Does failing the NCLEX 3 times mean I am unhireable?

Nursing Students NCLEX

Published

I graduated from a 2nd bachelors BSN, RN program Aug 2014. I have since then, taken the NCLEX exam 3 times, over a span of 3 years. After not passing for the 3rd time, I was mandated to take ATI Testing as remediation. I find the program to be extremely frustrating as you have to switch between two websites and wait on responses and assignments from ATI professors, as opposed to following a syllabus. Often times I find the responses to be days delayed and often, canned, "copy and paste" responses. I have renewed the program many times at $75 a pop for 12 weeks, MULTIPLE times. I would say this has been slowing my progress towards the NCLEX exam tremendously. For those that don't know, you must receive the, "green light" from your ATI professor first, before you are allowed to take the exam again after not passing 3 times. At least this is the rule in my state.

To say the least, I am burned out emotionally, mentally, and in the, "self confidence" department. I obviously have something in me telling me after all these years to keep pursing this career, but I have had some people at this point tell me that even after I pass, I will be, "unhireable" since I have not been clinically active. This has been the most discouraging input of all. I do acknowledge that I have been out of the game clinically for a while (this is what they are referring to), but it does not mean I am incapable. I realize that my job prospects will most likely be limited after successful passing of the exam (maybe low-risk - nursing home, hospice, etc) but I still dream to work ER and more critical care departments.

I don't need to be rah-rah cheered on if my story is black and white - job prospects may be low and out of school too long- but I would like to hear feedback on whether anyone has gone through the same and if there is hope on the other side. Also, I am hitting the level of ZERO motivation. I want it - I think about it - but I have stopped doing much to move forward in nursing, even though I want to. I feel utterly burned out....any help, tips, etc, would be most helpful. Thank you.

I graduated from a 2nd bachelors BSN, RN program Aug 2014. I have since then, taken the NCLEX exam 3 times, over a span of 3 years. After not passing for the 3rd time, I was mandated to take ATI Testing as remediation. I find the program to be extremely frustrating as you have to switch between two websites and wait on responses and assignments from ATI professors, as opposed to following a syllabus. Often times I find the responses to be days delayed and often, canned, "copy and paste" responses. I have renewed the program many times at $75 a pop for 12 weeks, MULTIPLE times. I would say this has been slowing my progress towards the NCLEX exam tremendously. For those that don't know, you must receive the, "green light" from your ATI professor first, before you are allowed to take the exam again after not passing 3 times. At least this is the rule in my state.

To say the least, I am burned out emotionally, mentally, and in the, "self confidence" department. I obviously have something in me telling me after all these years to keep pursing this career, but I have had some people at this point tell me that even after I pass, I will be, "unhireable" since I have not been clinically active. This has been the most discouraging input of all. I do acknowledge that I have been out of the game clinically for a while (this is what they are referring to), but it does not mean I am incapable. I realize that my job prospects will most likely be limited after successful passing of the exam (maybe low-risk - nursing home, hospice, etc) but I still dream to work ER and more critical care departments.

I don't need to be rah-rah cheered on if my story is black and white - job prospects may be low and out of school too long- but I would like to hear feedback on whether anyone has gone through the same and if there is hope on the other side. Also, I am hitting the level of ZERO motivation. I want it - I think about it - but I have stopped doing much to move forward in nursing, even though I want to. I feel utterly burned out....any help, tips, etc, would be most helpful. Thank you.

Being an "old new grad" will make you a less desirable candidate in many cases, but "old new grads" do find positions and succeed. If you're open to any position and/or willing to move, your chances of finding something fast will be much higher. If you're in a saturated market or very particular about what you're willing to do, the chances of finding something quickly will be much lower.

If you search the site, you'll find some stories.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I think it would be helpful for you to explore (perhaps with a counselor) WHY you have taken this long to take your three attempts. Maybe you left this out- but I don't see you saying you studied for the entire year between attempts. Did you? Because you have now spent more time out of school than if you had done a four-year degree starting from scratch. Puzzling.

And Sour Lemon is right, while you will have a more difficult time finding a job as an old new grad- there are jobs out there (depending on location) but you'll have to exert substantially more effort into it than you (apparently- and forgive if I am misinterpreting) have in passing NCLEX.

Don't be despair. It's interesting that your state requires that. Maybe that is specific to your state because I have not heard of it in my state. I do not know what it's like in your state or where your first job will be, but if you want to work in the ER, you will most definitely be able to work your way there.

For me, I passed my NCLEX on the fourth attempt with 76 questions. I posted something about it. Soon, I'll be working at a hospital. What helped me was that I was referred by a friend and had awesome letters of recommendation. Brush all the negativity off. Focus on passing the NCLEX first. I really recommend taking a course that refreshes all your content. Then, one for their bank of questions. NCSBN and UWorld. Best investments for me. Study every question with understanding why you got it right or wrong. You can do this!!!

Don't give up. Some people passed after trying more than 10 times and still find a job. You can do it!

+ Add a Comment