My convoluted journey into nursing...Advice needed

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Okay so i will try to keep this short and sweet. I started my Journey in 2006 as a nursing major at East Carolina University and an out of state student. Being that it was too expensive i opted to go back home to Norfolk State University. It took me another 4 years to get out of there with just my ADN (long story wont get into details). I barely got away with that. I had to take my HESI 3 times before I actually graduated (more $$$). Luckily I had snagged a job working as a Care Partner at a Local hospital. Unfortunately i only had Flexi hours and was only making enough to fill my gas tank for the 40 min commute to work. By the time I graduated i had so much debt and I was so broke that I couldnt even afford to take my NCLEX. So I joined the Navy (of course HM wasnt available so Im an IT). It has now been almost 3 years since I passed my HESI and im finally at a place where I can take my NCLEX. Needless to say I am a little rusty on my content. Last week i began the Kaplan Review Course. It was way to much for my amount of "rustiness". So I am thinking about doing the Hurst Review since it seems to focus more on content.

Soooo... I said all this to say that now that I am back on the ball, does anyone have any advice for me as i attempt to study for this test?? Which review course would be best for me?? Anyone experiencing anything similar?

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No one has anything to offer? Well Thanks anyway.

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If you are weak on content then yes Hurst is a great resource to help you. That was one of my main tools I used to study. I suggest studying one section a day and test yourself on it. When you finish going over the content and if you want more questions to practice on I suggest buying the Kaplan Qbank/ Qtrainers.

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Good luck! From what I've heard, Hurst and Kaplan are great sources!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'm just now starting to get stuff together for the NCLEX, so I may not be the best resource, but I hear the Saunders books are great as well. Doing stuff that you can do at your own pace might be a good way to go if you're really rusty on the material.

Off topic- are you going to be able to commission with your ADN, or are you due to discharge soon? Any chance to changing to HM if you can't commission? I know HM is one of the least in-demand NECs (or it was when I went in), but it happens. The thought process is different between RN and HM (tough transition!), but it's great experience if you can do it. From what I understand, you'll need a BSN if you were to stay in a commission, is that correct? What's your plan?

How are you doing with those student loans? What happens if you can't find a full time position as an RN, since you've been out of school awhile?

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I would recommend to choose one resource as your main content..I am using Hurst as my content review..then I used various resources for qs such as Saunders or ncsbn qbanks... I would concentrate on one topic and do questions on that topic until you master it...Good luck:)

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I'm just now starting to get stuff together for the NCLEX, so I may not be the best resource, but I hear the Saunders books are great as well. Doing stuff that you can do at your own pace might be a good way to go if you're really rusty on the material.

Off topic- are you going to be able to commission with your ADN, or are you due to discharge soon? Any chance to changing to HM if you can't commission? I know HM is one of the least in-demand NECs (or it was when I went in), but it happens. The thought process is different between RN and HM (tough transition!), but it's great experience if you can do it. From what I understand, you'll need a BSN if you were to stay in a commission, is that correct? What's your plan?

How are you doing with those student loans? What happens if you can't find a full time position as an RN, since you've been out of school awhile?

Well since im enlisted i was going to apply to the Seamen to Admiral program ( STA-21). They pay for you to finish your BSN then you commission at the end. Ive def. noticed the difference in HM to RN and its really huge lol. And the Enlisted side really isnt for me, I got 4 years left so if i cant commission ill just go and try to find a job on my own.

As far as my loans after consolidation, and Income based repayment, im paying them off with no problem. I found this public service loan forgiveness program so after ten years i should be all done with them.

When i get out ill be staying reserve so if I cant find a job after i get my BSN I will try to just commission from Reserve back to Active duty.

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Thank you. Is possible to just buy the qbank and trainers or do you have to buy the whole program?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you. Is possible to just buy the qbank and trainers or do you have to buy the whole program?

You can buy just the qbank. But the qtrainers are only available as part of an online or in person review package (packages also include the qbank)

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