Please Help, Failed the Nclex

Hello, I'm doing this for my wife. She is an LPN, finished her schooling 4 years ago. She's worked in Pediatrics ever since. She decided a while back, actually got offered this great job doing Home Health Care, that she needed to get her LVN. She studied for a couple weeks, and I tried to help her as much as I could. We went down to take the test, she failed. She was so depressed and hurt over it. Most of the questions were on subjects she hasn't touched in 4 years.

She had heard that most people pass it the first time and was really discouraged that she didn't. It was heartbreaking. To make matters worse, she overheard her nursing supervisor say, "you really have to be stupid to fail the test". I won't tell you what I think of that person, but now what to do? My wife has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met in my life. I'm trying to do everything I can to encourage her, but I'm not a nurse, so here I am. What can she do differently this time? Most of those questions had nothing to do with her field, which like I said has been Pediatrics the last 4 years. Where should she focus, what should she study? Please, any advice would be so much appreciated. Thanks for your time, take care,

Speaking from experienced failed some tests myself, she shouldn't be taking it so hard from her supervisor. I would if you were the one saying it. Since she has already taken the test, she should be able to measure up her skills, what her weaknesses are, and what areas she should be replenishes and focuses on. There is no rule or law that marked you as a stupid person, if you don't make it for your first try. Geesh, that is wrong of her supervisor saying things like that I would be more pist than sad. Please, keep encouraging her and always give full support. I remembered I cried when I didn't get accepted. My husband came around and gave me a hug and said you will make it next time, I know you're smart. That was what I wanted to hear, not from anyone else but him.

P.S. I'm sure there are review books for it? Check them at the book stores, talk to the examiner for advice, and or the school to see for additional helps. Maybe someone here be able to help you with better advice. Take care.

I see that you mentioned that she completed school 4 years ago. Are you saying that she completed LPN school 4 years ago? What could have happened is that she may have forgotten a great deal of information, which is not uncommon. Ask around to see if there is a review course that she can take. Many times, review courses try to stay current, so that they can continue to recruit students to send recommendations. It is rather insulting to say that only a fool can fail such an exam. I know mine was hard. I remember telling a friend years ago to become a nursing assistant, and telling her the same thing, unwittingly. I told her that it was too easy and she failed it twice. She felt so uncomfortable around me that she didn't speak to me for almost three months. I never felt so guilty before in my life. I know now that each person has a different impression and experience with testing. Some are nervous, other times, they ask all of the things that you just don't know. It is a crap shoot, and it is horrible to make people feel this way. There are review courses; try and see what is available within your area, and there are comprehensive review books and practice CDs with many, many questions. It is great that you are supporting her. Please give her our best wishes.

I would recommend contacting Susan (the moderator here) and asking her for her review plan. I know she has one for the RN test, but it could be altered to fit the LPN NCLEX. I personally reviewed with the "Straight A's..." series of review books & took all the online practice tests I could find. The closest thing I took to the actual state boards was the ones offered by ATI called the HESI test. I hope this helps some & appaulse to you for being SO supportive & wanting to help your wife. My husband knows almost as much about nursing as I do because he constantly quizzed me for tests! It means so much to have that kind of support behind you!!! Take care & God bless.

At the risk of sounding like an idiot......what is a PN and how does it differ from and LPN or LVN?

I'm assuming PN means a practical nurse who has graduated school, but does not have a license yet. Usually called GPN/GVN.

What's a VN ?

What's a VN ?

She has not taken the test yet so she is not a LVN. She has only finished school.

How confusing.

You are supposed to take the Nclex within a year of graduating, so those dates cannot be right.

You can't just walk in and take the test four years after graduation, so something is wrong here.

Please clarify.