by: Tammy L. Sulit, RN
myheartsisters.org
It’s been 2 months now after the Nursing Board Examination transpired.
Nursing Board Exam Takers usually waits 3 to 4 months before the result of the Nursing Licensure Examination is released. Each day in those months is definitely an agony. We think about it upon waking up. We think about it upon eating. We correlate the things we encounter to it. We think about it before going to sleep, and much worse we dream about it even while sleeping. You can specifically (on details) picture in your mind the whole board exam scenario- how you went to the venue, how you shaded the circles, how you jot down your name and code, and how you answered each puzzling undifferentiated un-answerable questions. Any tiny glitch you may have committed would repeatedly hunt you in your dreams.
Unlike the other examinations we have encountered and will encounter in our lives, the Nursing board exam is the most crucial. It is like claiming or losing your dignity and pride in the societal realm. All your family and friends are anxiously waiting if your name will be listed in the “holy list of passers” which if not, a “label” could be tagged unto you- the second taker. Days seem exhausting and you can’t help yourself but to check posts and news everyday if what you have been waiting for is up. It is truly one of the unstable states you will encounter in your life, but worry less since this is a common feeling to all of your peers who also took the board exam. Anxiety won’t get you anywhere and will just burden you with negative feelings you do not need. So it is how you handle the 3 months waiting period that will make your life different from the other waiters. What is then the right attitude in the midst of this situation?
1) Offer your anxiety to God, so worry less. This may sound cliché but committing your worries to God is the first thing you should remember. You have already done your part in preparing for the exam and have given your best shot to those creepy questions. Now, let God intervene and do His part. We may have done our best but glitches still happen along the way thus let God take those glitches away. He is in-charge now. So pray and thank Him that you were able to survive the test.
2) Preoccupy yourself. Instead of bugging yourself with negative thoughts of what if’s, preoccupy your mind with positive thoughts and divertional activities. You join organizations that feed your interests. Join photography groups, modeling flock, prayer groups, travel groups who can help you divert your thoughts for a while. You do not only help yourself deplete anxiety, you will also gain friends.
3) Be smart and practical. You may not have noticed, but weeks from now you’ll be part of the NURSES’ WORLD (Law of Attraction). Then why not prepare yourself for that next chapter? You can actually start to attend trainings and seminars that can enhance your nursing skills. Since this field has stiffer competition then start to equip yourself with what is needed instead of wallowing. Take these 3 months of waiting and bombard it with beneficial activities which help you outstand from your pack.
4) Prepare and Job Hunt. Start formulating your impressive resume and begin contacting people who can help you with it. This strategy will keep you ahead of your pack since by the time they are just beginning their quests; you already are battle-ready.
5) Interact to positive thinkers. We do not need depressed people surrounding you at this point of time. Be with mentors and people who can help you remain positive. Nourish yourself with positive thoughts and hope for the goal you want. You can also ask your mentors to help you plan your career. In this world, confusion is common especially if you have a weak sense of direction. So let the people you look up to, renowned or successful nurses if possible, to help you grow in this field appropriately. Plan your career right now.
You will soon be part of our world, so start feeling this moment from now and act like one. This is a stiff world that you’ll enter thus be ready for what you will be up to. It is never wrong to HOPE.
