Question, need quick answer

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Hi everyone, I hope someone can answer a question for me. I graduated with my BSN in May 2006, took my boards Dec. 2006, and didn't pass. I took them again in June 2007 and passed. I am now applying to hospitals, and they want to know why I took a year to get my license. Do I have to tell them I failed at first, and if I don't, will they find out? I don't want to lie, but I am applying to competitive hospitals and don't want to look like I'm not good enough. Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

I believe you should tell the truth. However, they also may want to know why you waited so long before retesting and then a couple more months before interviewing. I think you could handle both these questions skillfully. Just be honest and sincere and you'll be fine. Lots of really fine nurses don't pass the NCLEX the first time and if they use that in any way to deny your employment, I would be very surprised. Getting caught in a lie would be far worse and may even get you blackballed.

You will be fine. Just be yourself!! ;););)

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

I agree you need to tell them. There are lot's of Really good nurses fail. Some people just are not good at tests. It would look real bad if they found out and you lied.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree. Never lie in the job application process. If they find out that you lied, that's usually a cause for immediate termination with no chance of rehire -- no matter how good of nurse you are. Adding a termination with no chance of rehire to your resume will cause more harm than the NCLEX failure.

Tell the truth. Most hospitals will cut you a break on that if they like you.

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I am actually suprised that the question was even presented. I'm really bad about things flying out of my mouth without thinking them through and I probably would have said, "Is that a personal question or an official one."

You never know what nosy recruiter wants to know for herself and the question may not even be part of the interview process.

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