Taking boards pre-computerization

jemb · Jan 12, 2004

Oh, yeah... We had to go for two days straight for testing. I forget how many hours a day we were there each day, but it was a gruelling experience. And, as you said, we didn't get our results for a couple of months.

The tests were given at one central location for the whole metropolitan area, and only twice a year (February and July, I think), so those who didn't pass had a long wait to take it again.

Only one person at a time (out of the hundreds there) could get up to go to the bathroom, and we had to leave our test papers, booklets, pencils, purses, etc., with the person guarding the door. Then, at the breaks, hundreds of women were lining up to use restrooms. Even though there were temporary "women" signs in front of most of the men's rooms, it didn't help much since we couldn't use the urinals. I envied the few men who were there- they didn't have to spend their whole break standing in line!

Reabock · Jan 12, 2004

Yep,, I'm one of the "older" nurses. Took mine in 1981, with 1 year old baby at home. Two days, in Harrisburg at the Zembu Temple, in July, no air conditioning and 95 degree heat. My only stipulation for the motel where we stayed was that it had to have a pool!! It was the old 5 part test. Did the best on the psych one (hate psych) and the worst on Med-surg, (but did well on all overall) I have worked Med-surg for the last 23 years!

Remember being scared to open my test results when it finally came in the mail late September, cried when I found I passed, I was so relieved!!

prmenrs, RN · Jan 13, 2004

I took my Boards in August, 1968, Long Beach, CA; 2 days, 6 tests, 2 hrs each. One test was a repeat ("Oh, no, we are NOT validating the new test!" yeah, right :rolleyes: ); we only got 5 scores back. They were scored like SAT's, 200-800. I managed to get toothpaste in my eye on the 2nd morning--just to add to the overall fun.

After 35+ yrs, I still remember it well.

kids · Jan 13, 2004

The Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA. March 1991.

2 days, 2 tests per day, one 4 hour block per test.

They supplied the #2 pencils.

There was a section of floor masked off in a 2 foot grid with each block numbered, you had to leave your purse/coat in a square and were given a numbered chit that corresponded with your seat number.

When you applied to take the test you had to submit a card with a notorized passport photo. On the first day of testing the card was affixed to the top right hand corner of your desk, facing forward and you had to put your ID next to it (for comparison).

If you had to go to the bathroom you had to raise your hand and wait for an escort.

When you were done with the test you had to raise your hand & wait for an escort that took you to a table where they took your test from you & checked your ID before certifing and sealing your test.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2004

It all seems so easy nowadays comparatively. The old 2 days of testing. Marking your answers on stone tablets with a hammer and chisel, Then having to carry your answer stone tablet up and turn it in. Wow, we worked hard back then.

rncopper · Jan 13, 2004

OMG! You guys are giving me FLASHBACKS!

Phoenix, July 1993: Friggin' HOT! 2 days of tests. In between going back to the hotel, sitting by the pool, telling each other "Did you get this question?" "I put THIS answer!!!"

And then "THE WAIT"! You knew if the letter was thin, you passed! If it was thick, you cried!

I didn't want to open mine. It was thin but I thought maybe everyone was wrong about the thickness thing! It was October; had been working as a GN since June; was afraid I was going to have to go in and tell them I flunked!

I PASSED! NEVER want to do that again! I think I aged 20 years in those 4 months!

It is soooo much nicer these days!

XIGRIS · Jan 15, 2004

February 2 and 3, 1993

Fort Worth, Texas

396 questions

First question: Pneumothorax

Last question: Burn fluid resuscitation

Didn't sleep well the night before.

Can't sleep well on the second night.

Waited till March 26, 1993

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2004

Originally posted by rncopper
OMG! You guys are giving me FLASHBACKS!

Phoenix, July 1993: Friggin' HOT! 2 days of tests. In between going back to the hotel, sitting by the pool, telling each other "Did you get this question?" "I put THIS answer!!!"

And then "THE WAIT"! You knew if the letter was thin, you passed! If it was thick, you cried!

I didn't want to open mine. It was thin but I thought maybe everyone was wrong about the thickness thing! It was October; had been working as a GN since June; was afraid I was going to have to go in and tell them I flunked!

I PASSED! NEVER want to do that again! I think I aged 20 years in those 4 months!

It is soooo much nicer these days!

OMG! We just missed each other!

I took my test April 1993, Phoenix, lol!

Didn't get the results until June!

nursemaa · Jan 15, 2004

Took mine in February 1981, had to drive in a snow/ice storm about 2 hours. The tests were given in a barn on the state fairgrounds, the room was freezing! Got in a car accident while we were there. 2 days, 5 tests, 2hours each test. Checked my mailbox every day, felt like I was going to throw up for weeks!! Ahh....those were the days! :eek:

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2004

I sat for my LPN boards just a couple years prior to their starting the computerized version. Then the LPN was only a one day test, but we still got crammed into a conference hall with about 300 others, elbow to elbow, sucking up each others oxygen. I think every one was lightheaded when they got done from lack of oxygen. I think we had about a 2 month wait until we got our results back too. I took my RN boards on computer,, it took me about an hour and 45 min. Results in 3 days. What a difference.