Passed the NCLEX - what a humbling experience!

[j450n, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hi Everyone!

I took the NCLEX on Friday, 7/20. I just wanted to briefly recount my experience for you all because it was unlike any other test I've ever taken. First, let me preface this by saying that I come from a liberal arts background. My first degree was in Ethnic Studies, so pursuing a nursing degree was a huge undertaking for me. I've never been one to excel in the hard sciences and I've always would rather write a paper than take any standardized test. Ironically enough, I started nursing school not liking science - go figure. However, I knew nursing was a good fit for me because I loved the holistic approach when taking care of others and I love interacting with people, especially patients. This was enough of an impetus for me to put my science qualms on the back burner and learn to adapt to a different learning style than my previous degree.

So I navigated through the travails of nursing school and did well to succeed in every exam/paper/clinical, etc. The NCLEX was never really on the forefront of my mind until I graduated last month. When I started to review for the NCLEX, that's when I realized the wealth of information that I had learned throughout nursing school and how much information I had to triage through and refresh/remediate. I took about a month to prepare and mostly utilized Kaplan and the study guide that was posted on this forum in another thread.

For not being a fan of standardized tests, I always had a habit of double-checking or triple-checking my answers before I handed in my tests in nursing school, but we all know with the NCLEX there is no doing that. I think it's great that there are so many resources on AllNurses and it was encouraging to read through people's previous experiences. The one thing that I want to stress is that everyone's experience is different! While it was good to learn from other students, I think sometimes I would psych myself out by reading the various experiences here.

I sometimes have a tendency to be hard on myself (super type-A personality), so when the exam didn't shut off at 75 and kept going, I was down on myself. I can't imagine how I must've looked on video. I was probably sighing every other question and making all sorts of frustrated faces. Moreover, I have a job lined up and all I could think about was me having to tell my employer that I couldn't start when they wanted me to because I didn't pass (I know, not the best mentality). Before the test, I definitely said a prayer in the restroom and even when the exam prompted me for a break at the 2-hour mark, I took it and went to the restroom to collect myself and say another prayer. My test ended up shutting off between 115-120 questions. I lost track because I told myself to just focus on the question and not the number. I left the testing center with my heart in my stomach and feeling like I failed. I immediately drove to a nearby Barnes and Noble to try the PVT with my laptop. I can't tell you how tachycardic and diaphoretic I was. I was absolutely prepared to crawl into the fetal position in the middle of Barnes and Noble when I saw that I got the good pop-up. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was too good to be true and I must have tried it about 10 more times between Friday and now thinking that I would be the one exception to the PVT. I even took a screen shot because I was paranoid that it would change and let me go to the credit card page. At any rate, I paid for the quick results today and I did indeed pass.

It's definitely a full-circle moment for me and I cannot be happier right now. Many thanks goes to God, my family, and my friends. For me, the hardest part of the exam was when it hit 75 and then you click next and it keeps on going. I have to admit, it was somewhat heart-wrenching, but the important thing to remember is that if you're still getting questions then you're still in it to win it. Two days, later I'm officially a registered nurse and I starting my job at my dream hospital at the end of this month. I also remembered this quote from Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear when I watched the show as a youngster - it definitely helped relax me throughout the later parts of my exam: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Good luck!!

[caliotter3]

:ancong!:

[fitnessfreak]

Congratulations!!!

[steffuturelpn]

Congrats truly moving story, I too cried when I took my boards so I know the feeling

[sweetlilguppy]

After reading so many other's experiences and experiencing first hand how it feels walking out of the test center I have to wonder, does anyone walk out 100% sure they've passed? But anyhow, Congrats and Good luck in your career!

[destinedtobea]

:yeah:Congratulations. I finish my nursing program this Fall. I will be so glad when I sit for boards and perform the PVT...I want to see that 'good pop up' message. Amen and God bless you!

[1southernbelle]

congrats!!:yelclap:

[nurse671]

Cograts! I definetely love that quote “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

[pinkcolor]

Congratulations! You deserve it.

[grahamd01]

It feels so great to finally be where you should be after years of studying and constant worry. Congrats!!!

[innocent queen]

[color=#00ff00]congratulations

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

congratulations, and welcome to the profession. :hug: we need you.