New to Nursing Questions....

gam3rchic · Sep 26, 2007

I just got admitted and begin my classes for my RN soon, but I have not looked farther than two years into my education really, taking it one step at a time! But through reading some of these posts, I see abbreviations such as HESI and NCLEX-RN...what are these? And what really happens after your clinicals are over? So many tests to take that I didnt research! I know thats horrible of me, but what better place to get answers than from those more experienced than I?
Thank you all for your help!

:welcome: to the wacky world of nursing! There's nothing like it .

Ok, soon, NCLEX-RN (national council licensure examination - RN) will become the most dreaded word to you, because that's the nursing licensure test you will need to pass to get a license to practice. I dunno what HESI is, so it must be something that I didn't need to be a RN (at least, I hope not, lol :lol2: ).

Ok, after your clinicals are over, then real nursing begins, lol! The only test you need to take and pass initially after nursing school is NCLEX. Other tests and certifications come over time if you choose to take them. None of them are mandatory, but nice to have if you decide to specialize (like a certification in emergency nursing, for example). Like I said, none of this is mandatory. The only test you need to be concerned about at the end of nursing school is NCLEX. But don't fret, if you do good in school and pay attention, you will pass, no problem!

SassyNurseInTraining · Sep 26, 2007

Ok, gotcha...NCLEX=very very important lol

Another thing I was wondering is, the reason I am going into Nursing is because I want to work on the Maternity ward in the OB department of hospitals...I have been trying to do research, but its not going so well and frankly I have just been sooooo busy trying to get things around with me starting school, and my 4 year old is starting school as well...

Anyone know what I need to do next after I graduate for this type of career...such as other training, classes, or tests? Or can you begin work in Obstetrics out of college?

gam3rchic · Sep 27, 2007

Ok, gotcha...NCLEX=very very important lol
Another thing I was wondering is, the reason I am going into Nursing is because I want to work on the Maternity ward in the OB department of hospitals...I have been trying to do research, but its not going so well and frankly I have just been sooooo busy trying to get things around with me starting school, and my 4 year old is starting school as well...
Anyone know what I need to do next after I graduate for this type of career...such as other training, classes, or tests? Or can you begin work in Obstetrics out of college?

You can do OB right out of nursing school, though some people will tell you to do a year of med-surg before you specialize. There is arguments for both sides, it really depends. I've never worked maternity so can not speak for how difficult that particular specialization is right out of school. Maybe someone with OB experience here will chime in

AntFlip7395 · Sep 28, 2007

HESI is a standardized exam that some schools use as an exit test from a nursing program and it is also used to determine the likelihood of passing the NCLEX. Some schools also factor the score into your grade, though I find this to be illogical and unfair. HESI is content driven (meaning the test focuses heavy on knowledge and critical thinking) so if your school has you take HESI, it would behoove you to buy the HESI-RN study manual with CD-ROM, probably during your next to last semester or quarter and just start looking over it a little at a time.

As to working in OB, some hospitals offer internships. I believe the OB internships are pretty lengthy, which is good because you will have a LOT to learn and become accustomed to.