jenw922

I did the Kaplan review and found it very helpful - passed NCLEX with 75 questions. I think both programs are good. You get out of it what you put into it. I think the key is making a promise to yourself to do 100 practice questions EVERY DAY - no excuses. You will eventually start thinking in NCLEX language, which is very different from nursing schools exams. Good Luck.

We ALL make mistakes, use this as a learning opportunity. I disagree with the charge nurse advice that "experience" allows you not to make mistakes. Your real "mistake" was recognizing that it seemed like a strange dose and giving it without a little research. When in doubt, ask - always! if you dont have medication sites on your intranet carry around a drug book. Always second guess yourself when something is unfamilar or just does not feel right - regardless if you have 7 months experience or 17 years of experience.

I would def reccomend working as a CNA in a hospital/area you want to work in. My hospital is only considering a new grad if they currently work in the hospital.

Thanks! Yes I am often on this site and have read many threads and posts on this issue and agree that is a common topic. I think it is likely a fairly "hot issue" as it pertains to such a large number of people. I look forward to reading many more posts and new threads on the issue to hopefully find new tips and information.

Thanks Paul - For the next few weeks I am doing 2 in a row so we will see how that goes. 6 in a row, my gosh did you feel like you were in the movie "Groundhog Day " :-)

I'm a new nurse also working nights, I got REALLY good room darkening curtains at Overstock.com, they were not expensive, look really nice and totally block out the sunlight. I have mastered the day sleeping by drawing them the night before my first night shift so I can sleep late then only using them the "days" I am working so my body really thinks it is night. When not working I tie them back so I can try to return to a natural sleep cycle. I'm good at the day sleeping part but need help on how to recover, as I feel like a zombie for 2-3 days after working 3 nights in a row. Any suggestions?

I'm a recent grad and have started nights on a busy med-surg floor working 7pm-7am 3 days a week, at least 2 days in row. I really enjoy working nights and have no problem sleeping 7 hours during the day prior to my shift. I bought room darkening curtains, take a lunesta and sleep from like 9-4. The problem is it hits me the day after, my first 2 days off and even after sleeping a full night I feel like a zombie, grouchy and depressed. Prior to nursing I worked as a flight attendent and always did red-eyes so I know I can do it and like I said , I have no problems with the actual shift - it's the recovery. Changing shifts is not an option so I have got to figure something out. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Be careful with tylenol pm/benadryl as it can increase BP with frequent use (i had to go on BP meds for 6 months to bring it down to normal after stopping diphenhidramine). I take Lunesta and am able to sleep 7 hours with no interruption. If you explaim to your MD you are a night nurse he/she will have no problem perscribing it for you.

I'm also a recent grad still going through orientation. My orientation and most orientation programs in NJ have you taking full patient responsability after 1 week of classroom training. Most programs I'm aware of have you work up to a full patient assignment (in my case 7 patients on a med/surg floor) within 4-5 weeks. My preceptor is there to answer questions and will pitch in if I'm floundering but the goal is to have me totally self suffieicnt and working independently by the conclusion of orientation (total orientation is 8 weeks) I suggest you use the time with your preceptor to feel confident doing everything with the knowledge and security that she/he is looking over your shoulder. Good Luck!!

I would not think nurses pay would be cut, compared to many other industries we dont make that much. I do think a Physcians salary or amount they are allowed to charge for services would be cut. Hospital billing is totally ridiculous. However, maybe there malpractice insurance would be reduced and it would offset. It's really the whole system that needs updating : the costs of drugs, medical care and medical testing in this country is completely absurd. Do you really think a dose of tylenol should cost $10 or a 1 week hospital stay for an emergency illness should cost $40,000? Based upon my impression of Obama's speech last night what he would fight for is the restoration of basic human kindness and to hold people accountable for their actions. Based upon his exact words and Clinton's previous presidency the taxes for middleclass would be lowered and salaries would increase. This seems good to me !

I take NCLEX in 2 days and would greatly appreciate any prayers and/or positive energy anyone can send. I'm very nervous but have done practice Kaplan questions for the last several weeks, I must have done like 3,000 total. So I really know that I have done all I can do to prepare, the toughest part is trying to relax and not let the anxiety get the best of you :-) To anyone still working through Kaplan dont be discouraged by it's difficulty - I have heard it is most like the real NCLEX. Just aim for 60% or higher on the question trainers and QBank. It will start to click. Good Luck to all the future nurses!!!!!!!