Dear Diary,
It has been 16 years since I first brought this little corner of the internet to life. Back then, I was a newly graduated nurse from the Philippines who had just passed her local boards, with so many dreams but little idea of what the future held.
I had no idea where life would take me or how much my nursing journey would change over the years.
Now, as I revisit the lost chapters of my nursing life, let me take you back to one of its pivotal moments: the aftermath of taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam).
After the Computer Screen Went Black
After the computer screen went black, I raised my hand to signal that I had finished my examination.
One of the proctors assisted me as I left the testing room. She completed the final identification checks and gave me instructions on what to do after the exam.
However, my mind was still completely haywired from the mind-boggling NCLEX, and I was having a hard time remembering which locker I had used!
When I returned to the security desk downstairs, the security guard asked me to return the temporary guest identification card he had given me so I could retrieve the other ID I had left with him.
Still mentally exhausted from the exam, I reached into my bag and handed him another ID card—just not the one he was looking for!
The security guard tried to calm me down and reassured me:
“Okay lang po ’yan, Ma’am. Ganyan po talaga pag nag-e-exam.”
(“It’s okay, Ma’am. That’s what happens when you take an exam.”)
Looking back, I can’t help but smile at that little moment. Even the simplest tasks seemed difficult when my mind was still processing everything I had just gone through.
Eventually, I found the correct ID and retrieved my belongings.
I walked out of Trident Tower with one thing on my mind: the NCLEX.
I was already overthinking every possible outcome, and I was so preoccupied with the exam that I completely forgot to take photos after finishing it.
Instead, I went to the nearest coffee shop, ordered nothing else but my favourite matcha latte with almond milk, and called my husband to tell him that I was finally done.
After all those months of preparation, the examination was over.
Now, all I could do was wait.
The Longest 48 Hours
I told my mom that my computer had shut off at 85 questions.
She told me she had a feeling that I had already passed the exam.
Of course, hearing that gave me a little hope, but I was still too anxious to celebrate.
I also messaged my twinnie—my smart twin sister, who had an NLE rating of 83.2 and had passed her own NCLEX in 75 questions, the minimum number during her time.
She reminded me to calm down and accept whatever the result might be.
Meanwhile, my husband and I went out for lunch before returning to our hotel.
I was still overthinking the examination, and I honestly didn’t want to leave the hotel anymore. I was afraid that if I went out and started enjoying myself, I might later find out that I had failed.
Looking back, I realise just how much anxiety can take over your mind when you’re waiting for something that means so much to you.
Then, as I looked more closely at the view from our hotel, I noticed a message displayed on a nearby building:
“IN GOD WE TRUST.”
I paused for a moment.
There it was—a simple reminder that God had been with me all along.
I had spent so much time worrying about the outcome that I had almost forgotten to trust the One who had carried me through the journey.
I took comfort in that reminder, even though I still didn’t know what the results would be.
The next day, we checked out of the hotel and returned to the place where we were staying near Quezon City.
When the anticipated results day arrived, we went out with my in-laws.
My husband asked me to call NEAC (Nurse Exam Application Center) to inquire about my results, but I was already feeling stressed. We were out, there were so many people around, and my parents were also asking whether I had received any updates.
I called to ask about the results, hoping to get some clarity.
However, I was informed that the results might not necessarily be released exactly 48 hours after the examination. There could be delays, particularly because of the different time zones between the United States and the Philippines.
So, once again, I had to wait.
I tried watching movies to keep my mind occupied, hoping that doing something else would stop me from thinking about the results every few minutes.
But let’s be honest: when you’re waiting for something that could change your life, it’s not easy to think about anything else.
Then, finally, I received the email.
I was afraid to open it.
After all the waiting, worrying, and imagining every possible outcome, I was suddenly faced with the one thing I had been waiting for.
I took a deep breath and looked at the result.
And there it was.
PASSED.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I had passed the NCLEX on my first attempt, in 85 questions—the minimum number of questions required during my time.
The dream I had carried in my heart for so many years had finally come true.
I was going to become a USRN.
The news brought so much joy and relief. Everyone was congratulating me, and I was still trying to process the fact that I had actually done it.
That evening, my husband and I celebrated the wonderful news over dinner with my in-laws. After days of worrying and waiting, it was such a relief to finally put the anxiety behind me and enjoy the moment with the people closest to me.
My twinnie, my parents, my in-laws, and my friends all shared in my happiness. I also received a congratulatory message from my local review centre, INAP (International Nurses Academy of the Philippines).
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Photo courtesy of INAP (International Nurses Academy of the Philippines), used with permission. |
After all those years of dreaming, studying, sacrificing, and hoping, I had finally reached another milestone in my nursing career.
I had passed one of the most challenging examinations of my life.
And I had done it on my first try.
More Than Just 85 Questions
Whenever people tell me how smart I must be to have passed the NCLEX in 85 questions on my first attempt, I’m reminded of the hard work, prayers, sacrifices, and support that brought me here.
Passing the NCLEX was an individual achievement, but the journey was never mine alone. I’m forever grateful to my family, my husband, my friends, and everyone who believed in me and cheered me on along the way.
It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it. 💜
Who would have thought that the simple probinsyana who once thought her world had turned black and white after failing the Nursing Licensure Examination on her first attempt would one day earn these titles?
NZRN. 🇳🇿
USRN. 🇺🇸
Life certainly had a different plan for that girl. And if there’s one thing I wish I could tell my younger self, it’s that one setback doesn’t define the rest of your story.
Sometimes, the chapters that hurt the most become part of the story we’re most grateful to tell. 💜
Until the Next Chapter…
In the next chapter of my NCLEX series, I’ll share how I prepared for the examination, the resources I used, my study routine, and the lessons I learned along the way—including how I processed my eligibility and Authorization to Test (ATT).
If you’re preparing for the NCLEX, I hope my experience can offer you some encouragement.
Until then, trust your journey and never underestimate the power of a dream you’ve carried for years.
Love,
Maica 💜
A little note from Maica:
Some images featured on Simply Maica are AI-generated and are used for illustrative or visualisation purposes only. These images are intended to complement the content and help bring stories, ideas, and experiences to life. They may not depict actual people, places, events, or circumstances exactly as they occurred.
Unless otherwise stated, personal stories and experiences shared on this blog are based on my own experiences. AI-generated visuals should not be interpreted as photographic evidence or exact representations of real-life events.
I aim to be transparent about the use of AI-generated imagery while preserving the personal stories and experiences behind each post.
Thank you for being part of the Simply Maica journey. 💜
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