Ready to Give Up

[Hanky Pank]

I took the Boards last Thursday (California). I ended up having all 265 questions, but by 175 I was already crying and pretty much gave up believing that I had failed anyway. Most of my classmates have already passed and I'm feeling like the big loser!

I know I can take it again but right now I just want to go and be a secretary or something. I just don't want to do this anymore. As a new grad who is over 50 years old, is it really worth it?

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

Please, don't give up. I took the NCLEX last week. It was horrible. It went on and on. I was the last one left in the room. I left in tears, convinced that I had failed. CERTAIN that I had failed. The next day my license was posted. I won't comment on what I think of a test that 99% of its takers leave thinking they've failed. I will say I don't think the test is a measure of your quality as a nurse. If you fail it this round, jump in and do it again. The questions are different every time. This time you might have some that make better sense to you.

I'm 48. Yes, this would have been easier if I'd been 28. Maybe. But the goal is being a nurse, not passing the NCLEX in 75 questions. Once you're past that hurdle, the real stuff begins. You can do it. Even if it takes more than one try at the 'beloved' boards.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Hey Hanky Pank - Please listen to the words of wisdom from all the posters. Like Tazzi, I took state boards the old fashioned way and it took forever to get results. I took mine in New Orleans, La. at the Superdome. I rode the 5 or so hours down there with 4 other classmates and the whole way back I just knew I had failed. I even tried to figure out how many paychecks I would get before getting my failed results in the mail. I did pass, but it was a long wait before getting the results.

Please try not to stress too much. Easier said than done, I know! Take some time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Even little things will make a difference, a manicure or things that are taken for granted will help lift your spirits. And, as other posters have said, one test doesn't tell the world what kind of a nurse you are or will be. I have never been a good test taker, but I do think that I have been a good nurse for the past 16 years. You will be too!! Keep us posted and vent when you need to.

Anne, RNC:welcome:

[Hanky Pank]

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I know I can take it again and I will if I have to. It's just so darn hard to admit failure. My temper tantrums are over and I will accept my fate.

Your prayers will be coveted. God got me through Nursing school even through all my doubts and complaining. One more miracle is all I need.

[withasmilelpn]

I personally don't see how the nclex shows anything about what kind of nurse you'll be except a good test taker. Please give yourself a break! I thought I failed too, but I didn't. I'll cross my fingers and toes for you, but you need to promise that you will take it again if you have to. You did not go through the hell of years of nursing school to give up after a few hours of some test (probably written by people who spent zero hours on the floors!)

[Devil_Duckie, LVN]

Definitely in my prayers, Hanky Pank! Like everyone else said, use some of this waiting time to do the things you haven't done in a while, have some well deserved "me" time! I'm sure within the next few days, you will be on here, telling us that you passed, then it's party time! Big hugs and keep your chin up! :icon_hug: