Sometimes the path to get what you want is very twisty and takes a few turns you might have been expecting, but it's the lessons and experience you gain from those that help you get to where you want to go.
I really wanted to be a vet when I was a kid. I dreamed of working with animals and living on a huge old farm where my life was surrounded by all kinds of creatures. Turns out my anaphylaxis level allergies to dogs *might* have ended that path for me. I was sad, but threw myself into a new path, being a teacher. I worked hard at that and enjoyed it a lot. For a while it was pretty good, but the draw to work in medical came back. While I'm not a vet, or a teacher anymore, I do help people now and I wouldn't be the nurse I am today without that side jaunt into teaching. I find that my background in teaching has helped my nursing career. The nursing jobs I have had each add a new layer to my nursing career.
My point is we can learn from each experience and that will help us on our path of where we want to go. So you might not get into L&D right away, but the experiences you gain on your path will help you nail that interview when you do get there. Be open to all the experiences you can get as they will only help you as you move forward.
Focus your energies on your NCLEX and then find a nursing job, any nursing job even if it's not L&D, learn as much as you can, and then go full force towards your dream.
Good luck in your journey!
