NCLEX ATT, Test and Results!

 I received my ATT (Authorization to Test) from the NCSBN (National Council States Board of Nursing) on 05/19/2021 (5 days after graduation). You have to go on their website to register for the  NCLEX with Pearson Vue. Once you graduate, & your degree is confirmed, the program will send the info to the State Board of Nursing (in your state). Make sure that you pay the $200 after your register to take the NCLEX before you receive the ATT. If not, you won't get it! After you receive your ATT, THEN you can schedule a test date. I originally scheduled for 06/03. On 05/28 I felt comfortable enough to take it (UWORLD, I got thru 71% of the test bank w/ a good average and landed in the 84 percentile). I passed the 1st NCLEX assessment with a "Highly Likely" to pass, and 7 of my classmate have already taken and passed NCLEX. What was I waiting for......so I did something really brave & moved my date for the next day! 

I took NCLEX on 05/28 at 09:15am. It was a beast! The 1st 8 questions I felt comfortable, then it gave me EVERYTHING I was weak in! I kept as cool as I could be! I walked out feeling defeated. How could I have had one of the highest averages in the class, passed the exit hesi, cat hesi, & Uworld assessment, & do so poorly on NCLEX? I had to wait 48hrs for results. I did NO pvt tricks or anything....just waited! This morning I got my results!

PASS! 

Let me re-introduce myself...I'm Reginald Santiago, RN, EMT-P!!!!!!!

05/14/2021 Graduation Day

 Today is my graduation. I feel "accomplished"! Hopefully you will also. You have worked hard for this day. It's here. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, this is virtual. At the same time, I get to enjoy this day with my wife and family watching from their homes. As I look forward to my new beginning, was it worth it? YES! Going from Medic to RN gave me $19.85 more dollars/hr, the opportunity to advance degree & career wise. Was it worth the move? YES! It was tough as hell. Some days and test felt like it was working against me. I can say, the drive (1hr 20min) was really therapeutic for me. My mind felt clear, like I was doing the right thing. I didn't like how my previous job "forced" me to choose between school & work, BUT I needed to see that they were NOT in my corner, even when they said they were! Because I have weathered the storm, I have many career options open to me to advance. Hopefully you will see that also. 

05/11/2021 CAT HESI EXAM / Officially Finished (Paramedic to RN)

 Today I took the CAT exit exam and passed. That means I'm officially ready for NCLEX. I received my Exit letter from the program today also. We did practice for the pinning ceremony that's going to be on Monday 17th. We graduate this Friday the 14th.

Enjoy yourself! You have made it! 

Overall, it has been tough. It was more challenging than I originally thought. It's been a very humbling experience, thinking that my paramedic experience would get me though. I was a looooong way off! Take this school serious, make the time for study, and remember that you have to fight for your seat in the program (no matter where you go). If you get, respect it and work like someone is trying to get your seat! Wish me luck on the NCLEX....I wish you guys well....I'm still debating if I will continue posting after this blog!

If not, Happy Nursing & hopefully you got some insight on what the Paramedic to RN transition is like!