I want to encourage you to stop using the word "failed". Failure is reserved for those who are never courageous enough to try. That is what failure is. The inability to put yourself out there, to stick a toe in icy water or to walk a path you have never ventured down before. Everytime you take out your books to study...you have tried. By trying, you will never be a failure. When you don't pass, you have an opportunity to review your mistakes, try something new and start over again. When you fail, you throw yourself down a rabbit hole and convince yourself that you can never do something you set out to do.
None of you have "failed" this exam. Not one of you. You simply didn't pass. One question can send the teeter totter in one direction or the other. Whether you missed passing by one or one hundred and one, you haven't failed. The people who fail are those who never venture forward. The ones who fail are the people who stay in one spot for the rest of their lives because they are too afraid to reach out to unfamiliar territory.
Not passing and failing are not the same thing.
If you didn't pass the NCLEX, life is not over. There are hundreds of thousands more days in your future to change your strategy, to learn, to grow and to, most importantly, try again.
There are some horrible nurses out there who just happen to be great test takers. You've seen them. You've run across them in hospitals and doctors offices. You have even wondered "how can this person be a NURSE?" Simple. They passed an exam. Nothing more. You all know being a nurse is so much more than being able to pass a test. It is a test everyday you put on your uniform. It is managing to keep a smile on your face even in the most painful and unfortunate times. It is knowing when someone needs their hand held or someone to talk to.
Passing a test does not give you that instinct. Many of you who haven't passed your exam fit the bill for nursing. You are kind, considerate, thoughtful of others. You are smart, capable and competent.
You just don't take tests well. That's all. Nothing more.
Not passing a test doesn't mean you shouldn't be a nurse. You SHOULD! It doesn't mean that your dreams are over. They AREN'T. It certainly doesn't mean you should give up.
You shouldn't.
Find new strategies, learn new ways of thinking, consult people who are already in your field, go back to your nursing instructors for help. Do whatever it takes. This is your dream. This is your goal. This is your life and what you are meant to do. The fact that you feel so passionately about not passing only shows how much it means to you. Dust yourself off and try again. It's only an exam. You are bigger than it. You are stronger than it.
Anyone who has ever sat for the NCLEX can by no means ever be considered a failure. No one. It is one of the biggest challenges you will ever face. Rise to it. Stand in front of it and stare it down. Then, attack it.
Most importantly, never give up. Giving up your dream is what makes you a failure.
Around here, there are no failures. Only future nurses who didn't pass yet.
That put the icing on the cake!!! I have read many inspirational stories, but I think what you wrote really touched me! I have not passed the test so many times (5) and it does make me "feel" like nursing isn't for me, but the thing is I "know" nursing is for me. I know that's what I'm here to do and I will continue to try as many times as needed. I hope this will be the last time, since I've been studying since September, but only God knows! Thank you again for your words!
thanks cher, i believe that i can make it, with proper study..it was just not the right time...instead of dwelling on the "dark side" i count my blessings instead...i take this humps as a challenge...and ill never give up...
we can do it kemerick and all the ones who did not make it..we will be RN's as this is our "calling"..Good luck to all of us..
Thanks Cher, once again ur words are sooooooo encouraging. Believe me I am so ready to start studying again and passing the NCLEX really soon. Thank you soooo much
awesome............... thank you so much! i have been unsuccessful 3times. but this is the first time said something good that actually touch my heart and soul. thanks for the encouragment i will never ever quiet and pass this darn test. i dont have words to say thanks feel like thanks is a little word for such a big encouragment you gave to all of us. before that i always says i am a losser and failure but today i realize i am not losser and nither a failure i didn't fail, i am a future nurse waiting to pass the nclex-pn.:pumpiron: :caduceus: :caduceus: :snow:
You guys are terrific. Just never stop dreaming. Never get so discouraged that you give up your dreams, your goals and your desires. This includes ANY aspect of your lives...not just nursing.
I received so many personal emails from some of you. Some were so heartbreaking I could cry. I want you all to know that each of you have it within you to pass this exam. You all do. Some of you are studying hard, but maybe you are focusing on the wrong things. Remember that nursing is not about memorization, but practicalities and a whole bunch of critical thinking. We have all heard the term before...but what does it really mean?
Critical thinking is the ability to know not what is right or wrong...but what would be best in a situation. Sometimes, on the NCLEX, there are two answers that are really good options. Picture yourself as the patient. Or, if it helps to motivate you, think of your child or a close family member as the patient. Now, answer the question. Which of these interventions would you want done FIRST if this was you or your loved one?
If you can do that, you will get the correct answer over and over again.
There are certain things that are absolutes.
Lab values. You have to know those. But, make up little rhymes or quirky little sayings to help you remember them. For example, I made potassium into a phone number: POk-3553.
Potassium is (K) and the value is 3.5-5.3
For Blood Urea Nitrogen...I said All girls 8-20 look cute in BUNS. 8-20 is the therapeutic level.
Don't drown yourself in information. No one can possibly remember everything. Just do things the way you learn best...and you will accomplish.
What I don't want to hear is "This is my third time taking the test. If I fail this, I am just going to give up."
No, you aren't. Because I said so!:chuckle
If you are willing to take that test two, three, four, five times, etc., then you have the will, the desire and the want to be a nurse. That's the kind of person I want taking care of me! The person who really gives their all and isn't afraid to bounce back!
Lastly, always remember this.
No matter HOW bad you have it...no matter how bleak or how dismal things may seem, someone always has it worse than you do. They overcome...and so will you.
wow, thank you so much for those amazing, thoughtful words.
I just saw this thread and was like... wow. AMAZING!
You really encouraged me now... and thank you!!!
I don't know if anyone watches Rev. Joel Osteen's preaching, (Texas) on Sunday mornings (@ 9am on Fox), but his words are so encouraging. And one thing he always mentions in his preachings is that: we should declare this to ourselves saying "I AM NOT A VICTIM BUT I'M VICTORIOUS." This is what i've been telling myself too lately... i'm not a victim in failling this exam, instead one day i'll become victorious in passing this exam and that day is very near!!!
THANKS AGAIN, CHER FOR THE GREAT THOUGHTS! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Wow....thank you so much for those words of encouragement! I have taken the exam four times already and i still have not passed..but i am not giving up! I def needed that insight to lift my spirits..Thank you:wink2:
kemerick
68 Posts
Cher,
That put the icing on the cake!!! I have read many inspirational stories, but I think what you wrote really touched me! I have not passed the test so many times (5) and it does make me "feel" like nursing isn't for me, but the thing is I "know" nursing is for me. I know that's what I'm here to do and I will continue to try as many times as needed. I hope this will be the last time, since I've been studying since September, but only God knows! Thank you again for your words!