Third times a charm!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I have waited so long to write this on allnurses.com!! I finally passed the NCLEX. It has been a rough road needless to say, but I did it with the help of my faith, husband, family, and amazing tutor!

My Story:

I graduated in May of 2013 with a job offer in step-down cardiology at Vidant Hospital and started working with HURST. I first took the NCLEX when I learned that my mother in law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Lets just say I wasn't emotionally ready for the exam. It took me 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete 265 questions. Can't believe it all came down to one questions. The weird thing about this exam was that I did the pearson vue trick and got the "good" pop up like 10 times even up until the day before the results... Well that didn't work out to well.. considered I failed. But I am a religious person and I do believe that everything happens for a reason. I figured that reason was because I interviewed for a position on a step-down cardiac floor at Duke University.. (MY DREAM JOB!)

After not passing the first time I did the HURST remediation course. I don't mean to talk bad about the hurst program but I can tell you right now that was not for me. And I pretty much set myself up for failure with my second attempt. The computer shut off at 75 questions... AHHHH I hate admitting this but I didn't pass that time. I was definitely upset after this attempt and it really hit me because I had to tell Duke that I failed the nclex this time. But luckily there were willing to give me another chance!

I took a lot longer in between the 2nd and 3rd attempt. I started reviewing the beginning of October with a tutor. I finally sat for the exam Nov 6th with a projected start date at Duke Nov 18th. So this was it! I made sure to pray about everything and I kid you know this exam was definitely in God's hands. It took me the full hours and the computer shut off at 200 questions... I thought for sure that I failed because WHO RUNS OUT OF TIME...? well.. ME! But when I did the pearson vue thing again I got the good pop up so I know I had a fighting chance! I had my husband check because I was too scared... and it said PASS!!!!! You have no idea how excited I was. It has been a rough road with reviewing, and my family dealing with my mother in laws illness. It was just a blessing!

I just wanted to put my story on here because I know there are other people out there struggling and I want them to know they aren't the only ones and their time will come! Everything happens for a reason and whether you believe in God or not it will all work out the way it is suppose to and I truly believe that. And I am living that truth right now. I look back on it and I am thankful that I failed because it has given us so many more memories with my husbands mother before we move away.

Good luck to all the students reviewing!! I know you can do it!

congratulations! Im also into my 3rd take. It's really difficult to start all over again for the 3rd time but never give up. THank you for sharing your story

Congratulation and wish you great success in your career!! I will be taking mine on December 5th!

Thanks I'm a 3rd test time taker also, how much was this tutor? Also was this the only study material you used?

Did the tutor also stress the importance of not changing answers on a test?

Too often, those taking the test change answers from right to wrong. I mention this to students rather often, and admit that I have committed this sin a few times to my own detriment. :banghead:

Awesome story! Hurst remediation didn't work for me either. I focused on questions, my lab values and prayed. I passed my second try.

Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Welcome to Duke!

Congrats ! I failed NCLEX twice :( I'm so scared for the 3rd take.

please, whats your tutors name?? i need to contact her as well.. need help with nclex!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

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Specializes in Cardiology.
Congratulation and wish you great success in your career!! I will be taking mine on December 5th!

Best of luck to you!!! Keep your head held high!!

Specializes in Cardiology.

I hope it helps you!! Just keep plugging away at it! Your time will come also!!

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