Should I take NCLEX-PN after failing RN 2x

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi Everyone,

I need advise. I failed NCLEX-RN twice, and I was supposed to start working at a hospital December 11th. I called the manager because I was so depressed and told her that I want to withdraw my position on her floor and I will reapply when I'm feeling confident to take the test again.

She told me that she also failed the NCLEX a couple of times and what she did was she took the NCLEX-PN exam, then worked for a couple months and took the NCLEX RN exam, and passed on her third try. She now has her Master's Degree and is a Nurse Manager.

So, what I want to know is, do you guys feel that the suggestion given is a good idea? Should I take the NCLEX PN exam and work for a couple months, then take the NCLEX RN exam?

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If taking the PN exam is going to save your job, then I'd consider it. If they'll let you work as a PCA while you're waiting to test for RN, that might be another option. You would want to check with your state board of nursing to ensure that taking the PN exam is still an option for you, since each state has its own rules.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

Why go through the NCLEX hell another two times instead of once? If I were you, I'd check if they can employ me as a tech or aide etc, and I would study my butt off for the required time to pass the exam.

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What I forgot to mention is that I just moved to NC. They won't take my Nurse Assistant license from my old state, so that's why I'm stuck. I would have to take a CNA course, and I don't think it's worth it.

I kind of think that the NCLEX-PN isn't worth it either, but the manager told me that it would get me in the door to start working, and when I take the NCLEX-RN, she can easily transition me over.

Because the state already has my information from the NCLEX-RN, it will take about 2-3 weeks to take the NCLEX-PN. Does anyone know of a good book to buy? IS the Saunder's Comprehensive NCLEX-PN book any good?

I used Kaplan twice, and still didn't pass the NCLEX-RN so I'm up to use anything but....

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Specializes in ICU.

have you tried the Hurst review?

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Hey born2brn,

In my opinion, I would definitely take the NCLEX-PN to get ur way in to the doors. Saunders is the best book u can use to prepare for the NCLEX-PN. Good Luck

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.

One of our instructors (one that I actually respect) is constantly discouraging putting off board exams to work in the field. She says that you pick up so many bad habits and then take them to your exam. (Ex - I offered to change an IV dressing at clinical once -it had been 96 hours- and nursing staff told me not to b/c he was being discharged the next day and I would probably pull the IV out...probably the right thing to do, but would never fly on a state board exam). My school thinks the best thing to do is take your exams ASAP while it's still fresh in your head...the representative we have from our prep course tells us that it's statistically proven that those who wait awhile after school to take their exams fail the exam more often.

Plus....NCLEX PN is a completely different exam than NCLEX RN...more emphasis on different areas, etc...what if you don't pass that one either? I don't know about you, but that would be a major blow to my self esteem.

Or what if you pass...I'd be worried about getting too comfortable being an LPN and then just giving up on even taking the RN exam...and you're BORN TO BE AN RN! :)

I'm sure it's incredibly frustrating, but I would keep plugging away at the RN exam...and I heard Saunders is the best review book. Good luck!

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Thank you all for all the advice you have given me. I don't know what to do now. I feel a lot of pressure because some say take it, work for 4 months and take the NCLEX RN, and others say don't bother, just study for the NCLEX-RN period...

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO....:uhoh3:

I have a hard decision to make..

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Study for the test you went to school to take! Why work and take all the stuff you learn with you to the exam? You need to try again ASAP while it is fresh in your head. Do not take the PN exam. You will get comfortable with that and not go on for your RN. JMHO

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Wishing you the very best, keep trying do not give up

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

Noone here can advise as we do not know you. Sit down and write a list of pros and cons to each path. Can you afford to not work or only work part time while you study? I don't think it would take 4 months to study - you graduated, so you have the required knowledge. You probably just need to practise heaps of NCLEX style questions to improve your score. Which areas were you weak in - your report should show which areas need the most work.

If you take the PN exam, it's still the same NCLEX style questions, just different content. If your weakness was the test taking strategy, the fact that it's PN instead of RN won't really help you.

Any practical experience you can get will help you in your future career, but it won't help you on NCLEX, which is based on "ideal world" nursing and not real world experience.

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some of the nurses i know went to a nclex review center. they spent 'bout $400. well they said it really helps. i'm taking my nclex-pn on january. ill be taking a review next week. so hope it does help. dats all. gud luck for us!

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