am0r803

Hi, I failed NCLEX first time... Took 265 questions and left the exam feeling miserable! Was so upsetting to think of all the hard work I put into studying and preparing just to fail... But, I passed the second time with 75 questions! Just remain positive and focus on your weak points when studying again. I know its hard to think of what specific areas you may be weak in - but when I was doing practice questions (whether it was Kaplan, Saunders, ATI etc..) if I was getting specific types of questions wrong, I wrote down why - for example if it was the information I didn't know or the type of question I messed up on... And then I went back and studied that. It helped for me... Just remain positive, Dont give up!!

I agree that the earlier the better, but keep in mind that these days you can not get a job pending your NCLEX. Hospitals want you to be licensed before they hire you... and that may take a little time after you graduate. But of course, calling the hospitals and talking to recruiters is your best bet. Good luck!!

I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out a certain type of question I have difficulty with. Its those questions that give you 4 patients and you have to decide which one to see first. Or a home health nurse has to decide which patient to visit first. Sometimes I can get it, like if the patient is having difficulty breathing, go to that one... But alot of times I just cant get it. Can anyone help me figure out how to answer these?? Am i the only one that finds these difficult?!?

Hi, I also just failed the NCLEX after taking 265 questions.. I was so frustrated after I left there! When I got my official results in the mail, it says I was "near passing standard" in everything except pharmacology which i was above passing standard in. Any suggestions on how to go about studying again??? I feel like if I keep doing what I was doing, it won't help because it obviously didn't help the first time.

hi there, doing a careplan for a newborn and so far i have risk for infection r/t umbilical cord site, and ineffective thermoregulation r/t inability to compensate for changes in environmental temperature. i wanted to do one with nutrition but not sure how to put it. the infant is on bottle feeding, and i know theres a diagnosis for effective breast feeding, can i put effective bottle feeding or no? a little help please??

Hi there, Yes in my opinion it has been worth it. It is expensive, but you get through the program in 2 years and none of the hassles that you deal with at community colleges. As far as studying and reading, that depends on the person of course. I find with certain topics, I have to study and read more to get it down. Others, once the teacher talks about it in class, it sticks. Get what Im saying? But you should at least be able to devote a little time each night to get some reading done. The program starts in June 2009, not the Fall. Hope that helps a little!

Cardionics E-Scope® II thats what I use - and I have 80% hearing loss in both ears. Works great and my classmates enjoy using it as well, because it REALLY magnifies every sound. Also has volume control, a little more pricey than the one mentioned in the other post, but I think its worth it. Good luck!

thanks so much for your words of encouragement! now maybe you, or someone else, can help me with one other thing? HOW do i make a resume being as im only a student and have no other experience?? Do i include the courses I've taken? The clinical hours I've done? I also have some volunteer work that was completed as a requirement for my nursing program. So I should include that too right? I'm just not sure if I'll end up putting too much useless information or not enough information. Also, I already have one letter of recommendation from a Clinical Instructor.. but it's from last semester. Is it still good to keep that with my resume? Ok well - thanks again for any help you give me... it is very much appreciated!!

hi all Just a question that hopefully someone can give me their opinion on... Im still in nursing school, graduating in June. Was wondering if its too early to attend a job fair or not? What do you think? I thought maybe it would be good just to meet some people at least... Just curious Thanks!

hey there im sorry I dont have more information about CSI, I know that because of the amount of students that apply each semester - the higher your grades the better. So I agree with the others, take some Pre-reqs - get your foot in the door. See how it goes from there. Don't be in a rush though. It took me 5 years to get where I am today - and I'm still young and have plenty of time to enjoy my career Good Luck with whatever decision you make!

hey there im sorry I dont have more information about CSI, I know that because of the amount of students that apply each semester - the higher your grades the better. So I agree with the others, take some Pre-reqs - get your foot in the door. See how it goes from there. Don't be in a rush though. It took me 5 years to get where I am today - and I'm still young and have plenty of time to enjoy my career Good Luck with whatever decision you make!

I think only 13 passed the Exam, and only 14 people took it! Congrats to you Lullaby! I tried sending you a private message but your inbox is full... Talk to you soon

Hey all, I am coming to the end of my first year in Nursing School and will be off for the Summer. I had wanted to purchase something to keep my mind fresh while I'm not in school for three months and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what books to get? My teacher had told us awhile back to try Saunders first, and if we've mastered Saunders to move onto something else. I'm sure any practice is better than none at all, but if anyone could tell me what books you've used, if you've found one better than the other, I'd appreciate the input.

wrong choice for u and others to get up and leave because of that... yes, they are accredited by the state. All they needed was their first class to graduate and that happened last Spring. So don't let that stop you. And besides that, going to a school that is not accredited at the time doesn't affect you while you're taking the classes. And I'm not sure what you mean by "they decide whether you are ready to take the NCLEX after you graduate." You graduate, you pass all your classes... if you want to take the NCLEX, then you take it. Of course, they'll give you their input and advice, but that decision is totally up to you. They are a new program, so of course they want their graduates to do well on the NCLEX. If they feel you are not ready, then they'll tell you maybe you should take a course to better prepare yourself. No school wants their students graduating and taking the NCLEx and failing, it looks bad on them of course!

Unfortunately, if you're interested in going to Nursing School for the fall, Touro is out of the question. Their classes start once a year as the previous poster said, in June. If you want any specific information, feel free to private message me as I'm a student and am willing to discuss the program with you.

Hi there, CSI is definitely a great school. I went there trying to get into the Nursing Program, but my grades weren't top notch so I left and am now attending Touro College in Brooklyn. My only opinion to you is that if you want to get into Nursing Program by Spring '09, that most likely will not happen at CSI. Being a new college student you'll have to take all your Pre-reqs which could take 2 semesters alone, maybe more depending how many classes you're willing to take. And if you do that, then apply to the program, you're not guaranteed to get into the program. CUNY schools - especially CSI - are extremely hard to get into because of the amount of people that apply. So if you want, take some Pre-reqs - your basics such as English, Psych, Math, and then try and get into a different Nursing Program like St. Vincent's or Touro. Yes, the private ones are more expensive - but worth it in my opinion. You can also try applying to CSI for Nursing, just don't count on ONE school to get into. Keep your options to go elsewhere because it is very competitive. Hope I've helped a little.

Hey there Im a nursing student myself, so I can imagine how horrible it must be to fail.... That said - I HATE HATE HATE when my fellow classmates make such comments as "That professor hates me" or "He/She is picking on me because......" Like someone said previously - you really think Professors have time to hate you for no reason at all?? I have a student in my clinical group who has butted heads with our Clinical Instructor all semester long, and I don't think it's anyone's fault except hers... She gave the instructor reason to doubt her in the beginning and now she watches her extra closely. The mistakes you made were mistakes that anyone could make and many people probably have made. But - if your professors felt that they were reason enough to keep you behind then so be it... Don't give up - because if you're in it because you love it, which I hope you are - then a minor setback won't matter. I've had several along the way and I'm still struggling. I do suggest trying to stick with your school though, Transferring now would most likely screw you up as far as transferring credits, and then getting accustomed to a whole new school again.

Hey there, So all these suggestions are really great and I'm definitely taking some into consideration for myself. I'm currently a B - B+ student with a couple of A's thrown in for good measure : ) And this is only because I have no choice but to get a B or I fail!! So I struggle... but here are a few things I do which help me... First off, I try and take really good notes during lecture... but this is definitely my weak spot. So I've learned to spot the "smart" kids in class and ask for copies of their notes also. Comparing them to mine helps in case I've missed something and it gives a different look on certain topics. Like, there's one girl who makes up her own scenario for most of the diseases. So if you know of someone who is an excellent note taker, ask if they will help you out. Second, I don't read the textbook unless I want to confirm what I've learned from the lectures. Textbooks tend to confuse me and go into details on the wrong things. That of course, depends on the teacher and how her tests are though Third (and I think this is what helps me the most) - during my clinical sessions at the hospitals I ask the nurses who are willing for some help. So, say you're learning about Diabetes, I'll go into the hospital and ask one of the nurses that I've become friendly with specific ways they care for those particular patients. Get it? My teacher is very big on nursing interventions for the patient - Patient has this, what do you do? Patient says this, what do you do? etc. etc. etc. So speaking with an actual nurse helps me out. Also, learn to prioritize the situations. Always remember ABCs first. Then what would come next? Depending on the situation, maybe pain? Maybe safety? Another way I study is by making notecards... Take the disease, write the pathophysiology (how it affects the body), who it usually effects, treatments for it (surgical and medicine), and how you as a nurse would monitor that patient. Hope this helps a bit!!

I'm still a student so I will give you the little experience I have had so far... My clinical instructor - who I've had for two semesters now tells us to put one line through and initial... The current hospital we do our clinicals at put a line through and the word error with no initial. When I asked my teacher why not to write error - she said she doesn't think it's necessary because putting a line through it indicates that an error was made. Soooo in my opinion theres no "right" answer and I know if I got this question on an exam I would be stumped!!

hey im not so sure about Methodist because when I called and asked they said they had nothing available. But feel free to call yourself.

its true u can transfer credits. But in my opinion, taking them all in the program works out better. Quick suggestion - classes start in June, and im not entirely sure if they are still accepting applicants, although i think they are. So give them a call if you're even slightly interested before its too late.

It is a B to remain in the program. Most other programs have a minimum of C. As for the pre-reqs,the program is 5 semesters. The first semester you complete A&P 1, Psych, English, and Nutrition. Second semester is A&P 2, and the start of actual "Nursing classes" The upside of this program is that you are completing everything together and theres no waiting around to get into classes. Once you're in the program, you're in. (granted you keep that B!) I like the program and its worked out great for me. Private message me for more information - i have TONS! Kristin

Im in Touro's Nursing Program now - what would u like to know?

i received my CNA certification from Franklin Career Institute in Brooklyn, NY. That was last year - I'm pretty sure they still offer it but check into it for yourself. I can't remember the exact price but it wasn't very expensive.

Got it! No worries about being questioned. Thanks for any insight you have given me! Like I said, this is all new to me so anything anyone can tell me is wonderful. One more thing while I'm at it (on my two week vacation and being a true nursing student DOING SCHOOL WORK!) Didn't mention this before - but she was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer and is being treated palliatively (correct spelling?) with radiation. Now forgive me for not knowing this - but how is radiation good with palliative care?? Palliative care is supposed to keep the patient comfortable correct? Doesn't radiation do the opposite for a patient as far as causing side effects? I asked my professor and she told me to use my head for this one soooo what I have come up with is.... She has cervical cancer and they are using radiation to shrink the mass because the location of it and size of it may cause pain?? Ah I dunno - perhaps I should go to sleep and try again tomorrow!