sg2629

Illinois does not allow you to work with a temporary or pending license.

I experienced the same thing working nights. Then I took a day shift position and my health improved, I'm no longer tired all the time, and no longer grumpy or in a fog. The difference in pay took a little getting use to but I did it and do not look back.

When I was in nursing school I hated med-surg, swore I wouldn't work it and vowed I build my skills some other way. Well, I've been on a med-surg floor for 14 months and, although I can't say I love it, I have seen so much, continually learning something new, and perform skills (now with ease) that I didn't think I'd ever do. I would not trade this experience for anything. But that's the wonderful thing about nursing, we do not know what will tickle our fancy. I'm glad you find your current role fulfilling, keep up the positive attitude!

I'm 51 and just finished my first year as an RN. I too had that life-long dream of doing this. Whether you chase this goal or not, we still continue to get older. For me, I didn't want any what if's, should have's, etc. Please do not let your age influence your decision.

I recommend SAS shoes (San Antonio Shoe Company...I think) hands down. I can work in them for the entire time (12-15 hours), no pain, no foot/leg fatigue, etc. I personally like their clog, but they also have shoes with laces, velco and slip ons. Some might say a bit pricey (I paid $130 for my clogs) but worth every penny! Oops almost forgot to mention, every size imaginable is available from narrow to extra wide.

Is it perhaps just the job market in your area? I graduated in Dec 2007, at the age of 49. I was also concerned about my age but overall, it did not seem to make a difference. Although they cannot ask your age, you can figure it out based on info they require: High School graduate date, previous employers (dates of employment). The closest I came to any sort of comment was my employment history. But the spin was positive. The manager indicated the experience would be a valuable asset (even though not directly healthcare related). Another manager indicated that I had life experience that would be valuable and could not be taught to younger applicants. Now please keep in mind, I'm in the Chicago area, but I interviewed at various facilities and was offered a total of 5 different positions. And after finally finishing nursing school, I looked (and felt) every day of my age!! There is a position out there for you. You have something valuable to offer, be positive, and try not to get discouraged. It is just a matter of time until an HR or nurse manager recognizes it!!

First a hug. I understand the frustration and disappointment after doing everything you are suppose to do to prepare. However, and someone told me this one time, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get there - just so you get there. With that said, the first thing I would do is take a break. A couple days/a week and clear your head, refresh and recharge. I'd get my next exam date scheduled and then set a realistic timeline for review. If you are reviewing on your own, as I did, I selected one review book for content area and just went through it from front to back. I used other resources for additional question practice or occasional content review. But basically stuck to the order of material in one book - Saunder's. I took the NCLEX-RN, and am not familar with the differences with the NCLEX-PN but think the approach for review should be the same. I wish you the best and you will find plenty of support and motivation on this site...these folks are wonderful!

congratulations to the new rn!

This made me laugh aloud! Thanks!!!

how about a jeopardy-style game at the end of class for a quick review/reinforcement of material. categories might include: pathophysiology, theraputic mangement, medications, nursing diagnoses, safety, client/caregiver education. for example under pathophys: last 2 to 12 years and memory impairment is more evident. what is the middle stage? medications: these are avoided because of high anticholinergic activity. what are antihsitamines and tricyclic antidepressants? could be a good way to wrap things up when everyone's interest is waning. good luck.

I recently took the NCLEX and understand your feelings right now. I left thinking my life was over in a matter of 80 questions. I wasn't willing to bet I answered any correctly, except a couple. Also, not one class member from my graduating class reported anything different. Even reading these boards, I don't remember one person posting...I took the test and feel good. My advice...the test is over and just wait for your results (a massage might be a nice distraction!). If you passed wahoo, and if not take time to regroup and try again. I wish you success and good luck, let us know the outcome. You will join the ranks of RNs!!

I'm hoping someone can share their experience, opinion, comments, etc about the online RN to BSN program at University of St. Mary's. I'm looking at various online programs and am especially interested in this one. I have taken online coursework, at the school I earned my ADN, so that isn't what concerns me. It is the idea that I'm doing this completely online, and with a school in another state than I live. What do I need to know?, what questions should I ask?, etc before I commit. Any help is really appreciated. Thanks.

i'd get an att so you have a test date. this should keep you motivated and allow for you to make a timeline to cover the material. as for a refresher/review class. i personally didn't take one but tested right after graduation. i found almost all the nclex review books (saunders, lippincott, kaplan) helpful, in one form or another, just doing question after question (1000s by time i was done). i also liked the ati dvd's. i found their accompanying books a little too textbook like and an overload of info for a review; but given the time lag they may prove helpful to you. personally, i found the ati nclex review material on ebay rather cheap compared to buying it from their site. i wish you success, just keep repeating those two little letters after your name...rn! you can do this. good luck.

I took the CNA exam in Illinois, albeit a 3-4 years ago, and it was basic info in a multiple-choice format. Hope this helps.

The authors of this memory notebook series (JoAnn Zerwekh and Jo Carol Claborn) also have a book called Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN Exam which is a very good review source. I used this in prep for the NCLEX which I passed on my first try. I bought this after getting the 3 books from the memory notebook series and was not disappointed with any of them. The info in the memory notebook series isn't indepth, just quick and quirky enough to remember it. I would give these authors the thumbs up.