1MOM2RN

I would question that pass rate chart ... there are no values for several years (including 2008 when I graduated) and there are 2 graduates listed for 2009 ... when in reality there are hundreds each year! It's a huge nursing program. A very good one. I graduated with my RN in 2008 and am graduating this month with my BSN. All in the evening programs. I feel I was well prepared for my nursing career. I would highly recommend it. Moreso than any other school around (based on discussions with other nurses), Rivier instructors really care about the students and want to see you succeed. Rivier did have a lower NCLEX pass rate, but since 2008 have instituted processes (required mock NCLEX such as Hesi and ATI) to ensure that students WILL be able to pass the test when they graduate. I would not hesitate to attend Rivier. Edited to add: like the previous poster, I passed the NCLEX first try, 75 questions and to the best of my knowledge, the vast majority of my classmates did as well.

i would also wonder why you were considering nh if your husband hates snow? last year we had well in excess of 100 inches of snow, and this year has been pretty brutal as well. i'm a native new englander and i am very tired of snow...

We hope the roads are plowed, and know how to drive on poorly-plowed roads in case they're not! And several times, I'm stayed overnight at the hospital, in a vacant room, when a huge storm was forecasted, so that I was sure to be available the next day. And around here, I certainly wouldn't settle 1hour+ from where you intended to work.

I work nights, 7p - 7a. I've been doing it for over 5 years, but only as an RN for 7 months. I was having a very hard time staying awake on the drive home when I started this job (I think because I am so busy all night, and then when I sit, I crash). all the things you describe: eyes rolling, falling asleep at a light. I actually had a fender bender. the driver in front of me admitted to slamming on the brakes but if I'd been more alert, I could have avoided her. what I have found works for me is to eat on the way home. that metabolism kicking in works wonders. so I stop at dunkin donuts and get a bagel sandwich and that keeps we awake for the whole ride. I think the ordering part contributes to waking me up, too (talking out loud, interacting with another human, stopping the forward momentum of the vehicle). that being said, bringing something to eat from home and/or calling home to chat with someone during your ride might help, too. but this works for me, and it justifies one of my favorite treats! ? now if I can just figure out how to stay alert during those hours between 2 and 5 when I sit down to do paperwork... I just crash... of course my problem is that my alarm goes off at 5:30 on Friday mornings to get the older 2 off to school. my plan is to go back to sleep for a bit, but the younger 2 invariably get up soon thereafter. so then plan b is to nap when the youngest naps, while the other 3 is at school. she naps every day - but almost never on fridays! so it's about 27 hours before I get back to sleep on saturdays. ugh! I've got to figure something out! once I get up and move around I'm fine, but I have to do that paperwork! sorry I digressed...

personally, i would waste them the next time i did count. do it by procedure, with another nurse and note that the content is questionable because they were not locked up for a period of time and put the names of those who moved the syringes. why put patients at risk? and having to answer to this might teach those involved "a lesson". what right does any staff have to teach any peer "a lesson"? i would be livid.:angryfire

I totally know the correct pronounciation and use of exasperated and exacerbated, but I stumble over it every time (but at least I'm aware I'm doing it! LOL) another one I hear a lot is subscription, vs prescription I had a patient with "prostrate" issues just this weekend. and orientated is a huge peeve of mine.

i am a brand new nurse, in week 4 of my preceptorship and i would never dream of doing or saying the things she did. it is 100% her,and you have done nothing wrong! if she starts out this arrogant as a newbee, can you imagine what she's going to be like when she's on her own? i made the decision to put off continuing towards my bsn until january, because "i will be learning 10 times in the next year what i learned in school". she'd better figure that out fast! i commend you for putting up with it. i'm afraid i would have had some equally snotty things to reply to her. when i leave my shift every night, i thank my preceptor. i am well aware that i will go nowhere without her guidance and patience with me. you deserve respect, not this treatment.

GOOOOO IVYLeagueNurse!!! Can't wait to hear your good news!

if you're a new grad, and "on your own" after only a month, i would say your facility has a sub-standard orientation program, and that, not your ability, is to blame. ignore those looks of scorn. most new nurses aren't on their own until 3 or more months. i wonder if your manager would be open to more time for you with a preceptor?

Congrats!!!!!!!

to all of those holding your breath... everyone feels that way coming out of that wretched test. i won't tell you to "relax", "don't think about it" or "don't worry about it". i know all of the above is impossible. just know that those of us who have passed (mine was just last week, 75 questions, i was certain i had failed) are all sitting here smiling a knowing smile, waiting to congratulate you when you repost that you've passed! i'll be watching...

I tested (and passed) exactly 1 month after graduation. I have read (I think somewhere on allnurses.com - go figure) that studies have shown that those who test within 3 months of graduation have a better chance of passing the NCLEX.

i had 3 children when i started nursing school, 4 now. my daughter was born in the middle of it. all of the above advice is excellent, and let me tell you, having a supportive husband is priceless (i made a "toast" of sorts to him at my graduation party, because the accomplishment was as much his as mine). i worked a full time baylor schedule on weekends and had class 4 nights / week. but i want to add something more on a mental note. i found the school work challenging, but not grueling. what i found very difficult to deal with was the guilt over not being home with my children (16, 15, 5, & 2 - i graduated this past spring). but i kept reminding myself that i am doing this for their future and that they were going to benefit from this in the end. one of my clinical instructors told me that studies have shown that children are very influenced by their mother's model in regards to education. so i was showing them that education is important, that you're never too old to follow your dreams (graduated at 40) and that with hard work, you can succeed. and when all is said and done, these years will be but a drop-in-the-bucket in our lives. capitalize on the time you have together and make them precious. you'll blink and it will be done!

freebird, when i was preparing to take the hesi exam for school (required to make an 850 or greater to pass med/surg ii), i was getting all 50s & 60s on my practice tests, so i went into the test expecting to be taking it at least a 2nd time, and i passed with a 940. so i think those results on practice tests are about right. just make sure you're reading the rationale for the ones you get wrong. you're learning as you go.

i have yet to talk to a single person (without exception) who didn't walk out feeling like they'd failed. breath... relax... ignore that "feeling"...keep us posted.:innerconf