NCLEX 2nd Time Around Question

nursegirl75 · Aug 30, 2011

I don't know much of the rules of how long you have to wait until you can re-take the NCLEX, but may I give you some word of wisdom. If you don't feel prepare right now and your test is in a few days, I would push my test date. All this anxiety about the repercussions only adds to your stress level and you don't want to carry that into the test room especially when it is already stressful as it is. You want to be able to walk into the test room with only one thought in your mind: to conquer this test not what's going to happen if you fail it. You seem to doubt yourself this second time around. If you rush this second chance you have, the repercussions will be the least of your worries. Your state of mind and confident level will be affected.

I am not ashamed to say that I pushed my test 4 times until I felt at peace with myself and so prepared that I knew I wanted to take that test right then and there. I took over 5 weeks to study and that may be long to some people, but I didn't care. Just do what will be good for you. If you are unsure of whats to come, just push the date. At least it will give you time to find the answer about the test re-take laws in your state. Trust your instincts.

uaefan · Aug 30, 2011

Hi jaco,

Every state is different. Here (in CO) you can test 3 times and if you don't pass you must take a refresher course in order to take it one more time. If you don't pass, then you must apply in another (non-compact) state.

I've never heard of anyone failing so many times that they applied in every non-compact state in the Union. That said if you apply in a compact licensure state you MUST take the NCLEX in THAT state. I know because before I took it the 3rd time I was looking at WY to test (they allow 10 times within 3 or 5 years...I'm not sure which). I know AZ (a compact state) allows unlimited attempts, but because I applied in CO I couldn't apply in AZ. But that's NOT what you want. You want to take it when you feel as close to 100% as you can.

You may want to look at my post "long time lurker...first time poster" if you need some encouragement. All the best!

Addendum: "Applying" and "taking" are important words here. You can "take" the NCLEX in any state (hell, Guam if you want to), but if you apply to a compact licensure state (MA is not one) you will negate any ability to apply in any other compact licensure state. That's why I was looking at WY...and MT...in case I failed in CO. You will be able, however, to transfer from non-compact licensure states once you obtain your RN.

Hope that's not too confusing.