Tuesday, February 8, 2011

good news

So I graduated from nursing school during my first trimester and after about a month took the NCLEX. I did try to prepare, but I was very distracted. The test was hard. About 1/2 the questions I was asked weren't even multiple choice, but "select all that apply" out of 5 options- even the subjects I knew well were hard to feel confident with all the options. I was asked the minimum of 75 questions, so I figured I must have passed, because there was no way I failed that bad...but I did. I went through the stages of grief and for about a month was convinced I would not attempt it again. I eventually realized that wouldn't be the best choice so I re-registered, but didn't want to think about it over the holidays etc. I finally decided to wait until 2 weeks before the twins are coming to try and take the test again.
My view the past couple weeks:
I studied a little more this time. I planned for a solid week to not cook, not do baby projects, or clean house. The funny thing is that this time I was 2 weeks out from having twins- my pregnancy brain barely allows me to recall the word for "vacume" when I want the thing that cleans the floor. On top of this I was in the midst of a terrible sinus infection- an infection that gave me throbbing pain in my head, teeth and jaw when moving from sitting to standing, spread to my eye making me look like I'd been slugged when I woke up, and also only allowed me a total of about 4 hrs sleep combined for the 2 nights before the test. Not a perfect situation, I tried to change the appointment date, but it was the last time I could take it before the babies come.
The test seemed way easier than the first time I took it, I probably only got 5 questions of "select all that apply". I thought I'd at least be borderline this time and would get the total 265 questions, but a little after an hour into it I was again kicked out at 75 questions. I was a little mad, there was no way I passed when the exam was so much easier. To heck with it I decided. I'm having babies now, I'm over this. Even though I know I've done harder things and know I'm not a stupid person, for some reason the NCLEX had eluded me.
Last night my sister called me to find out the "official" news. I'd forgotten to even check, so I skeptically got online and was shocked to find Katie Lewis Hagen as a registered nurse in Holladay, UT. I wasn't expecting it at all, but it was such a nice surprise and I feel like something heavy was lifted off my shoulders. Its so great to have out of the way before I enter this next stage of life, I feel pretty blessed. It was so fun to finally tell my family that good news after all their support through my nursing journey. Brad and I made it out to celebrate late last night with some delicious chocolate dessert:
Our girls will be here so soon, and I feel like there is so much I want to get done before they arrive- I'm so glad I can go back to focusing on more important things. 

11 comments:

Colby and Steph said...

Congrats that is so exciting.

Jeremy and Natalie said...

That's amazing! Congratulations! I wish I was at your point now. I'm so scared for my dental hygiene boards!

Carrie said...

woohoo, you are awesome. congratulations! I love that picture too, it tells so much of what you have gone through. I think you will love it as the years go by.

Unknown said...

we really are dessert twins!! i'm so happy for you, we never have to take that dreadful test again!

LL said...

AWESOME! WHat a huge relief, now you can really enjoy the months ahead.
CONGRATS!!!

LL said...

btw. LOVE that picture of your belly. Great shot!

Brooke said...

Congrats Katie, how exciting to have that done!

Natasha said...

Congratulations!!! You are amazing! And...where did you go for dessert? Looks yummy!

Emily Hagen said...

Congrats!!! That is so awesome. What a great accomplishment...and perfect timing! I'll have to call Nurse Hagen next time I have a medical question :)

M+H said...

You're inspiring. I am enrolled in an independent study biology class from the Y and I haven't done ANY of it. I'm struggling to figure out what exactly is required of me as I cannot find any assignments online. However, I enrolled LAST APRIL and must be done by this April and all the tests have to actually be taken at the testing center so I really should get cracking down on it. You've inspired me to atleast try. Ooh and by the way, I'm never taking another independent study course.

Alicia said...

Congratulations! I think the NCLEX is designed to make everyone feel awful about themselves. Worst test ever. I'm so excited for you to have your babies here so soon! I'm looking forward to seeing all the cute pictures with your new camera!

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