Taking NCLEX-PN again :( Any words of encouragement?

[Hellostudentnurssee]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing because I need advice (but more encouragement)

I graduated almost a year ago at the end of March. Studied with Kaplan in April, May, and took the test in June and didn't pass. This was the one of the most horrible things that happened and I never understood why I didn't make it. Now that I look back, it was definitely fear. I was planning to take it again in August but "life" happened. Throughout 2 years of nursing school, I barely had a life. Funny with the events that coincided bc after the first NCLEX, I had time to spend with family (which was nice), friends (especially one who's a first time mother), friend's wedding (in whom I haven't seen forever and did all that girl bonding stuff; I was also her bridesmaid), and met the love of my life (which I didn't expect or see coming at all). I was aiming for December but I got sick with pneumonia (HORRIBLE) and my mom was hospitalized for an adverse reaction to a new med (that or a contraindication w. her meds her dr. didn't notice) that aggravated her asthma/breathing, which was very scary at that time.

Now that I look back at that (and if you're somewhat spiritual like me), it all happened for a reason, it seems. Maybe it wasn't my year yet bc I had so many other blessings that happened in my life. My colleague was explaining to me that (as cheesy as it sounds), things happen for a reason and firmly believes there's a reason that I didn't pass the first time. Before I got sick in December, I was able to take a HURST review class and have been watching her videos. Kaplan didn't help me at all except for memorizing test strategies but I do have that ingrained in my head ("that would require further teaching" = look for the wrong answer). My test is next Thursday and I don't know what else to do. I have negative parents that are trying to get in my business and even look for tech jobs for me (not LPN) but I just need to ignore it but it gets frustrating sometimes. It doesn't help that my boyfriend's family is (you can say) "nosy" about it either, wanting to know my test date, where, etc... (I've known them for years so we're all comfortable w. each other). Think dynamics of Italian family - everyone wants to know your business but I'm very very private and feel uncomfortable w. that out there. It's hard to block the negativity when you're just trying to focus and be positive for yourself, especially since the last NCLEX experiences weren't so great. Anyhoo, any words of encouragement?? Inspiration? Good NCLEX tips?

THANKS allnurses family :)

[Danielle318]

I understand where you're coming from. I graduated in Dec 2010 & have failed nclex twice. I wish you the best if luck. You can do it. Don't be so hard on yourself & keep praying.

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

You can and will do this. Yes, everything happens for a reason. In my second to last module of my program, my sister made a dioxide attempt and ended up being hospitalized for months. I ultimately failed the module and had to return to school three months later.... In hindsight, it worked out for the best.

Good luck, and keep us posted!