Last semester nerves

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Hello ALL NURSES!

To begin, I can't believe I made it to my last semester for a BSN Nursing degree! Although with the excitement, comes anxiety and nerves.

I'm sure these questions have been answered many times, but here goes nothing.

1. Tell me everything's going to be alright!!I feel like I know nothing! How was your first couple months on the job?

2. I have no prior experience in the medical field. I'm 22 and I have been waitressing through college. How long after I pass my boards until I get a job?

3. When do I start applying for jobs?

4. I live in western mass. Anyone know of any facilities that like to hire new grads? Or in general ? (Rather not start at a nursing home)

5. How bad is advanced med surg?

6. How did you wonderful people prepare for the boards and when is a good time frame to take them? (I intend to graduate May 11th)

Thank you for your time!

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1. Tell me everything's going to be alright!!I feel like I know nothing! How was your first couple months on the job?

Everything is going to be alright!!! You have to know something in order to make it as far as you have, right? The first couple months you will be nervous. In fact, the first year can be a challenge going from student to independent. Just know when to ask questions and don't be afraid to ask!!! I'd rather work with a new nurse that asks questions than a new nurse that thinks they know it all!!!!

2. I have no prior experience in the medical field. I'm 22 and I have been waitressing through college. How long after I pass my boards until I get a job?

I worked as a nurse extern in a med/surg ICU prior to graduating; so, I already had a job. The hard part was waiting to pass NCLEX so that I could start functioning as an RN!!!

3. When do I start applying for jobs?

I guess it depends on your area. You can start applying now, after you graduate, or after you pass the NCLEX. I'd try to secure a nurse extern job in a position that I wanted to work, if possible. That way, the job would be lined up as soon as I got my license.

4. I live in western mass. Anyone know of any facilities that like to hire new grads? Or in general ? (Rather not start at a nursing home)

Sorry, I do not know anything about western mass. I'm sure you can find something other than nursing homes.

5. How bad is advanced med surg?

Med surg was fine. I enjoyed learning. I think all things are what you make them. Have a positive attitude, and your experience will be more positive.

6. How did you wonderful people prepare for the boards and when is a good time frame to take them? (I intend to graduate May 11th)

My goal was to read over my texts, take practice tests/NCLEX prep, flash cards. I took my test as soon after graduation as possible. It was the following month. I figured...do it while things were fresh in my head!!

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In the process of applying to nursing programs myself, but I can help with part of the first section! Like BassCatchingNurse said you must know something in order to get to your final semester. Congratulations for making it this far!!! I can only imagine what you're experiencing right now, but I can say I am a bundle of nerves now that I am done with my prerequisites and anticipating starting a nursing program in the Fall.

Keep working hard and I hope you have an excellent last semester! Best wishes!!

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