ConquerNursing

Hey, Everyone! So I just took my NCLEX-RN at 1pm and finished at 75 questions at 1:40 pm. It was by far the weirdest exam that I have ever taken. I had roughly 20-30 SATA. I just did the PVT and got the good pop-up. I am so happy that this weight has been lifted. Graduating felt good, but not as good as actually taking the exam. I'll keep everyone updated with the formal results. For me, I am glad that I didn't review a bunch of material, but did practice questions from a variety of sources. It was weird , but the NCLEX RN Mastery app had questions that almost mimicked some of the Med-Surg questions that I had on the NCLEX. Aghhh!!

Awesome! I've been using the same minus the NCSBN questions. I scored a range of 68-72% on the Kaplan tests, which is supposed to be good. What study material seemed to mimic the NCLEX more?

I know what you mean. And you are absolutely correct about the willingness to work at the bottom of the pay scale. Where I am located it seems to be that most hospitals pay the same starting rate for graduate nurses. However, if you participate in a residency program you make crap wages until you matriculate during your first year. Nursing school was intense and required so many sacrifices and I feel that being paid $13-15/hr during your time as a new grad nurse in a resident program is disrespectful. And then not being able to leave for 2 years without being charged! However, you learn so much. So there is balancing act. We all have worked so hard to get through our nursing programs, so don't settle with anything that will leave you unhappy. J

Congrats on taking the NCLEX! I am planning on taking mine within the next 30 days. What did you all use to prep? Did you most recently graduate? I'm so excited for you guys!

Verdict?

I feel that this is typical myth that many Graduate Nurses experience. I am a new graduate and I was told the same thing during my time in nursing school. Something that I feel makes an impact on the ability for a new grad to land a job in a acute/critical area depends on networking and showcase of desire to work in these areas. Many hospitals are adopting a more holistic approach to hiring, which is showing an increase in HCAHP scores. Therefore, personality plays a major role. The hospital that I worked for during nursing school is a firm believer in being able to train the right person to do any nursing task, as long as they possess something unique that they know will carry over to the patient experience. And the hospital I work for has a A+ nationwide ratings! So, if you feel that you have the skill and desire, be CONFIDENT and go for it!