WhiffOfGas

I feel compelled to share my experience over the last 48hrs as a post of hope for those who are in the midst of their wait, or who are about to take boards. On 12/28/16 I took NCLEX. Awful is an understatement. I received 110 questions, and virtually all the questions I could remember, I missed. I sat in the parking lot for quite a while. While I sat, I googled my last question. I had heard, if you can actually remember and look it up, you'll know you passed based on whether you answered correctly. Suddenly excited, I realized I had gotten the last question right. It was literally the only question I could remember that I didn't miss. It an insanely uplifting realization! But then, doom and gloom set in, and I remembered what Hurst said: It's possible to get a pilot question as your last question, so this "strategy" to predict whether or not you passed is a myth. Shucks. So then I thought about how many "select all that apply" questions I got. Not many. I couldn't remember, but it probably wasn't more than a handful. I thought about what level my final questions might have been (were they hard or simple). I got the last question right and missed all the others I could remember, so they must've been simple. Right? So, like many posters here at AllNurses, I decided to use the almighty "PVT" to try to re-register for the exam when I got home a few hours later. Sure, I've read one or two stories about it not working, but there are lots of posts on the internet that purport its infallibility. So, I used a card that had less than $200 on it (gotta to love that student salary!), and Pearson let me re-register. No "good pop-up." It was devastating. It confirmed what I already knew to be true: I failed. The last years of my life felt like they all rested on this one exam, and I had failed. It was absolutely devastating. BUT, not quite as traumatizing as what I did next. You see, I read that the Texas Board of Nurses updates its site at 9am on Tues/Thurs. Theoretically, if I passed, my name would pop-up. I took my test Wednesday 12/28 at 9am. Thursday morning, my suspicions would be confirmed; it seemed like lots of people were saying it works. At 0900 on the head, I checked. No name. I checked again and again throughout the day. Still no name. It was yet another sign that I had failed. It was being spelled out right in front of me. In fact, I was so crestfallen, I immediately went to my supervisor and asked for the next day off: I couldn't be at work when I received the Quick Results. I also knew there was no way I wouldn't check the Quick Results as soon as they became available. I told him I had a family matter to attend to, and was given the next day off. I spent the latter half of yesterday tearful. The pressure was immense, and my mind wasn't helping things. Why do I tell you this? Because, just now, a little over 48hrs after finishing the test, I purchased the Quick Results. To my shock, I passed. I write this because there was a post in February from an individual who also tried "the trick", and it didn't work. She ended up passing. While my frantic mind partly wrote that off as "one in a million" (there's even a website called "150,000 people can't be wrong"), it managed to give me an inkling of hope. It is my hope that this post will do that for someone. And that it will show that, even if you get more than 75 questions and the PVT doesn't give you that famed "good pop up" and even if you also look up your name on the BON website and it doesn't appear... don't fret. In fact, don't even do those things. Your mind does crazy things in that 48hr window. I read someone profoundly call it "paralysis by analysis." Well, it's true. And, at this very moment, it doesn't feel like hyperbole to say I traumatized myself. Moral of the story: You're gonna have to wait no matter how you slice it. Try your best to contain yourself. Watch a silly movie, if that's your thing. I chose a serious movie (to capture the mood), and had copious amounts of red wine. I still also went crazy trying to predict whether or not I passed this crazy test, and that was a bad idea. For those of you reading who just took -or are about to take- NCLEX, this is a lesson in patience. After your test shuts off, it's out of your hands. And, yes, it feels like the worst. But, take it from me, save the angst and devastation of chancing the PVT and/or checking for your name. Sure, these tactics might work for you, but it's totally not worth it. As someone who did both and had both let me down, it has finally dawned on me that it was truly out of my control this whole time. All you can do is your best. There's no "real" prediction. There's no way to know. And it sucks. But 48hrs will pass eventually.

Throwing in my two cents of observation because I'm interested in the responses too: The CRNA phone is the one we call when we need a central line in the unit (20bed) -and that's fairly often. When I worked as a PACU tech, a lot of the patients had PNBs done by the CRNAs back in the OR. It was my understanding that, if they couldn't get it -or weren't comfortable- one of the MDAs would do it. PA caths are typically done by the docs (or this has been my observation), but it could be because we just don't have/do a lot here. Overall, our CRNAs pretty much do everything! They're our anesthesia on-call, and there isn't always an MDA in house. They're amazing individuals!! I work in a suburban facility (100 beds), so it may not be particularly insightful. But... I thought I would offer up my observation anyway.

Friend of mine just texted that she received a letter... Sounds like some of us might be finding out today!!!

KL emailed me the info after I asked her advice last semester on ways to increase my chances in the future; she told me to take Micro and and Art Appreciation over the summer, gave me some feedback on my transcript, and sent me the changes as sort of an FYI. Like I said in a previous post, she may come off short sometimes, but she's really kind and helpful (at least when she's not busy LOL!). As far as being posted online, I imagine they wouldn't be posted on the website yet because no one can apply for those slots yet. However, if it's any consolation, I was sent an "official flyer" so it's not a secret or anything. Also, possibly worthy of note, I hear through the grapevine that KL could be leaving WC soon; I heard she has a pretty excellent opportunity in the education dept at JPS. But, the latter is just hearsay I can't confirm. @JLT5 If PM is an option on AllNurses (I've never done it before), you can PM me your email, and I'll forward the flyer. Best of luck to you!! As with all things: when there's a will, there's a way -you can do it!! @Tsouthern: I completely agree with your remarks! Actually, I was kind of upset last semester because I knew of two classmates who had several more classes than I did -but whose grades were worse- and had more points; honestly, I even complained and was like, look I'm a 4.0 student, and some of these students have more points because of class volume... so, I guess I understand the changes, but now that I'm finishing up all the BSN pre-reqs, I'm like: Don't change it yet, I take back my complaints!! Haha! As far as this semester: I'm loving Nutrition so far! We watched the movie Forks Over Knives to get us into the class, and he said a large chunk of our grade is going to be participation-based; he said on the first day, "I believe a discussion-based model is the format where students take the most away. If you don't participate, you probably won't come out of here with an A." We're actually going to have some of his dietitians friends from the hospital come in a few weeks and talk about how they tailor diets for patients with certain diseases/disorders and why, and another day we're going to discuss how nutrition can actually cure/aide issues like depression and anxiety (because of the neurotransmitters certain foods -like citrus- affect). In fact, after watching the documentary, our discussion was about the implications and connections of cancer and the Western Diet. Granted, he says we'll probably spend a whole class on just diabetes, but I think the other material is enough to get us interested; I have a really good feeling about this professor/class. Hopefully yours gets better -it seems like a class with real potential! And a lot of people really enjoy the professor you have, so hopefully it's not too bad. Now, that said, I'm also taking humanities this semester, and that's kicking my butt!! I was complaining a little while back that I had no time to read for pleasure anymore, so I figured taking a literature class would fix that... and then, my first assignment was to read this long (and somewhat boring) story in Old English!! Professor is amazing, but I was like: This is NOT quite what I had in mind! LMAO! I have a feeling that receiving a packet/letter in the mail will re-motivate me/us though!!

Yes! It's changing a lot! The focus is moving primarily to the TEAS (it'll be something like: score 83-86 on your composite score and get 8 points, 87-89 you get 11 points , and 90-95 is 15 points). That's an example. There's a few other things (like pre-reqs and co-reqs still being worth a few points and BSN classes still being worth points) that are the same, but, yeh. Things are changing. And I, for one, had a rough time with the TEAS (I passed both times, but my scores weren't anywhere near what I'm used to making on tests) -which is part of the reason why I'm hoping to get in this coming spring.

Maybe this will help explain: I was told, when applications were first turned in, that they wouldn't be getting to them until the first week or two into fall semester (which would be about now). She said something about changing buildings and offices and settling in the fall class and expecting a number of spring applicants before the point system changes again. Hopefully, like @Tesouthern said, she's just saying that she "doesn't know" or that it will take several more weeks to try to tide us over. Last fall (and I could be mistaken, so don't hold me to it), I feel like they told us that it could be several more weeks, and BAM! we ended up getting mail two days later. Whatever the case may be, History exploded onto my schedule and I'm getting antsy because only one class this semester is directly related to nursing/science. You'd think it'd be easier now that classes have started, but, in fact, I find my thoughts pervaded with anticipation now more than ever! I'm thinking, hands down, it's going to be the week of the 8th. Like many previous posters said: it's just a matter of sifting through applications and tallying points (and a lot of us, I think, applied in the fall, so it shouldn't be too challenging). Hopefully, that's it. Two weeks. We've waited this long. And we've worked toward this a lot longer than that. WE CAN DO IT!!!!! (Just, please, let us get word soon!)

Hopefully everyone's having a good start to their semester! I'm now VERY ready (though, I've been very ready) to get a packet/letter in the mail! I just thought I'd throw that out there; patience certainly isn't my strong suit.

I love that you shared this!!!!! It helps knowing a more narrow range than "six weeks"!

Haha! Well, thank you! I concur: hopefully, in a few short weeks, we'll be getting those packets (and NOT letters )! Don't sweat not coming to WCWC for Nutrition. I've had a number of classmates who've taken Ibe, and they swear he's a genius. It sounds like you'll be in very good hands. On a side note, having an MD for A&P sounds ridiculously awesome --that is someone's brain I would like to pick! I'm jealous!! Especially because it's someone who is/was in the field we're wanting to go in (or at least pretty much as close as it gets) teaching something intrinsic to said field. Also, I totally don't blame you on the convenience thing; I'm the same way! Sometimes, it's the most important thing... and being someone who takes coffee with me to class -even to afternoon classes- I totally wouldn't want to wake up and take the exact same class further away (unless the prof was just dreadful at the nearby campus) LOL! I too am quite scattered, so I totally get the typo. A part of me (though I've been waiting with bated breath for the next opportunity to apply to the RN program) is shocked that it's already almost 2015 to begin with! Hopefully, everything works out and we're all able to get into our top choice! Well, another week down. It'll be time before me know it!!

This coming semester looks like history and government exploded onto my schedule; I am taking every history I need (1302, 2306, and I'm retaking 2305 for a better grade --I took it online the first time which turned out to be a mistake, and it jacked up my GPA). I am also taking Nutrition (which I'm kind of excited about because they have an MD coming to WCWC to teach it), and Humanities (literature). After this fall, I will only have stats left as far, as BSN classes go. No, in answer to the second question, I am not planning on applying anywhere else at this time. Weatherford is incredibly convenient because it's very close, classroom sizes are small, and because everything will transfer to TX Tech (where I will be getting my BSN). I have a very definitive plan, and Weatherford's RN program is very much a part of that plan. Granted, having said that, if I am passed over this spring, I might consider Midwestern or another school or two. But, because of my current employer and many other circumstances, attending a school that is close -and because getting my RN as soon as possible is a big priority- Weatherford my top choice. It could all change, but, as of now, Weatherford is the only program I'm applying to. @Tesouthern, where are you taking your Nutrition class? Last term, they had Ebee (sp?) teaching. This fall, I hear the guy that's coming to WCWC to teach the class is an MD who's gone rouge and has decided to teach in his free time (which makes me kind of excited). Also, I think you have a very smart plan; with everything you've said you have going in your life, Weatherford does sound like the best option. Plus, having said that, I think you sound like the type of person I'd like to have as a classmate:yes: You said something about TCC in spring of 2014 in your prior post, but, since that has already passed, I assume you meant next year? In my opinion, I think the bridge is the ideal option --especially considering that we can already be working as nurses while we do it, and because it is all online. Most of my coworkers tell me the bridge is mostly just writing and putting your understanding of evidence-based-practice to work by showing that you know how to apply it; a friend of mine obtained her BSN from Tech in a little under 7 months (so, at least in her case, it was faster to do ADN to BSN as opposed to straight BSN).

Haha! Too funny! It sounds like you have the Discovery Channel LIVE at your house LOL! It's interesting, to me, that even though you explored teaching, you're still pursuing a career field where you're influencing others --which I find quite powerful! Kudos to you for going after nursing --especially with a family! I have a lot of respect for that; it's just me and my partner and our dogs (and two cats), and I can only imagine... I once met a woman in my A&P class who had a toddler, worked full-time, and was in school full-time... totally blew my mind. How courageous! I admire people who have the wherewithal to chase their passions, no matter their family situation or personal circumstances! I guess, obviously, I'll go next. I'm 25. I enrolled last fall. I will have all of my BSN pre-reqs complete by the end of this coming fall semester (except stats --math and I don't get along so well). Before now, I was never very good at school. In fact, I sometimes look back at high school, and wonder how I didn't flunk out LOL! Goes to show how much merit there is to the "direction" and "motivation" factor. With regards to me and nursing specifically: honestly, I never really entertained the idea of being a nurse until I started working in a hospital. I always saw myself doing something a little more creative, and thought, if I ever went to college, I would end up as a humanities or English major. But, as fate would have it, I ended up in the anesthesia department, and I realized how excited I was to go to work every day. "Anesthesia nurses are the creative adrenaline junkies of the nursing world," I was once told, and this is a large part of why it is so appealing to me. Working in the department, I glimpsed how autonomous, hardcore, high-intensity, and brilliant the anesthesia nurses I worked for were, and how much of a difference they could make in their patients lives. These factors captivated me! Something clicked. I realized that I wanted to do -and could do- what they did. So, I enrolled at WC. A few other tidbits: I'm big on building people up, and taking things one step at a time (but keeping an eye on the prize). I am very independent, and I also like helping others. I generally keep to myself, but others describe me as being very social. I am one of those who believes that we are only as strong as our greatest weakness, and I also pride myself on believing that in order for me to win, it is not necessary for others to fail (the whole "In order to win, someone must fail" mindset of some people is appalling to me). This is not my first time to apply to the RN program. I applied for the WC Fall 2014 program with just my pre-reqs and a couple BSN classes completed, and I was passed over. It was devastating. HOWEVER, it was a learning experience. I finally understood: big things in life don't always happen on my time. So, I've applied again for the spring, and we'll see what happens. I firmly believe in following passion. I believe this is a field where passion is the very thing that generates success --passion for taking care of people, passion for helping those who can't help themselves, passion for trying to make life better or easier for others, and/or a passion for simply being the best at whatever you choose to do. It is this passion -coupled with a lot of tenacity- that will, not only, get us into the program, but will make us wonderful nurses! Oh! And, since yall are quite possibly my future classmates, it is probably important to forewarn you that I am "that" student. You know the one. The one who often asks the most questions in class --which sometimes drives everyone else completely bonkers lmao! It may be annoying to some, however, I do this to fully understand (remember, I am not naturally adept at science), and to stay engaged in the material; I thought my classmates in chem last semester were going to lace my coffee with poison LOL! I wish the best of luck to everyone! I think AllNurses is a wonderful community, and can be a powerful resource. This forum has helped give me the information needed to craft a plan for anesthesia school, and, I've said this before (and I think it's worth saying again): people on this forum -especially pre-nursing and nursing students- are generally the cream of the crop. We're all on here for the same reason: we're passionate about nursing. I think this is an important reason why we shouldn't directly compare ourselves to one another. We're already a leg up on other folks who aren't as.... shall I say, "committed" to this goal. Maybe that sounds a bit arrogant, but, hopefully, you all know what I mean. No matter our backgrounds or circumstances, we're all passionate about the field we want to be in. Okay. So, I think my lengthy response probably has a few people yawning LOL! Who's next?

Firstly, don't take it personal, I think that's partly just KL's nature. At first, I kind of thought the same thing. But I've had interactions with her about the program since I enrolled as a student at WC, so I've been driving her crazy for a while now and I can tell you that she's just a busy woman. Also, don't be down on yourself about 35 points. You can only control what you can control. Don't compare yourself to others -especially here on the forum (typically, the best, the brightest, and the ones who want it the most are the ones on here). You're already a step ahead by being apart of the AllNurses community. Furthermore, I feel like I should remind you that 35 points was the number of points to get in last spring, so you do have a shot. All you can do is your best. So, remember that, and keep trucking along. About your TEAS: if it makes you feel any better, I forked over my hard-earned cash and retook my TEAS and got ZERO extra points. Somehow, I scored the same flippin' score that I did the first time! Guess I only know what I know LOL! In short, just remember: progress is progress. Now, all we can do is hope and wait... as patiently as our busy minds will let us haha! Try not to doubt yourself or rag on yourself too much in the meantime:yes: And, hey, we can always try to distract ourselves on here a little bit by telling one another a little about who we are (which specialty we want to go in, why we're going into nursing, or even a tidbit or two about our personal lives). We could all be potential classmates, after all:up:

I'm sure there have been at least a few more. I was at the WCWC testing center retaking my TEAS yesterday, and they said they had been "swamped" with students taking TEAS all this week --although, to note, WCWC is a smaller campus so one can only guess what "swamped" actually means. Sounds like many people (myself included) waited until the last minute to turn in their apps, though lol! A previous poster asked and I'm curious to hear as well: does anyone know what the schedule for the spring might look like --I feel like I've heard that it's slightly different than the fall. I don't know anything about the way the spring is set up -have always just assumed it would be the same. Anyone know? Also, being from WCWC, the clinical sites offered here rock (JPS, Harris, Wichita Falls, and a few others -all big city sites), and I'm curious if Weatherford Main offers the same sites. Anyone know? Best of luck to everyone!!

Amen!! You can do this!! In my opinion, so much of it comes down to dedication and tenacity! If you want it bad enough, you can do it!! Good for you! Kudos!!! Your post makes my morning -keep after it!

I typically just read this forum and absorb like a sponge rather than posting. However, after reading this conversation, I thought I’d throw in my two cents: I agree with the previous posters Mully and SoniaReb: Go with your passion! Honestly, I think you're weighing the length of school too heavily. Now, I'm not saying it shouldn't be a factor, but I believe it shouldn't be the primary consideration in choosing one field over the other. Working around doctors and CRNAs, it’s my observation that their motivation for entering their respective fields are generally quite different from each other. Medicine is not nursing. Nursing is not medicine. The majority of CRNAs I know chose that route because they wanted to practice nursing-based care/anesthesia NOT medicine; I think you’ll notice many nurses here on the forum cite this same rationale for why they didn’t go to medical school. Furthermore, I think it's worthy of asking: Are you looking at anesthesia as a specialty after med school (ie anesthesiologist)? What would be your primary reason for being an MDA vs a CRNA -what differences in the two professions are most attractive to you? Maybe my individual experience has biased me, but, it is my perception, MDAs and CRNAs do function in a different capacity; CRNAs are typically doing more of the cases and are more involved with patients than an average MDA -who is doing more of the paperwork, administrative duties, and running from room to room (said another way: I see most MDAs in front of a computer or pile of charts, and I see most CRNAs in front of an actual patient). For me, the CRNA route is the most appealing. In graduate school, you will learn the science of anesthesia, and of that particular specialty; in undergrad nursing -and while garnering necessary experience to apply for anesthesia school- the primary emphasis will be more on patient care and the basics than on the "deep science" of it all (that's where grad school comes in). In pre-med/medical school, physicians, on the other hand, will be much more science-based than patient-based throughout. This isn't to say that doctors don't care about their patients, or that nurses don't care enough about the science, but I mention all of this to point out where a HUGE difference lies. I argue that most people are driven to become nurses (and thus, CRNAs) because they want to be involved with and help patients; most people, I contend, are driven to the physician route primarily because they want to practice medicine. Which are you more drawn to? It's actually kind of easy once you put it in perspective. Frankly, I don't believe you'll find many nurses who became nurses simply because the length of medical school was more daunting than nursing school, but rather they became nurses because they wanted to practice nursing --and became anesthesia nurses because they wanted to practice anesthesia as a nurse. In short, your decision should primarily come from the heart, not the calendar. Just my (lengthy) two cents. Hope it helps!