Stress? How does 28 years later ...and FINALLY sitting for the NCLEX sound?

[OldButCuteBSNStudent]

YIKES - I just took the nclex this morning and SWEAR I missed them all! I was "cut off" at 79 questions and just before that I thought .... at least there are 170+ MORE questions to keep trying on b/c I'm SURE I don't know these. I am beside myself. $57,000 and 5 years to get through college (BSN program) and at my old age - I think I did NOT pass. The guy in the top of our class (of 100) was still seated taking the exam when I walked out. ....and my job in cardiology (working as a GN for 3 months) hinges on passing - and I am soul support after finally graduating an 18 year old last year. I will not be able to sleep for the next 48 hours. Did anyone else get cut off early and feel like EVERY question they answered was wrong? I cannot judge the questions but I got very few priority type questions with multiple lab values/scenarios of "who do you help/assess first. Not a good sign? I also got very few questions regarding delegation, teaching, assessment - and yet I passed Kaplan's readiness test at around 68% and the ATI exams up in the highest range which indicated a 98% chance of passing the NCLEX. I felt like a total dope when I couldn't even remember what FOOD had iron in it.... I felt like I knew NONE of the drug questions and only had ONE calculation question - thank GOODNESS I got that one! Anyone else stressing today? I'm OLD and feel as though I'm going to have cardiac arrest !! I started in Nursing School 28 years ago and was diagnosed with breast cancer (thanks to being taught BSE back in the late 70's in school!) Left nursing school.... to fight that battle; won it and returned to enter a BSN program which took me 5 years. Without nursing school I would probably not be alive ...and now - it may get the best of me yet ... and it all hinged on 1 hour and 39 minutes this morning.

Moral support and information APPRECIATED AND DESIRED ~ !

[winsome08]

Congratulations on a job well done. You are an inspiration to me as sometimes I have second thoughts about that dreaded exam but reading posts like yours elevate my thought process and motivate me to study even harder; I have an 18 month old and it is sometimes hard to hit the books after a long day of chasing her around the house. Once again :ancong!: and go :dancgrp:.

[irish6363]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! It is people like you who Insipre me to continue to be positive and NEVER EVER GIVE UP no matter what. I have been out of school for 3 years and just took my NCLEX and felt very bad about waiting soooo long. I am so very happy for you ...I extend a BIG HUS AND KISS TO YOU.

[suzanne4, RN]

Best of luck to you as you being your new career. I am sure that you are going to make a wonderful nurse.

[Melinurse]

congradulations on a job well done. what a wonderful and inspirational story. :clphnds: best wishes in your nursing career.

[caliotter3]

:ancong!:

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

You will have lots to give to your patients. You are truly a survivor. Congrats

[jadu1106]

Hi---COngratulations!! Here's to all the best in 2009!

[*bettie*]

You Rock!

[shangrila]

Congratulations! I'm also a "non traditional" or as one of my instructors stated, a "seasoned" student. After 25 plus years in accounting, I went back to school and graduated on December 12th. Congratulations and much success to you. Lets hear it for the "seasoned" students!!

[EllenRNorman]

I appreciate your years of effort. A labor worth every minute. Be proud of your self. Give yourself rewards. Never stress over your career or job. Stress is a attitude killer. You are better then that!!

[Letjackson987RN]

:ancong!:

[stacyd90019]

I took my nclex on the 31st and I have been STRESSING ever since. Than I read your story, and all I can say is GOOD JOB. What you have accomplished is just amazing. This was my 3rd ime taking the test and even f I didn't pass again, I will just think about you and what you've accomplished, and I will just gear up and go again. Thank you.