It may seem ordinary to some, but this achievement means everything to someone like me — someone who never had a clear, carefully laid-out plan for life. I still remember the exact moments: from my departure in Kuwait to receiving the long-awaited NCLEX results while anxiously waiting for my flight at Johannesburg Airport. This is a story of faith, perseverance, and pushing forward despite doubts and uncertainty.
A Path I Never Planned
Going to the United States was never part of my dream. I know that may sound strange — maybe even “cringe” — for a Filipino nurse to admit. But honestly, it never crossed my mind that I’d one day find myself on the path toward working in the U.S.
Before the pandemic, some of my close friends in Kuwait had already started their NCLEX journey — many had even passed. I was genuinely happy for them, but I had no plans for myself. No urgency, no goal in that direction. I worked, traveled, ate well, and I was content.
But everything started to shift after the pandemic. One by one, my friends began leaving — heading off to new lives in countries where they had secured credentials and opportunities. I had none. And that’s when it hit me: Why not try NCLEX too? Encouraged by my friends, I decided to give it a shot. I began the process — not fully sure of what would come next, but ready to try.
The Decision That Changed Everything
January 1, 2023.
It was just an ordinary day in Kuwait — also the start of my annual leave. That day, we visited a friend’s house to celebrate the New Year. What no one knew was that later that evening, I would be flying to Johannesburg, South Africa, to take the NCLEX.
Here’s the backstory: I wanted to take the NCLEX before the new format was introduced in that same year. January was my only window, but there were no available testing slots in the Philippines. That’s how I ended up booking a slot in South Africa — far from home, but the only viable option. I figured, If nothing else, at least I get to explore a new country. So I left Kuwait without telling many people, had a layover in Dubai, and landed in Johannesburg the next day, just before lunch.
I checked into the Sandton Sun Hotel, one of the city’s finest. I was caught between two emotions — excitement to be in a new country, and anxiety about the exam. Johannesburg was surprisingly beautiful to me — modern buildings, wide roads, and a sense of calm.
Exam Day: A Test of More Than Knowledge
January 3, 2023 — Exam Day.
I barely slept the night before. I started preparing early, even though my exam was at 8 in the morning. The testing center was conveniently located inside a nearby mall — just a short walk from my hotel. When I arrived, strict verification procedures were in place. I wasn’t alone — most of the other test-takers were from nearby African countries like Kenya and Ghana.
As I sat down and began the exam, each click of the “Next” button was followed by a silent prayer. The questions were tricky. SATA after SATA — I lost count of how many. Most of the concepts were familiar from the review sessions, but NCLEX has its own way of testing your judgment. It wasn’t easy. The test didn’t stop at 75 questions — it kept going until 145. I knew it meant NCLEX wasn’t fully convinced yet. And that was okay.
A Moment of Stillness
After the exam, I booked an Uber to the nearest Catholic church. The moment I entered the adoration chapel, my eyes caught a scripture on the table: “Be still and know that I am God.” I took it as a sign. From that moment on, I claimed victory in my heart.
A Short Escape to Pretoria
With one more day left in South Africa, I decided to make the most of it. I visited Pretoria, one of the country’s capitals, just a couple of hours away from Johannesburg. I had no itinerary — I simply asked my Uber driver to take me to interesting spots. I wanted to distract myself from overthinking the results. A visit to the Pretoria Zoo and lunch in Menlyn helped shift my focus. That evening, I returned to Johannesburg and made a quick stop at Nelson Mandela Square before heading back to my room.
The Moment That Changed My Life
The next morning, I felt an unusual sense of peace. I stopped thinking about the results. I had brunch at the hotel, packed my things, and made my way to the airport.
While waiting at the boarding gate for my flight back to Kuwait, I gave in to the urge to check my results. And there it was — right in front of my eyes.
I passed.
That moment will stay with me forever. I felt numb, overjoyed, and weightless all at once. It was one of the best feelings — and one of the most unforgettable flights of my life.
thenightingaleexplorer 