From Accelerated Nursing Student to RN New Grad (my journey)

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Just wanted to share my nursing school journey and how awesome allnurses. com has helped me.

Before applying to nursing I read through many postings on allnurses.com just to get a "heads up" on what I'd be getting myself into. I must say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

In Fall 2012, I started an accelerated 15 month nursing program. The program required that you already have at least a bachelor's degree and so I figured that the quicker I could get through this the better. Nursing school is rough period, but when it is condensed and zoomed through, well you either manage and focus on all the money you would have to pay back if you quit or you just quit...I did not have the option to quit. With this being being my second bachelor's degree, I didn't qualify for federal grants/ scholarships and the easiest option was the remaining federal loans that I did not use in undergrad and private loans. To add to all that, it was advised that you not work while in the program.

Well the accelerated program flew by with very few breaks and I found myself struggling with the ATI exit exam, but eventually finished strong with a 98% chance of passing NCLEX the first time. One unfortunate thing about nursing school is that my anxiety level was like I'd never experienced before and even after graduating I found myself doubting that I could pass the NCLEX. I jumped on allnurses.com and read about NCLEX prep experiences and their testing experiences. It was a whirlwind of emotions, but it helped me to realize that what is meant for me is for me and all I could do was continue to prepare my mind so up until the day before my exam (about 7 pm to be exact), I read though the HURST workbook, did the practice tests, review Saunders NCLEX comprehensive review, created flash cards, utilized ATI Mentor app questions and Kaplan app practice questions. IT WAS DRAINING...so draining that the night before my exam I might have slept 4 hours...and I love my sleep by the way.

Exam day! I had a few hours to spare so I drove 40 mins to the testing center, walked into to the building so I knew exactly where I'd be going in a few hours, said a little prayer then searched gps for the closest library. I read over notes, flash cards, and a print out of NCLEX test taking tips-I highly recommend this in preparation. Got in the room feeling good...got my first break and prayed to God that I didn't know what I was doing anymore and just needed strength to focus. That test screen shutting off was the most shocking moment ever and I didn't know what to feel. I was somewhere around 120...that drive home was the worst ever, I felt sick to my stomach and debated in my mind whether I should do the trick. Rushed in my apartment very nervous, went through the procedures and got the "good popup." Then I googled the accuracy of the trick. I hoped and prayed for this to be the end of this part of the journey.

The next day I got a random email from the state board and it was addressed Registered Professional Nurse...ummm did they send this to the wrong person? I was waiting for the 48 hour mark and so I went to the board of nursing website, searched my name and sure enough, there it was with a RN license number. Best moment ever!!

So now it's been two weeks and I have been on the job hunt and still scavengering through allnurses.com! Received a call today about interviewing for a nurse residency position and it was yet another moment of joy. Now to put in the work to get this position.

Do you have any questions about my journey? Feel free to ask!

~What is for you, is for you, so claim it!!

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"What is for you, is for you, so claim it!!!"

Absolutely love what you said....very true. ...and congrats on passing nclex!!!!!

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WOnderful story!!

Just wanted to share my nursing school journey and how awesome allnurses. com has helped me.

Before applying to nursing I read through many postings on allnurses.com just to get a "heads up" on what I'd be getting myself into. I must say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

In Fall 2012, I started an accelerated 15 month nursing program. The program required that you already have at least a bachelor's degree and so I figured that the quicker I could get through this the better. Nursing school is rough period, but when it is condensed and zoomed through, well you either manage and focus on all the money you would have to pay back if you quit or you just quit...I did not have the option to quit. With this being being my second bachelor's degree, I didn't qualify for federal grants/ scholarships and the easiest option was the remaining federal loans that I did not use in undergrad and private loans. To add to all that, it was advised that you not work while in the program.

Well the accelerated program flew by with very few breaks and I found myself struggling with the ATI exit exam, but eventually finished strong with a 98% chance of passing NCLEX the first time. One unfortunate thing about nursing school is that my anxiety level was like I'd never experienced before and even after graduating I found myself doubting that I could pass the NCLEX. I jumped on allnurses.com and read about NCLEX prep experiences and their testing experiences. It was a whirlwind of emotions, but it helped me to realize that what is meant for me is for me and all I could do was continue to prepare my mind so up until the day before my exam (about 7 pm to be exact), I read though the HURST workbook, did the practice tests, review Saunders NCLEX comprehensive review, created flash cards, utilized ATI Mentor app questions and Kaplan app practice questions. IT WAS DRAINING...so draining that the night before my exam I might have slept 4 hours...and I love my sleep by the way.

Exam day! I had a few hours to spare so I drove 40 mins to the testing center, walked into to the building so I knew exactly where I'd be going in a few hours, said a little prayer then searched gps for the closest library. I read over notes, flash cards, and a print out of NCLEX test taking tips-I highly recommend this in preparation. Got in the room feeling good...got my first break and prayed to God that I didn't know what I was doing anymore and just needed strength to focus. That test screen shutting off was the most shocking moment ever and I didn't know what to feel. I was somewhere around 120...that drive home was the worst ever, I felt sick to my stomach and debated in my mind whether I should do the trick. Rushed in my apartment very nervous, went through the procedures and got the "good popup." Then I googled the accuracy of the trick. I hoped and prayed for this to be the end of this part of the journey.

The next day I got a random email from the state board and it was addressed Registered Professional Nurse...ummm did they send this to the wrong person? I was waiting for the 48 hour mark and so I went to the board of nursing website, searched my name and sure enough, there it was with a RN license number. Best moment ever!!

So now it's been two weeks and I have been on the job hunt and still scavengering through allnurses.com! Received a call today about interviewing for a nurse residency position and it was yet another moment of joy. Now to put in the work to get this position.

Do you have any questions about my journey? Feel free to ask!

~What is for you, is for you, so claim it!!

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What are some things you found help you cope with the stress of an accelerated program? What were the best study resources for your classes?

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