Nclex invalidated due to cell phone

Nursing Students NCLEX

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I have read the other posts for this and am at a loss... I was taking the NCLEX and was offered a break, while on break I went to my car for some chips and noticed my phone was blazing hot so I took it upstairs and directly handed it to the receptionist saying, "Could you please hold this for me, it's a million degrees in the car and I don't want the phone to be damaged." I never "accessed" the phone and have phone records that will show no texts or calls were made. I innocently handed the 1st receptionist the phone immediately upon entry. If I was trying to cheat i certainly wouldn't have handed her the phone!! I received a letter from pearson with two options, accept invalidation and have the georgia board of nursing decide if I may retest or appeal (up to 60 day process). I don't think I will get anywhere by appealing. My question is what is the likelihood that the georgia board of nursing will ban me for life, AND will that ban apply to all other states?

In other posts people pointed out how stupid it is to get in this situation, that nurses need to be careful and follow directions. I'm about to have a breakdown and don't need that. I was a pharmacy technician for 10 years and all of my bosses will tell you I was the most accurate and fastest technician they ever had (this is conclusive via corporate logging error percent on every prescription typed under my name). All of my teachers and clinical instructors will tell you how impressed they were with my abilities. Its easy when you do what you love. Please tell me the best course of action, I'm sinking fast.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

This is why it was changed that you turn your phone in and have it sealed in a bag upon arrival. The last person that had access to the cell phone had the results invalidated and was barred by their Bon for retesting for at least a year. They had to reapply after 365 days and the BoN would make a decision as to whether they should be permitted to retest. A very expensive lesson. Why not just seal the phone in a bag and place it in the locker? Why go out to your car? If you had review materials in your car you could have been charged with cheating (worse the accessing the cell phone)

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Don't sink. What's done is done and all you can do is pick yourself up by the proverbial boot straps and prepare for the next NCLEX. Don't take the phone next time, or if you do, have it sealed at arrival. Now find out what you need to do and do it. No more whining and excuses (some of us dislike the excuses). Yes, I know there was a reason but in the end, it is what it is. All is not lost, just only if you let it.

You can talk all you want about how great you are and about how proficient your bosses and professors think you are but in the end this happened because you didn't think...period. Stop with that business as well. You don't have to sell yourself to us; we've all been there, etc...

Don't let this piece of baggage hang to long on your shoulder; if you do all that will happen is that it will grow and become so burdensome it will drag you down. Chin up, chest out, and get on with it. :yes:

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I'm surprised you were allowed to go to your car in the first place, at my testing center leaving the building for any reason was grounds for test invalidation. :(

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I'm shocked you were permitted to leave the building also. If sanctioned by GA BoN unfortunately this poor choice on your part will be reportable to other BoN. Since this hasn't happened recently with the rule change to seal cell phones in bags and these actions are specifically prohibited in the NCLEX rules you may just have to accept your punishment and beg GA BoN for mercy.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Well, don't know what to say. The rules are pretty clear about this. I have also posted several times about the added confusion bringing cell phones into the testing centers. I know you haven't read them because this happened.

People, just leave them in the car or don't bring them at all.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
I'm surprised you were allowed to go to your car in the first place, at my testing center leaving the building for any reason was grounds for test invalidation. :(

That's what I was thinking too. Someone could have anything in his/her car and that anything could be something to help them on the exam.

Anyway, what's done is done. To the OP--contact the board and find out where to go from here.

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AN members aren't allowed to tell you " what course of action to take " BUT I am suggesting that you do some homework on what the outcomes can be if you choose one or the other option via Pearson vue. After reading the other stories about the same situation they both are very different approaches in making a ruling if you can or cannot re sit for boards.

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Thank you all for your comments, I'll post what the decision is after I get it for those who want to know.

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Specializes in Acute care-Rehab.

Well that sure makes me rethink bringing my phone into the testing building. I hope they grant you permission to validate your test.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

gsss well that's harsh...I'm leaving my cell phone home when i take the test .

I am a bit worried about the rule of no thick clothing and i get very distracted by cold AC can't people wear double layers?

Do the test center even go over the rules before starting the test or is that all on the student?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
gsss well that's harsh...I'm leaving my cell phone home when i take the test .

I am a bit worried about the rule of no thick clothing and i get very distracted by cold AC can't people wear double layers?

Do the test center even go over the rules before starting the test or is that all on the student?

More info:

https://m.ncsbn.org/1268.htm

They will also go over rules at the testing site, but it's best to go over the information PRIOR to going as well. :yes:

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