8 yrs post nursing school

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It's been 8 yrs since I finished school, not passing the nclex RN after a few tries, I got discouraged and gave up..... I am now ready to get back at it but have no idea where to begin. I'm so overwhelmed with all the books and review courses available, I just don't know what to do. I feel like not may students on here are on the same boat with me, due to the length of time that has passed since I completed my nursing program. Please help me if you can, I'm open to any suggestions! I'd really appreciate it and be forever grateful!

@SierraBravo, I do not have a "SOB' story to tell anyone. The comment I have posted earlier was just an example of unexpected things that could happen in someone's life, as I have very well read on here on other people's threads and from other's life experiences. I actually have had a very fulfilling life experience since completing nursing school. One week after graduating the nursing program, I had the amazing opportunity of being sponsored by my church to go to Africa as a missionary worker, helping build churches, schools and homes, dig wells and provide health care to people in a third world county. I was supposed to come back after 6 wks, at which time I would have taken the board exam, but ended up staying there to help for another two years. After I came back, I attempted taking the exam without being prepared and I failed. The opportunity came again for me to go to Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala and other third world countries to help people in need....So yes, I did put my own life on hold and taking the exam, because I felt that I was put on this earth to make a difference and help people in need, unlike some LICENSED nurses who could care less about their own pt's as long as they get a fat paycheck. I'm sure I'll pass the exam and be a wonderful nurse, because I'm passionate about helping people weather I get paid or not. So thanks for being so "caring" and "encouraging" !

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.
......I felt that I was put on this earth to make a difference and help people in need, unlike some LICENSED nurses who could care less about their own pt's as long as they get a fat paycheck. I'm sure I'll pass the exam and be a wonderful nurse, because I'm passionate about helping people weather I get paid or not. So thanks for being so "caring" and "encouraging" !

Wow... Just wow.

If you do pass boards and do get hired, i sincerely hope you don't take care of anyone i care about.

You are not presenting as a wonderful, passionate about helping, nonjudgemental person at all. Dare i mention that this attitude would not impress me towant to find out more about Christianity, were I one of the people that you were a missionary to?

Sheer audacity

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You're giving more energy to comments you didn't want.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I felt that I was put on this earth to make a difference and help people in need, unlike some LICENSED nurses who could care less about their own pt's as long as they get a fat paycheck.
I freely admit it: I don't wish to provide patient care unless I'm being paid a competitive rate for the services I render, nor do I particularly care that much about my patients when I am off duty. If I cannot claim the moral high ground on this issue, so be it.

Moralism (not to be confused with morality) is akin to living in a glass house while throwing stones at others whom we deem less 'moral.' Physicians, attorneys, engineers, bankers, and other educated professionals are not questioned for wanting competitive pay, so it is time for society to stop judging nurses for wanting their fair share.

The people in the nursing profession who insist that the money doesn't matter are the same ones who indirectly help keep pay rates depressed. After all, compassion will pay the bills and concern will pay for the food on the table, so who needs a paycheck? As a matter of fact, let's all work for free.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
@SierraBravo, I do not have a "SOB' story to tell anyone. The comment I have posted earlier was just an example of unexpected things that could happen in someone's life, as I have very well read on here on other people's threads and from other's life experiences. I actually have had a very fulfilling life experience since completing nursing school. One week after graduating the nursing program, I had the amazing opportunity of being sponsored by my church to go to Africa as a missionary worker, helping build churches, schools and homes, dig wells and provide health care to people in a third world county. I was supposed to come back after 6 wks, at which time I would have taken the board exam, but ended up staying there to help for another two years. After I came back, I attempted taking the exam without being prepared and I failed. The opportunity came again for me to go to Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala and other third world countries to help people in need....So yes, I did put my own life on hold and taking the exam, because I felt that I was put on this earth to make a difference and help people in need, unlike some LICENSED nurses who could care less about their own pt's as long as they get a fat paycheck. I'm sure I'll pass the exam and be a wonderful nurse, because I'm passionate about helping people weather I get paid or not. So thanks for being so "caring" and "encouraging" !

Good grief.

Surely anyone who uses the Internet realizes that when they post anything, the responders will not bring only sunshine and unicorns, but also a strong dose of reality. OP, what you apparently don't realize is that you reveal so much of your true nature when you bristle & take offense so easily. If you are actually going to succeed in your journey to become licensed, you must surely develop a thicker skin, weather [sic] or not you want to.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Depending on the state, you may have maxed out your time to test, so you may have to go back to school because it has been so long, and healthcare has definitely changed; you need to keep that in mind, OP.

The best thing for you is to decide what course of action is applicable for YOU; will you be comfortable to where you will have to pay for schooling all over again? Will you be comfortable having your application passed over and rejected because you have NO experience whatsoever and have been out of school for so long that your knowledge is outdated and a risk that employers may not want to take? It would be different if you were licensed and took a break, but you don't even have any experience, and regardless of your intentions, this is an employer's market; they will pick among thousands, as well as think that nurses are extendable; you will have to fight against that to prevent wage compression and being in a situation that will certainly challenge you altruistic air.

Best wishes.

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I used the Hurst review to prepare for NCLEX and I loved it! I have also heard that the kaplan review course is really good. I have two Nclex comprehensive review books that I love one the author being saunders and the other the author being Hogan. If you need the ISBN numbers let me know.

I wish you the best of luck!! Don't let people get you down or doubt yourself and I don't think they are meaning to I think they are just curious. But I think we should all know that sometimes things come up that changes your path in life. well now is your time to pass and become an RN so go for it!!!

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Um, I haven't seen judging or put down's by anyone. In fact, I've seen just the opposite. Encouragement, suggestions and links for information. ONE person politely asked about the big delay in school and the desire to be licensed, and she even said "I understand if you don't want to answer".

I'm clearly not here to be judged or be put down by anyone... I have read plenty of reviews from other students that were out of school just as long and even longer (18 yrs).... I'm not here to share my life story, but clearly life isn't always as you plan it to be. Some times things happen in life unexpected, such as kids, death in the family, divorce, physical and mental abuse, some sort of health issues, and such. Don't be so quick to judge if you haven't walked in my shoes. All I asked for, was some positive advice, if you can't give me such, than don't say anything at all. Thanks
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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

LOL, you HAVE been out of the country a long time if you believe that all nurses are pulling in fat paychecks!

@SierraBravo, I do not have a "SOB' story to tell anyone. The comment I have posted earlier was just an example of unexpected things that could happen in someone's life, as I have very well read on here on other people's threads and from other's life experiences. I actually have had a very fulfilling life experience since completing nursing school. One week after graduating the nursing program, I had the amazing opportunity of being sponsored by my church to go to Africa as a missionary worker, helping build churches, schools and homes, dig wells and provide health care to people in a third world county. I was supposed to come back after 6 wks, at which time I would have taken the board exam, but ended up staying there to help for another two years. After I came back, I attempted taking the exam without being prepared and I failed. The opportunity came again for me to go to Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala and other third world countries to help people in need....So yes, I did put my own life on hold and taking the exam, because I felt that I was put on this earth to make a difference and help people in need, unlike some LICENSED nurses who could care less about their own pt's as long as they get a fat paycheck. I'm sure I'll pass the exam and be a wonderful nurse, because I'm passionate about helping people weather I get paid or not. So thanks for being so "caring" and "encouraging" !
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Kaplan has a review refresher. Your local community college may have a refresher course

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LOL, you HAVE been out of the country a long time if you believe that all nurses are pulling in fat paychecks!

So true, especially for those of us in economically depressed areas making just over double minimum wages

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Since you applied to re-test and was accepted, your state BON must think you are qualified to test so the negative or positive opinions of others really is a non-issue. Now study, study, study! And then study some more. You already know the challenge you have set for yourself. You passed nursing school, you can pass NCLEX. I don't have an opinion as to the best resource and in your circumstance, I would take any and all advice regarding resources. Good luck to you.

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