Retaking NCLEX several years later?

Nurses General Nursing

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It's been several years since I sat for my nsg boards and did not pass them. "Life" happened and I went through a series of other careers (most still in healthcare though). Marriage and children later, I'm now at a point in life where I'd like to sit for them again and "restart" my nursing career. I just don't know where to begin. All the refresher courses I see are for professionals already in the field. Other than reading nsg magazines, old text books and taking zillions of practices exams, I don't know how I should approach the boards or my career. Does anyone have any advise??

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. I do so appreciated it. I do have a BSN already, so "back to school" sounds like it's out (couldn't really afford to even if it was "in"). I'm a little discouraged to hear that BON may not allow me to retest after so long, but I guess I'll at least find out and see what happens. Thank you for the "spell check" as well:lol2:.

Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. I do so appreciated it. I do have a BSN already, so "back to school" sounds like it's out (couldn't really afford to even if it was "in"). I'm a little discouraged to hear that BON may not allow me to retest after so long, but I guess I'll at least find out and see what happens. Thank you for the "spell check" as well:lol2:.

I do hope things work out for you. You honestly won't know until you try!

I am in a similar situation also...I graduated 8 years ago and did not pass boards so I went on with other things instead of focusing on the test like I should have. Now I feel like I am more focused and determined to pass the NCLEX-RN...I live in TN and after 3 years of being unsuccessful you have to go back to school or apply to take boards in another state....at least that's what the contact person at TN BON told me. I have been trying to find a program where I can get my BSN without a license but I haven't been successful in doing so...However I plan to take a review course since it's been sooo long. Good luck with everything and I wish you much success!!!!

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