scallywags

TCN has an forum online that can connect you with other students and find valuable information on what others found to be helpful. I took the A&P exam yesterday and found that the Excelsior online tests were very helpful. I also signed up for Mr. Ford's class online, which had many tutorials and videos to guide me through A & P - many of which were linked to youtube. It helped me to have a visual. What subject are you currently studying?

Hopefully you will have news this week. I think it is promising that your computer shut off at 85. Stay positive and soon....you will be sharing the good news with all of your loved ones. Good luck!

I did use this as my last course of study prior to taking nclex. I found it to be helpful in studying and found it to be worth the money. I decided to use it after speaking to a newly licensed LVN who told me it was the only material she purchased to study for the exam and had passed the first try. Good luck!

I did my IV Certification at Facets of Nursing in South San Francisco. It was a two day course and the only way I was able to get out of being poked by other students, or poking other students for that matter, was to bring my "patient". My husband was a good sport and has great veins, so it was quite easy. It included IV Cert and blood w/d.

Don't be discouraged. This is a good opportunity to review the exam material and gain a better understanding of it. Take this opportunity to study and review, as though you were reviewing for the nclex.

From what I have heard, each exam is different. I did take it one time, but my classmates who had to repeat the exam did tell me the exams were different each time. Good luck!

It was $70 for livescan, although you may check with your local police department for the current fees. $75 goes in with your initial application, which the school will usually have to send it. It is then $200 for pearson vue testing center and an additional $120 for your license. It should not cost more than $500.

That is exactly what I did....dropped the kids to school and then off to Sacramento. There was one other person in the office when I got there, so it was no wait at all. The license you will get is just a piece of paper stating you passed all requirements/testing. The hard license is a blue card with your name and address, but no photo. That is great that you have a job lined up already. Good luck with it. I am sure they will support changing your hours, especially since you will be in schooll. Most places seem to promote education and some even will have tuition reimbursement. You should look into that. I am happy to hear you are moving on with your education. Good luck in your classes and getting into the RN program. :)

Congratulations on passing NCLEX! I am so excited for you and wish you luck with your new job :) I am not sure it matters how you pay, but I paid with cash. I happened to forget my check book and instead of turning home, I stopped at an ATM. It took about a week for my name to appear on the website and I had my actual nursing license a couple of days later.

You have achieved a lot at this point and you should remember that when you are applying for jobs. Finding a job out of school can be challenging. I went through this last year when I was looking for my first nursing job. I sent out over 30 applications, which included applying in person at several facilities. I got one interview and a job offer. It was a part time position about 30 minutes from home. It was not ideal, but it was a start and better than staying at home. I stayed there for a few months and continued to send out applications for a full time job. I finally got an offer for a full time position - five minutes from my house. It is with a major health care facility and I am very content. You may not find that "perfect" job at first try, but take it for the experience. Who knows, it may be the perfect fit for you. Secondly, two weeks with a license is not a long time. Be patient and continue to apply for jobs. Make a list of local facilities and spend your days going there and filling out applications. Follow up with phone calls. Apply for jobs, even if they say EXPERIENCE required. Good luck on your job search.

That would annoy me too. You should be respected as well as respectful. I would have a word with the secretary because I really believe that people will continue to treat us in such a way if we allow it. You don't have to be nasty. In a very kind tone, you should tell her that you have worked very hard to become a nurse and would appreciate it she would give you credit for your knowledge. Furthermore, let her know that you do not care for the condescending comments that are made in regards to your age, as this has nothing to do with your abilities as a nurse. It is not easy to stand up for yourself. This is not condescending - don't take it that way. But, you are young and new into the workforce in general (not just nursing). It takes time to develop that thick skin. The sooner you start letting people know what is and what is not appropriate, the sooner they will stop making these comments. Be strong and always say it with a smile on your face :)

Hi walking in faith, I am a mom of two. When I went back to school, I had a 2 and 4 year old. When I entered LVN school, they were 4 & 6. I managed to complete nearly 70 units at CC and graduate from LVN school. The big thing is to set your priorities because you will not always have all the laundry done or the house perfectly clean. I always felt as long as it was tidy and the bellies were full, all was good. In reality, my husband pitched in more than he had before and we were able to make it work. I had been a SAHM, so he had become accustomed to doing less housework, but he did pull his weight so I could go to school. Use your time wisely. It is as easy to pick up the phone and chat to friends as it is to pick up the books and study. Set limits. If you know you have two hours to yourself, study. Don't go on the computer and don't start talking to friends. Learning to say "no" to social invitations becomes easier when you let people know you are studying and cannot make it this time. I still allowed myself time to spend with friends & family, but certainly not every weekend. In class, try to sit as close to the front as possible. This will keep you alert. Make friends with people who are as serious about studying as you are, and form a study group. If you do study groups, keep on agenda so you don't spend the time chatting about everything except what you are there to do. This will be your "family" for the duration of the program. Like every family, there will be people you like and others that you don't care for. It is very easy to get caught up in the "drama", but don't allow that to happen. Stay focused on your goals and ignore the rest. Finally, stay positive. Believe in yourself and believe that it will all be worth it in the end. I am not saying it will be easy, but believe me, it is worth it. My kids are now 6 & 9. Now I am studying for my RN. They know when mommy has the books out and the door closed, they have to respect my need for quiet time...and my husband still does a lot of the cooking and cleaning. Good luck with your educational goals!

I also used this site as my final study tool, however I did not find any of the questions to be similar. I will say that I did find the review to be very helpful, especially the tips on how to analyze and answer the questions. It is a great resource and well worth the money.

When I received my letter of passing from the board in the mail, I drove to Sacramento the next business day and came home with a license. This license stated that I had passed all educational and exam requirements, and was awaiting a permanent license. Just be sure to bring your ID and all the paperwork they mail to you, plus the fees. Congrats!

Thank you for the info. I am not quite ready to take the exam, but will keep this in mind for when I register.