Firstly, I would like to start by saying THANK YOU for this website. It has truly helped me.
Secondly, this is NOT for the ones who want to know studying material. This is for the bruised egos that find it hard to get back up after failing MULTIPLE times.
I'm from NYC and I graduated nursing school 8 years ago. On 10/31/2020 for my 3rd attempt I FINALLY PASSED.
In my experience, it took me years to realize that the HARDEST part was not having to study again for the NCLEX, but the years it took to recover and then build up my self esteem after failing. After I failed twice (both times within the same year of graduating) my confidence was SHOT. The first time I took the exam I went all the way to 160 questions and then by the second time, I failed at 75 questions. I fully gave up. I told myself that nursing wasn't for me and I went on with life. The first 4-5 years I avoided the pain as much as I could. I watched all of my classmates pass, move on with their careers and so many of them now work as NP's. I avoided the subject at all costs any time anyone ever asked me about it because...to simplify it... I could not deal. I was emotionally/mentally in a space that couldn't see my own worth/value, that I took jobs (in health care) that was a learning experience, but honestly didn't challenge me. All because I thought (at that time) that was all I needed to feed my ego. Woooo was I wrong! What you try hard to suppress will always come back up, and it honestly takes much more work to push down the pain than to actually deal with it.
Over the years I have literally paid for the NCLEX (I think like 4x) studied for a week max, felt the sting, then the rise of doom and failure only to end up either cancelling or no-showing every exam. Further bringing down my confidence and crushing my vision of worthiness.
Fast forward to 2 years ago, I began working as a PCT/PCA in an ER. It got to a point (internally) that no matter how many times I heard "you're amazing at your job", it just wouldn't fill my (ego) cup anymore.
The REAL work began in March 2020. It began with shifting my MINDSET. I wasn't even thinking about retaking the NCLEX again until May 2020 when a coworker convinced me to sign up (because the exam is/was supposedly "easier" due to COVID) I had to FIRST deal with my repressed emotions of failure and build a better and higher self esteem. I started to take small steps. I mediate, I read books geared for success, I worked out. It was the little consistent and disciplined every day efforts that REALLY made tackling the NCLEX doable. I started studying for the NCLEX at the end of August. Content was my main priority (NURSING.com purchased app, SimpleNursing, RegisteredNurseRN, and REMAR all on Youtube ONLY). I did about 40 questions every couple of days.
This story may be irrelevant to some but also maybe someone needs to hear this. You finished the program. You completed your clinical hours. You passed your school exams, You passed your exit exam. You saw other students drop like flies from first semester to your last semester. You got accepted into the program when hundreds weren't. YOU CAN PASS THE NCLEX just like you passed everything else. Please do not give up on yourself. You have the knowledge and the skills. You really have to BELIEVE YOU CAN. It really begins with the mindset.
I have a question for you. I am currently in the similar situation - graduated few years ago but I have not passed the exam yet. I was wondering if New York Board of Nursing let you take NCLEX after graduating 8 years ago? May I ask what step you took for retaking NCLEX in 2020?
@Bee Bee heyy! hows it going? have you rescheduled your exam yet? let me know if there is anything I can do to help :)
On 12/15/2020 at 12:52 PM, Sara Lindsey Wilkerson said:
I can't thank you enough for this post! This morning I got a notification from facebook about a memory from 1yr ago today. A family member was congratulating and saying how proud they were of me for graduating with my BSN.
@Sara Lindsey Wilkerson hey sara! how are you doing? how are you feeling? I really hope you're still on this journey (even if you need to pause and then come back) you're a wonderful soul and you are NEEDED in this profession. let me know if there is anything I can do to help :)
@JOWI75 Hey hun how are you? Like nitty gritty raw answer only LOL how are you really feeling? Hows the journey going? Anything I can do to help? I am here for you.
You are too kind! Thank you for reaching out! I have been contemplating my study resources. I was using NursePrep but didn't want to pay anymore. I keep extending my exam date because I am just simply too scared to retake it and always feel like I didn't study enough. Honestly your reply came at the right moment! I've extended again for Feb 1 2021. I actually did well on NursePrep mock exams but the devil in my shoulder always overcame the angel on my other shoulder telling me "YOU'RE NOT READY. EXTEND". I reread your study resources you used and wanted to know how long did you use NURSE.COM for? About 1 month or 2? I'm thinking of using them 1 month and taking this damn exam already! It's been difficult finsing a study location with the shut downs. That's my major issues.
You are too kind! Thank you for reaching out! I have been contemplating my study resources. I was using NursePrep but didn't want to pay anymore. I keep extending my exam date because I am just simply too scared to retake it and always feel like I didn't study enough. Honestly your reply came at the right moment! I've extended again for Feb 1 2021. I actually did well on NursePrep mock exams but the devil in my shoulder always overcame the angel on my other shoulder telling me "YOU'RE NOT READY. EXTEND". I reread your study resources you used and wanted to know how long did you use NURSE.COM for? About 1 month or 2? I'm thinking of using them 1 month and taking this damn exam already! It's been difficult finsing a study location with the shut downs. That's my major issues.
OMG, I am struggling to pass NCLEX also.. I graduated in 2018... and it’s about to be three years. This is so embarrassing while I watch all my classmates pass and go to NP school. I feel so demotivated like after failing 4 times, I feel like I can’t ever pass! I m seriously looking into jobs that doesn’t require a RN license T_T
Firstly thank you for being very honest that's not always easy. I know exactly how you're feeling when you say you keep extending the date bc you don't feel ready. It's honestly impossible to just know everything, and that is perfectly fine. The NCLEX wants to make sure you know how to keep the patient safe and do all you can do first, before reaching out. I have literally wasted money by scheduling, rescheduling and then cancelling the exam LOL. I believe I did that 3 or 4 times. But f*** it, its not about the money.
The feeling of fear and anxiety are real and can be debilitating for some, but it doesnt have to be.
Let's try to break this down. It's not about the resources. There are plenty! You do not have to spend money in order to believe that you have all of the knowledge to take and PASS the exam. You have learned them before, and you have passed your nursing exams. You have kept your patients safe during clinical and you have received passing marks there too. So we know you know the content and we know you can keep your patient safe. I understand that some time has passed and you may have to relearn some things, but its OK it's like muscle memory it will come back faster than it did the first time you learned it bc you're basically just re-accessing the knowledge that has already been stored!
So to be honest, as long as I have pushed my exam date and cancelled bunches of times....I did the same thing on the apps I've purchased LOL. I think I had the nursing.com app for about 2 yrs LOL but I didn't actually use it consistently until a little over 2 months before my exam.
I actually didn't even complete any book or any app! You know how you hear some ppl say "yea I read that 1000page book 3 times front and back before my exam" or tell you they did like 3000 NCLEX style questions? Tuh. Not me. Not a lot of people I know either. So when I bought the app I promise you I literally only did medsurg and peds. I spent the majority of my time studying the heart, GI system, respiratory system, endocrine system, neuro, immunizations, precautions (safety, PPE, infection control) and the meds that came with it. Like an overview of the meds (like studying the commonalities like the ending ex. beta blockers are -olol) causeeeeeee that's too overwhelming to memorize all of the meds LOL
I spent the majority of my time on Youtube watching Simple Nursing vids (because he 100% tells you EXACTLY what you need to know for the exam) and RegisteredNurseRN when I need further understanding, bc she goes IN DEPTH (back to school in depth LOL) for FREE as well.
Its 100% a normal feeling up until you receive your pass/fail mark on the NCLEX but please do not let that hinder you from trying. Do you think that failing the NCLEX means you're not worthy of being a nurse? Do you think that if you don't pass the first couple of times it means you may not be cut out for this profession? Do you think failing 1x or more means its "a sign" to give up? Do you think that failing means you're not intelligent?
You are enough. You are worthy. You are intelligent. You are cut out for this profession. It is not a sign to give up, it is a sign to step up. Everyone fails at something but it is up to the individual to first get back up, reassess what went wrong, think about what can be done to improve and then try again.
Really think about it, when you have failed in something (whatever it is doesnt have to be nursing related) but then finally succeeded do you ever look back and say all of the things you think you are now at this current minor hurdle moment? No. If anything you say...ugh I wish I wasnt stuck for that long because if I had just tried again instead of prolonging it and stopped listening to the bull**** my negative self talk was telling me I would have been successful EARLIER. No one regrets failing when they succeed they only think about how long it took for them to realize they were resilient all along.
Take the exam on Feb 1st (it's so funny IDK if you believe in signs but it's actually my bday LOL) WHATEVER YOU NEED, a study partner, an accountability partner, a comfort partner...ask and I will be ?
OMG, I am struggling to pass NCLEX also.. I graduated in 2018... and it’s about to be three years. This is so embarrassing while I watch all my classmates pass and go to NP school. I feel so demotivated like after failing 4 times, I feel like I can’t ever pass! I m seriously looking into jobs that doesn’t require a RN license T_T
I 100% understand how you're feeling. Let's see if we can focus this another way. Hearing that you failed 4 times shows that your state allows you more chances, so its not officially over correct? If that is true and the fact that you're here...all is not lost. You havent quit and it looks like you don't want to quit. GREAT!
The word "can't" should be thrown out bc technically your state says YOU CAN, your glimmer of hope deep inside says YOU CAN, and because you actually COMPLETED and GRADUATED from an accredited school (where so many ppl failed the entrance exam, failed 2 classes so they ended up getting released from the program, then had to apply to another nursing program to finish)...all that to say YOU CAN says BON and Pearson vue LOL. So basically "cant" is illogical because you're afforded the time, chances and opportunity.
I promise you I know that feeling of embarrassment. And it is OK and normal to feel it. Feel it. But do not hold on to that feeling for too long bc there are no benefits, only added negatives. It's like having a hot coal literally thrown at you. It feels terrible from the moment it's in your hands...but what do you do after you feel that sting of pain (in physical form)? You throw that sh** haha. Because if you held onto the coal the pain still remains, and WORSE it breaks your skin, it continues to break down all the way to the bone.
Same concept here. You feel the embarrassment, it feels so painful yet because it's in the mind and because school hasn't taught us anything about feeling then letting go of our emotions (like we would treat it in a physical aspect) we hold on to it. And just because we cant see it, doesnt mean it doesnt exist. It begins to break us down. What was supposed to be one moment of embarrassment leads to time passing, ppl furthering themselves, us remaining still, more embarrassment, more fear and anxiety, then eating away at believing in ourselves. You felt so good and confident when you got notice of getting into school, now self esteem is down just bc of 1 exam we think makes or breaks us. Which isn't true! You can pass this exam, like you've passed all of the ones before it...but you have to let go of the embarrassment. It was truly the hardest part for me.
Not only did I see my classmates get their MSN, and doctorate degrees but I also had the added shame of watching my cousin who started nursing school after me, failed 2 classes got released from her school, had to apply to a new nursing program AND start again from the beginning (she finished her first year at the last school) passed her NCLEX, began working as an RN....ALLLLLL of that after I had already graduated from my program lolll.
Hearing that you are seriously looking into jobs that do not require an RN license hit me because that's how I thought. That's what I did. Obviously I'm here...so just know that path didn't work out LOL. Let's go down that path though...let's say you do get that job. Off rip you're underpaid. But let's say you take it bc it'll maybe help boost your self esteem to feel good and confident again in the health care field...cool. You're going to receive recognition and accolades for your work, your coworkers will be amazed at your level of knowledge and ease at learning the skills needed for that scope of practice. You're flowing easily, at first it feels good to get that attention. Time passes. You're so great at your job that ppl tend to rely on you more. You might eventually feel overworked, definitely still underpaid. Your coworkers are asking you "omgg you're so great at this job is there anything more? Bc I can see you doing so much more!" Thennn slowly you're back at that feeling again. You're gonna see that you've always been worthy of being a nurse. No need to waste that time. You can do it now.
You have seen time and time, class and class again that you are capable because you did it. You already qualify as a nurse. You're at the end of the student nurse journey. It's OK to start again. Start slow. F*** motivation. You do not need motivation to begin. You need discipline, consistency and most importantly you need to be kind and forgiving to yourself. You would NEVER tell someone you love to give up and try something else...why the hell would you say that to yourself? Start with 5 pages of content or 5 NCLEX questions today. Who cares how small it is. You do it today and everyday. Little efforts like that will build momentum I promise.
I'm sorry if the message was too long, it wasnt my intention. I'm trying to save you time and years of misery LOL. I learned all of which I stated above after months of serious reading personal development books. That's honestly the number 1 thing that helped me pass the NCLEX. I had to change my mindset, build my self confidence after I destroyed it.
I 100% understand how you're feeling. Let's see if we can focus this another way. Hearing that you failed 4 times shows that your state allows you more chances, so its not officially over correct? If that is true and the fact that you're here...all is not lost. You havent quit and it looks like you don't want to quit. GREAT!
The word "can't" should be thrown out bc technically your state says YOU CAN, your glimmer of hope deep inside says YOU CAN, and because you actually COMPLETED and GRADUATED from an accredited school (where so many ppl failed the entrance exam, failed 2 classes so they ended up getting released from the program, then had to apply to another nursing program to finish)...all that to say YOU CAN says BON and Pearson vue LOL. So basically "cant" is illogical because you're afforded the time, chances and opportunity.
I promise you I know that feeling of embarrassment. And it is OK and normal to feel it. Feel it. But do not hold on to that feeling for too long bc there are no benefits, only added negatives. It's like having a hot coal literally thrown at you. It feels terrible from the moment it's in your hands...but what do you do after you feel that sting of pain (in physical form)? You throw that sh** haha. Because if you held onto the coal the pain still remains, and WORSE it breaks your skin, it continues to break down all the way to the bone.
Same concept here. You feel the embarrassment, it feels so painful yet because it's in the mind and because school hasn't taught us anything about feeling then letting go of our emotions (like we would treat it in a physical aspect) we hold on to it. And just because we cant see it, doesnt mean it doesnt exist. It begins to break us down. What was supposed to be one moment of embarrassment leads to time passing, ppl furthering themselves, us remaining still, more embarrassment, more fear and anxiety, then eating away at believing in ourselves. You felt so good and confident when you got notice of getting into school, now self esteem is down just bc of 1 exam we think makes or breaks us. Which isn't true! You can pass this exam, like you've passed all of the ones before it...but you have to let go of the embarrassment. It was truly the hardest part for me.
Not only did I see my classmates get their MSN, and doctorate degrees but I also had the added shame of watching my cousin who started nursing school after me, failed 2 classes got released from her school, had to apply to a new nursing program AND start again from the beginning (she finished her first year at the last school) passed her NCLEX, began working as an RN....ALLLLLL of that after I had already graduated from my program lolll.
Hearing that you are seriously looking into jobs that do not require an RN license hit me because that's how I thought. That's what I did. Obviously I'm here...so just know that path didn't work out LOL. Let's go down that path though...let's say you do get that job. Off rip you're underpaid. But let's say you take it bc it'll maybe help boost your self esteem to feel good and confident again in the health care field...cool. You're going to receive recognition and accolades for your work, your coworkers will be amazed at your level of knowledge and ease at learning the skills needed for that scope of practice. You're flowing easily, at first it feels good to get that attention. Time passes. You're so great at your job that ppl tend to rely on you more. You might eventually feel overworked, definitely still underpaid. Your coworkers are asking you "omgg you're so great at this job is there anything more? Bc I can see you doing so much more!" Thennn slowly you're back at that feeling again. You're gonna see that you've always been worthy of being a nurse. No need to waste that time. You can do it now.
You have seen time and time, class and class again that you are capable because you did it. You already qualify as a nurse. You're at the end of the student nurse journey. It's OK to start again. Start slow. F*** motivation. You do not need motivation to begin. You need discipline, consistency and most importantly you need to be kind and forgiving to yourself. You would NEVER tell someone you love to give up and try something else...why the hell would you say that to yourself? Start with 5 pages of content or 5 NCLEX questions today. Who cares how small it is. You do it today and everyday. Little efforts like that will build momentum I promise.
I'm sorry if the message was too long, it wasnt my intention. I'm trying to save you time and years of misery LOL. I learned all of which I stated above after months of serious reading personal development books. That's honestly the number 1 thing that helped me pass the NCLEX. I had to change my mindset, build my self confidence after I destroyed it.
I hope this helps you
you are so spot on! Every single word you said was so true and honest! That is exactly what I need! Not motivation but DISCIPLINE at this point for my next exam! I was just telling my boyfriend this! Thank you! and Thank you!
I wanted to suggest everyone to try UWorld for questions and if you want to review materials, there are many books etc. Though, I feel like as you do questions, you start to understand so many things and you start to remember it too with repetition of information. Focus on the rationales when practicing questions with UWorld and try to really understand the rationales even if you get the answer correct. It will help you so much. Try to do questions every day, you can take a day or two off to freshen up your mind if needed. If your brain feels exhausted, take a break. Don’t continue to study if your brain feels exhausted. Be consisted with practicing questions whether it’s 50 or 75 etc. Do questions consistently. Again, never give up on your dreams of becoming a nurse!
I 100% understand how you're feeling. Let's see if we can focus this another way. Hearing that you failed 4 times shows that your state allows you more chances, so its not officially over correct? If that is true and the fact that you're here...all is not lost. You havent quit and it looks like you don't want to quit. GREAT!
The word "can't" should be thrown out bc technically your state says YOU CAN, your glimmer of hope deep inside says YOU CAN, and because you actually COMPLETED and GRADUATED from an accredited school (where so many ppl failed the entrance exam, failed 2 classes so they ended up getting released from the program, then had to apply to another nursing program to finish)...all that to say YOU CAN says BON and Pearson vue LOL. So basically "cant" is illogical because you're afforded the time, chances and opportunity.
I promise you I know that feeling of embarrassment. And it is OK and normal to feel it. Feel it. But do not hold on to that feeling for too long bc there are no benefits, only added negatives. It's like having a hot coal literally thrown at you. It feels terrible from the moment it's in your hands...but what do you do after you feel that sting of pain (in physical form)? You throw that sh** haha. Because if you held onto the coal the pain still remains, and WORSE it breaks your skin, it continues to break down all the way to the bone.
Same concept here. You feel the embarrassment, it feels so painful yet because it's in the mind and because school hasn't taught us anything about feeling then letting go of our emotions (like we would treat it in a physical aspect) we hold on to it. And just because we cant see it, doesnt mean it doesnt exist. It begins to break us down. What was supposed to be one moment of embarrassment leads to time passing, ppl furthering themselves, us remaining still, more embarrassment, more fear and anxiety, then eating away at believing in ourselves. You felt so good and confident when you got notice of getting into school, now self esteem is down just bc of 1 exam we think makes or breaks us. Which isn't true! You can pass this exam, like you've passed all of the ones before it...but you have to let go of the embarrassment. It was truly the hardest part for me.
Not only did I see my classmates get their MSN, and doctorate degrees but I also had the added shame of watching my cousin who started nursing school after me, failed 2 classes got released from her school, had to apply to a new nursing program AND start again from the beginning (she finished her first year at the last school) passed her NCLEX, began working as an RN....ALLLLLL of that after I had already graduated from my program lolll.
Hearing that you are seriously looking into jobs that do not require an RN license hit me because that's how I thought. That's what I did. Obviously I'm here...so just know that path didn't work out LOL. Let's go down that path though...let's say you do get that job. Off rip you're underpaid. But let's say you take it bc it'll maybe help boost your self esteem to feel good and confident again in the health care field...cool. You're going to receive recognition and accolades for your work, your coworkers will be amazed at your level of knowledge and ease at learning the skills needed for that scope of practice. You're flowing easily, at first it feels good to get that attention. Time passes. You're so great at your job that ppl tend to rely on you more. You might eventually feel overworked, definitely still underpaid. Your coworkers are asking you "omgg you're so great at this job is there anything more? Bc I can see you doing so much more!" Thennn slowly you're back at that feeling again. You're gonna see that you've always been worthy of being a nurse. No need to waste that time. You can do it now.
You have seen time and time, class and class again that you are capable because you did it. You already qualify as a nurse. You're at the end of the student nurse journey. It's OK to start again. Start slow. F*** motivation. You do not need motivation to begin. You need discipline, consistency and most importantly you need to be kind and forgiving to yourself. You would NEVER tell someone you love to give up and try something else...why the hell would you say that to yourself? Start with 5 pages of content or 5 NCLEX questions today. Who cares how small it is. You do it today and everyday. Little efforts like that will build momentum I promise.
I'm sorry if the message was too long, it wasnt my intention. I'm trying to save you time and years of misery LOL. I learned all of which I stated above after months of serious reading personal development books. That's honestly the number 1 thing that helped me pass the NCLEX. I had to change my mindset, build my self confidence after I destroyed it.
I hope this helps you
You’re right. It all come within my mindset, as long as I set my mind to It.. nothing is impossible. It’s all in my head, and it’s been tearing me down. I really appreciate you typing a very encouraging heart felt message! MAY I ASK you what resources you used?
You’re right. It all come within my mindset, as long as I set my mind to It.. nothing is impossible. It’s all in my head, and it’s been tearing me down. I really appreciate you typing a very encouraging heart felt message! MAY I ASK you what resources you used?
Of course! I purchased the nursing.com app. I think I bought it 2x bc I had it for like 2 years BUT I didn't start using it until the last week of Aug 2020 and my exam date was Oct 31, 2020. Great app when I applied myself LOL. It breaks down every single thing (very heavy on content) and after each 8-11 video they had NCLEX style questions regarding that topic (plus transcript of the audio and study sheets).
I spent most of my time on Youtube on the Simple Nursing and RegisteredNurseRn channel. Simple Nursing literally makes learning fun and he only goes over things that is on the NCLEX. So content geared towards exam. And RegisteredNurseRn would go into DETAIL, it's almost like sitting in class again. She explains the whole patho part to each disease. Each of her vids are like 30-40min long. Absolutely great stuff on Youtube. I didn't do questions every day but when I did I would do about 40 questions a day. But as the last 3 weeks approached I barely did questions and focused on knowledge (not having the knowledge was my fear not questions on the test). I stayed on Medsurg and PEDs everyday. I only spent 1 and a half days on OB and 1 day on psych.
I still saved my study calendar and as I'm looking at it now I averaged about 2hrs of studying a day. Some days were less like 30-40mins and some days were longer...but no more than 3hrs and 20min (that only happened 2x LOL)
If I failed this last exam I wouldve tried REMAR. Her program is focused on students who have failed and are retaking it. Most of her reviews come from all who went through her program and passed... after failing like 5 times or graduating yearss ago. Andddd her YT channel is free! She does a live review every week! She puts NCLEX question up...ppl comment the answer and then she goes over the answer and breaks down why the others are wrong and why the right one is right. On my last week of studying I decided to join her live 1x and watched 1 previously recorded live. It was great!
@ejmoon7845, try Washington or New Jersey! You don’t have to go to those states to take it. You take it in your own state. Go to either of those states’ BON website and fill up the application for out of state applicants. Website will tell you what to do. When you graduated doesn’t matter to them.
I highly recommend using UWorld for practicing questions. Devote your time to UWorld and it will definitely help you pass. Focus on the rationales and try to really understand it even if you get the answer correct. Don’t continue studying if you feel exhausted. Take a break. You can do it! Never give up.
Tech2RN, ADN, BSN, RN
30 Posts
@Bee Bee heyy! hows it going? have you rescheduled your exam yet? let me know if there is anything I can do to help :)