What would you say....

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

so i graduated last may and waited a little longer then most to take my nclex....august so i got a little extra time to prepare. well it did not go so well ( i think i forgot more then i studied!) and i am about to retake within the next week. ugh! well i just heard about an opening in pediatrics at my top choice hospital (pretty much my dream job at the moment) and from what i heard from a friend who is already there they are hiring new grads!!! yeah! i want to call them up in the next day or so just to get my name in the running and start the applying process even though i don't retake till next week.

of course i would never lie or omit any information during the interview process but does anyone have any ideas as to the best way to present this. i know it is not completely uncommon for people to have to retake but i am kind of embarrassed. :(if it wasn't for the fact that i am afraid the job will be taken i would just wait until i had my exam taken and passed but i really really want this job.... any hints, tips, or advice????

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

There are nurses who took the NCLEX 2 or 3 times, doesn't make them any less of a nurse. If any of your NCLEX review books have Cd-roms, take the tests. Answer as many questions as you can because you can't memorize a bunch of material from a review book. Answering questions is way better. I had to take the NCLEX twice, second time I took it, I answered about 50 questions a day before taking the exam.

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

Just say you are taking the test next week and would like to apply for a new grad position. Unless asked, you dont need to go into having not passed the first time. Don't lie about it, but dont offer the info unsolititated. You are not the first to have no passed the first time. Good luck on the test and with the job search.:lol2:

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Specializes in Peds/NICU/Dialysis.

I agree with the post above me. There is NO need to volunteer the information and there is no lie in saying you will be taking the exam in a week.

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I don't know of any reason you have to volunteer the information that you are re-taking the exam. If the question comes up in an interview, by all means matter-of-factly tell the truth.........and consider stating what you are doing different in your NCLEX prep this time.

Someone who learns from mistakes, which are inevitable in any field, is likely to do just fine. Most experienced managers will understand this.

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