Lilloman

Given the changes with the NCLEX-RN exam, how useful are the Hogan prep books? Is it time to buy something else? If so, suggestions?

"You're here....WHY?"

I'll be 50 when I graduate. We have a classmate in our cohort who is currently 57. I know upper classmen who are 60 or more. So, yes.

The next testing date is this Tuesday the 10th http://wattsschoolofnursing.org/modules/watts_admiss_pro/index.php?id=9 After that there should be some dates in the first week or two of December. Call between 8-5 M-F and you should get someone. Search this thread or another Watts thread in this forum, we've outlined the process a couple of times. But basically, you register for the test, take/pass the test, then submit an app with a fee + essay. Upon approval of that you have to submit a background check for acceptance. Then you do the enrollment stuff.

When you go back to review your exam don't just look at it from a content perspective. (ie, I missed the 2 questions on topic x) Do a FULL ANALYSIS of the exam, the questions, the answers, and how you handled each question. Start with the ones you missed but also look at ones you got right, especially you guessed at an answer. Try to answer questions like: * Did I miss this because I lacked knowledge (what you are already thinking...) * Did I miss read the question - 1. Did I miss a keyword like NOT, 2. Did I not figure what the question is REALLY ASKING * Am I having problems certain types of questions: Prioritization, Best Answer, multiple symptoms, etc. * Do I have problems with Nursing Process questions * Do I have problems with Diagnosis questions I could go on, but I don't know your program or your tests. You get the idea. Sit down and write out a number of these types of questions before you go in so you can fully interpret your performance on the test and find patterns and trends. HTH

W2, yes, I'm in Cohort9. Pointers? On the entrance exam? Man, that seems like a lifetime ago. Speed and accuracy is the key. Obviously the math. The spatial stuff you can find online somewhere, I think Cape Fear CC has an online test that is similar for that. And find a technique to work the reading comprehension quickly and well. From what I understand the reading section is the area most have to retake. Good luck!

Amy I just sent u a PM

You can post your questions in here for multiple responses. To reach a specific individual click on the icon below their name in a post that looks like a piece of paper with a pencil above it (). What would you like to know?

Good critical thinking Radford! I was about to suggest the same thing, Lunah. Other ideas: * Does your school have an alumni association? There might be someone there willing to help you out. * Is there someone at the facility(ies) where you are going that lives near you that would provide transport? * Try a nearby church, especially if you are of the same denomination.

If the issue in only money, then either take a taxi those days or rent a car for the given days (+ 1 or 2 days for pickup/return). Enterprise comes and picks you up and drops you off...so you don't even need extra transportation to get to the rental site. If you don't have money for that, then maybe your family would lend you that little bit to get you through those rough patches.

If you have been written up (or expelled) multiple times, then you (the royal you, that is) most likely have an issue that is not conducive with being as nurse (as perceived by your school) and is not being positively modified. Everyone seems to lose site of the fact that nursing schools have an obligation, legally, ethically, and socially, to produce graduates who provide safe and effective care. It's not just about knowing the material. Knowledge, skills, professionalism, and interpersonal skills are all used to measure that capability.

I think the first step is to, as we've inferred here, get more information, preferably in writing, so you can make an informed decision about the contract you would be signing. What is each parties responsibilities and obligations? If you have the actual contract, read it through thoroughly, then ask the person that handles these at the hospital any questions about ambiguous wording, things that aren't addressed, etc. I'd also use the next few weeks to do some shadows at places where you are interested in working. Ask the nurses how things really are, ask questions of administration, and more importantly, get your face in front of future employers. Be that your current hospital, another hospital, LTC, or whatever. Pick two or three places/units and spend the better part of day in there with a nurse. When you have a more complete 'picture' it might be easier to make an decision.

What are the rules and penalties for signing the contract and then either: leaving before the end of two years, or not taking a job with them at all? Where I am the hospital allows us to sign a unilateral contract. They have the obligation to give us a job and over 3 years they reimburse us for our tuition (pro-rated). However, we have no obligation to take a job with them.

Just hit mid-term. Loving every minute of it. Lots to do but it's a blast. 3 tests down, 3 to go. The school also just changed the cirriculum, so there is a lot of give and take going on. So far everyone has been great from the school director through the NA's at the clinical sites. Start focusing on being process driven and keeping the big picture in view. And if you struggle through tests, start now to find ways to be the master of a test. Best of luck!

If you want to start in January then you most definitely need to be taking the exam ASAP. I believe they are testing this week, so if you aren't in this rotation then it will be September before you can take it. The test/apply/approval process takes 2-4 months, so you want to get going. If I were you, I'd also check with the school to make sure they still have openings for January...