This is an exciting time of year in my role. Since nursing schools graduate new nurses in May, we do a lot of hiring and educating in the summer. Seeing all the bright, shiny, eager faces reminds me of when I was in their seat listening to all the information about my new role as a graduate nurse. They are all excited, discussing who has completed their NCLEX … vying for any advice or information from the “early birds.” After all that time and money invested in a new career, it comes down to one test to determine if you can call yourself a “registered nurse.”

Ah the memories! Showing up at the testing site, (I graduated when they had just transitioned from pencil and paper testing to the online version used today) listening to the computer grind and process after each answer before it “popped up” the next question. I would try to guess … was it grinding because I missed that question or because I got it right? When it shut off after 75 questions, I wanted it to give me another chance … Wait! I’m not sure that answer was really B … maybe I answered the second best answer 75 times and the computer gave up on me!?

I love to share in the new nurses’ excitement when they receive word … You Passed! … You are really now an R.N.

- Pamela Heffern

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