HappytobeARNP MSN, APRN

It sounds like you just need help with your organizational skills. You have the knowledge but you just need to execute. I would get some sort of planner and write down what's due and when. Your planner should be organized by subject and you should se...

I started nursing school when my kids were 2 and 4 years old. It was hard for me, my kids, and my husband. What motivated me was my passion for nursing, the ability to have my own career, and the possibility of improving the quality of life for my ch...

Most of my professors used Power Point and I would take notes on my laptop as they taught. The other thing that really helped me was recording lectures (get permission first). I would listen to the lectures during my drive home and during any down ti...

This link from the California BON provides information for licensing and has a section for international nurses: Licensure by Examination It sounds like you will need to become licensed here in the States so you should also contact schools in your ar...

The great thing about nursing is that the backgrounds vary. The difference between those that succeed and those that don't is the level of work and commitment that is put forth REGARDLESS of age. You will have to work harder just based off of the fac...

Honestly the core material is the same regardless of which company you use. More than anything you will need to understand and study the material. Know the basics, study the rationales, and assess your missed questions. I used Kaplan and passed the ...

I think that you have a good chance of getting into a nursing program. You have taken advanced medical classes and left in good standing--that counts for a lot! Your GPA will play a role but won't be the defining factor. What will really seal the dea...

Check your local community colleges or universities they probably will allow non-degree seeking students to take classes (some offer online classes). Community college will be the cheapest option but just make sure that the course will be accepted by...

Are you going over the questions that you missed and understanding the rationale? Is there a certain category that you have issues with? Find out why you've missed the questions that you've missed: Do you not know the content? Didn't understand the q...

We have all heard the numerous adjectives used to describe nurses: selfless, nurturing, strong, kind, compassionate, and the list goes on. We dedicate our lives to helping others. We put our family second to put those in need first. We are real life ...

I think that you will need to dig a little deeper into what you really want. Why do you want to work in PACU? Do you really see yourself going back to Med-Surg? It sounds like your current job is going well so is being closer to home and spending mor...

I honestly don't think that the school that you attend really matters as long as they are accredited without any negative publicity. With that being said...any school that doesn't answer emails from a prospective student is concerning as most schools...

I commend you for going after your true passion! It takes a lot of strength to walk a way from a career that you've devoted a lot of time, money, and more to and realize that it just isn't for you. There are some nurses that are miserable but show up...

This cover letter seems very standard. There's nothing that tells the person reading it why they should select you over someone else. You were a patient care tech? Great! How many patients did you take care of per shift? What type of unit/patients? W...

I think that you should follow your chain of command and voice your concerns. Map out your career so far and point out that you have not had enough experience to feel comfortable at this time but that you are willing to learn. I would also talk to so...

You take care of REAL people, give REAL medicine, follow REAL orders, and save REAL lives. Just repeat this to any naysayers and watch them fumble for words. You are a REAL nurse.

Any nurse that hasn't shared the same feelings at some point in their career is truly a unicorn. It's OK to be unhappy with a position that doesn't allow you to perform at your best. The great thing about nursing is that it is so flexible. There are ...

This is a reminder that sometimes its the smallest things that make a big difference is someone's life. The few extra minutes you took will make her life so much easier. Often its our compassion that's separates us from other healthcare professionals...

Congratulations on your new job! The National Association of School Nurses has some good resources. Check out their website: Back-to-School - National Association of School Nurses I hope you love it!

There is nothing wrong with the way that you are feeling! You have a lot on your plate and it sounds like you don't feel like you're able to provide adequate care and you don't feel valued. Every single nurse has felt some variation of what you're fe...

I think your schedule will depend on how much you handle while in school. If you have to work then choose the job that's going to give you the most flexibility with the less stress. You probably won't be able to determine which job is the best fit un...

Does the professor have online office hours? If so, have you reached out to her? If not, have you tried just sending an email to ask for advice or extra credit opportunities? At this point you should be living A&P at every free moment. Practice w...

The program you choose depends on your learning style and lifestyle. If you are able to study day and night, work better under pressure, fine with not having a social life, and don't see anything wrong with focusing on nothing but nursing until gradu...

I graduated from an accelerated nursing program as well. It sounds like your area may have an abundance of nurses at this time but don't let that discourage you. You just need to put forth more effort to get a job. I would recommend networking to bui...

First thing first. Stop beating yourself up about it and thinking about all of the things you should've/could've done. There are plenty of new grads that can't pass the NCLEX. The thing with the NCLEX is that it isn't just about answering a simple qu...