gradgitated

1. 75 questions 2.Kaplan NCLEX-RN text & CD 3.My ADN program used ATI every quarter and a 'predictor' at the end of 2nd year 4.Called the BON, entered my SS number and got my licensing status (48 hours after testing) 5. Immediately after the test, was sure that I'd failed. 6.Yes

I was diagnosed with depression at age 33, following a 20 year battle with it on my own. I never understood what made me feel (and behave) so differently from everyone I went to school with and worked with...I simply felt overwhelmed by life and didn't want to take proper care of myself. I started taking meds for depression as soon as I was diagnosed and was amazed one morning when I awoke, paused, and suddenly realized.."Whoa!!! THIS is what "normal" feels like!!!!". In addition to taking meds, I have found the following helpful: From September to April every year I try to spend at least 1 hour reading or working under a full spectrum light (all wavelengths of light, minus the UV)...the brand name is Reveal, made by GE. I try to stick to a regular pattern of sleep... go to bed at the same time, sleep the same amount of hours every night. I try to avoid the things that I KNOW will upset me (i.e. tear-jerker movies, negative media, negative people); when avoidance isn't possible (like in work situations) I have friends that I can talk to, which is extremely helpful. I take my meds faithfully and immediately report new/worsening symptoms to my doctor. Eating a healthy diet is helpful too, but sometimes caffeine and sugar can really mess me up. Sessions with a trained therapist can be a big help. In my case, learning to eliminate faulty thought patterns allowed me to feel much better about myself and to accept constructive criticism in a better way. By far the most lasting help that I've received has been the result of taking the time to educate my family and friends about depression....arming the people who are important to me with accurate information has allowed them to be more understanding and supportive. Often, people who are depressed don't notice or flatly deny new/worsening symptoms....input from knowledgable people can be very helpful. It took me a long time to get over feeling"ashamed" of my condition and there were times that I wanted to give up on finding the right medication. I'm happy to say that all of the effort was worthwhile and I'm feeling good about myself and my life. I wish you the same.

I wouldn't volunteer any information regarding your medical history. Although some people would appreciate your honesty and not let it affect your employment, there are others who would be put off by it. As a person who has lived with clinical depression for 11 years I am still amazed by the number of health professionals who are uninformed or misinformed about it (thank you, Tom Cruise). I know from personal experience that it is a potentially devestating but very treatable condition. I wish you luck in your job search, and also with your depression. We have to be careful that the stresses we encounter on the job don't put us in a tailspin....knowing your limitations and the warning signs of deepening depression are very important. Take Care !

My goodness.....how awful for you. Sounds like the wife was having an extremely hard time coping with her husband's illness and was intent on making somebody else suffer right along with her. I think that it is a very good idea to get a lawyer involved, and I would suggest that you find one who has some experience with this type of situation. As for the peer review, I can't say that not attending would necessarily be in your best interest. Sometimes people take the "reveiw-ee's" abscence as an admission of guilt. Personally, I'd show up just to make sure that my side of the story is presented accurately and completely. However, your lawyer could give you a more informed opinion on that. I sincerely hope that this situation will turn out well for you and that you will let us know how things progress.

I graduated in June and didn't take my boards until the first week of this month (had to get the folks moved here from Chicago first). I didn't do as much studying over the summer as I would have liked, but I did put in about 40 hours of study time during the 2 weeks prior to my testing date. I used the Kaplan NCLEX-RN book and CD to practice; learning how to take questions apart and rephrase them helped me immensely on test day!! As for tips on taking boards: 1. If you live farther than a 2 hour drive from the testing site, and your test appointment is in the morning you might consider traveling the day before and getting a motel room. It is difficult (if not downright dangerous) to travel a long distance prior to taking a test of that magnitude. 2. Try to spend the evening before the test relaxing/doing something fun. It doesn't make sense to spend time just before the test trying to cram more information into your head. 3. Make sure that you eat something before you go in to test...your brain can't function properly without fuel!! (Try to avoid extra caffeine and sugar) 4. Make sure that you are adequately hydrated (see above). 5. Try to arrive about 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled testing time; that way you'll have a few extra minutes to take a bathroom break,etc....there's nothing worse than arriving feeling rushed!! 6. Take the time before the test begins to adjust your chair. People tend to concentrate better when they are comfortable. 7. If the noise generated by other people tends to bother you, you might consider using earplugs during the test (some facilities even provide them free of charge). 8. Give every question on the exam your FULL attention; you never know which one will put you "over the top". 9. During the test, if you find yourself feeling overly anxious, restless, or just plain tired, take a break...if the testing facility doesn't allow "random" breaks you can still sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. I hope that you will find this info helpful. Good luck to all of you who are about to take your boards. Remember that if you've made it through the nursing program, you ARE capable of getting over this last hurdle!!!

I think that if you don't have a secure knowledge base (particularly in V/S, labs, pharmacology, Rules of Management, therapeutic communication, and triage) AND have a clear understanding of how to take questions apart/rephrase them, even 5,000 practice questions won't help much. If you take the time to really analyze the questions you will be able choose the answer that they are looking for. Before I read the Kaplan NCLEX-RN book I scored a 117 out of 180 on the practice test. After I read the book and learned how to take apart/rephrase the questions I scored 153 out of 180. My point is that, in my own experience, simply remebering facts did NOT help my performance....learning how to analyze and interpret the questions did.

I worked as a CNA in a Catholic hospital for 13 months. I am not a Catholic, but was respectful of others' beliefs and practices during my time there. It is hard to say definitively if my problems with the facility and staff were due to the fact that I'm not Catholic, I refuse to behave like another mindless female sheep (dominated and disrespected by men), or because I didn't hide the fact that I actually have more than 2 brain cells that fire at the same time. The community is largely made up of old-fashioned, hard line Catholics whose family structure and beliefs dictate that "at home, men rule"....the feelings and opinions of women are not regarded as worthy of notice or concern. So, the women in these homes, when given positions that include having power over others(RNs bossing and harrassing CNAs), go just a little bit overboard. Nothing that I did....the way I did it, the reason that I did it, or when I did it was good enough for those females (and boy, am I being nice when I call them THAT!). It was "wrong" to laugh while on duty, not walk around with a smile plastered on your face (I actually got lectured once about my facial expression!!), or answer ANY questions from patients (even ones well within my scope of practice!!) Male CNA's....well, the rules simply didn't apply to them. When I was hired I was told that I would have to "work my share" in LTC. Okay, not my cup of tea, but I did it. Along comes this male CNA and in 4 months, he worked ONE shift in LTC. When the DNS questioned me about my "attitude problem" about LTC, I told her that I don't mind rules, as long as they're applied straight across the board....he should have to pull equal shifts in LTC. (Hey, she asked.) Now mind you, even though I wasn't thrilled with LTC, NONE of my patients ever lacked the proper care and I was not surly or negative with them. I never heard of a single person (RN or CNA) who received a good performance review from the DNS and charge nurses....everyone came out of that office carrying a wad of Kleenex....all except the "Golden Boy" that is. I had a run-in with him one night. I was running my butt off down in LTC and there was a call light on in Med-Surg. Here he stands at the nurses station talking to one of the docs and 10 minutes later the call light was still on. I said, "Would you mind terribly getting that light....IF it's not too much trouble because I'm kind of busy here?". The charge immediately called me into an empty room and told me that I was being unprofessional and rude. She told me that I had to apologize to "Golden Boy". I was bustin' my tail, he was lazing around the nurses station, and I asked for some help....to this day I can't figure out what was so unprofessional and rude. It seemed a little strange that a facility whose "core values" included "Justice, Compassion, and Tolerance" had such a short supply of it when it came to their employees. The administration and managers practiced and encouraged browbeating, preferential treatment, and incessant backbiting/tattling. Good work was never acknowledged or praised. Every little thing was analyzed to the point of absurdity. The DNS and the senior charge even called me into the office one day and informed me that I didn't "have what it takes to be in the nursing field" and that I "would never make it as a nurse". I am so glad that I didn't let those pitiful, bitter, dried up poor excuses for managers dictate my future for me. If I had allowed their opinions to matter I would never have had the courage to go back to school, let alone graduate. I left that job 13 months after I hired on and when I left I had an ulcer. My doctor (one of the staff docs there) told me "You should leave before they break you". I agreed, gave my notice, and immediately embarked on the path to my ADN. (I made sure I sent the DNS a graduation announcement...hehehe) Several of my classmates work at that hospital (a few of them worked there while I was employed there too) and they've suggested that I apply for a job there. NOT IF IT WAS THE LAST HOSPITAL ON THE PLANET!!!!! I would sell my body on the street before I'd even consider going back to work there. I know that not all Catholic hospitals are that way and I have applied to one this week for an opening in Med-Surg. I hope that I will have a better experience at that facility and I plan to try very hard to keep an open mind in regard to management and my co-workers.

OUCH!!! How awful for you....reading your post made me cringe. I have always had a hard time understanding the attitudes of some experienced RNs in regard to their treatment/assessment of new grads....have they completely forgotten how nerve-wracking (and sometimes positively intimidating) it can feel to be "the newbie"? Or is it that they remember all too well, and decide to dish out to new grads what was done to them when they first started. Yes, I can understand that the experienced RNs want to ensure safe and effective patient care which necessitates keeping an eye on new grads. What I don't understand is why some RNs seem to take such delight in making new grads feel totally incompetent, instead of trying to help (or, at the very least staying out of the grads way). I agree with many of the other postings....try not to let this experience with small-minded individuals get you down. The job that you were meant for is out there; try not to be too discouraged by this. Hopefully you'll land a great position in a facility that can offer you encouragement and guidance. I have to admit that as a new grad seeking her first job I'm very nervous about what my first position will be like....as a CNA in a hospital and later, as a student I witnessed firsthand how "catty" and sometimes downright dishonest some experienced RNs can be. I hope that I'm fortunate enough to do my orientation under the guidance of someone who is patient and helpful, but I know better than to count on it. Good luck to you!!

In my area, I've been told (by my instructors) that the wage difference between an RN and BSN is approximately 75 cents an hour. Multiply that times 40 hours per week, 52 weeks a year and it totals $1560.00 per year. Then figure that it takes 1 to 2 years longer to get a BSN than an ADN, plus the cost of tuition, books, supplies and gas and then add the wages that you'll be missing out on while attending school. For older students (like me) going to a 4 year program didn't seem to make much sense. My plan is to enroll in an online RN to MSN program and work 3 days a week; I estimate that I'll have my MSN in 3 years and be able to make a living while I'm doing it. Ultimately I'd like to become a nursing instructor.

I'm just writing to say that I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!! I had 75 questions, and felt uneasy during most of the exam. When I left the testing center I told the receptioist that I'd be back....she said, "Oh, you all say that....I'm sure you did just fine!!!". My adice to anyone preparing to take the NCLEX exam is to spend alot of time practicing on questions similar to what you'll be seeing when you take the exam "for real". If I hadn't done that, I can say with relative certainty that I wouldn't have made it. You have to learn how to take questions apart and rephrase them in order to choose the correct answer.......your general knowledge base will NOT be enough to carry you through. Good luck to all of you who are preparing to take the exam. Helpful hints for test day: 1. Make sure you have some food on board!! Your brain can't function without fuel! Avoid sugar and extra caffeine. 2. Make sure that you are adequately hydrated (see above). 3. If possible, arrive at the testing site at least 30 minutes early....'gives you time to take a bathroom break, etc. 4.Take the time before the test begins to adjust your chair...it's hard to concentrate when you aren't comfortable. 5. Some testing centers have people in other disciplines who are testing at the same time. Some of these people will be writing essays or doing lots of calculations...if the noise might disturb you, use earplugs to help your concentration. 6.Apply yourself to the best of your ability to EVERY question....you never know when that computer is going to shut off or which question is going to "put you over the top" to a pass or fail result. 7. Take deep breaths, and SMILE....it has been suggested that smiling helps relax the muscles! Hope this helps.

I have been in touch with several of my classmates (we graduated in June of this year) and the average starting salary for new grads in the Lewis-Clark Valley is around $23.00 an hour. Some new grads do get hired into the float pool....'seems to depend on experience (and sometimes the opinion of your preceptor, if you do your clinical rotations at the hospital where you apply for a job....our instructors called the preceptored part of clinicals "a working job interview"). Washington or Oregon might be a better choice for you if you're looking to make more money; Idaho is a "right-to-work" state so the wages tend to be a bit lower.

I, too, have been wondering about the chemistry requirement that most schools have. One possible explanation is that mastering the material might give some indication as to a candidate's ability to master nursing school material. Also, requiring candidates to pass certain courses does generate alot of money for the school (like speech class and English 101...LOL!)

I do know of someone who failed with just 75 questions. They retook the exam after the 45 day waiting period and passed with 209 questions answered

The ADN program that I just graduated from gives meds and dosage exams every quarter, first and second year. If you don't pass it the first time you have to take a remediation class before taking it the second time. I don't know what happens if you fail the second one, as no one in my class did. The text that we used was Dosage Calculations, 7th Edition by Gloria D. Pickar and it was extremely helpful. It has easy to understand text, lots of practice questions, and comes with a CD too. I hope this helps. I understand your frustration with the big changes in your program, but I think that it's very important to prove competency with dosages...every day, nurses literally hold their patients lives in their hands.

I think that it's important to communicate effectively with your preceptor and the instructor who is in charge of your clinical rotation. Talk to your preceptor at your initial meeting....ask about experience, the way she(or he) organizes their workday, job requirements, specific "pet peeves" that facility staff have (VERY IMPORTANT!!!). If you come away from your initial meeting with a bad feeling or have specific concerns, by all means meet with your clinical supervisor to discuss them. Better to look a little silly beforehand than to have a horrible experience with an incompetent or unpleasant preceptor.

I have talked with people on both sides of this issue and the popular opinion is that going for your LPN first is the way to go IF the school you attend offers it as a summer course between your first and second year of their ADN program. Some of my classmates did it and they were glad that they did....working for better wages (as an LPN) allowed them the luxury of working less hours per week and freed up valuable time.

Almost forgot. The Lewis-Clark valley (Lewiston and Clarkston) isn't a bad place to live. It's far enough off the beaten path to not feel too much like the "big city" but it's close enough to cultural centers and schools to offer alot of opportunity for entertainment and education. There are 2 nursing schools in the L-C valley and there are 3 large universities within a 40 mile radius. There are about a dozen hospitals total (in the valley and within 1 hour's drive). Spokane,WA and C'oeur D'Alene, ID are booming right now....lots of job and educational opportunities up there right now. There are several very fine hospitals there.

I live in Northern Idaho, about 250 miles north of Boise. The elevation here is about 3500 feet, so the weather tends to be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than in the Lewis-Clark valley (and in Boise). The prairie up here is beautiful, but the winter weather can be brutal. Not alot of snow and ice, but it can get pretty windy sometimes.

Hello, Kim. I'm new here, too. I just graduated from a nursing program in Washington, but I live (and hope to find a great job) in rural Idaho.