What jobs can I get with my BSN if I don't pass Hesi/Nclex?

[doodlebug914]

I graduated from college this spring with my BSN, but have not been able to pass my Hesi... an exit type exam which I need to pass before taking my state boards. I took it twice last year... once in January, which not many passed, including me. I took it last May, but was the day before I had gall bladder surgery, and did not pass. Then, I took it last Tuesday, and still did not pass (but received a higher score than the 2 previous times).

Here's my story that might make you understand... I was supposed to graduate June 2003 with my BSN. I had gall bladder surgery May 2003 and missed a lot of my acute nursing course, and was not able to keep up. I did not pass, and had to wait to take the class over. It was not offered until January this year, and I took it and finished the end of March. I felt SO out of the loop, and still do, because I had not been in clinicals or had nursing in that time period. I am now working at a hospital as a PCA/nursing assistant/graduate nurse. Everyone keeps asking 'when are you taking your boards?' I feel like I get asked this so much I could get sick. Not many people know I haven't passed my Hesi, I feel ashamed and stupid that I haven't been able to pass. There are other ladies I work with who graduated from an ADN program, fresh out, taking their boards, passing, and I feel like they are better off than me. I just want to hang my head

If I am not able to pass these tests, what other career options do I have that I can do with my BSN? I want to know what other options I have if I cannot overcome this hurdle. I am wanting to take my Hesi again next week, and if I don't pass it this time, I don't know if I want to take it again.

Thank you in advance for any advice/comments you can make.

Miranda

[TexasPoodleMix]

Have you thought about pharma sales? You have a science background so it's possible.... Just a thought.

BUT..... DON'T GIVE UP !

[deathnurse]

This is a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY for you! Stay out of patient care and use that "degree" for something else. Pharmacy sales is a good one. Converting over to a pharmacist is even better. Or maybe transfering into physical therapy.

But a nursing degree is a pretty sad label...

[elkpark]

This is a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY for you! Stay out of patient care and use that "degree" for something else. Pharmacy sales is a good one. Converting over to a pharmacist is even better. Or maybe transfering into physical therapy.

I'm not aware of any way to "convert" or "transfer" into pharmacy or physical therapy other than going to school and getting a degree in pharmacy or physical therapy ...

If it comes down to walking away from nursing, you needn't limit yourself to healthcare -- you have a baccalaureate degree that taught you critical thinking, great organizational skills, and great people skills, among other things. Those are skills which would be useful in nearly any line of work. You just need to think about how to "sell" those skills to prospective employers and think about what kinds of opportunities appeal to you.

[Dixiedi]

You are dwelling on the negative instead of on what is positive!

"I felt SO out of the loop, and still do, because I had not been in clinicals or had nursing in that time period. I am now working at a hospital as a PCA/nursing assistant/graduate nurse. Everyone keeps asking 'when are you taking your boards?'"

Don't look at it this way...

You've had time for all the knowledge gained to settle and become sorted! You have been in clinicals everyday you go to work as an aide!

Now, you are working as a nursing assistant. Just because you are not working as an RN does not mean that you can not, in your mind, follow through with each of your pts as if you were that student nurse in clinicals! Refresh your memory as you work!

Don't say "I'm just an aide." Say "I'm priveledged to have this opportunity to refresh my memory each day until I take that test again!"

Equipment? Ask the floor nurse to allow you to talk HER/HIM through set up, refill, etc. Just to make sure you are ready. Don't feel stupid! You've had a set back, you are not defeated!