DMae

I know the first year is supposed to be the roughest, but it's physically taking its toll. I have a couple weeks left of my ICU orientation and I'm freaking out. Granted, this week was the most stressful. Last night though, I had to go home because my anxiety was freaking debilitating. I ended up throwing up, getting cold sweats. I was shaking. I don't know what to do with myself.

Is it possible that with the increased contractility and therefore increased cardiac output that the body doesn't have to compensate as much, dropping the PVR?

I was really discouraged too and I'm in Northern California. They do make it sound like people will just be knocking at your door with job offers. I started applying in March and didn't have an interview until the end of April. Also, buy yourself a nice suit for an interview when you get one. I think my fabulous suit gave me the confidence I needed to get through those questions. You may also want to expand your horizon. The job I took was actually my 'practice' interview. I scheduled it so it would be before the interviews at hospitals I really wanted. Turns out I went for the interview and fell in love with the hospital, my manager, the town, and I got the unit I wanted. Most places want you to start in med/surg...bleh, no thank you! So...good luck...everything happens for a reason :)

I think Kaplan is overrated. After taking the course in high school my SAT score DROPPED. For the NCLEX, I decided to invest in Hurst review which covers content and test taking skills. I know people who did the live review and the online review...we all believe it's money well spent! I passed the NclexRN in June with 75 questions in about an hour and 15 minutes.

Took it this morning and got 75 questions. I'm in California and it's going to take at least a week for results. Cross your fingers everyone.

I just got back, took the NCLEX-RN...turned off at 75. I had tons of drugs and viruses I've never even heard of. I'm freaking out. I also had lots of priority and management questions as well...select all that apply. I'm in CA and we cant find out early through pearson vue.

I'm having a problem finding scrubs that I like...but I love the pants from the london collection. They have a nice thick knit waistband. Nothing else really worked for me though

I graduate next week and just accepted my first RN position on the CCU. Thanks for all the brain sheets, I appreciate all the help I can get.

It's not that bad. We had two chances to take it so I didn't study for the first one and got Level 2.

Of all the tests to worry about, this is not the one. I was forced to travel a few hours away to take it at a university since the univ that I was at didn't offer it. I had to take it in the summer before taking most of my pre reqs and I did fine. I didn't even know what to expect. I figured for 30 bucks I could take it, see whats it's about and take it again to improve my grade. There ended up being no need. Just relax, you'll be fine.

Thanks to the California Nurses Association we do have mandated ratios here in CA. I can't imagine working in a state without. For your proposal, I would definitely check out all the research the CNA has conducted. They have a great research and education staff that would love to help you out.

BSNs require many more than 120 units. The minimum you need for a BA from a university is 120 units. I started doing my pre reqs right out of high school, went directly into the nursing program after two years, and am the youngest in my class. I will have 163 units when I graduate...and I'm not taking any extra classes for fun.

I prefer Davis's, much better than Mosbys and the other ones I've seen. I don't have a PDA though, so I'm not much help regarding software.

Actually, Humboldt had more applicants than Sonoma State which was a surprise. The year I applied, Sacramento State had almost 400 applicants for their 55 spots. I absolutely love it here at Humboldt and would recommend this program to anyone. The area is nice but after three years I'm kind of over it and ready to get a bit more Vitamin D.

Here is how I understand it. Low level questions are questions that have direct answers. No critical thinking is really involved. Example: Q: What type of ulcer should you watch out for on the burn unit? A: Curlings Ulcer Low level questions, you either know it or you don't. You can't devise a way to come up with the answer. High level questions require critical thinking like priority questions and what not. Hope this helps.