How to prepare myself to be a safe nurse?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi everyone. I recently passed my NCLEX RN but for some reason I can't apply for a nurse job until June 2016 (release of my authority to work here in USA). I am a graduate from a foreign country 6 years ago and I haven't practice my nursing profession in my country either (BSN,RN is my second degree earned). While waiting for June 2016, i wanted to prepare myself to the real world of nurses that i am going to face soon. It has been several

years since my clinical exposure and i believed I have a lot to learn yet. I am in desperate need of your suggestions/advices as to how can I prepare myself? For now, I am using youtube to refresh my nursing procedures and read some articles/forum to update myself.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Welcome to AN! If I'm understanding correctly, you finished school 6 years ago but haven't practiced as a nurse? You may benefit from a refresher course to update your practice. I would also be prepared to answer interview questions about why you haven't yet worked as a nurse.

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Yes, I haven't practiced as a nurse for almost 6 years. Is it mandatory/required to healthcare companies to obtained a refresher course after long years of no clinical exposure? if so, can you suggest schools that offer a refresher course here in NYC? would certifications not enough? such as BLS, ALCS and etc from accredited agencies. As to possible questions for job interviews, I expected that and had prepared my answer as well.

Thank you for your time and suggestions. God Bless.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

It's not required to complete a refresher course, but it would most likely make a better impression on an application.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I think you're on the right track with YouTube and a refresher course. Are you able to do any volunteer work with your current status? Even if it's not RN-level, getting hands-on with patients is so important.

Having ACLS and other certs is often required, but I haven't found them particularly helpful in positions not requiring them. I don't plan to maintain anything I don't have to for my position. No employer has said anything about them, except to verify I have them if they are required. Unless you're applying for something specifically requiring those (BLS is ALWAYS required), your money is better spent on a refresher course. You might even check out the library to see if there are any nursing process books or specialty books geared toward nurses. I've been using my textbooks to brush up before interviews and to brush up before starting my new position.

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For the meantime I can't do volunteer from income generating entities, it is limited to study purposes. I am considering your suggestion by the time I have the go signal (hopefully of June 2016). Wow! thanks for the input as to certifications, it is really good to raised concerns. As to refresher course, I'm glad I found one school that offers here in NY. It may cost me money, time, and effort but certainly it will boast my confidence. Someone told after i passed NCLEX RN to keep my books and review materials because it will help me as I go on with this profession. Thank you so much for your time. God Bless.

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