Taking the NCLEX multiple times

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Specializes in Emergency Care.

So I wanted to write a post about those perspective nurses that can not seem to pass the NCLEX after multiple tries and multiple refresher courses. I recently made a post about the PVT trick and after 70 comments and turned to a weird topic of conversation about not wanting nurses to become nurses if they can't pass the NCLEX the FIRST time, which I believe is complete ********. Me personally I have worked with a bunch of nurses who have passed the first time and failed once and failed multiple times. I know nurses that passed the first time with 75 questions and shouldn't be allowed to empty a foley bag or take a blood pressure and I know nurses that passed it after the sixth attempt who I would allow to be a first assist in a cardiac surgery (just a metaphor). Bottom line is the NCLEX is just a test that measures competency at the time of the exam and does not predict whether a nurse will be good at their job or horrible. What is everyone's personal opinion on the unlimited amount of tries at the NCLEX. Do you agree with the refresher course requirement after the third attempt or do you feel it should be done after each attempt. I personally passed the NCLEX on my second attempt so I believe that the NCLEX doesn't represent a good or poor nurse and I also believe that a good nurse would encourage those who have difficulty passing the NCLEX and give them advice that helped them through it. Please don't put people down in the post that is not my objective but you are entitled to your own opinion so be honest at the same time.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

My opinion is that after two failed attempts, they should require remediation of some sort. After three failed attempts, that's it. No more.

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Specializes in Emergency Care.
My opinion is that after two failed attempts, they should require remediation of some sort. After three failed attempts, that's it. No more.

I can agree in some perspective. I also believe that you should be given two initial attempts to pass because the first attempt your going in blind and don't know what to expect, the second time you know what to expect and can adjust your studies accordingly to help you have a fair shot at passing. After the second attempt I to also believe a remediation/ refresher course should be required but if a person fails the third attempt I believe they should still have the chance and opportunity to take the test. They should just have to do refresher courses after each failed attempt. But then again if we put ourselves in their shoes after spending 1000's of dollars on nursing school it would be very frustrating.

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From a non nursing standpoint it seems like giving nurses 4 years to pass is standard for most states, So I assume you get rewarded for getting your degree.

Look at how many people were able to cheat and get RN in USA. China I believe they stopped and never opened back up NCLEX in that country. And I know PHilippines had a NCLEX scandal and stopped doing it in Manila for a few years.

I guess if the states thought they needed a refresher course after so many fails they would make it part of the requirement.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Many states mandate refresher courses past 3rd fail NJ & FL for example.

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My opinion is that after two failed attempts, they should require remediation of some sort. After three failed attempts, that's it. No more.

I agree completely! It's crazy to me that there are people taking the NCLEX 8 times before they pass and people don't seem to have a problem with it.

I also think that people who graduated 5 years ago and still haven't taken boards should be required to take a refresher course as well.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

I think that candidates should have to take all 265 questions too. Seriously? 75 questions proves they have a grasp on the ENTIRE body of material? I just don't see it.

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Many states mandate refresher courses past 3rd fail NJ & FL for example.

2 out of 50 is "many" State...

SMDH.........

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I agree completely! It's crazy to me that there are people taking the NCLEX 8 times before they pass and people don't seem to have a problem with it.

I also think that people who graduated 5 years ago and still haven't taken boards should be required to take a refresher course as well.

States I have researched, after 4 years you don't take or pass then you have to go back to school..

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2 out of 50 is "many" State...

SMDH.........

You're missing the "for example" part. Two could be an example for 48.

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I agree completely! It's crazy to me that there are people taking the NCLEX 8 times before they pass and people don't seem to have a problem with it.

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Look at California, they were having people cheat right and left and send in fake transcripts and it seems that they have issued a lot of RN licenses in that state that were fraudulent and I suspect they will never find out.

I rather have a legit candidate have to take the NCLEX 8 times and pass, versus someone who has fake diploma and can pass the NCLEX

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I think that candidates should have to take all 265 questions too. Seriously? 75 questions proves they have a grasp on the ENTIRE body of material? I just don't see it.

Noooooooo! I can barely sit through 75 without feeling like there are ants in my shoes! Banish the thought! :no:

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