Security searches at a test center - any experiences?

[Clovery]

What should I bring to get my nicotine?

I'll be taking a test for my RN license at a test center in center city Philadelphia. It's a highly regulated environment - all of my personal belongings get stored in a locker and are subject to search. I take the test at a computer, and it's adaptive testing. I could be there a maximum of 6 hours, and I will get breaks. I will NEED nicotine on these breaks.

Ideally I'd have my Provari + vivi nova in my purse and I'd go stealth vape in the bathroom (I doubt I will have time to go outside). However, the rules of the test center state that all personal belonging which are accessed during breaks will be searched by security. This is definitely NOT the time for arguing with security or standing up for vaper's rights.

It's a Pearson VUE test center, which is a corporation that does computer testing for various agencies and licenses. I don't know if they will be familiar with e-cigs, especially something that looks nothing like a cigarette. My options are: bring the Provari, bring an ego, borrow a blu cig-alike from a friend, bring a nicotrol inhaler, or just slap on a nic patch and leave my vape in the car.

Anyone have any experience with a situation like this? Does anyone know the laws in Pennsylvania (I live in NJ) regarding vaping indoors? I just want the big day to go without a hitch.

 

[Mustang73064]

Give the center a call and ask if you can vape. If they say yes, just get names/phone etc for when someone else says no.

 

[Iffy]

Just take an eGo and explain what it is during the initial security check. Have a nic patch/gum in case...

 

[mikejm]

Bring an Njoy King. Leave it in the case. Check it in openly.

That's what I did when I had jury duty. I vaped it in the building out in the hall and nobody cared,

 

[SissySpike]

I agree Id call and ask what their policy is. Then you are not guessing. Good luck on your test!!!

 

[Jimmyhat]

Id say go to wawa and pic up an njoy they have the throw aways and im sure it will get you by for a little. I kniw they are a bit expensive at about 6 bucks but its worth not having to hassle with security. But i would try calling first cause you may get it through without any problems. Also as far as I'm aware there are no laws in PA against vaping indoors ive only had problems at a bar in west chester because the owner was uptight.

 

[CrowingOne]

I just finished a round of eight tests for work with Pearson. They were all shorter deals (1-3 hours), but they're really, really, really strict about not allowing ANY outside items into the centers. I think it would be difficult to get one into the test room, but you could probably leave one outside (even with the front desk).

They are good (test dependent) about letting you out for breaks if necessary. I had a few "too much coffee" moments and they were wicked easy and simple with letting me out of the room and back in again.

Security is usually "you have nothing on you going into the room", but for something like an RN test I'd assume they won't let you into your locker for your personal items due to the chance that there's a crib sheet hidden about.

Give them a call, or better yet go down there in person and explain. The individuals staffing my center were wicked nice and very accommodating. I'm sure you can work something out! I wouldn't worry about "vaper's rights"
as much as that they won't be familiar and once explained there shouldn't be an issue. Have a conversation before hand (or get there an hour+ or so early to show and tell). Otherwise I'd have to suggest slapping on a patch or nibbling some gum.

Good luck!

 

[Dana A]

First I will say GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TEST . Second Just take some gum as a back up and bring some kind of set up with you. They let people out to smoke I bet. Just explain what your PV is and if they give you a hard time then you still have the gum. Hope all goes well for you.

 

[vsummer1]

It has been a LONG time since I took my boards, but I can tell you now that you will not be able to take ANYTHING in that room with you. I wouldn't even bother asking, because quite frankly you would be wasting your breath. You will merely be warning them to watch you on those cameras just a little bit more, creating even more panic knowing you are being eyeballed as a possible cheater who wanted to bring something in the testing room.

Once you become an RN, don't plan on breaks to go vape, so get used to the stress now

ETA: I certainly don't recall any breaks at all, and if I recall it is timed so you wouldn't want to be taking one anyway?

 

[CrowingOne]

ETA: I certainly don't recall any breaks at all, and if I recall it is timed so you wouldn't want to be taking one anyway?

Most tests take into account "unscheduled" breaks where they sign you out and in again and the clock ticks down, regardless. Many of the larger tests include untimed breaks for 15min (or so) where the timer stops. It's up to you to schedule a break, regardless.

Nothing gets in, including a vaping device.

Get there early and show them what you want to do. Most centers (in my experience which is multi-location and multi-test) are concerned with their CYA (Cover Your ...) and not with draconian enforcement. Make it easy on them (leave a vape at the counter with explanation) and employ the in-the-box rules well. They make it easy, as long as they know what's up.

Remember that they just administer the test and that they don't really care. Follow their rules (and they tend to be accommodating) and they'll be fine. By my 6th test they were pretty lax on security (for me) because I followed the rules.

Mostly it's the "nothing inside the test center" rule that is enforced. No worries on the merits of vaping.

 

[vsummer1]

https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm

Nothing in the room. You can get a break after a few hours, details are in the post above.

I wish you good studying, and a comfortable test. Looking back, it really wasn't as bad as everyone lets on. You should have all you need to pass

 

[DFDF]

Take the Provari and a drip atty and inconspicous bottle. Seperate throughout purse and attach atty when you get into the bathroom. All the parts look innocent and or personal and probably wont be questioned.

 

[Clovery]

Thanks for all the advice and well wishes everyone!

The info they gave me is that there will be a 10 minute break after two hours, and then another break 2 hours after that I think. It's not mandatory, but I believe the clock stops. Hopefully I"m doing really well and don't need to take any breaks. Best case scenario is I'm there for an hour and a half and I pass with the minimum 75 questions. But it could be up to 265 questions and 6 hours

I think I'll just put a patch on and leave my vape stuff in the car. Having to explain anything to anyone would make me nervous and I don't want to be thrown off my game. I'll bring some nic gum too, just in case I need it. Can't believe it's just two days away!!

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

Good luck Clovery.
And think about the reward of the Provari in your car when you finish.

 

[Kopfstimmen]

^What Bullette said. Good luck!

 

[NICnurse]

ahhhh NCLEX! I agree with vsummer--it is not nearly as bad as your professors want you to believe. I took NCLEX 2 years ago and they are very sticky about what goes into the room. I had already started vaping when I took NCLEX and honestly, I left my vaping stuff in the car. I was worried about needing a nic fix too so I brought some nicorette with me. If it makes you feel any better I did not use any of my breaks at all.....I was in and out 75 questions in 50 minutes. Once you get into the rhythm of the test it really does go pretty fast. Also, I was pretty nervous so nic made my jittery nausea a little worse so I did not want my usual vape as much. But when I left the test....vape clouds were massive!!!

Kinda off topic but I had 23 select all that apply! Totally freaked out. Convinced myself I had flunked it at 75 questions. Did the pearson vue trick when I got home and it indicated pass. 48 hours later and $8 quick results, PASS!! I know you are gonna do fabulous and pass that test with flying colors. If you need a pep talk, or if you freak out and need to vent, don't hesitate to PM me anytime!! Cannot wait for you to join the RN club soon!!

 

[Clovery]

Took the test yesterday. Parking downtown was $34!!! At least it was self-park so I didn't have to worry about leaving stuff in my car. The test center people were nice, they gave me a locker, never searched my things. So I probably *could* have taken an e-cig with me in my purse, but I left it in the car. It didn't matter because my test was over after an hour and a half at 75 questions so I didn't take any breaks.

Kinda off topic but I had 23 select all that apply! Totally freaked out. Convinced myself I had flunked it at 75 questions. Did the pearson vue trick when I got home and it indicated pass. 48 hours later and $8 quick results, PASS!! I know you are gonna do fabulous and pass that test with flying colors. If you need a pep talk, or if you freak out and need to vent, don't hesitate to PM me anytime!! Cannot wait for you to join the RN club soon!!

I had a ton of select all that apply as well! Also had a couple of "put the steps in order" questions and some exhibits. 25 questions in I was wondering what I was going to tell people when I failed. I didn't feel absolutely sure of 3/4 of my answers. I vaped like crazy on the way home, got in the door, had a shot of scotch lol, then went straight to the computer and did the pearson vue trick. Got the "good popup"!!! Of course I'll pay for the quick results tomorrow when they're available but I have faith in the trick so I'm assuming I passed

 

[Robino1]

Took the test yesterday. Parking downtown was $34!!! At least it was self-park so I didn't have to worry about leaving stuff in my car. The test center people were nice, they gave me a locker, never searched my things. So I probably *could* have taken an e-cig with me in my purse, but I left it in the car. It didn't matter because my test was over after an hour and a half at 75 questions so I didn't take any breaks.



I had a ton of select all that apply as well! Also had a couple of "put the steps in order" questions and some exhibits. 25 questions in I was wondering what I was going to tell people when I failed. I didn't feel absolutely sure of 3/4 of my answers. I vaped like crazy on the way home, got in the door, had a shot of scotch lol, then went straight to the computer and did the pearson vue trick. Got the "good popup"!!! Of course I'll pay for the quick results tomorrow when they're available but I have faith in the trick so I'm assuming I passed

I have not taken that test, not a nurse or even trying to be one Everyone that I have ever talked about it with (Son, Daughter-in-Law, Friends that are nurses) has used that trick and it was always good. Another indication is you didn't get more than the 75 questions, if I remember correctly. Congratulations Nurse Clovery!!!!

 

[NICnurse]

Took the test yesterday. Parking downtown was $34!!! At least it was self-park so I didn't have to worry about leaving stuff in my car. The test center people were nice, they gave me a locker, never searched my things. So I probably *could* have taken an e-cig with me in my purse, but I left it in the car. It didn't matter because my test was over after a



I had a ton of select all that apply as well! Also had a couple of "put the steps in order" questions and some exhibits. 25 questions in I was wondering what I was going to tell people when I failed. I didn't feel absolutely sure of 3/4 of my answers. I vaped like crazy on the way home, got in the door, had a shot of scotch lol, then went straight to the computer and did the pearson vue trick. Got the "good popup"!!! Of course I'll pay for the quick results tomorrow when they're available but I have faith in the trick so I'm assuming I passed

It's a done deal........welcome to RN world!!!!! I have never known anyone to get the good popup and fail. Did have a girl in my class go straight to the credit card page and she did end up failing. I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! I took a shot of vodka before checking the trick as well. Then ran outside to find my husband and started bawling like a 5 year old school girl when the good popup came up. Ahhhh, I am smiling really big for you right now! I know first hand how much work you put into school and studying and all the late nights and early mornings. Just so darn proud of ya!