-:- the results are in -:-

I woke up to this today....





I know it might be hard to read, so let me fill you in...

That right there my friends, is my name on the Division of Occupational and Professional License's web-site. Next to it, are the words "Registered Nurse" and MY real live RN license number.

What does this mean? It means I P A S S E D my state NCLEX-RN Licensing Exam!

I am on cloud 9.

Here is the story:

After graduating and submitting my transcripts to the DOPL, I received what's called my ATT (authorization to test) paperwork. With that number that is assigned, I am then able to register a test date for the NCLEX-RN state licensing exam. After trying to register, I found that the soonest date available was February 6th (about 2 weeks away). That bummed me out, because I wanted to get the test over and done with. They say that the longer you wait after you graduate to take your NCLEX, the less of a chance you have of passing.

On Wednesday, the 1st, I had this overwhelming feeling to go on and see if any sooner test dates were available.... Sure enough, they had one available for that Friday; the 3rd. I re-scheduled and starting STUDYING like crazy for 3 days.

Thursday night was terrible... I didn't sleep. I said my prayers, and prayed and prayed. Friday morning came, and I felt better. I was still nervous, but knew I had done my part. I went and got my signature "Test Day" breakfast (Subway Egg McMuffin) and a Diet Coke :) I studied some more and then it was time....

I got to the testing center and parked. I took a DEEP breath and went inside. Once I handed the gal my license and documentation to test, I was then fingerprinted, palm printed, and had my photo taken. If at any time you leave during your test for a break, they make you scan your palm/verify your photo. It was CRAZY! The test is a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265, with a 6 hour time limit. It is computerized. They sat me down at the computer station (#5), and I began my test. For anyone taking this test I would highly recommend accepting the ear plugs that they offer. I did, and they were a lifesaver. They helped block out the other people in the room.

During the test I felt really good about my answers, and that made me excited but apprehensive. I got a TON of "Select All That Apply" questions and I wanted to DIE. After question number 75, my computer screen went blue and I was asked to fill out a survey.... Awkward! That was the end of my test! Ugh! I felt really really good about it, which was kind of surprising? I still think I got the Idiot version. Or it was my "Test Day" breakfast that did the trick... James disagrees.

After the test I went home and tried this trick. According to it, I passed! I got really excited, but extremely paranoid. What if it's lying? How do I know? This went on for 5 days... FIVE DAYS! Finally, this morning, I logged onto DOPL's website. After typing in my name and pressing the enter button I waited anxiously... There, lo and behold my name popped up! I screamed, and called all of my family.

I haven't blogged since last week because I have been SO anxious/nervous/a mess. I didn't tell hardly anyone that I rescheduled my test date. I didn't want to tell people and then feel like a total loser if I failed!!!!!!! So I'm sorry I didn't update you. But now I am free! Time to find a job :)

Love,

Shandi Lynn Martin/RN