weebs21

Hi all, I took NCLEX-RN last week and passed in 75 questions. I wanted to write in to hopefully calm some nerves out there. I had been reading numerous posts on here and really started to psych myself out. After reading it awhile you begin to think that this test is worse than it really is. I did horribly on my exit HESI so for those of you out there in a similar situation - you will do fine if you prepare. I knew I had to put in some serious prepping after my HESI results. I did abut 150-200 questions per day (give or take a day here or there) for about 5 weeks - I probably ended up doing about 3500 Saunders questions. I started in on Saunders CD and pretty much went from one end to the other in study mode. I went by systems which was helpful. I did all the questions on the CD aside from any of the OB/postpartum questions. I also only did about 200 of the pharm questions. I did almost all of the La Charity book which I thought was helpful, memorized lab values, and to mix it up at the end I bought Kaplan 2010 book and did their book and CD questions (about 250 questions total). NCLEX questions are more like Kaplan, but I liked Saunders explanations better - after you miss a question on Saunders it gives you a thorough description of the rationale. I looked at it as learning content while doing questions. I did like the Kaplan format though and thought it was very good. Basically, I think you can go either way and be prepared for NLCEX. I read some of the major sections in the Saunders book like , Resp, Cardiac, Endocrine, and Neuro and I think that was helpful, but it would be tough to read through the whole book as there is so much info. I felt the questions on NCLEX were not out of left field (crazy illness or procedure I had never heard of) but at the same time it was very challenging in that the answers you had to choose from were tricky as in they all sounded right or wrong. About 60-70% of the time I narrowed it down to two options and guessed. Basically my message is - prepare, believe in yourself and you will be fine! Best of luck to everyone!

Good luck Nurse Barbie! Im sure you passed :) I have just been doing study mode - basically going through the entire CD from start to finish. I am so nervous. accccckkk

Have Faith How many Saunders questions did you do? I am planning to do all on the CD (4200) and am also using La Charity and some NSCBN quizzes. But, Saunders is by far what I am using - doing about 150Q/day. Just curious if you used it extensively in your studying and still didnt pass? Or did you just do a few quizzes? Just trying to gauge if I need to chANge things up a bit. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Best of luck to you! If any one else had input please let me know. Kristen

I interviewed last Tues but I havent gotten an official call either. Just waiting and hoping!! I believe they do provide a relocation reimbursement but not sure how much. Hope to see you as well in Oct!

The interview was not as bad I thought. I was really prepared. First the HR recruiter asked me the more traditonal questions like, tell me about yourself? where do you see yourself in 5 yr. etc then she took me to the nurse manager who was really nice. She basically just told me about the unit, and seemed very forthrgight about everything. she asked me quest about leadership and teamwork, which for me are very easy to answer. I was surprised she didnt ask me any clinical questions. If you have any other questions fire away. The nurse manager did say on NE they have the highest acuity of all the medical units so I guess what you saw was right. Just nervous bc the patient load is so high - 5 in day and 7 at night. I always thought traditionally you had less patients in a stepdown bc it is intermediate?? But it seemed more like a general med floor with high acuity than anything - bc she said they try and send us pulm patients when they can so basically i think they get anything there.

Hey Maman, I went in for an interview and the nurse manager told me after the interview she would offer me a position. However, they havent formalized anything yet so I dont REALLY have a job offer :) Also, hiring is contigent on passing NCLEX which I will take (and hopefully pass) this Sept. It is for the Oct 5 start date as well. What did you like about 2C more? What was 2NE like? To be honest, we spent very little time touring the unit, but from what I could gather it may be a little rough - staff, patient load. Did it seem interesting at least on NE? I know they also may have openings in general med (which seems to be what 2NE is also) gen med/psych, and some cardiac stepdowns. I was actually pretty interested in the cardiac floors but got the interview with 2NE so I guess I will just stick with that. I just want a job, you know? I dont want to come off picky to the recruiters. I think the best thing about WHC is that its a teaching hospital and they offer $10K yr for education.

Hi, I am being offered a position in 2 NE. Just curious if you took the job on 2D, if you like it and if you have heard anything about 2NE? I wasnt able to shadow anyone but I got the impression nurses may be pretty burned out on the unit and there is a high patient load and acuity. anything you can share would be appreciate! Thanks

Hi Michellebk, Yuo can google the helene fuld trust and the application should come up - I just found it that way. You can call Maureen Anello 212-346-1716 with any questions about the test. the test dates are August 15, Sept 3 or Sept 5. I am moving from Washington, DC and just found a place to live in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Look forward to meeting you!

I got the application for the Fuld scholarship with the acceptance letter. I hope you have gotten it by now! If not, I would just call the school and they can get you the material. BTW, they just told me I have to take a "math calculation" exam on aug 15 prior to the start of classes. Does anyone know what this covers???

I took mine with University of Rochester as part of their Fast-Track Pre-req nursing courses. It is self-paced and incredibly fast. I would def recommend it. I finished it in like 3 weeks - and I think you could really do it faster. Only catch is its pricey - I think like $880?

Hi all, I was just admitted to Pace's CDP program in NYC. I live in D.C right so have six weeks to find a place. Any suggestions on where it would be convenient (and not insanely expensive) to live? I am thinking Brooklyn or LES. Also, any people out there whop received the Helene Fuld Scholarship? I have some questions. Thanks, Kristen

Hi all, I was just admitted to Pace's CDP program in NYC. I live in D.C right so have six weeks to find a place. Any suggestions on where it would be convenient (and not insanely expensive) to live? I am thinking Brooklyn or LES. Also, any people out there whop received the Helene Fuld Scholarship? I have some questions. Thanks, Kristen

I say go where it is least expensive. 30k is a ton of cash!!I know what you mean though sometimes you get hour heart set on something!

Hi Moira and Addie, I just sent my application to PACE yesterday. Question - did you take the GRE or MAT? Do they prefer one over the other? I am planning to take the MAT. I suppose they wont even review my application until this is complete?? Thanks!!

hey addi or other pace applicants, Did you get accepted for the bsn/MSN program that start sept 2008? the deadline isn't until June 08 so I was interested to know if they were already letting people in. Would you mind sharing your background, gpa etc? It would be helpful to know what they look for. I know how hard the waiting is. I just got denied by suny downstate and their program starts in 2 weeks but I sent my application 7 months ago !! So frustrating. Best of luck, Kristen

Rita, Congratulations!! I am very happy for you! I still havent received any letter (good or bad) from Downstate. Admissions said they are still reviewing my application (that I sent in October!). Oh well, all I can do is hope for the very best. I also got into Drexel so that is my fall back plan if I dont get in here. The NY state programs are very affordable which is nice. do you think you will stay on the LE side of Manhattan and just commute? Cheers, Kristen

I am not completely sure bc I am not from NY, but I believe it means Brooklyn?? SUNY downstate is located in Brooklyn near an area I think is called Flatbush. It is a few subway stops from Manhattan.

Hey Nikon, Have you heard anything from downstate yet? I am still waiting ....... Kristen

Hi Singing Smile, When did you get your acceptance letter for SUNY downstate? Has anyone else heard from Downstate either way? I havent gotten anything yet Good luck to you though! I think the SB seems like a good option bc it is only 12 months hence very inexpensive, but it depends on where you want to live. Kristen

Hi there, I applied to SUNY downstate accelerated program for June 2008 entry and have not heard back yet either. I sent my application in Oct. 2007. I have spoken to various admissions counselers and they have all told me something different. A couple of times I have even been hung up on. Unfortunately, it hasnt been an easy process with them. Sorry I dont have more info and best of luck to you! Kristen

I applied to the SUNY downstate program too. I kept my essay to 250 words but it was very difficult. I felt Like I couldnt say much at all. Has anyone herad if they got in yet? I talked to someone in admissions and he said they made admissions decisions for the accelerated program starting June 2008 on Jan 28. I called this AM to see if they had sent letters out yet but couldnt get an answer. Big surprise haha. I dont think I will get in as my undergrad gpa wasnt great although I have other good experience.

It is possible to do a lab online and several schools - all the ones I listed in my previous post plus many more. Online labs work different at each school. some send you dissection kits/microscopes while others just require online CD/web work. Since, I know it is possible just looking for schools that will let me take it independent of core class.

Also, what are peoples thoughts on the type of school you get your BSN/MSN from in terms of job placement or chance of loan forgiveness? Are you more likely to get better/more frequent job offers if you graduate from a program like Columbia/Hopkins? Or is it just the same if you go to a less expensive state school route? I have a friend who graduate from Georgetown and she felt that the recruitment opportunites were much better at a "bigger name" school and that it was worth the money. But just the same I always here an NP, is an NP is an NP. And then you factor in alll the years it will take to pay off loans from a private school. I cant seem to come to any clear conclusion and would appreciate feedback from others. thanks again!

Hi there, would you mind sharing with us where (college/state) you received your BSN-MSN degree? I have been reading that getting a job as an NP right out of DE has a lot to do with supply and demand in each city/state. I am hoping to go to school in DC, MD, or NY and am specifically wondering what the job market is like in those states after graduation from DE program. Thanks!

Hi there, I completed 6 hours of A&P online with U of Rochester which did not include labs. However, I need to also complete labs online (US citizen and live in the Philippines) bc schools I want to apply to now require them but want to avoid retaking entire course. Does anyone know where I can take only labs online? I have already contracted rio salado, cayuga, ccco, nwicc, suny, and nova they all say it is not possible. Help! Thanks much! Kris