I took my NCLEX exam on Nov. 17.2023. There were so many SATA questions that I didn't know how to feel, if I should be happy? That, as they say, indicates that my nursing judgement is being tested and that I'm on the right track. But hey, it was so difficult that I wanted to cry.
I studied for 2 months and didn't waste any time answering 200 Q-banks per day (I wish I hadn't started studying the moment I got my ATT). Even while I was on my on-call duty, I never missed the opportunity to study when there was no OR case.
2 days prior to my exam, everything was so random and not falling into place:
1) Due to a transpo strike, my close friend (Faye) and I had to travel to Frankfurt early to catch a train;
2) We booked a cheap hotel near Frankfurt Airport with no elevator, so we had to carry our luggage up the stairs (we were on the 5th — struggle is real);
3) Our flight to Paris was nearly an hour delayed;
4) In Paris, we must buy a 3-day transpo ticket around the city, but we need to first provide a passport-sized photo for the Navigo ID (Ofcourse I forgot mine, and it took us ages to find a photo booth at the airport);
5) Lastly, we stayed in a hostel with 5 shared bathrooms. As soon as we arrived, I took a bath and went into one of the shower rooms, which had a hot and cold shower that wasn't working. (Yup, imagine an ice cold bath, plus winter in Paris. Wtf)
I even attempted to read my notes before going to bed, but I was unable to fully comprehend what I was reading. So I turned off my laptop and let Batman handle the exam tomorrow — "Bahala na syndrome"
I got up at 6:30am, and my exam is at 8am. I ate my breakfast and didn't have the courage to take a cold shower, so I just brushed my teeth and washed my face. I had to leave the hotel so early in order to catch the 7:10 bus. Such an early bird.
Wearing something red on exam day is said to bring good luck, and so I did! I wore a Jack & Jones red boxer brief. In an effort to attract even more luck, I also wore a red t-shirt and jacket (me being so desperate to pass the nclex). Not to mention the four other test-takers who also had red tops on.
At the Pearson Vue testing site, we did some biome, ID, and security checks right away. I took a small sip of water and headed to the CR to get ready. I then took off my red jacket, leaving me with only a red t-shirt top as I entered the testing room, not realizing how cold it was inside. I was freezing to death. But, of course, I didn't mind the temperature as I began answering question #1. Every time I clicked the next button, I prayed first.
When I got to #65, a notification flashed up on my screen asking if I wanted to take a short break—well, of course I did! In an attempt to warm myself up, I went straight to the washbasin and washed my hands and face with warm water. I then took a cup of hot water and ate Skyflakes Condensada before returning to the test room to continue. I felt much better than when I started the test.
I don't want to sound cocky, but when I got to #80, I knew I’d done well. I started to feel like my screen might shut down at any moment at that point. As I approached #84, my heart began to race faster.
At #85, it was a stand-alone question about the transmission-based precaution of botulism — My screen went black as soon as I clicked NEXT after answering the question. Sigh of relief.
As I left the testing place, the only concern on my mind was whether I had studied enough. Did I forget something important? Were my answers correct? These thoughts can be overpowering, but I persevere and complete the exam. The anxiety of not knowing if my answers were right lingered as I walked out. I couldn't help but replay the questions in my head, wondering if I understood every single item. Despite the uncertainty, I felt relieved that I had given it my all and hoped for the best.
I called my friend Faye when I returned to our hostel, lamenting my feelings about the exam. At the time, I thought I did pretty well. The weight of the world seemed to lift off my shoulders.
However, the agony of waiting for the results was the one that pulled my hopes down. When I arrived at our hostel room, Faye congratulated me right away, and I was a bit unsure of how to respond because I was already feeling nervous. It was a strange mix of happiness and anxiety, not quite believing that I had actually achieved something worth congratulating.
After 2 hours, my friend and I eagerly tried the "trick" to see if I had passed. Though I knew it wasn't a foolproof method, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope as we entered my credit card details.
Then this pop-up window showed up:
"Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Another registration cannot be made at this time."
In 2 seconds, I couldn't tell whether that was a good pop-up or not. But my friend jumped over me, screaming and ecstatic, and I was still confused, wondering if I had passed or not. She kept telling me that this was a good sign, and I am now a USRN.
I have passed the NCLEX exam, and I can't believe it. A mixture of joy, relief, and pride fills my heart. I then called my family to tell them this wonderful news.
Reflecting on the arduous journey to successfully passing the NCLEX exam, I have come to realize that it was more than just a mere test of knowledge. It was a testament to my capabilities and unwavering dedication. By conquering this milestone, I have not only proven to myself but also to others that I possess the qualities required to be a competent USRN, capable of positively impacting the lives of my patients. Despite the initial apprehension and challenges posed by the exam, I have emerged stronger and more resilient. This experience has not only tested my limits but has also served as a catalyst for personal growth and development.
Armed with the knowledge and determination gained from this journey, I know I am prepared to embark on my career as a globally competitive nurse.
By Simone Sean Solomero, USRN
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