My NCLEX Story
Dear Future Nurse,
I need you to hear this today, especially if you’re reading this through tears, exhaustion, or doubt.
Your current struggles do not define your future success.
Right now, you might be:
- Failing a class you studied hard for
- Working two jobs to pay for school
- Feeling like everyone else “gets it” except you
- Wondering if you’re smart enough
- Exhausted beyond words
- Watching classmates with more support succeed effortlessly
- Questioning if nursing is really for you
Listen to me: Your situation is temporary. Your calling is permanent.
You Are More Than:
Your test scores. That 68% doesn’t measure your compassion or your determination to heal others.
Your financial struggles. Your empty bank account doesn’t reflect your rich purpose and the lives you’ll save.
Your current knowledge gaps. Not understanding cardiac meds today doesn’t mean you won’t be an expert next year.
Your comparison to others. Their chapter 10 doesn’t diminish your chapter 3.
Your mistakes. That failed skill check-off is just data for your growth, not a verdict on your worth.
Your exhaustion. Being tired doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re fighting hard for your dreams.
The Truth About Where You Are:
Some nurses you admire were once where you are. They had their failing grade, their financial crisis, their “I can’t do this” moment, their imposter syndrome, and their tearful car ride home from clinical.
They kept going. So will you.
Your present situation is preparing you in ways you can’t see yet:
- Financial struggles teach you empathy for patients who can’t afford medications
- Academic challenges develop the persistence you’ll need during 12-hour shifts
- Feeling lost makes you a better teacher for future nursing students
- Your mistakes now prevent errors when lives are on the line later
Remember This:
🌟 Diamonds form under pressure. Your struggles are creating strength.
🌟 Your worst day in nursing school is preparing you for your best day as a nurse.
🌟 Your “disadvantages” are actually advantages in disguise—they’re building resilience others won’t have.
🌟 Your future patients need exactly YOU—with all your struggles, growth, and hard-won wisdom.
Today, I Want You To:
- Write down three things that are true beyond your current situation:
- I am called to nursing
- I am capable of growth
- I am exactly where I need to be
- Remember one time you overcame something you thought you couldn’t
- Speak this truth: “My present situation is not my permanent destination.”
- Do one small thing to move forward—even if it’s just reading one page
A Personal Note:
I’ve taught hundreds of nursing students over 12+ years. The ones who struggled most often became the best nurses. Why? Because they learned perseverance. They developed grit. They cultivated empathy. They discovered that nursing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about persistently caring despite imperfection.
Your struggles aren’t disqualifying you. They’re qualifying you in ways that ease never could.
Your Situation Will Change. Your Purpose Won’t.
One day, you’ll be the nurse telling a struggling student, “I’ve been where you are. Let me tell you how I made it through.” Your story of overcoming will be someone else’s lifeline.
You are not your GPA. You are not your bank balance. You are not your mistakes. You are not your setbacks.
You are a future nurse who is currently fighting through a difficult season.
Seasons change. Your purpose remains.
Keep going. Your future patients are counting on you. And so am I.
With unwavering faith in your journey,
Dr. Joy Seymour EDD, MSN, RN, PHN
P.S. Save this post. Read it every time you doubt yourself. Because you are more than your present situation, and someday soon, you’ll have the LPN or RN after your name to prove it.
Need daily encouragement? Download your free 5-Day Affirmation Booklet at:
My NCLEX Story 
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