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Your NCSBN scores are not a gage if you pass pr fail. I'm also doing NCSBN but I'm using it as a guide to get me acquainted with the way the NCLEX exam structure their questions. Good luck! I suggest rescheduling if you do not feel 90% confident of your preparation. :)

Thanks for the info! I already have the Saunder's book and I'm going over Suzanne's first tip... I learned a few new tips form the Saunder's book.

I definitely agree. However I also think that it is a good idea to make nursing a 5 year course mainly because with the growing number of students taking up nursing (and I'm talking about good schools and not diploma mills) is increasing and we only have a few facilities. Now because of the lack of these facilities, many students are scrambling around to get cases that are required for the board exams and some don't even finish all their requirements on time. I would also like to point out, per my experience, I think that making nursing a five year course would be a plus to the students because professors wouldn't need to do marathon classes where explanations and discussions are brief and some of the pertinent information are not absorbed at all. I also think that our basic education has nothing to do with it. In fact, a lot of us Filipinos are intelligent despite the 10 year basic education. But then again, I'm talking about schools that aren't diploma mills. I know that there are basic ed schools that are not worth mentioning at all.

Yes I know about not discussing about Hep B in the Philippines because I have lived in the Philippines for more than 20 years and I think this has something to do with Hep B being sexually transmitted and a blood borne disease. To answer your question, I already had my visa a few years back from my parents so I didn't apply as nurse. I didn't go through all the exams that are required for the non-visa holders so I don't really know what to say regarding this matter. Unfortunately bubbles my cousin is still doing her physical exams and is doing necessary paperwork so I'll have to ask her for more info.

Currently my short term plans are to pass the NCLEX (since I'm already in the US) and then inquire about entry level jobs as an RN (hopefully). As I gain experience and confidence I would now want to look into specialization or getting a Master's Degree. I'm still not clear on what I would want to specialize on but I'm thinking about being an ICU or OR nurse or nurse researcher, but I'll just have to wait and see.

I know it gets frustrating when you ask your parents for money while reviewing but I believe that they will understand you and will support you. In fact, passing the test is a good way to repay them. I know how this feels because I am currently reviewing for the NCLEX but I didn't take the Philippine Board Exams because I'm already in the US. I'm looking for a job though because I feel guilty but I am reviewing on my own at the same time.

Don't panic. A know a lot of nurses and student nurses who have Hep B because we know that a good number of Filipinos either are carriers of Hep B or have Hep B. My cousin is a Hep B carrier and she already had a go signal to continue applying for the UK. I am also a Hep B carrier but I think I'll have to think about the NCLEX first before thinking about getting a job since I'm already in the US...

I definitely recommend retaking the exam again to preserve the dignity of being an RN. Those who cheated were very dishonest and I just can't comprehend why they did that in the first place.

How can it be easier in the Philippines when there are a lot of RNs who don't even get a job in the hospital because there are no job openings? As a result some volunteer but they can only do that for a few months because they don't get paid. The irony is that there are a lot of RNs already but they are working non-nursing jobs because there aren't any available.

Thanks for the tips! I found out how easy F & E was when I started reviewing for the NCLEX...

I usually read books "Made Incredibly Easy" before tackling the required books used in class. This just makes it so easy to understand while not overwhelming me with a lot of terms that I am not familiar with. I find that reading the "Made Incredibly Easy" textbooks make it easier for me to understand and it helps with retention, too!

thanks for that tip Brenda!

Technically being in nursing school is a bit unorganized and organized at the same time. See, they're trying to fit a lot of stuff into four years. I just graduated from nursing school and let me tell you this, just find time for a little bit of rest and relaxation and don't panic. I got used to all the stuff they heaped on us and I was pretty busy but I still had time for family and friends.. Hope that helps!