[Elleann]

Hey guys,

I'm taing the nclex in less than three weeks, but right now I'm trying to cope with some major stresses on the home front .

I was originally scheduled to take the exam in London on June 1st (flying over from Cape Town) but two weeks ago, my dad had an emergency triple bypass, and ran into severe postop complications including pulmonary edema, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, severe confusion and so on. At the same time, I had a TON of work on the go (I'm currently not in clinical practice, I'm a freelance writer/editor and had three major projects to complete before leaving.)

So I changed my exam date and flight dates, (which meant more money out of my pocket) and am now scheduled to fly on the 10th June, take the exam on the 16th. Thank God, my dad is out of ICU at last, and should be transferred to a rehab centre this week, but he is far from well yet and is going to have a prolonged recovery period ... he still has basal atelectasis on the left, no appetite and no energy ...

So what with completing work, and worrying about dad, and driving an hour each way to visit and support my mom, its been hectic. I'm finding my ability to concentrate is seriously impaired and my focus is way off track ...

Plus tonight I got back home and found my daughter (14) feeling really awful, full of cold and flu symptoms. She's due to start her midyear exams tomorrow. On the plus side, however, at least I'm here to take care of her - if things had stayed as they were, I would have been in London right now and she would have been staying with a friend for the week. So, some bad and some good.

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to get it off my chest.

Elleann

[traumahawk99]

if it's any comfort, the nclex has an 84% pass rate for first time takers. i do see that you're in a difficult situation which would make it hard to concentrate, but i wouldn't worry. if you practice a little, you should be fine.

i was planning to do this huge study project for nclex, then i got a test in 2 days, and i said screw it, i'm taking the test. and i'm so glad i didn't waste the time and effort to study! if you're fresh out of school, the nclex ought to be a gimme, for the most part.

[LouisianaNurse2006]

So sorry to hear of all your misfortune.... it does help to talk about it! I hope you are feeling better soon.