HELP! Don't know what to do.

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Hello nurses and students!

I'm new here, and I have a question regarding my next steps. A little background: I attended a community college and got my AA in Nursing. I received NO HELP afterwards of what my next steps are. Fast forward, 3 years later I'm still just an AA in Nursing degree holder. I don't know what to do, what to apply to, and if I can get my bachelors in Nursing before doing my NCLEX? I'm really confused and I'm interested in furthering my education and passion in nursing.

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

First review the Texas Board of Nursing process for licensure exam requirements: https://www.BON.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp

Prepare for NCLEX exam. Allnurses NCLEX forum offers great advice that has helped many to pass the exams: https://allnurses.com/nursing-students-c132/ There are several websites recommended in that forum to review anatomy/physiology, disease processes, nursing procedures , and disaster triage --common topics on the NCLEX exam.

Later, check AN's Resume https://allnurses.com/resume-advice-c192/ ; Job Search Assistance https://allnurses.com/job-search-assistance-c191/ and Interview forums https://allnurses.com/job-interview-advice-c193/ for advice landing that first position.

Texas needs RN's for the foreseeable future due to the Coronavirus. Develop an outline of steps you need to take to reach your goals. Plan one week at a time to tackle an item on the list, try for 30min/day NCLEX prep study. Check off each week what you've accomplished on your list.

Our members are here to support you, Best wishes achieving the RN license.

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Pay for and devote yourself to a good NCLEX review course. Get prepped and pass that NCLEX!

It seems to me like your next step, then, should be to look for an RN position. Take it from there as far as completing your BSN.

Good luck to you!

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You may want to check on Texas eligibility requirements. For instance, Texas requires a Texas jurisprudential course. Also, I believe you have 4 years to take (and pass) the NCLEX.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

It would be wiser for you not to post using your real name.

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47 minutes ago, subee said:

It would be wiser for you not to post using your real name.

thanks

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, PH, CM.

Start from the beginning. I think you'll need a refresher course before you take the NCLEX, because that is your first step. Doubt if you will be able to get into a topcap to BSN without being a RN, so get that done as soon as possible. How could this happen? All my school preached about during my 2-yr program is the NCLEX. What have you been doing for the past 3 years?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
3 hours ago, Katie82 said:

Start from the beginning. I think you'll need a refresher course before you take the NCLEX, because that is your first step.

Unfortunately, most Nursing refresher courses require active RN license so attendees can perform bedside care in a facility as part of refresher course.

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On 7/24/2020 at 4:35 PM, lucyrdgz said:

no, I wasn't told what my next steps were, and then I had a big move, so I never furthered my research. Should that be my next step?

Take the NCLEX! You say nobody told you that you had to take it but how did you not know? You can’t do a bridge to BSN without being licensed I believe.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Perhaps you can reach out to your old nsg sch alumni office or guidance office and see if they can offer you any suggestions.

Better late than never for some of their interventions that should have been avail during your schooling.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I think that you first need to get your authorization to test (ATT) from your state board of nursing.

Once you get the ATT, start NCLEX practice tests and see where you stand. If you are not scoring in a passing range, it's okay, but you need to start practicing.

If you are scoring very low, I would recommend taking a formal NCLEX course. If you are close, but not solid, it is probably good enough to just use an NCLEX practice app that you can get for your phone.

Good luck!

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The first question is how much have you retained during your 3 year hiatus? Take NCLEX practice tests to see where you stand. If you can't remember the information, I would start over with a BSN program. If you remember some of it but not much, I would still start over with a BSN program and see if they'll take your AA credits or let you test out of classes.

If that's not possible or an option you want to pursue, then as everyone else pretty much said, start with taking the NCLEX. I'm unsure of the rules on time limitation but you have to get your ATT. If you're unable to get your ATT then you'll definitely know where to begin.

Good luck!

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