sk2198

Hi Class of 2013!! My name is Cookie Monster :) .. I just graduated from NVCC's Traditional Nursing Program. I took my boards on June 25th 2011 and became a Registered Nurse (OFFICIALLY :) ) on June 27th 2011.. What I want to advice all of you is that although NVCC recommends you guys to not work throughout the program, it is definitely difficult for a lot of students to keep up with the living expenses and stuff especially cuz our economy sucks at this time.. Anyway, I want to suggest to either volunteer or work as a nurse aide or tech at a local hospital, just to keep your foot in the door. This will help you get a job once you graduate...I only worked 24 hour a week throughout the program.. NVCC does really well with preparing you to think critically..It really really prepares you to pass your NCLEX the first time. I know you guy will do great and if any of you guys ever have questions or help with anything, I am all about helping because I know these two years are going to be your most difficult years in school. Been there, done that.. :) Good Luck to all of you.. ps... my ultimate goal is to be a CRNA also :) Cookie

To be honest, I didnt really do any review.. I just bought a kaplan 2011-2012 book from Barnes N Nobels and did the practice questions in there.. My averages were about 70s-low 80s.. I really only had one day to study and didnt want to do anything the day before the test.. I just relaxed on the 24th and took the test on the 25th.. I heard that Kaplan questions are very difficult.. and to me, they kinda were. Hurst Review, I had heard a lot about. If ur weak in content, then thats what people have recommended..If ur good with content, then just practice questions.. But, let me be honest here, I really thought the test was SO EASY.. I was a B average student in nursing school..I found it easy, like really really easy.. HESI and Kaplan questions were difficult..Dont stress.. Just relax ur mind and make sure to read each question carefully.. just go over labs values and insulins the day right before the test...thats all I did.. Only one lab value showed up on my test..:) Make sure to know how to calculate drip rates..Also always round up to the tenths for the adult and down for the pediatric client..

Dont wait too long to take ur test.. Just go and take it.. Thats what I did.. I changed my test date on June 23 to take the test on June 25..Initially I was taking the test on July 14th 2011. I felt that I was definitely not ready for the test and was confused as to how and what to study.. But, the truth is that there is really no way that you can prepare to take such test.. You just have to have ur basic nursing knowledge- things u learned in school- and then do some practice questions, which you say that ur doing a great job at, and believe me, I would do anything to help a fellow nurse or nurse to be... So, go ahead and take the test.. Good Luck!!

hi i graduated on may 15, 2011. had my first job interview on May 9th, 2011.. Found out that I got the job on May 11th, 2011. Took NCLEX on June 25, 2011. Found out I was a Registered Nurse on June 27, 2011. Took a leave of absence for 30 days from work so that I could relax and be with family before I start my new job.. (was working at a hospital on a Progressive Care Unit.. Advice: To all, KEEP YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR WHETHER YOU ARE PART TIME, FULL TIME OR PRN, just get ur foot in the door and BELIEVE ME, its like a guaranteed job once u graduate.. all the people that listened to my advice (the other 3 out of my class and myself), have jobs.. Good Luck...dont give up..keep trying is all I can advice u...

shhhh, What state do u work in? Hows the cost of living there? I am trying to relocate...Thanks

I took mine this morning.. Got the good pop up.. Excited yet nervous for official results...exam ended at 75 questions.. I knew the computer was gonna shut off at 75. I started studying on Tuesday.. Took exam today.. I personally had a good experience with my exam I got a lot of cardiac questions (One of my strengths).. I knew my heart inside out with all meds and stuff. Lots of priority questions and lots of meds.. Luckily again, one of my other strengths was Meds.. Other than the anxiety that goes with taking such a big exam, I think it was kinda of a piece of cake (especially because I got questions that I was good at).. Hope for the best and always always and always REMEMBER GOD.. TAKE HIM WITH YOU TO THE TEST AND REMEMBER HE WILL GUIDE YOU TO PICK THE RIGHT ANSWER.. You know ur stuff and may not remember it all.. But, its all in there somewhere.. Good Luck.. I did about 450 practice questions before my boards this morning.. But, if I were you I would start studying early and do as many questions..

Ok so I am taking my boards tomorrow also..SO FREAKING NERVOUS!!! N E way, from what I remember, if disaster, you prioritize caring for those that are most STABLE FIRST... If triaging in ER, you prioritize by caring for the LEAST STABLE FIRST.. PS. I feel like I dont know anything rite now :).. So wierd...Keep us all posted and GOOD LUCK.. I will keep you in my prayers!

I take mine on July 5th. I just signed up for Kaplan two days ago and havent done any studying yet.. I m too nervous about the test that I just cant focus..I think I am kinda screwed..

JSmith, Is this Janet from NVCC, VA?

hey futurenovarn, are u ready for monday's exam--> fluid and electrolytes (exam 4)? im just trying to finish the readings.. there is way too much crap to remember. how r u doing up to this point? oh i think u said u were pregnant? i dont think u should have a problem at the psych facility... i doubt that you'll ever be alone..u'll always have supervision of ur instructor.. btw, r u takin hlt 250 this semester? im taking it online... i have two more exams left and i just cant get to them... do i know u? who do u have for ur monday discussions? i have mr vananden..and im pwh for clinicals..

hey how r u? how did u do on the math diagnostic test?? i took mine on tuesday and i believe i missed one. but i missed one ? for sure..it was the one with a proportion with a fraction on top.. it was like this: 1/2:50::x/25. x is 625 but i dont know why i didnt work at it like i did when i came home. haha n e way..its all good. so wat do u think so far about the program?

congrats to u too!! yaaay!!im so happy that both of us are a part of this site and both of us got in...its just so cool.. n e way, my orientation is from 1-4 cuz my last name starts with K...well ill see u around...

thanks all for the kudos!!

hey how r u? did u recieve a letter yet? i just got mine in the mail on wednesday... i was so happy.. i withdrew from the private school i was attending. i hope u got in also and maybe we will see each other at orientation on the 23 of june 09. good luck and keep us posted!

hi everyone, after a long wait of about 5.5 years, god has granted me one of the happiest times of my life. i was attending a very expensive private school and was half way thru the semester when i recieved my letter of acceptance last wednesday... i was crying and laughing along with my husband. it was a very happy moment for us. i withdrew from the private school in a yippy! lol..any one else get into NOVA'S program?? it would be nice to know how many students also shared the same happiness that i did with my family! all posts welcome!!