mercy20

Blood and guts, not so much (unless in specialty areas as others have mentioned). Even worse- lots of vomit, diarrhea, sputum, pus, BODY ODOR, cheesy feet/skin folds/private areas (from people that are NOT bedbound and able to take a shower!)- these are the things that will make u gag

We must keep in mind that the economic changes have created a job market (less supply, more demand) that did not exist when these new grads were in school. The class before mine (2007) had recruiters at graduation, job offers in hand. My class (2008)- not so much, but the demand was still such that there were several K sign-on bonuses and loan repayment offers. In addition, other discipines usually have "career counseling" that advise students on how to become competitive job applicants upon graduation. In my experience, this is not the case w/nursing schools, because well, they did not need to (in the past) due to the high demand. New grads had all the nursing schools and media promising them they would have NO trouble finding a job- with these promises broken, they now feel stuck and frustrated. They cannot turn back time and do internships, networking, etc, which I'm sure many would have if pointed in the right direction. Most in my nursing class were also working to pay the bills- if a person is sure there will be a job for them on graduation, they will most certainly pick a paying job, instead of a non-paying or low-paid internship. Therefore, instead of implying these students did not have the drive to do their homework, we should look at the reasons behind what is happening. To those in school now, you are in a better position b/c you know what lies ahead, and know what you need to do to become a competitive applicant. To any new grads reading this post, keep your head up, keep hope- "this too shall pass." :heartbeat

I used "med/surg reviews and rationales," by Hogan. Also bought patho reviews and rationales, both under $30- well worth it. They are similar, although med/surg delves more into interventions and patho book into well, patho. They have NCLEX signs next to vital info- 9x/10 this was covered in the exams. As far as studying- my mantra was "my brain can only remember so much." DON'T try to memorize everything. PAY ATTENTION to what the prof emphasizes, and go from there. My study partner and I (large groups didn't work for me due to schedule, plus I found they put too much info out there- remember it's not how much you know- it's knowing the right material) would turn on a good movie, popcorn, snacks- and go through the material. We only went through our notes-used the text as reference, looked up anything we weren't sure about and read that section. We wrote up a reference sheet during the study session, and went through that the morning of exam. Some classmates found Saunder's Qs very helpful- if you have the time, great- if not just make sure you understand the underlying disease process. Hope this helps!

Are you asking about nursing 1-4? Which class/semester are you in?

I'm an RN :)

Hi guys, I just wanted to say to remember God's promises. There will always be those around us that hurt or disappoint us. When I announced I was starting nursing school, one of my family members said he would buy me the newest stethoscope on the market (cost about $300 at the time) if I graduated because he was so sure I wouldn't. When I did, and passed my boards (4wks ago ), he said- wow, congrats- I never thought you were going to make it. But you know what? My success was not based on this person, sure- we are strengthened momentarily by the support of those around us- but real inner long-lasting strength comes from the Lord. It was by His grace that I was able to succeed- focus on His unfailing love and He will direct your path too.. :redbeathe "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." Psalms 27:10 NIV

I passed! :clpty:

I passed!! Thank you God! P.S: It seems like people keep saying to study infection control-- study infection control. It was the underlying theme throughout my exam! And if it was not for this site, I probably would have overlooked it in my studies, as this topic was not emphasized too much in my school

Hi guys! God bless you all and this thread- Just got home from NCLEX, would like to encourage those that will be testing this week- the last week is the hardest because you feel like you have to get every last tidbit of information in- I had my moment of freaking out and went out and bought 2 review books!! with 1 week left!! LOL. But once we focus not on our own humanity but on God's grace- we can give thanks that our future is already in His hands- Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I give thanks and praise whatever the outcome, my thoughts and prayers are with you.. ps: i will update on wed, hopefully!

1. # of Qs- 75! 2. Study materials: Kaplan live class (took this during nursing IV semester- do not recommend doing it this way b/c my focus was on passing nursing school, not reviewing for NCLEX), did Q trainers 1-7, 1 Q bank test; 1/2 of Saunders book- no Qs from CD- already sick of doing Qs!! 3. My SON offered NLN exams after every semester. 4. Just got home from exam- will hopefully find out Wed. 5. Thoughts coming out of exam: None- at Q73 I glanced at the Q-meter, freaked out a little, moved on and screen went blank at Q75. At that point I felt numb, with (+) distal paresthesias! LOL. Thoughts now 1.5 hours later- 6. First attempt, hopefully the last! will update on this