by: Tammy L. Sulit, RN

nclexreviewers.com

We cannot deny that most of the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) takers last December 2011 have heightened anxiety level at this point. Few more days and the much awaited list of new registered nurses will be released. Out of curiosity, I interviewed Ms.   Rachel Yvonne Ocampo Cabacungan, one of the nursing board exam takers, about how she faced the challenging test which most of you could relate to.  So here it goes.

1) How did you prepare for the NLE Board Exam 2012?

Well, I enrolled in a Review Center (Mind’s Nest). I made sure I attend the class everyday, it kind’a helps build up confidence as the exam was fast approaching in a few months. Of course, Study. I’m not really the type of student who review notes, but at that moment, I realized the importance of reading.

2) Were you confident in taking the test? 

I can’t say I was really confident, but I made sure i wasn’t too anxious. As I approached my testing center, it felt like it was just a normal day as I was walking towards my school. But when I received my answer sheets, I was shaking but i managed it. Although, I really can’t remember if I shaded the Set in NP2

3) Were there instances that you felt something could intervene from passing it? Like any glitches while taking it?

Aside from forgetting the part if I shaded the set in NP2 or not . When I was in the middle of the NP3 exam, my hands started to sweat. so i stopped shading and just read the questions again for like, ahm 10 minutes. Oh! and Right at NP5, I finished the exam 1 hour before the exam ends, and I think I didn’t use my time wisely foe that matter. (sigh)

4) Which part of the examination you consider difficult?

I consider NP5 most difficult, i really asked myself ” Asa man gikan ni nga mga question?” A lot of different review centers said that NP5 was the easiest for them. but for me, Ugh! I don’t even wanna think about it.

5) Were there questions which you never encountered during your review days?

Some of the questions were somewhat similar to those I encountered in the review center. Some were, I don’t know – bizarre?

6) Were the questions relevant to our profession?

 Right now, I couldn’t really remember much of the questions back there. But yes, as Nurses are flexible, or should be as they say. It was relevant I guess.

7) Do you believe that the examination gauged your knowledge in nursing?

In the Review Center, we learned things of what we should do in the actual setting, a review instructor said that the NLE Results was a measurement if we were ready to work, and not if how smart we are. Did I even answer that question?

8)What did you do right after the test?

Right after the test? Doing something at the end each Nursing Practice gives me the Humor – Superstitions – I was kicking my chair right after I stand and about to submit my questionnaire and answer sheet. I could sometimes find the next student sitting behind me freaked out. (might be scared na “matamaan siya ng upuan sa lakas ng pagkakasipa ko”)

9) What are your activities while waiting for the examination result?

I went home eventually in our neighborhood even if I didn’t really felt like doing so. I tried to submit applications online and received some calls but then my mom wouldn’t allow me to go elsewhere – gusto niyang mag yaya ako sa mga pinsan ko. My mom loves to dictate things I should or should not do – or else I’ll find my clothes/things outside our balcony Till this day, I’m still a big Nanny.. ugh.. so boring and sedentary…

10) What are your plans after passing the test?

After the results come out, I don’t know really. Maybe it depends. If I pass, my mom would decide; If I don’t I will find a job of course. But If I get to choose, I want to work to accommodate myself for the training required. My mom really don’t get the idea why I have to undergo such, for her passing was already enough to have a job.

Thank You  :)