I graduated 3+ yrs ago and took the NCLEX twice and did not pass. I had already been thinking that maybe being an RN was not for me, and after failing the second test I decided to go towards another career. I was blessed with a great job and was given the opportunity to be in accounting and discovered the world of photography. I for the most part have been content but I have to admit that there have been few times that I wondered about being an RN. Recently a friend (whom I have not spoken to in a long long time) contacted me and gave me a lecture (like the type your mom gives you when you've done something wrong) and told me how I should still get my license and so on, and although it may sound weird I had been praying about it, kinda asking for some sign whether or not nursing is for me, and it felt like an answer.
So to make a long story short, I found this website and started reading different threads. I saw a thread where a person posted that they took the test 10x before they passed and another mentioned how it took them 6yrs and 6 tries. So it gave me hope!!
So here I am asking for advice/help. Don't know where to start. I'm worried with what I know, and what I don't know and all that I have forgotten. If you have any suggestions I would GREATLY appreciate it. I feel like I have to revise Anatomy and Physiology, PATHO, and PHARM. AHHH really worried, and probably a bit scared. I think I'm starting to feel anxious and stressed like I did in nursing school.
i also failed 3 times, and in Florida you only have a 3 chance to take the exam now I have to do the refresher course. and its a lot of money I was thinking to apply the California board of nursing instead of paying too much in the refresher course. is it a good idea? I don't want to work in Cali all I want is if I pass is Florida will let me work here? failing 3 times makes me feel that I don't know nothing and its so gard to start all over again.
Ok here is the thing... The reason why you, me, and so many other people failed is not because we are incapable for becoming a nurse or that we will never pass the exam but because somewhere along the line we lost some of the information from school. This could have happened from too much time past graduation, a lack of studying, difficulty retaining information, etc. Regardless of the reason we need a refresher of sorts or a new plan of studying if we ever want to pass this test so yes to answer your question take the course!! Yes it is expensive, but in the scheme of things can you really afford not to take it???
In regards to trying to reapply to the CA board in stead I can tell you what going to happen because after my 2nd failed attempt I actually did the same thing. You will have to retake your fingerprinting which is pricey in CA (65-80) and it will take up to 2 months to clear, then you will have to repay to the board as well as Pearson which will put you over $400 after everything. So now you have just spent more money, have had to wait more time than the required 45 days, and yet haven't paid for a refresher course so what is it that you will do differently to ensure that you will pass this time? Do you get where I am going with this? I only am telling you because I have been exactly where you are. I waited 2 months and spend so much money with CA just to find out that the women who did my prints smudged the thumb and I was told that it was unreadable. They wanted me to resubmit my prints which would take another 2 months!! I was defeated and in the same place I was before I started so I ended up reapplying for TX which has a limit of 4 yrs past graduation not 3 times and a few months later is when I signed up for HURST refresher course and as you read in my earlier posting it was honestly the best $300 I have spent yet!
Best of luck to you!! Please don't give up, we are smart and we can do this! :)
yvette thanks for advise, yeah i cant really afford the refresher course 1300$ and its not 100% that im going to pass after this. i feel like i dont trust any review center here bec i spend a lot of money in kaplan but i didnt pass. now im planning to go back home(philippines) to study the intensive review thats gonna take 2 months then do application in CA instead of FL.that paying so much.
yvette thanks for advise, yeah i cant really afford the refresher course 1300$ and its not 100% that im going to pass after this. i feel like i dont trust any review center here bec i spend a lot of money in kaplan but i didnt pass. now im planning to go back home(philippines) to study the intensive review thats gonna take 2 months then do application in CA instead of FL.that paying so much.
I was unaware that you had to take a specific refresher course. Wow 1300!! Yes, to expensive to afford is right. I am sorry that you are going through such a hard time. I understand the frustration of not passing several times and feeling so discouraged that you want to give up! I really do wish you the best, please let me know how you end up doing, I will do the same :)
you can sing up for the refresher course at mdcc medical campus, and show up to classes and never sign the sign in sheet, just enroll and dont pay. you can go thru the whole class for free
Hello, This msg is for Miami76 and Ximena2008. Took my boards and don't know my results. It is very stressful!!! Did the pearson trick and I got the cc card. May have to take it again. If you guys are in Miami Please contact me. Cause now i really don't know what to do. I was toldy something by a family member and it really discouraged me. I just don't know what to do. Be bless
Hello, it's been a long time since my first post. No I haven't take the test yet, but I am still working towards that.
I have been derailed with other issues that have come up in these months (work, family, etc) but rest assured I am not giving up. I have to once again thank everyone for all the advice. I am definitely puttting it all to good use, from "reading like it's a novel and enjoying it"to "putting the test first and others on hold".
I finally got an e-reader which will help to study at work during lunch. I opted for an ereader since I didn't want them knowing my plans to switch jobs eventually, I think that would be less noticeable that lugging around the nursing books, haha. I have seen some books called demystified and was wondering if anyone had tried them, figured I would buy them and download them to the ereader to refresh on terms.
Also many mentioned Kaplan, Hurst, Saunders, and MDCC, Helen Feuer. I do have the Helen Feuer audio CD and a Saunders book. I do feel somtimes I do better in a classroom. So I don't know if MDCC would be better than Kaplan or vice versa. Any help?? and maybe which one has better nclex database questions??
Although many other times I have said to myself ok I'm going to start. I finally have put everything aside and am ready to start this studying again and do this!! I don't want to be stuck in the same mon-fri 9-5 job, I need something more stimulating and exciting.
Yvette2946
45 Posts
Ok here is the thing... The reason why you, me, and so many other people failed is not because we are incapable for becoming a nurse or that we will never pass the exam but because somewhere along the line we lost some of the information from school. This could have happened from too much time past graduation, a lack of studying, difficulty retaining information, etc. Regardless of the reason we need a refresher of sorts or a new plan of studying if we ever want to pass this test so yes to answer your question take the course!! Yes it is expensive, but in the scheme of things can you really afford not to take it???
In regards to trying to reapply to the CA board in stead I can tell you what going to happen because after my 2nd failed attempt I actually did the same thing. You will have to retake your fingerprinting which is pricey in CA (65-80) and it will take up to 2 months to clear, then you will have to repay to the board as well as Pearson which will put you over $400 after everything. So now you have just spent more money, have had to wait more time than the required 45 days, and yet haven't paid for a refresher course so what is it that you will do differently to ensure that you will pass this time? Do you get where I am going with this? I only am telling you because I have been exactly where you are. I waited 2 months and spend so much money with CA just to find out that the women who did my prints smudged the thumb and I was told that it was unreadable. They wanted me to resubmit my prints which would take another 2 months!! I was defeated and in the same place I was before I started so I ended up reapplying for TX which has a limit of 4 yrs past graduation not 3 times and a few months later is when I signed up for HURST refresher course and as you read in my earlier posting it was honestly the best $300 I have spent yet!
Best of luck to you!! Please don't give up, we are smart and we can do this! :)
J