Old but NEW Nurse!

[Teejaysmomma3, BSN, RN]

HI Everyone. I am new to allnurses and this is my very first post! Let me start by giving you a brief background about me. I graduated nursing school and passed the local nursing licensure exam in the Philippines in March 2009. Had to move back to the US in September 2009. During that time I did not have enough resources and money to review and take the NCLEX right away, my mom and I were more concerned about making money to survive here in the States. I tried to look for a job in the hospital just so I can have my foot in (receptionist, nursing assistant etc) but nobody called me. I applied everywhere and for any position because I was desperate to find a job, the first one that called me was a Bank and to make the long story short, I ended up working in that bank for 4 years! That was in WA state.. where I also met my husband now of almost 3 years. I quit my job and we moved to TX where his family was. Got another bank job. We got pregnant, had my baby and realized I wanted more for myself and I want my son to be proud of me. My husband has been telling me why don't I go take the NCLEX finally and get back into nursing. At first I was scared and I was not very confident about what I still know because I graduated six years ago with no professional experience as a nurse. But I decided to give it a shot. I applied to take the NCLEX here in TX, got denied and they want me to re-educate. I applied in WA, got approved but I had to take the TOEFL, failed it the first time, took it again and this time I passed the over-all score requirement but missed the speaking section by 2 points! I was desperate, it was real frustrating and exhausting, working full-time, having a baby to take care of at home while trying to study for the NCLEX and English test. I gave up on WA and applied in the state of Hawaii, got approved and finally passed the NCLEX on the second try! Finally a USRN! I am licensed in HI but will endorse over here in TX.

Now my question is, how do I prepare to become a good nurse? What are the "must-know"? How do I prepare to get a job in the hospital? Do they expect you to know everything? Are they gonna train me? For how long? Its been SO LONG since I held a stethoscope and a BP cuff!

Please HELP! Appreciate your insights!

[swinchester86]

Hi, i just stumbled a crossed your post and I want to say i think that is so awesome of you for not giving up and giving it another try! And you succeeded at it!! Congrats:) And best wishes..

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Congrats. Most of us were nervous when we first started. It took me several years of experience to get confident.

Your training depends on the facility that hires you. My new hire/new grad orientation was 3 months.

I would say the most important thing to remember is... keep your eyes open,and your mouth shut.

Good luck! Let us know how it's going.