On Wednesday, we shared the first part of our conversation with recent Curry (MA) College graduate Julia Tenuta. She found out she had passed the NCLEX® and gave us some helpful hints and tips that brought her to the big day. Now, we’ll take a closer look at the exam itself.

SO: Okay, back to the test. What did you do that morning?
JT: I got up at 6 to leave by 6:30. On the way there, I ate peanut butter and graham crackers.

SO: Did you drive yourself?
JT: Yes.

SO: How early did you get to the center?
JT: I thought I got there early. It was about 7:30 or 7:40. I was going to wait another 10 minutes, but I decided to go in. When I went in, there were already so many people.

SO: How was the test center set up?
JT: We each had a little cubicle area. You have to fingerprint into the testing room. And they listen and watch every station, so you can’t cheat.

SO: What were most of your questions about?
JT: It was definitely a variety. I don’t think I got any maternity. I know the majority was med-surg. But, this is the thing that threw me off: There were seven or eight drugs. Like “Your client is on this. What would you look for? Increasing blood pressure? Heart rate?” I had never heard of some of the meds, I used the ABCs.

SO: How many questions did you get?
JT: Seventy-five. And I was like, “I either did really good or I failed miserably.” I talked to so many people, and they said “If it shuts off at 75, you passed.” I don’t think that’s true. I said, “Don’t congratulate me yet. I don’t want you to have to take it back.”

SO: How long did it take?
JT: I was in there for about an hour and 30 or 40 minutes.

SO: How did you feel right after the test?
JT: I’m the person who walks out of there and forgets all the questions. What’s done is done. I can’t go back. I did as much as I could and wanted to . . . I was like, “Really? That’s it.” Honestly, I did not think the questions were hard.

SO: What did you do right after the test?
JT: I went home, then went to my friend’s house and hung out with her all day. I didn’t want to be at my house thinking about it. I wanted to take my mind off it and relax.

SO: What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking NCLEX success?
JT: Don’t over think the questions. Read the question thoroughly and pick the best answer. If you went to school for two or four years, you know your stuff. It’s overwhelming to study. I mean, where do you start? I just focused on my weak areas.

SO: So, what’s next for you?
JT: Start working, actually being an adult. I start on Monday. The day has finally come. I’m working on a med-surg floor at a hospital in New Hampshire.

SO: Are you sad you’ll never have to take the NCLEX again?
JT: (Laughing) Oh yes, I’m very sad. No, I’m glad it’s over. But you have to remain calm the day of the test. I wasn’t nervous. I really wasn’t.

Editor’s note: Have you taken the NCLEX this summer? How’d you do? Share your experiences with us at editor@stressedoutnurses.com.