On Wednesday, we shared the first part of our conversation with recent Curry (MA) College graduate Julia Tenuta. She found out she had passed the NCLEX® and gave us some helpful hints and tips that brought her to the big day. Now, we’ll take a closer look at the exam itself.
SO: Okay, back to the test. What did you do that morning?
JT: I got up at 6 to leave by 6:30. On the way there, I ate peanut butter and graham crackers.
SO: Did you drive yourself?
JT: Yes.
SO: How early did you get to the center?
JT: I thought I got there early. It was about 7:30 or 7:40. I was going to wait another 10 minutes, but I decided to go in. When I went in, there were already so many people.
SO: How was the test center set up?
JT: We each had a little cubicle area. You have to fingerprint into the testing room. And they listen and watch every station, so you can’t cheat.
SO: What were most of your questions about?
JT: It was definitely a variety. I don’t think I got any maternity. I know the majority was med-surg. But, this is the thing that threw me off: There were seven or eight drugs. Like “Your client is on this. What would you look for? Increasing blood pressure? Heart rate?” I had never heard of some of the meds, I used the ABCs.
SO: How many questions did you get?
JT: Seventy-five. And I was like, “I either did really good or I failed miserably.” I talked to so many people, and they said “If it shuts off at 75, you passed.” I don’t think that’s true. I said, “Don’t congratulate me yet. I don’t want you to have to take it back.”
SO: How long did it take?
JT: I was in there for about an hour and 30 or 40 minutes.
SO: How did you feel right after the test?
JT: I’m the person who walks out of there and forgets all the questions. What’s done is done. I can’t go back. I did as much as I could and wanted to . . . I was like, “Really? That’s it.” Honestly, I did not think the questions were hard.
SO: What did you do right after the test?
JT: I went home, then went to my friend’s house and hung out with her all day. I didn’t want to be at my house thinking about it. I wanted to take my mind off it and relax.
SO: What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking NCLEX success?
JT: Don’t over think the questions. Read the question thoroughly and pick the best answer. If you went to school for two or four years, you know your stuff. It’s overwhelming to study. I mean, where do you start? I just focused on my weak areas.
SO: So, what’s next for you?
JT: Start working, actually being an adult. I start on Monday. The day has finally come. I’m working on a med-surg floor at a hospital in New Hampshire.
SO: Are you sad you’ll never have to take the NCLEX again?
JT: (Laughing) Oh yes, I’m very sad. No, I’m glad it’s over. But you have to remain calm the day of the test. I wasn’t nervous. I really wasn’t.
Editor’s note: Have you taken the NCLEX this summer? How’d you do? Share your experiences with us at editor@stressedoutnurses.com.
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:27 am
You’re not the average blog writer, man. You definitely have something powerful to add to the net. Such a outstanding blog. I’ll come back again for more.
December 23rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
A brilliant share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he in fact bought me lunch because I found it for him.
.. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thank you for spending the time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Two thumb up for this article!
December 24th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Wow, a helpful information buddy. Thnx But I am experiencing trouble with your rss . Don’t know why Fail to subscribe. Is there anybody else getting similar rss issue? Anyone who knows kindly respond. TQ
December 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am
I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I see a blog thats both informative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not many people are talking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to it.
December 25th, 2010 at 1:46 am
I am impressed, I must say. Really seldom do I see a blog thats both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your blog is important; the issue is something that not many people are speaking intelligently about. I’m really happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
December 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I discover a blog that’s both educational and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the matter is something that not many people are talking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
When i visit a blog, chances are that i get disappointed. Regarding your blog,I have to say that you have done a good job here.
January 5th, 2011 at 5:42 am
I believe you have made a few really interesting points. Not as well many people would actually think about it the way you just did. I am truly impressed that there is so much about this subject that has been unveiled and you made it so nicely, with so considerably class. Outstanding one, man! Very great things right here. Wish you 2011 Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
It is unusual for me to find something on the internet that is as entertaining and fascinating as what you’ve got here. Your page is lovely, your graphics are outstanding, and what’s more, you use source that are relevant to what you are saying. You are definitely one in a million, man! Wish you Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Happy New Year 2011! A great blog post, I just given this onto a co-worker who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch because I found it for him..
.. So let me rephrase that: Thnkx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for taking the time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and enjoy reading more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more info? It is very helpful for me. Two thumb up for this blogpost!
January 6th, 2011 at 12:06 am
You are not the general blog author, man. You certainly have something important to contribute to the World Wide Web. Such a great blog. I will return for more. Wishing you Happy New Year!
January 7th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff, thanks .
January 7th, 2011 at 5:21 am
Acai Berries are becoming more and more popular in the group of over weight people just because of its amazing results
January 8th, 2011 at 5:09 am
I quit tobacco after 2 days using e-cigarette
January 10th, 2011 at 8:32 am
i am so much disturbed with these irritating unwanted calls, i was looking for something like this to avoid these calls
January 10th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Happy New Year 2011! A great blogpost, I just passed this onto a student who was doing a little analysis on that. And he in fact purchased me breakfast because I discovered it for him…. smile.. So let me rephrase that: Thankx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more info? It is extremely helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!