Passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a significant milestone in your nursing career. But what happens if you fail? Knowing the signs that can help you determine if you did not pass may be beneficial so that you know potential issues and what steps to take next.
This blog post will touch upon some of the tell-tale signs and provide pointers on moving forward confidently. By being informed, aspirants can reevaluate their circumstances and make changes accordingly while also gaining an understanding of why they might have failed – giving them immediate direction as they prepare for their next exam attempt.
Table of Contents
What are the Signs you Failed NCLEX?
1. You still need to receive authorization to test: Applicants who have failed NCLEX will not be eligible for the NCLEX exam after their first attempt. To retake the NCLEX, you must wait 45 days and then reapply for an Authorization To Test (ATT) to register for NCLEX.
2. You receive a letter from the NCLEX: Upon completing the NCLEX, applicants will receive an email or letter that indicates they failed and offers additional information regarding how to prepare for their next attempt.
3. Your scores are not posted on the NCLEX results page: Although most NCLEX results are posted quickly, it may take up to six weeks for NCLEX results to be posted. If you do not see your NCLEX score on the NCLEX website after six weeks and have not received a notification regarding your results, you will likely not pass.
4. Your NCLEX application has been rejected: NCLEX applicants who failed their NCLEX will have their application denied when they reapply. If your application is declined, then you did not pass NCLEX.
5. You are told that you must retake the NCLEX: Employers may ask about NCLEX results during a nursing job interview. If you are told that you must retake NCLEX, you will likely fail to pass the NCLEX on your first attempt.
If any of these signs seem familiar and point to a possible NCLEX failure, there are ways to move forward confidently. First and superior, it is essential to understand why you failed NCLEX. Take a few days to reflect on the NCLEX content and the questions you were asked. Doing so can help you find potential areas of improvement to set yourself up for NCLEX success next time.
What Ratio of People Fails the NCLEX-RN on their First Attempt?
According to the NCLEX-RN official website, approximately 13% of NCLEX-RN applicants failed their first attempt in 2020. NCLEX-PN applicants have an even lower failure rate of roughly 8%. However, this does not mean that everyone who yields the NCLEX on their first attempt is doomed to fail again. By assessing and understanding where you may have gone wrong, NCLEX aspirants can prepare for NCLEX success in their next effort.
How to Pass NCLEX RN after Failing?
Failing NCLEX can be a challenging and even disheartening experience. Thankfully, there are several steps NCLEX applicants can take to increase their chances of success in their next attempt:
1. Assess your NCLEX performance: Take some time to reflect on the NCLEX content and the questions you were asked. Doing so can help you find potential areas of improvement and set yourself up for NCLEX success next time.
2. Increase NCLEX preparation: Consider seeking out NCLEX preparation courses or tutoring programs to help boost your NCLEX knowledge and confidence.
3. Prepare mentally: NCLEX is a mentally and physically taxing exam. NCLEX applicants should get plenty of rest, eat healthy meals, exercise regularly and practice positive self-talk to be confident heading into NCLEX.
4. Retake the NCLEX: Finally, it is essential to remember that NCLEX success takes time and don’t be afraid to retake NCLEX. As long as NCLEX applicants remain dedicated and motivated, they can achieve NCLEX success in their next attempt.
Final Words
Ultimately, it is essential to remember that NCLEX failure does not define you as a nurse or healthcare professional. NCLEX is challenging, and passing the NCLEX on one’s first attempt can be tricky. So there is no shame in needing additional time and preparation before retaking NCLEX. With the proper NCLEX preparation and attitude, NCLEX aspirants can set themselves up for NCLEX success in their next attempt.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.