Daniel Novak

The saying "I don't know" part is so true. As a new nurse, there's a lot of pressure to look like you know what you're doing, but asking questions is a lot safer than guessing. I also like the one-skill-a-shift idea. Trying to get better at everything at once gets overwhelming fast. Sometimes getting through a shift and learning one new thing is enough. Having a good preceptor or another nurse you trust to talk to also makes those first few months a lot easier.

Welcome back to nursing! Saunders is a good place to start for an overall review, especially for assessments, diseases, labs and practice questions. I would also get the exam blueprint from your regulatory body and study from that, since it helps you focus on what your CBA is actually testing.

I wouldn't assume Chiari automatically rules you out. Flight programs and medical requirements vary, so the important part would be what the specific program and occupational health provider require. Since your neurosurgeon has already evaluated you and didn't recommend surgery, I'd keep that documentation and ask the flight program directly before ruling the career out. Also, being cleared for nursing school and regular nursing work is a separate question from being cleared for flight duty.