Preparing before graduation

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

This year will be my last year of my ADN program before I graduate, get to sit for the NCLEX, and hopefully become an RN after passing. I plan on enrolling into an RN-BSN program, as well as applying for nurse residency programs, and I'm looking to relocate. I'm trying to stay on top of things. Just wondering if there is anything I'm missing or things that you wish you had done earlier to transition from nursing student to a working nurse. I appreciate any input you guys have.

Things I've done:

-Updated my resume/references

-Kept copies of my official transcript from my previous Bachelor's

-Researched and narrowed down the programs I'm interested in

-Done light prepping for NCLEX

Things I'm planning to do/in process of:

-Get in some vacation time before I start working FT

-Start applying to RN-BSN programs and nurse residency programs in Feb-Mar

-Save up money for traveling to out-of-state interviews

-Save up money for NCLEX

-Keep CPR card UTD

-Obtain letters of recommendation

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

No pointers?

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I think that you have the reality of the situation well in hand. I would recommend that preparing for the NCLEX be the top priority. A nurse that cannot pass the NCLEX cannot make any work (in most states). Many resources and NCLEX study guides have practice questions. I would find a few of these and start practicing. I did somewhere around 10,000 to 12,000 questions to prepare and felt I was really ready.

I understand the vacation idea but remember that if you get a job offer it might not wait for you to go on vacation.

Is there a cardiac rhythm interpretation class you can take before graduation? I found that this was one of the best things I could have done to prepare to work. Many programs do not have this class built into their curriculum.

Wish I could be of more help but it looks like you have got this.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Where are you looking to relocate to? Somewhere warm, I hope? This is my last year also. My region has had a nursing boot camp the past couple of days for students and new grads to refresh their skills before either going into clinical or into the job market. It was really great and it all came back to me as I was getting started. Do you guys have OB/Peds this semester? We do.

Looks like you have a great idea on what to do. I would research the areas that you are looking to move to now. What is their job market like? Find out what the salaries are going for so you don't get low-balled in the beginning. I have not done any studying for NCLEX. My understanding is OB/Peds is going to be hard this semester. Next semester we really buckle down on NCLEX.

Two of my good friends in the LPN program just graduated earlier this month. They got to sit for NCLEX yesterday and both passed!! And their licenses were visible on the BON before quick results from Pearson Vue. Glad Indiana is on top of it. I'm also glad to know that our program has trained the LPNs well. I've sat with these two through all of the classes that were combined.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

@rob: Thanks for your input. I don't know if there are any cardiac rhythm interpretation classes offered nearby, but I'll look into it! And I meant vacation during my breaks before I graduate. Next summer will be all work and no play, unfortunately.

@Heather: I have no idea. I'm just looking everywhere except Midwest, mostly. I think my time in this area has come to an end. Have of us are taking OB/Peds while the other have are taking Critical Care this semester (I'm in OB/Peds). I wish we had something like that! I feel like my assessment skills are a bit lacking. I'll probably review them before classes start. That's so exciting! Hopefully, our results come out that quickly as well.