New RN with 6 month gap. Need help brushing up!!

[loquero]

I am a new RN. Though, I graduated in December 2010, I didn't pass NCLEX the first time. Passed it with flying colors in April but then the MS BON had one problem after another and I just received my licensure at the first of June!!

Now I feel like I don't know a thing! I felt like I was being thrown to the wolves back in January, but now I'm being thrown to them naked after being rubbed with a rarely cooked steak!!

I have an active, unrestricted license and have found it difficult getting into a transition program, especially since I graduated six months ago! I need a refreshener on basics and general stuff, (i.e. assessment, giving blood). I know there will be someone I can ask for help and I will have to go through orientation, but I am still supposed to know these things and I just don't feel like I could walkin today and do it!

I don't want a course where I have to enroll and get a textbook, etc. Should I just start back with my NUR 1 material and find the important things and repeatedly go back over them??

I know it's not the same. Should I just DIVE IN? I know everyone feels a little unready at first, but I feel REALLY unready! What to do!?!?

-Russel in MS

[CaliforniaRNnow]

Do you have a job now?

I'm gonna have a year gap because I can't find a job and I'm going to be starting my RN-BSN transition in a month or two.

It's good to save your notes and books. If you still have your NCLEX book, I'd go through that because that summarizes 2 years worth of nursing school. And if you remember things you're not quite sure about, you can go back into your textbooks (or even the internet, it's quicker lol) to look it up in more detail.

[meggo]

I also graduated in Dec and had a 6 month gap before working. Recently I read over a handbook that I bought back in school that goes to my huge med-surg textbook just to brush up on common conditions, assessments, etc. I was nervous at first but everything came back very quickly. I had to spend a little extra time looking up a few meds and diagnostic procedures I felt fuzzy on but thats it.

In all honesty as a new grad we aren't suppose to be fully confident and competent RNs so don't stress to much - plus if you were studying until April its only been 2 months! I'd recommend making sure that your hospital has a good orientation program where people understand you are green and can teach you how to be an RN. I highly doubt you need to take a course. Good luck:)