Failed the Board Exam. What now?

The turn of February brought much more than the anticipation of Valentine's Day for thousands of people, especially those who have been waiting for the release of the results of the November 2009 Nursing Licensure Exam. Unfortunately, more tears were brought about by the sudden news rather than celebrations for getting to have a shiny new PRC card.

Only a total of 37, 527 out of 94,462 nursing graduates passed the board exam, amounting only to 39.73% of the number of students who have taken it, the lowest percentage ever of passers in the history of the test. As others will have the bragging rights to put the letters R.N. at the end of their names and upload print screens of the results with their names in highlighted glory on Facebook, the majority will be sulking at home feeling the stabbing pain of this magnanimous disappointment.

But fret not. Failing an exam is not the end of the world although it might feel like it is.  Presently, one can take the exam until he/she passes so there is still hope for that sought after license to be at the palm of one's hand. I suggest more focus and determination and that RN status is well on its way. Do not let one setback throw away 4 years of hard work at nursing school.

That said, I've included here the list of requirements for filing of application for the July 2-3, 2010 Nursing Board Exams. Deadline for repeaters is on April 14, 2010 and May 14, 2010 for first timers. I suggest you file early to avoid the oxygen deprived mass exodus to PRC on days near the deadline.

1. Duly accomplished Nurses’ Application Form (NAF);
2. NSO issued Certificate of Live Birth;
3. NSO issued Certificate of Marriage (for married women);
4. Transcript of Record with scanned picture and remarks: “For Board Examinations Purposes”;
5. Record of OR-DR Cases (for 1st timers only);
6. Summary of Related Learning Experience – (for 1st timers only);
7. Four (4) pieces passport size (1 ½ x 1 ½) colored picture with complete name tag in white background;
8. Community Tax Certificate;
9. Examination Fee of P900.00;
10. One (1) window mailing envelope; and
11. Valid Identification Card.

The July board exams is months from now (how I wish the exams were also held in July last year giving us more time to review after graduation) and there is a lot of time left to prepare so mend that bruised ego and start reaching for the stars.