLEX forum to look up Suzanne's Plan. Most people swear by it. I didn't use it, but I keep hearing that those who have were successful. Good luck.

kat7ap · Sep 10, 2008

First of all you may want to contact your state board to find out if you are still eligible to sit for the NCLEX since it has been 3 years since you graduated. I don't have any great advice on passing it since I was not in your situation. In school my instructors always encouraged us not to wait very long to take the NCLEX because as time passes so does your memory of material if you don't use it regulary. I would suggest attending some kind of review class. Perhaps figure out why you didn't pass the last times - was it because of the format of the test questions? Are you a bad test taker? Did you not have a thorough enough education the first time?

Outside of this forum, I have never known an LPN/LVN having difficulty finding employment. I believe they are in definitely in the minority and do not represent most LPN/LVNs. I can get a job basically any where in the US and of course you will have more opportunities as you gain experience. I think it would be a mistake for you not to try to get your license. Even if it's not want you want to do long term. You can have the security of a nursing license if you ever need quick employment at a good payrate.

skwlpn · Sep 10, 2008

It took me 35 years of knowing in the back of my mind that a nurse is what I was meant to be. I started dreaming about it when I was 5 years old. If you have that voice in your head telling you the same, don't ignore it. It only becomes harder to go back to school after you have started and been successful in another career and the nagging voice, in my case, never went away. I think it is a "follow your dreams" thing.

Since starting in the medical field (first as a CNA as a requirement for my particular school of nursing) I have NEVER had any trouble finding a job. And each new experience just reinforced that I was finally where I was supposed to be.

Follow your dreams, but be smart about it. Study the things you are weak in and get yourself a good NCLEX review. You do need to check with your state nursing board about eligibility, then go at it like a bulldog.

Keep in mind that graduating from HS with a diploma and a nursing degree means you soaked up a lot of information in a very short time. Most of us went to nursing school after HS graduation. I can also say that all of the time I spent working as a tech in the ER and in LTC was a huge learning experience. I felt like I had real world experience that I could use to relate to my nursing studies. Huge advantage in my opinon. That is something to consider.

Just do what makes you happy and don't take no for an answer. Find a way to make it work.

Stacey

Magnolia08 · Sep 12, 2008

Don't give up. I am from Georgia and past the first time 2/2008. I studied a few NCLEX books for a month before hand. Make sure you know a little about common diseases. Don't stress and breathe during the exam. I had alot of GI questions. I know everyone won't get the same ones, but some of my classmates had very similiar questions I had but they we worded a little different. Read the rationales to the NCLEX questions too. Don't stress yourself trying to remember everything but do refresh your memory with some NCLEX book questions. It will help, I promise you it helped me pass! Know basic things too, like how to position someone when you are doing a Peg tube feeding. I had a few of those questions too. I did not have not one calculation, however I have friends that had several. Know how to add up daily intake if they tell you a pt. had 5oz of juice 1 cup of milk, etc... I had that question too. Oh and I know people that had 200 questions and passed so don't fret if you have alot. I had bout 96. GOOD LUCK!!! :nurse:

Davi · Sep 14, 2008

My school (Clark State Community College in OH) used a "program" called ati. (atitesting.com) at the end of the year, they had something you could join and they'd help you until you passed. I can't remember all of the details, but you may want to check that out. Of course it's not free...and you can get the books on ebay for a fraction of the price. Good Luck! I know a lot of people who didn't make it in our program because they were "bad test-takers", and they would make awesome nurses...Not that I'm assuming that you did poorly on your tests- just added that as an after-thought.

Magnolia08 · Sep 14, 2008

I live in Georgia and we had ATI testing as well. My school gave us the ATI books and we also recieved ATI codes to go online and practice the questions. You can buy these on their website too. ATI testing to me was much easier than the NCLEX test questions we had in class!