Lived Experiences of Failure on the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN): Perceptions of Registered Nurses

This study was to promote a deeper understanding of the possible meanings that may be given to the lived experiences of graduate nurses who failed the NCLEX-RN as perceived by registered nurses. The data collected in this study were recalled memories of feelings, experienced when graduate nurses failed the NCLEX-RN. Qualitative phenomenological study with a constructivist approach was utilized, after conducting a pilot study. Eighteen Registered Nurses who had failed the NCLEXRN answered the research questions. Close face-to-face, one-on-one audio-taped in-depth interviews allowed for listening more effectively to the voices of participants, while observing body language as participants recalled their lived experiences of failure. The recalled experiences emerged in underlying themes and patterns and were analyzed and organized and include: disappointment; depression; and avoidance that evolved as temporary decreased psychological and sociological well being. Knowledge seeking behavior and confidence evolved from: not knowing what to expect; distraction; poor test-taking skills; and overall, inadequate preparation. Implications are for positive change to improve NCLEX-RN test-taking outcome.