The Verdict

Never underestimate Prometric. That is my conclusion after taking the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties today. Mind-boggling is the best description I have for every test item I have answered.

When I was telling my colleagues that I haven't reviewed yet for the said exam, some says you can do it because if you passed the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam, you will surely pass the prometric exam because prometric is a lot easier. I admit I believed them. Considering the fact that I only reviewed myself when have taken my NLE. I did opened my books, but after a minute or so of reading, I would stop and would do something else. My attention span in reading my nursing books is very short. I would rather open my favorite website for movies and nail myself in front of my laptop.

Two days before my scheduled exam, I decided to answer three sets of pre-board questions for NLE from a nursing website. I had a hard time answering the questions. Three years after my graduation is a long overdue to remember all those nursing concepts. And my grades? 56/100, 48/100, and 62/100 accordingly. Oh my God! What if the result of my exam would also be like that?? Poor me. I have told myself to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially for a re-examination. But I still have a chance. Prayer.

The day before my exam came. I still did not open my books or watch the NCLEX CD reviewer which was brought by my bestfriend from the Philippines. I watched other things including TV shows which I don't normally do. I am making myself busy so that I wouldn't think about the upcoming exam.

But I did slept early. After praying that God will help me choose the best answers, I have had a long ten hours of sleep. Feeling refreshed after waking up, I prayed again that I will pass.

We were ushered to our seats and computers after we were strictly scanned for any metals on our body and on our pockets. Even our watches and rings were asked to be removed. Our bags were placed safely in lockers. Each seat has a corresponding camera so whoever dare cheat will be easily spotted.

Upon sitting on my seat and received instructions, I breathed deeply and whispered a silent prayer. Then started to answer the questions. The first one was easy. It's computation, and I think all nurses working in wards is expert with that. I sighed with relief. If this is the kind of question for the whole test, passing the exam would be easy. That sigh of relief was short-lived. The second question was very hard. And the next, and then the next. I was halfway to finish the whole test when I noticed that I have only two to three items where I am sure of my answer. Will I pass?

After finishing the seventy items set of questionnaires and reviewed my answers, I did not clicked the end button yet. I silently prayed again. God, please let it be a good news. After a few deep breaths, I clicked the end button, stared on the computer screen and prepared myself for whatever the result will be. Suddenly, the computer screen turned white. What now? Did I passed? It lasted maybe only ten seconds but it seemed like eternity for me. I wanted to raise my hand and ask for help from the attendant who ushered me on my seat. Then suddenly, it came. It was my photo which was taken before I have entered the examination room and other details regarding the type of exam I have taken. I quickly scanned for any sign that I passed or failed, and there, fourth line after my name is the word "PASS". I stared again, confused. Pass? What does it mean? Isn't it supposedly "passed"? Then the attendant came to me and said, "Congratulations! You passed the prometric exam. Please click the end button."

I passed? I passed? Did I really passed? Really? I stared again at the monitor and looked at the other details of my exam. I whispered an ecstatic "yes!" and thanked God silently. I want to linger a little longer and taste my victory, but the attendant said again, "please click on the end button". I continued to read the details of my exam result and she repeated again her instruction, somewhat annoyed based on the kind of her tone. You're ruining my happiness, I thought. I clicked on the end button and went out of the room. The receptionist outside asked me to sit and sign the same paper I have signed previously then printed the result of my exam.  After giving the result to me, I realized why the attendant inside asked me to click the end button thrice. The details of the result of my exam at the computer screen is the same as the hard copy given to me..:)

I was expecting for the word "CONGRATULATIONS" but this is what appeared on the computer screen.

Because I finished first before ate Charm, my companion, I have waited for her outside the reception area. She was smiling and gestured a thumbs-up sign when she came out. I knew from that moment that she passed also. She was always saying that she was nervous about our exam and she was not prepared yet. But now, seeing her face, I know that she has no regret in taking the exam with me (she was hesitant to take the exam earlier because of the short time to review).

And to treat ourselves, we rampaged the Mall of Dhahran, starting with filling our rumbling stomachs with the famous Popeyes' spicy chicken.

Hey, you! Stop looking at me! :p

Ate Charm

This is all we can afford...:)

Next stop: Hyperpanda

With ate Charm

Yummy mangoes!

When we got home, Ate Charm and me noticed the same thing: Almost all of the products we bought are soaps! 

The sweet watermelon. Ate Charm laughs at me while I'm selecting this from among the stacks of melon at the market. I was knocking on every fruit, trying to choose the best one. Good thing nobody answered. "who's there?" :)

We're now licensed to practice nursing here in the Kingdom. Nobody can question that. :)

Thank you, Lord for this blessing.