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Discussion

Terrified of Nclex

For those waiting to take Nclex, how nervous were you?

I have been a CNA for 18 yrs, yet always dreamed of becoming a nurse.

Well, I am almost there. I graduated LPN in July.

But I havent applied for the Nclex yet. I keep procrastinating.

I am comfortable in my role as a Tech, and I just do not feel I am capable in the role of a nurse. I watch the nurses I work with, and all they have to deal with; pts, families, meds, charts, new admits....It's overwhelming. I just do not know how they do it. And I feel there is noway I can.

Is this normal ?

I am not sure which scares me more, taking the Nclex, or being a nurse.

Any advice?

Featured Replies

  • Experts

I wasn't scared of taking the NCLEX because I knew I was a good student and was prepared. Being in a positive frame of mind works wonders, imo. You CAN do this! Studies show that the sooner after graduation you take the boards the greater your chances of passing.

I do think it is natural to be nervous about your new role but I'd have to think that by being a CNA you have half the battle won. Being a CNA is really hard work now you just need to incorporate the knowledge you have gained from nursing school and start learning how to be a good nurse. Finishing school is just the beginning and so much is learned on the job.

Wishing you all the best.

Wow! I learned as much from the CNA's as I learned from the nurses. Unfortunately, I didn't have that experience (unless you count the time when I was 16 and working as a nurses aide, which was way before they certified them) and some of the aides I worked with were absolutely wonderful.

You will do well. I do understand the nervousness. In California, the authorization to test (ATT) takes a long time in coming. Especially now as there have been government cutbacks. My class graduated July 11th, and we probably won't get our ATT for another three weeks.

Like the op, I understand that the longer you wait, the harder the test is to pass. Keep studying hard and don't forget. You will be a good nurse because it's what you want. We all started from the same place and we'll all end up there too.

Sign up and take that test! If you take it, at least you will know you tried after all that work you put into it. You don't even have to use the license, but I bet after getting it, you will:up:

Good luck, let us know!

  • Experts

Have you ever watched those contestants on the Amazing Race or Survivor who have to do some of the crazy stuff they make them do? You know, they know going in that there are going to be things like that. They just don't know the specifics. The shows edit out the long waits while the contestants decide if they are going to actually do a certain physical activity or not.

You knew going in to this that there was a NCLEX at the end. You went to a fine school that prepared you pretty well from what I hear. You have to look beyond your fear. It's only a test. Every nurse takes it. It's your right of passage.

No one feels capable in their new role as a nurse. That is absolutely normal. I didn't and neither did any new grad I ever worked with or precepted. We all turned out OK. Graduating from school and passing NCLEX is only the next step of your journey to becoming a professional. You can't quit now! And you certainly don't want a future employer to know you are having this crisis of conscience.

  • Author

My ATT arrived by email yesterday morning !

Told myself I was taking the first appt date.

Logged onto PearsonVue..................

Didn't expect to see Wed Oct 8th 8am available ! Less than 24 hrs from my ATT arriving.

All done and over now.

Just waiting.:cry:

85 questions, 2 SATA, 1 drug calc, 1 "place in correct order"

ALOT of prioritizing questions.

Congratulations for taking it, and so quickly too!

Some of my friends from class still haven't taken theirs.

Hang in there, I'm waiting for my results too. I think the waiting is the worst part. I don't know how many times I have gone over the test in my mind trying to figure out if I passed or not.

Good luck, let us know how you did!:up:

  • Experts

I moved this thread to the NCLEX Discussion forum for more responses. Good luck!

good luck

My ATT arrived by email yesterday morning !

Told myself I was taking the first appt date.

Logged onto PearsonVue..................

Didn't expect to see Wed Oct 8th 8am available ! Less than 24 hrs from my ATT arriving.

All done and over now.

Just waiting.:cry:

85 questions, 2 SATA, 1 drug calc, 1 "place in correct order"

ALOT of prioritizing questions.

Good Luck! It is normal to be nervous about changing roles my advise is to jump right in. Try to distract yourself while you wait for the results. Best wishes.

I am scared of taking nclex also. I graduated in Aug..and I haven't signed up yet.

  • Author

Just checked FLA BON..............I passed !

I seriously did not think I had. It was THAT bad !

Thanks to everyone for their replies & support !

Congratulations!!!

Just checked FLA BON..............I passed !

I seriously did not think I had. It was THAT bad !

Thanks to everyone for their replies & support !

Congrats

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