The real final exam

For those who don’t know, last Thursday I took the most difficult exam of my life, the NCLEX. The National Council Licensure Examination is set up to assess one’s knowledge of nursing and, when passed, earns the right to practice in your state.

Most of my classmates had already taken the test. I straggled behind due to my decision to postpone payment, but because I was President of my class, I began telling everyone that I was fulfilling my role as a true politician by sending the troops into the battlefield ahead of me while I safely brought up the rear.

It wouldn’t matter when I took the NCLEX because none of us had the same test; not that I’d know because the first rule of NCLEX is that you don’t talk about what is on the NCLEX. That is no joke. They make you sign a form and everything.

The test can range anywhere from 75 to 265 questions and it automatically cuts off when it knows you have passed or failed.

The night before, I reviewed a few systems that I knew were my areas of weakness. For instance, I took a quick peek at maternity and pediatrics. Don’t get me wrong, I love pregnant women and kids, but I really don’t want to specialize in these areas

I’ll neither confirm nor deny whether or not I had questions about pregnancy and children on the NCLEX, but I will say that I am extremely happy I took the time to look over these subjects.

I drove myself which may or may not have been a good idea. I had the radar detector hooked up so I could speed on my way to St. Petersburg.

Having the radar only lets you know you’re about to get a ticket. By the time you get zapped, the police officer has already tagged you as a speeder. I’m not sure why I find it comforting to have in the car.

I got to the Professional Plaza early and signed in. They fingerprinted me, scanned both hands several times, and took my photo. I was also monitored by video while taking the test in case I looked like I was cheating in any way.

The NCLEX is serious business.

While I clicked my way through each question, I could feel both my blood pressure and pulse increasing. My palms began to sweat and I felt like I was going to be sick.

At one point, I was certain that I was answering every question wrong. When the computer stopped at question number 75, I was positive I failed.

I cried to my sister and my friend, Tonya, then I called my mom, my husband and, finally, my friend, Candy; talk about emotional support therapy! They all assured me I passed, but I couldn’t believe it until I saw it the next morning on the Department of Health website.

I feel blessed and fortunate to have succeeded.

After talking with some seasoned nurses, I’m also lucky to have done this in the computer age when we have rapid results. Years ago, these exams went on for days and outcomes were mailed months later!

I know I’ve worked hard for this, but I truly could not have done it on my own. My husband, Chris, has been my rock through it all and my family and friends are the absolute greatest. To all of them: I thank you from the bottom of my heart.