I am finally done! NCLEX-RN time...

[Spazzy Nurse, RN]

Another thing you have to look at when you're thinking ahead to taking boards how booked up your test center will be. I was lucky--- we have a few centers in our area to choose from so I didn't have to wait all that long.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

Hey woman! I'm staying right where i am...I like my hospital (scary, huh?).

that's good that you like where you are...i am planning on changing hosp when i finish...money issues and want to move up to a level 2 trauma er...

[LizKris]

HI, Nice to know you're done with NClex exams. WellI need info on how to apply for the exams. Am a registered Nurse from NIg and am trying to write the exams.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Hi LizKris- I haven't taken the NCLEX-RN yet...I'm still waiting for my CLEP transcripts to be received by EC. My academic advisor says my conferral date will be in January. I hope I don't have to wait that long for my ATT letter!

[Nurse1956]

I am so happy that your 13 year old is ok.....I have been looking at all your posts...I am soooo impressed!!!! I finished all my NC tests and pre req's in March. I am just stressing out about the CPNE. I am so proud of you that you are all done. I just don't feel like studying for the CPNE. Nursing would be my 2nd profession. I have already been at my current job for 26 years..but took off 3 years to get my pre req's for Rn school... but at the time they were laying off RN's and hiring LPN's..so I went to LPN school in 95'. Now, I am wanting to do something different and go back into nursing... I am just scared of the CPNE. I am not ready to get all stressed out about the CPNE. Is it really that bad? I don't have that much experience as a nurse............

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Thanks so much!

The CPNE wasn't scary really. I did study my rear off for it though.

You can do a workshop if you need to brush up on your skills. You might as well go ahead and finish- you'll feel so good after passing that exam! Good luck to you!

[Nurse1956]

Thanks for the support...I brought out some of my nursing books today...what should I start with? What would you recommend to start with first..to start studying for the CPNE??? The lab part or the PCS????

[Spazzy Nurse, RN]

I know you weren't asking me, but I'll be rude and butt in anyway.

When I first started studying, I first started out with memorizing the CEs and my grid. You work on those throughout the entire study process. Make up some mnemonics and figure out what you want as a grid. You'll probably have to tweek things a few times before you find exactly what works perfectly for you. I made my own flash cards which also helped to learn the CEs. I broke up studying into different sections....... practicing the labs, brushing up on basic skills (tube feeds/meds, flushing foleys, etc.), a review on all peds stuff, etc. I spent more time on things that I have never done and less time on things I could do in my sleep, like bed baths, transferring, etc.

You'll get your groove down in no time. :)

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

I agree with Spazzy- that's pretty much what I did, too. Go over the entire study guide first, and then go over it again with your mnemonics. Also, the second time you go over it, care plan all the pt care examples in the guide. Make lots of copies of the example PCS sheets in the back. I also went over the sample CE checkoff sheets, so I would know exactly what the examiners would be looking for.

Have you PM'd me with your email addy so I coule send you my study materials? I can't remember...lol. If not, PM me and I will send them to you.

[exnavygirl-RN]

It is a miracle your daughter didn't get hurt. Thank Goodness! WooHoo on finishing all your courses. I still haven't taken the first one. I gave birth to a baby boy October 12. I had a miserable pregnancy but the baby is a little angel. I was sick my whole pregnancy but didn't have any serious problems.

I'll be taking my first exam sooon!

Whew- I am finally done with all my courses. It's been a hectic road with ill family members, 2 kids, and getting re-married in the interuum, but I am finally finished with the Excelsior ASN program. I took my last CLEPs today and passed, which was a feat in itself.

My 13 yr old got hit by a car yesterday, and believe it or not, she has NO INJURIES. She flew 20 feet in the air, broke the van's radiator and windshield, but she's OK. The kid doesn't have a scratch on her! An EMT, a peds ER nurse, and a cop all happened to be right at the scene of the accident when it happened!!! All of her xrays, CTs, labs, etc. were clear- she's hurting today, though- and still shaken up a bit.

Well, hubbie stayed home with her today, and one of my nurse friends did checks on her while I took these CLEPs (which I barely got to study for, and guessed on half of the questions- I don't recommend this). I can't believe I am done, and I REALLY can't believe my daughter is OK. I knew the MDs and some of the agency RNS in the peds hospital, so they took very good care of us.

Today is a good day. :)

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Thanks, Exnavygirl. And good luck to you on your first exam- sounds like you went through the wringer on your pregnancy! I'm glad your little one is OK, too.

[Spazzy Nurse, RN]

Congrats to you Exnavygirl! And glad everyone is happy and healthy.

Baby boys rule. :)