While Waiting for that First Job

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

I'm sure you'll learn a ton in orientation that is specific to your facility. If you really want to read something, perhaps the "Incredibly easy" book for you area (ie med-surg, OB, psych, etc)?

Butterflybee · Sep 19, 2008

I know youre right. I just think I should be doing something to keep this stuff in my head. Im sure there are things that stick but.... Not sure what area I'll be going into, Im starting to feel desperate....

3sodapop · Sep 20, 2008

I'm a new LPN and I know that I shouldn't show up at a job interview without having full assessment skills and terminology fresh in my mind.

It probably won't be necessary for an interview, but it helps me feel like a more qualified and confident nurse in my mind if I know I can do it off the top of my head.

Now that you mention it, it's a good idea to keep reviewing while you're waiting. Thanks!

MB37 · Sep 23, 2008

Did you pass your boards yet? I had two months to kill before work started after graduation, so I've been making myself do NCLEX questions every day. I also brushed up on the areas I didn't do as well in in school (peds, OB) by reading those sections in my review books. I haven't opened any of my textbooks again and don't plan to. If I had already passed NCLEX, I'd probably pick up a critical care intro book since it's the area I'm going into - do you know what area you'll work in? It sounds like you're still applying places, I'd focus on that right now - read up on resume and interview skills to make sure you find a job first. Then, if it's a renal floor, you'll know what to concentrate on reviewing if you don't start for a few more weeks.

Butterflybee · Sep 25, 2008

Yes Ive passed my boards end August. To be honest, I was so burned out from school, studying, nclex that Ive been reading anything but a nursing book. I think good on my feet but probably should be reviewing things more challenging for me. I told myself that I wanted to wait and see what I'd be doing. I knew I should have been doing something. I think I may have a positition though . . .

MB37 · Sep 26, 2008

A month off from studying anything nursing-related is well deserved! I wish I could have tested already - we finished class in mid-July, didn't graduate until the 2nd week of August (r/t university and NS calender differences), and they didn't send off names to the BON until the last week of Aug. My sit pass came early last week, and many appts were already taken. I kind of feel like I've forgotten everything too, especially about critical care! I hope your job lead works out, definitely focus your energy on getting paid for now - once you find something, there'll be a ton of new stuff to learn anyways.

Butterflybee · Sep 27, 2008

"Focus your energy on getting paid..." you are right on with this comment!! I may have to take a position with not too much clinical skills but I will learn from it and move on. I have a month orientation so Im sure I will learn a whole lot. I still cant bring myself to focus on anything pertaining to nursing but I try. I read a little here and there, I go over in my mind the things I do remember.

QUOTE=MB37;3137056]A month off from studying anything nursing-related is well deserved! I wish I could have tested already - we finished class in mid-July, didn't graduate until the 2nd week of August (r/t university and NS calender differences), and they didn't send off names to the BON until the last week of Aug. My sit pass came early last week, and many appts were already taken. I kind of feel like I've forgotten everything too, especially about critical care! I hope your job lead works out, definitely focus your energy on getting paid for now - once you find something, there'll be a ton of new stuff to learn anyways.

geocachingRN · Sep 29, 2008

I don't know what area you live in, nor what commitments you have, but I have an idea for you. Last summer I spent 6 weeks in Guatemala. For $100/week, you can get 3 meals, stay with a family and 5 hours of private instruction per day. I needed the break from school but I came back so ready to get back to my last term of nursing school. Good luck to you!