Officially A Registered Nurse

On July 28th I took the ATI comprehensive test at school. There were 180 questions and we had to get at 69.9% to pass… as in pass the test AND school. No big deal right? Well, I passed! I got a 79.3% and honestly.. I have no idea how. I was soooo sick and nervous before and during this test. I was positive I wasn't going to pass! I walked out of the room, and was almost crying I was so scared and Mir followed me and helped me push the button to see my score. I was so relieved when it showed me my score!! Miranda passed too! We were so happy. We went to Chik-fil-a after with Jenner and Kempton after taking pictures in front of the school to celebrate :) 

Jesse and I went to on our trip with his family from August 2nd-12th. I took the NCLEX on August 18th! Six of my friends from school had taken it before me and only 2 of them got 75 questions, the rest got over 200. I was REALLY hoping I could get enough right or something to get the 75 question minimum. I studied strategies and practice questions over the week and was sick to my stomach all week thinking about it. I went to the temple on Saturday by myself and was able to have an hour of peace and comfort, which was helpful. But Sunday was really hard. I cried a lot and was so nervous the whole day. I just wanted to pass so bad and be able to start working. Jesse, Brent, and my dad gave me a wonderful blessing on Sunday night. I got to the testing center at 7:30 and started at about 8 am. The questions were hard and I wasn't sure about a lot of them but I ended up getting 75 questions, which took me about an hour. Out of the 75 I got 27 select all that apply… one of the highest level questions they give. So, I was feeling good about that part but still was nervous. I got in my car and called Miranda and she finally convinced me to do "the trick" and check and see if I could register again for the test. Rumor has it that if you can, you didn't pass. But you if you can't, you passed! I checked and couldn't register again! I was so happy to get that. Tuesday the 19th night at 11:30 pm, my license showed up on DOPL! WOOHOO! I am officially a registered nurse. It's been a long road of schooling, tests, homework, late nights, and nerves.. but I did it! I am done. And I couldn't be more happy! I started applying for jobs and am excited to get working. 

I cannot believe this journey and part of my life is over. But I am so excited! Graduating and passing the NCLEX was the next step in our "plan" to starting our family, which makes me even more excited. I have been thinking and dreaming about going to nursing school, and graduating, and becoming a nurse since I was 12 years old. This is nuts! I love it. I have been so blessed. The Lord has surely blessed me during this past year and a half. From finding and getting into the school, to passing tests, to meeting amazing friends and a new sister-in-law, to helping me rely on Him. It's been a good journey. 

I am so grateful for my family, and especially my sweet Jesse, for supporting me throughout this journey. Jesse always encouraged me and was proud of me for my accomplishments. He gave me a blessing whenever I needed and prayed for me. I am a lucky girl!

I am officially Alysha Lanham, RN :) 

 Goodbye, school! You've been good to me. 

 It took waaaaaayyyy too long to get this self-timed picture… but it was worth it. I love these people. 

That night was the bachelorette finale and Hillary and Michael came over with yummy treats!!!! How sweet is that? Best night ever. 

 The next day Jess and I got a much needed nap in. 

 My diploma finally came in the mail and made it all so real! 

 NCLEX time! 

 Yay!! The infamous "good pop-up"! Best little pop up box I've ever seen.