I know that it has been a couple of days since I found out that I had passed my board exams and that I am now officially a Registered Nurse. Somehow, it still feels surreal.
After taking it Saturday, I felt better, I knew I had a chance of passing it. The thing about taking the NCLEX is that there's is only a 50% of you passing it (and 50% of you failing it). It is not like any ordinary test that if you score 70 you're set. The test is computerized and there's and imaginary line wherein they start you with a question within that imaginary line. If you fail to answer the question correctly the computer would give you an easier one (below the line), if you are able to answer it correctly it'll give you a harder one (above the line - passing questions). The test could end at anytime. The minimum questions that one can take is 75 and the maximum number is 265. One can end the test at 75 and still be unsure of the results or end at 265 with the same uncertainties, or it could end between 75 and 265 and still have the same feelings about the test. As what a friend of mine said - if it takes this much explaination, then it must be really one heck of a test.
This time, I only not re-took my Kaplan course, but thanks to Horacio's research, also reviewed through Feuer. The difference between the two review course is that Kaplan is more on strategy and how to approach the questions, the Feuer is more content based with some strategy. Horacio and I loaded the Feuer cd lecture onto our ipods and reviewed intently each night of the week. We took Kaplan questions only and reviewed them together. This time we both really studied intently. I took the week of from work (saying that I would be attending a review from 8 am to 5 pm) before test, Horacio and I reviewed the day before, we both tested each other with all the lab values and explained to each other diseases that we couldn't fully comprehend. It really was a grueling review...
The morning of the test we brought sandwiches with us, since none of us could leave the test center to get some food and are only allowed two ten minute breaks. I almost wasn't able to take the test since I thought that National ID is the same as the Permanent Residence card -- thank God that they accepted my State ID. We both went in thinking that we are in for a 265 item test and not 75. We were both too anxious to eat the cream cheese and jelly bagel that we prepared earlier that morning. As soon as we checked-in, we both went to the restroom, upon coming back to the test center, our number was called and we both were in the same room. It was nerve wrecking!!! I had to relax and note to myself that I am there for a 265 item test and to just take one question at a time and there's no rush I got six hours to do the test.
Twenty questions came and went. I got stuck with a calculation problem (which I gave up and just guessed, since it was starting to rattle my nerves). Question 65 came and had to take a restroom break.. I came back and told myself that I have 200 more to go and have enough time. Then question 71 came, tried to calculate in my head that I have around 190 questions to go... then suddenly my computer stopped. It just gave me blank screen.. told myself okay maybe it's just taking it's time.. then a survey came up I knew that was the end of it. I took the survey, raised my hand... looked over where Horacio was sitting and realized he was done before I did.
We met up by Starbucks (our meeting place), and we discussed how we felt about it, we both were hoping for a 265 test... but we both ended with 75. We came home with the same number of sandwiches and two or three less apple juice.
Sunday came and went.... went to work Monday, Horacio calls me few minutes past ten, elated. HE PASSED! He had to much of an energy, called everybody he knows and telling them the great news. Here I was sitting at work deciding whether to check my results or not. Spoke with Horacio told me against checking the results on-line while at work for it may lead to me handing in my resignation letter. Went home, still trying to think whether to check or not... finally giving in. I checked with my eyes closed shut and Horacio telling me to click the button. When I finally did, Horacio let out a big whoop! WE BOTH PASSED! It was unreal!! My brother came home few minutes after that, I told him the news and he was happy.
I called my mom, tried to prepare her for a bad news. When I told her the news she let out a loud shriek which scared the customer that she was helping out. Then we could our sister told her the news... then I called my dad. He was in the factory cafeteria reading his newspaper. When I told him the news, he didn't let out a loud shriek... but I knew he was happy for me. I almost was in tears. He told me that I made his December, Christmas, a very happy one. When I asked him what my gift is for passing the test... he told me all the flip-flops that I want. My brother, Horacio and I just started laughing. I told him I want all the colors and prints, and he said I got it. My sister (few days later) told me that my was too happy that he bought everyone in the factory lunch - chickenjoy (man, I wish I had some...). We called more people bearing the news. Of course, we had to call Tito Vic, he was also happy for me. Few days later I got a heartwarming e-mail from him.
It still feels surreal, but like what everybody said, I deserved it. Having an RN title after my name still feels a little bit weird, but I deserved it and would provide the best care that I am capable of.
