New Grad Question & Concern?

soon2beRN2021, ADN · May 13, 2021

Hey there chichimel,

First off congrats! Hope you get the NICU job!! I graduated recently too, and currently studying for the NCLEX. I'm taking mine in June!!

So, during finals I was hospitalized for AFib/Flutter/SVT..all in one delightful package. The cardiac nurses were telling me tidbits of info I thought I'd pass on! UWorld is so highly recommended by every RN I have met, so if you can--get a 30-60 day membership and utilize it! Take practice tests every day on their portal if you can (even just 1 test of 75-100 questions). They have great remediation information on the bottom of each question, including diagrams/charts that you can actually copy into flashcards through their portal and peruse later. The program also tells you your chance of passing the NCLEX based off your pretest score, and then tells you how much you should be studying based off that percentile you score in. I've learned 2-4 hours is really my limit, but I try to cap off at 2.5 if possible just so I am not burnt out the next day. You can study for as many or as little days as you like. I try to M-F just because this feels like real "work", then I relax on weekends. If I really don't understand the content, I write down in a notebook the info so I can re-read it later. UWorld seriously has a crap ton of SATAs, which is good..as the more practice the more accuracy!

I cannot say enough, taking questions modeled after the NCLEX format and style (SATA, diagrams, ordered responses, fill in the blank) really help you feel confident when you get to that test. Reading a book will only get you so far! I'd check out the NCLEX NCSBN Test plan, this will not only let you know how the test will go..but the different categories the test will focus on. (https://www.NCSBN.org/testplans.htm)

In regards to applications, I got my dream ICU RN job by being a nurse extern and having a great interview! Since you've already interviewed and I'm sure you'll be great..try to relax ? you've accomplished so much! I start 7/26, hence why I'm doing my NCLEX in June. Remember to go through your state's dept of health licensure site to start your process in order to be cleared to schedule for your NCLEX on the NCSBN site!! Good luck!

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 13, 2021

I studied 50-100 questions per day until NCLEX day. Doing the questions every day kept my mind in NCLEX mode and kept the information fresh on my mind.

1 hour ago, chichimel said:

Lastly, should I be doing anything that will give me a better chance of getting my dream job?

At this point there is nothing that will give you much of an advantage. NRP and STABLE will be offered during orientation, so getting them now has little advantage. Nailing the interview is you best way to getting into the NICU.