NCLEX and Critical Care Internship

[dru2007]

My pinning was June 21 and I just started a critical care internship for the Neuro PCU. I received my ATT about three days ago and scheduled my test for Aug 24. The workload of the internship is extremely demanding and I have no idea where I will find time to study for NCLEX. Fortunately, the first portion of the program is a fast paced, hardcore review of disease processes, body systems with some ethics thrown in for good measure. I am hoping that this will be a review for the exam. I am trying to hit as many questions as possible for practice. I am scoring in the high 60's on the Kaplan online tests.

I am excited to pass but extremely nervous about the exam. Any words of encouragement?? I could really use them. Thanks!

[jamonit]

hi! i know it's hard to have a fast-paced, consuming new grad program (been there, done that). but, you have to remember that you aren't much good to your new employers if you don't pass that beast of a test. one positive thing to keep in mind, the didactic portion of your internship is a fantastic review. if you have a lot of the 'core content' refreshed and understood, than you've got that going for you.

my advice: on your days off, study test taking strategies. complete as many question as possible. the more questions and rationales you complete, the better. try to set a study schedule like--"i'm going to do 10 questions today, even if i'm tired."

an area that i've heard has been beefed up on the new version of the NCLEX is the prioritization and deligation portion of the exam. make sure you understand the scope of the RN and what can be delegated to whom. also, practice the questions in which you are told to order the steps of a procedure or order which patient you'd see first.

that's my advice if you are in a time crunch. if you find it to be a little to consuming, ask your nurse manager or educator if you can have some time off prior to the test to really hit the books--even if it's just a few days in a row. talk to your educator about your concerns and ask her to advise you in a plan to conquer that beast of a test.

Best of luck!!!

p.s.--you can do it!