Hellostudentnurssee

I initially didn't want to be a nurse. I heard so many night shift stories from my ICU nurse mom growing up. They were awful and if anything, I felt bad for her and her co-workers. Of course, she tried to recruit me throughout the years. The only thing I found interesting was how the heart worked. This became my science fair topic in 4th grade and loved it. In high school, I needed volunteer hours so I worked at my mom's hospital as a patient escort. Through that whole experience, I changed my mind and wanted to be a nurse. In college, I took my pre-reqs and was able to get my associate's in pre-nursing classes. I also got my CNA and worked in many nursing homes, as well as group home for developmentally challenged residents. I also got a great opportunity to volunteer at the cardiac cath lab for 2 years while I was taking pre-reqs. My grades weren't the best but they were okay and I had great experience. I was rejected many times 2 years in a row- all RN and BSN programs. I was ready to give up but a friend encouraged me to try and apply for an LPN program. I did it for kicks and was surprised to get in. I was 23. It was a 2 year program and I had planned to go to a bridge program. I had a great relationship with the director who encouraged my plans and said to apply straight to bridge programs. Things in life aren't guaranteed. As my classmates were taking NCLEX, I wanted to carry out to an RN program but the bridge programs in my state were closing or reserved for their current LPN students. My director had just left her position and new "management" and policies were enforced in my school. I took the LPN NCLEX for kicks and because everyone else was doing. I felt lost and was not planning to take this. I really wanted to just go ahead and get my RN. All the bridge programs in my state required new classes, new TEAS tests, and now an LPN license. I failed twice. At this time of my life, things happened. I met the best guy and fell in love Needless to say, I lived my life and for the first time, nursing came in 2nd place. The next year, I was planning to possibly take the NCLEX BUT I had a great opportunity at my dream job and dream unit - to work in med surg telemetry as a tech. I've ALWAYS wanted to work in a hospital and believed that this experience would help me greatly if I returned back to nursing school. I felt I REALLY learned everything in clinical vs. classes. Within 2 years, I worked with AMAZING nurses who were great on and off the floor. I finally knew what a yankauer suction was (a power trip clinical instructor gave me the hardest time bc we didn't know this - they don't teach this kinda thing in class haha). I worked with patients with advanced heart failure in a hospital known and awarded for amazing technological advances in cardiac devices. Because of this, I've met people from all over the country and it's been great. It's definitely had it's challenging moments and times where I've been so tired but I'm still there and I absolutely love it. It would be more than a dream to be working there as a nurse (and yes, I know how insane I sound saying that bc it is a crazy job). As I had the courage to apply again, I had an old professor encourage me to apply for the Public Health program. I'm nearing my 30's and I don't even have a bachelor's yet. She said, "you never know with nursing but at least get this bachelor's degree and you can go anywhere after this." Times have changed. My associate's degree in pre nursing meant nothing and a bachelor's the minimum in having respect in the real world. I got accepted and am now in a public health program. It's been conflicting because I woke up every morning feeling miserable bc this is not what I want to do. On the other hand, most of my classmates are using degree as a step up to become nurses, PA's, and dentists. Throughout this time, I met the new director of my old nursing program. Long story short (after many conversations and just being stubborn and telling her how much I NEED to be in the program), she said they MAY have a spot this coming spring quarter (depending if anyone fails so again, it's not guaranteed) BUT i'd have to go through the application process all over again, including my LPN license WITH work hours. If I want that spot, I would have to take my test in 2-3 weeks. It's insane but I signed up for it and am currently studying. However, I just feel like giving up now. I know - why stop now? I know age doesn't have to do with anything but I felt I spent ALL OF MY TWENTIES dedicated to nursing. I"ll be 30 this year and I feel like i haven't done anything at all. I'm tired of the changes with stupid nursing programs. I was thinking of going to an accelerated BSN program after graduating next spring 2017 but at the same time, I need to move on with my life - get married, have kids... my boyfriend has been more than supportive but he also tells me that there's more to life and he's right. I feel life giving up and all of these things weren't worth it. I feel like the whole LPN thing was a sham. Why even offer the program if you can't even support us and grandfather us to finish our RN? Our state is one of the most competitive with nursing. People move out of state just to get an education. I feel like it's too late for me to move my life and move out of state...It's not late but I'm not 22 or 23 years old anymore. I just want to be settled and stable now. I feel like i just have to surrender and it's hard for me to see the positive now... Thank you for listening

Thank you! I felt like such a loser writing the post and even thinking of writing that for my essay. I can't believe it's taken me this long!

The essay question wants us to describe a challenging time in our lives. I'm blessed to say I haven't had any hardships such as others. Frustrating challenges and the only thing I can think of is getting into nursing school. Background info on me - it's taken me 10 years with the process getting into nursing. I did my pre-reqs out of high school, got my AA/transfer degree, my CNA, worked in many nursing homes with nursing delegation. I kept applying to BSN programs but got rejected every time. Went back to school to take pre-reqs over and right on the brink of giving up, I got accepted into a part time LPN program, so for 2 years I was working on that. They encouraged us to apply for the bridge program however, by the time we graduated, they discontinued the program. I was stuck. My director advised me to get a hospital job (more experience) and not be an LPN for a while (since the BSN was my goal) bc it's hard to get out of that system and to go back to the school. All the bridge areas in my program were being closed. After the program, i enrolled in an EKG class (as cardiology has always been an interest of mine). That led me to where I am now - working in a med surg tele unit (which I LOVE and was my dream job as a nurse) and I'm gaining alot of experience. It's also encouraged me to go back to schooo, even if it means starting over and my goal is to get my BSN. This has been so challenging for me. I've seen many of my friends go to nursing school, graduate, get a job and now have their own lives. It's been something I've been wanting but haven't had the opportunity and it's really tested me to see if it's what's for me. Do you think this is a good topic? It seems cliche and tacky to me. Any ideas or maybe stick with this?

I am an LPN, looking to get back into an LPN-RN program. I 'm currently working at a very big hospital on my dream unit (med-surg telemetry) as a tech and I feel soo grateful to be here. No disrespect to the other units because we are a busy hospital but we are known to be the 2nd busiest, as ICU is next door to us. I'm gaining great experience but most importantly, I feel like I'm able to learn more people skills, which I feel is very important. I also see the nurses prioritize and I learn alot from them. I'm always willing to help out and having an idea on the other end of the spectrum, I help the nurses out with little things as possible, when they're very busy. I'm lucky to be working with GREAT nurses in which we share great teamwork and comradery; there a few exceptions - of course, where not every work situation is perfect. There is this one charge nurse now and then who looks down on me because I'm a tech. I've accepted that you find this wherever you go because there are people like this. It's personal to me because it's more belittling me because i'm "little"...physically. I'm not petitite, just short and I do look very young for my age (natural baby face) despite putting age apporpiate makeup that makes me look my age. She's got kind of a tall, bully personality who seems to benefit that I'm a "little girl" - yes she called me that. One day, I said sternly, "no, i'm not a little girl." and since then, she's been passive-agressive. Almost like, "how dare this tech talk to me? I'm a nurse." I just avoid her and talk with her only when I need to work with her. It's been a tough few nights for me. I work 12 hour night shifts and within the past month we have this admit who calls...ALL. THE. TIME. FOR. LITTLE. THINGS. I had him last week, last night, and tonight. I am very burnt out. The one time I'm not there answeing his call light (I was on break) and she asked around where I was because she was upset, she had to answer it. Of course that agrivated me. Obviously, I would be there if I wasn't busy or not on break. The charge nurse thing is slightly annoying and that patient...at this point, I feel so detached. I ran out of "annoyed" feelings. I feel like crying NOT because I'm giving up but because I'm so tired. Again, I'm so lucky to have my co-workers. If it's one thing about working with females, we hear each other out and receive great empathy...and it does empower us in a weird way haha My boyfriend tries to be supportive but doesn't get it..and if anything it makes me more upset. For example - i told him we had 5 bed alarms on the unit and I've been running around alot. He says, "Honey, don't run. Brisk walk." HELLO!! Bed alarms are put on those who are on fall risk or have some confusion - it's emergent...it's for their safety. He doesn't understand this charge nurse situation either. Well one - he's a male and two - he's not in the business. He's an engineer and he's more focused on precise measurements and tests... so hard to see each other eye to eye. OH! And he does that "false reassurance" thing, which I learned in my communication class is the worst thing you can tell someone in healthcare, "oh you're okay. You're fine." He just doesn't get it and it hurts me he doesn't... who do you vent to?

I'm normally a tough gal. I am able to tolerant high maintinence patients to an extent but last weekend was crazy and I feel so drained..I just started crying. I am a nurse tech in a cardiovascular telemetry unit. It's my dream unit and I'm so lucky to be starting as a tech there and I wish and would love one day to work there as a nurse. The stress, business, and craziness is challenging but not a surprise to me, so I am able to handle stressful situations and move on. I'm lucky to be working with SUCH great nurses and we have such great teamwork. They're very supportive and we help each other out, no one is alone, especially with physical stuff like lifting. I worked two 12 nights in a row and they were insane to me. I had to be one on one with a patient who has a heart device but suffering from stroke. He was a big fall risk victim. Within 4 hours (after a boost), he vomited. BP was going down and his primary nurse and I were in the room until minutes later a billion nurses were in the room. Long story short, he continued to vomit and have diarrhea and was transferred to ICU, including me. I spent the whole night anticipating vomit and diarrhea and cleaning it up. I was starting to get sick myself from smelling it so much, I felt like I want to vomit after that shift and was nauseous, which I did. The next night I had a 1 assist patient, big guy. There are many big guys who are independent but are labeled 1 assist, just in case for risk of falls. He was dangling from bed but when I tried to lift his legs to the bed, it was DEAD weight. No effort. I even asked if he could help me - no effort. He was big and lazy with a critical, nagging wife who would monitor you like a hawk. The minute I lifted (with proper body mechanics), I had to stop and asked his nurse and someone else to help lift. Minutes later, my shoulders were in pain and hours later, they were insanely hurting. I talked to charge and had the paperwork written up. I had myself checked down with the nurse practitioner. OH and on top of that, the patient from the previous night was confirmed positive with C.diff and he was not on any precautions (other than standard) when I had him until near the end of shift...great. Now, I just find myself crying. I am not hurt emotionally...I just feel drained. I'm not one to feel sorry for myself but coming from a self love kind of way, I do. I want to take care of myself...be a nurse for myself and the other part of me just feels for what happened. I'm also re-taking a science class and had already emailed in my instructor in advanced but I HATE missing class or labs and I'm so worried it might effect my grade. Obviously, women are the BEST to vent to bc my boyfriend (as loving and supportive he is) is a man who lacks empathy in situations like this...he's a "let's fix it" kinda guy... I feel awful...I just hope everything will be okay

I've reached my tolerance with nursing schools. Here's my background: I've got my associate's degree/transfer degree in pre-reqs from 2007. I got my LPN Certificate in 2012. I'm at a weird position where I can: - apply for a ladder program - apply for BSN program - apply for a bachelor's program and get into master's in nursing. I'm tired of waiting for a spot in the 4th quarter cohort for ladder programs. The ladder programs here are few and all have such different requirements. One wants the TEAS test, one wants the HESI, one wants the COMPASS test. One requires your license, one requires a year worth of experience, etc.. Unfortunately in this state, LPN jobs are few and scarce. I just got a job as a CNA at the top hospital in the state - good reputation, GREAT learning experience (I'm learning more at work than I ever did in nursing school), and from what I've been told (even my boss) being employed there will give me future employment opportunities. I went to one information session and met with the director and she said they required one year of experience with an LPN job...and she even admitted that with the low LPN jobs in the state, it would be "interesting" if I gave up the great job I have now (CNA at that hospital) to look for an almost non existent job to work for a year and then apply. And again, it's on a space available basis. My school where I went to get my LPN is also on a space available basis. I know I'm still young but I'm nearing 30 and I want to live my life, work, and enjoy it than stress about school and when I'll become a nurse. Someone suggested I go into public health and get my bachelor's and then go into my master's afterwards because it's a much more guaranteed route than ladder programs that are on space available basis. I feel like giving up and I don't know what to do anymore. I just don't want to waste time...

I graduated from an LPN program and currently applying for an LPN-RN bridge program. Instead of getting an LPN job, I applied to a hospital as a patient tech (CNA) to get hospital experience and got the job :) I'm so amped and excited! We had one clinical where we went to the hospital during the program and felt as if we were thrown to the wolves. All these tubes, scans, etc... I just got hired on the cardiothoracic med surg unit and WOW. I'm very aware of how busy and challenging it will be but excited. We have great management and nurse managers are great at putting ourselves first and taking care of our health. Anyhoo, I'm about to start my first 12 hour shift. (I know, right?) I've worked days, evenings and have done 8 hours.... I'm so reluctant and a bit scared with 12 hours...I'll be switching over to the night shift after a few times, as that would be my normal schedule. Any advice and tips? Thank you! :)

Hello, Nursing has been a long journey for me. I started volunteering at a hospital when I was 16 and knew I wanted to be in healthcare. Within the past 10 years, I received my AAS in pre-nursing, became a CNA, graduated from an LPN program. I am currently trying to get into my school's bridge program but of course, it's on a space-available basis on their current RN program. I love nursing and I know I'm not "old" but I'm almost 30 and would like to settle down in my career. After obtaining an RN in this state (since I have an LPN, I have 3 more quarters to go, if accepted), I have the option of going to a university and finishing my BSN for one more year, which I do hope/plan to do. (I've been told that BSN will be required for nurses working in a hospital by 2020, 2 years ago and this statement still stands true...at least in my state). I'm studying for TEAS and currently applying with that however I was offered another option for my career path. The school I attended is one of the up and coming schools in the state. According to the director, it was upgraded from a "community college" to an "institute" (not sure how that matters). The area surrounded the school is funded by wealthy families and businesses (some which are nationally known). The hospitals have been great with funding and because of their help, I was very fortunate to attend that school with new nursing equipment for the labs. Anyway, I was told by a teacher that someone on the board of trustees is working closely with the school to develop a bachelor's program for public health. The CEO of the hospital nearby has declared that public health nursing will be the trend in the up and coming years as bed side nursing continues to decline. Part of me feels torn bc public health seems to be SUCH an exciting career (health education for the public) but I do enjoy bedside nursing. I'm already aware of how jaded and exhausted I would be once I am lucky to become an RN. At this point, I'm continuing to my research. I would love to be a nurse but the public health bachelor's program is calling me. Anyone know any information about this or the difference between the two? Can I get a bachelor's in public health but get a master's in nursing and still be a nurse? Thank you! You are all very supportive!

My school's bridge program is only 3 quarters and there is not license needed. It is optional

As most of you know, getting into nursing school is very competitive. That's a big, "duhhhh". For me, my plan was always to get a BSN. I was so LUCKY to get into an LPN program almost 3 years ago (graduated last year). Most of us use the LPN education as a stepping stone to the RN program or to the school's bridge program. You get what you get, right? I remember during the last quarter of my curriculum, I had many meetings with the director. She was in the process of developing a bridge program for the school and advised me, "if an RN is what you really want to do, my advice would be to just go for it. Go to an RN program right away bc once you take the test, pass and get a job, it will be so hard for you to go back to school. Those nursing homes take advantage of LPNs and their time, You would be too exhausted to go school. Also, in this state, we are one of the first and few that are phasing LPNs out and I'm sure you know, you need a BSN by 2020 to work at a hospital." I believed her but for some reason, I didn't follow through. I took the NCLEX twice within the year and found myself failing. I studied hard, studied with groups, kaplan, hurts, etc... my classmate said, "it's not you and the material, there's something in you that has to change or figure out to why you're not passing..." Long story short: Deep down inside I didn't want to work as an LPN or take a test or pass it because it was never what I wanted deep down inside (no offense to those that do). I was perfectly content keeping my CNA license and focus my energy on the bridge program. When times comes when I study the RN NCLEX, you bet I'm ready and actually excited to study for it. I did learn throughout this journey to have more faith and believe in myself. I never believed that I was a smart person. I grew up in a household where positive praise or self-respect/love was looked down upon, even if it was healthy. I had a breakthrough during the summer. I just started crying to my colleagues with the thought of going to my NCLEX review (i had scheduled the next day/weekend) and the test overall. THey told me to release the fear, thank it, and ask for guidance and remember things happen for a reason. I went into that review feeling so different...so light. I've never absorbed that information so much compared to before. It was like all the studying i did before never went through because there was a tremendous fear blocking it. I felt free and light and that I could do anything...even take that test. It was also a reminder (I felt) from the universe that no matter what happens, I must know my content -whether i take the test or not. I must know for my own good and for my own dreams (before RN program and if I want to teach in the future). I look back and realize it was everyone else's expectations of me and I just went along with it. My mom is a nurse and was saying, "if you don't pass this lpn, you will never pass the RN". I see her point but that's not true. I just feel like I've gained experience in taking this test and just about the lack of faith I had in myself. There's no way I could survive the remaining RN program with that mentality, even if it was subconscious. Even my classmates who have chosen to take the test and get jobs are telling me it's not worth working as an LPN now and would like to go back to school ASAP. Interestingly enough, once this hit me, my school finally had a bridge program and having an LPN license was optional :) Since it's a whole 'nother application process, I took over pre-req classes (since they expired) and I've been doing very well, getting 4.0's. I'm also reviewing for the TEAS test right now and been focusing on that. I'm also still studying NCLEX stuff...and who knows? Maybe I'll take it for fun. I hope I'm doing the right thing...I think because I got back much from the experience...I'm good...is a license NEEDED? (according to the family, I'm a "failure" because I didn't take it. Too bad they don't understand how nursing schools work...They assumed once I got my LPN license, I could get a job the next day and make lots of money, which we all know isn't true).

I'm 26, I graduated from the LPN program almost 2 years ago. I was in meetings with the director in my last quarter with the director to get information about our school's bridge program. At that time, their bridge program was still in the process. 3 months after graduation, that director was fired and a new one was appointed, which further delayed the bridge program. It wasn't until spring of this year was when I got the word from the director and we've been having meetings with the application process. It's not really a bridge program but available spots for starting with the 4th quarter RN program. It's a WHOLE other process of pre-req classes, TEAS... I don't agree with it but I'm sucking it up and doing what I have to do. I come from a cultural family that just cares about "finishing school" and no one understands how hard it is or how this whole nursing school process works. Nothing is ever guaranteed and the rules-requirements are always changing. No one understands the nursing world unless they're a nurse or a nursing student. My boyfriend is an engineer and just finished with his program. He's trying his best to understand it but to be honest, he doesn't. I feel like he's frustrated bc he doesn't get it and feels like he's not helping. (You know guys - they like to fix problems in a tangible way whereas women just need to be listened to, supported). He's getting a bit impatient and is just as frustrated with me. He obviously doesn't want to see me give up but doesn't want to see me waste my time waiting until nursing schools call me back. His whole family doesn't get it and I don't expect them too but their ignorance and eagerness for me to be "done" is frustrating. I'm already frustrated as it is but it's even more frustrating when people think it's an easy application process. Think ITALIAN family where everyone knows your business and will use it as discussion topics with other family members. I come from a small, private family so I'm not used to it. Anyhoo, I've been having meetings with the director with 2 other classmates on the application process. I'm re-taking one more class, taking the TEAS. We get an additional 15 points for having our LPN license and I don't have that... I took it twice and didn't make it and am just so burned by that... I'm still studying for it but we'll see...I just need encouragement from this community. This would help me very much. Thank you :) PS: Also, my classmates always tell me, "you're still so long. You have plenty of time". in comparison to them, "yes, i am young" but I don't want to wait forever to be in school, you know? I am an adult, I need to be work, be responsible for myself. There's bills to pay. Going to school isn't a luxury for me.

My boyfriend and I are big dreamers. He just graduated and is on his way to a career. I graduated from LPN but am still trying to apply for a bridge program. When I graduated last year, our school was still in talks with the state to develop it. It took them a year and a half. I just contacted the director and they accept LPNS into whatever space they have in their current RN program. All the other schools only accept their own LPNs and it's still very competitive. Right now, i'm working on taking over 2 pre-req classes for a higher grade to gain more points and studying for that TEAS test. No one understands how competitive nursing is. People still assume that nursing school is easy (since we're "assistants", how hard could it be?) and that finding a nursing job is easy, as well (not really). Jobs aren't looking good either and my director just gave me "real life advice" (as she would say). She said since being an RN is a goal (and that i'm still "young"), to just go for the RN bridge and not work as an LPN. Most LPN jobs here now require the 2 years experience and she said they're more likely to hire RN's than LPNs. Also she said I would get STUCK working with all that responsibility that it's going to be hard going back to school. So that is my focus now and I'm in close talks with the director. My boyfriend is on a career path that is very lucrative. His family members (mostly his grandma) will say annoying things like, "oh your boyfriend is going to make alot of money and is rich! You're still in school, that's why you need to be done soon so you can be rich together." First off, money is not everything. I'm not undermining my bf's accomplishments and am so proud of him but what does his money and status have anything to do or relate to me? One of the reasons why I like nursing was because I could still be self-sufficient. I know I'm focused on my own career path, it's a different journey for everyone but I really hate when people say something like that. Obviously, his grandma has good intentions but it's annoying... he's the rich one and I'm the poor one who's not worthy... I try not to let it get to me but it's hard. I get insecure about it because I'm ambitious too. I want to be in the RN bridge program, I want to get out there and be a nurse but it's soo frustrating and here is everyone, looking at me with this "rich" boyfriend...it's so silly and petty but these comments are just not fun...

My boyfriend is an engineer and I feel like he doesn't understand the nursing world-being a nursing student or being a nurse (in general). I grew up in the world of nursing since I was born. My mom has been and is currently an ICU nurse for 30 years. His mom and sister are also both in the healthcare field as techs. I'm not undermining their jobs but its annoying bc he talks about them as if they're martyrs and how they are so smart and knowledgable. Every time I see then, they're always telling me "physiological" knowledge and how "my patient this and that". I'm thinking, "that's great. I respect you and your job but (to put it bluntly, you use a machine, see the patient for 10 minutes and write in their chart. You don't spend an 8 hour shift with them doing assessments, giving them meds, discussing changes with the doctor or pharmacy to clarify, taking with their family, or spending long hours charting. How dare you say, 'my patient this and that' and how dare you use it as your way to get attention with a group of people by telling stories and giving out all that information! What about HIPPA?!" Usually I grin a bear it with his mom and sister but I find it annoying that he sees me as this "cute little nurse with a cute little job." It's disrespectful to the nurses who work their ass off everyday in whatever setting they're in;it's a stressful job. I've educated him, even showed him my old nursing assessments, reports, papers from school but it frustrates me that he doesn't get it, yet he views his family members as "sooo smart". I'm know they are and I respect it but nurses are smart, hard working, and you not undermine them. Sorry for venting. I know you all understand and was just needing support....

Specifically talking in social settings. I understand if you're at work or at a job interview, your title needs to be specified. I have a friend who I've been doing pre-reqs with years back. Our goal was always BSN. We took different paths and now she is an RN and I just finished my LPN. I feel like she rubs it in my face alot with the distinction of LPN. Instead of asking about NCLEX, she'll say, "how was your test for LPN?" "Are you going to continue on to be an LPN?" "Are there any LPN jobs you can find?" She loves that distinction. It's petty, it's catty, it's typical female behavior and I try not to let it get the best out of me but's frustrating sometimes. I'm sure all of you understand that not every nursing path is the same and is different. Everyone has their own goals and a difference of degree doesn't make you a better nurse. I was included in a conversation of new grads at an ICU (where my mom happens to be one of the older ones that DO take care of the young). One nurse was in her 30's and said, "Why should I get a master's? It's all preference, honestly. In the real world, people can care less about how many degrees you have. At the end of the day, you're a nurse. your co-workers judge you on how you work with everyone else...how you are with your own patients and how you are with your fellow co-workers. No one could care less about a masters" This is what I go by and this is what drives me. If it's anything I learned in psch of mental health nursing, there's a thing called "defense mechanisms" haha (if you all remember). Sometimes people who compete are compensating for something else.... I'm not going to go there. I think it's cool when people have goals and continue on with education - more power! But it shouldn't be used to boost their own ego...

Here's the more in-depth story: https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/i-failed-nclex-817416.html#post7188930 I took the test again last week and found out hours later I didn't pass 2 of the categories. I was devastated (still am). I'm someone who bounces back within days (and with a game plan) but this time, it really affected me. I wake up with that icky feeling (like getting over a bad break up) and I just get really emotional about it. It hurts so much and I'm trying to get through these feelings so I can think logically... I told my boyfriend 2 days after and he was surprisingly supportive about it. Tonight, I think he was trying to help but didn't turn out very well... He started the convo with a very overwhelmingly nice compliment (which was a sign for what he was really trying to get at.). He was very genuine in saying something like, "babe, do you remember when I got really sick last year? And you took care of me? I really appreciate it. I got better within 2 days and I loved that you took care of me. I was thinking...you knew what to do, you knew what you were doing...you just seemed to know it and were confident about it. And I remember all those experiences you were telling me about clinical, work, and dealing with patients..." OKAY...he said the good stuff - now comes the critique. He then kept saying how he couldn't understand what it was to why I didn't pass. He believes alot of it is that I don't believe in myself, which I partially agree with but not completely. I explained to him that being on the floor and taking a test - especially NCLEX are 2 different things. I think many of us dread NCLEX and know that it's not an indication of how great of a nurse you'll be. We also understand that being "book smart" is different than "real world" nursing. The way my boyfriend was trying to help me, made it seem like NCLEX is like some sort of thing you read and then you just get tested on it. I explained to him that NCLEX is different than the real world; that taking care of someone is "easy" compared to when you have patients; and that NCLEX is more than just knowing stuff, it's critical thinking and it's hard. Most importantly, I told him that it's too soon to analyze everything right now because I still don't really understand it and he just kept saying, "I don't understand why you can't pass it." I was (surprisingly) getting emotional and just couldn't talk. In a way I was dumfounded to why he would question that...like I was dumb. I'm trying to see that he was probably just being helpful towards me but it's like he won't get it bc he's not a nurse...he's never taken NCLEX. His family members work in a hospital but they're not nurses. I guess I just am not open to people giving criticism (even if meant wel) if they're not nurses or haven't taken the test... I'm just hurt/depressed over what happened still and not sure what to make of that whole talk with my boyfriend. He didn't say anything after I said my peace (in which I was very calm...more calm than normal)...he could've been sleeping (as he always does on the phone), just quiet, or both. I just was hurt/shocked/impatient he wasn't saying anything for minutes so I hung up. He doesn't get it but he was trying to help, right?