nurseALEB

Hi there.... I used the Saunders book to review my content and the medications and I used the Kaplan q-bank for practice. I think that Kaplan was key to my success because it helped me gain confidence and experience answering questions. In my opinion Kaplan's questions were trickier then the boards were, but on the boards the answers were trickier. Really know your infections diseases!!!!

hey there, I was just curious as to where you are moving from? I am from L.A but went to school in N.Y and just moved back here in May. I am working on the pediatrics unit at cedar-sinai medical center in beverly hills. It seems like we have a lot in common, new grad working with the kiddos. I just wanted to say hello!! I live close by to ucla in marina del rey. I love that area. It is not as congested as it is in westwood and it is a close bike ride down to the beach. Let me know if you have any questions about anything!!! I just got off orientation last week and it is very exciting stuff. Good luck with the move Allie

i am currently in my last stretch of orientation and I have had a few great preceptors along the way as well as a few not so great ones. First off I must acknowledge that being a preceptor is a challenge. Being a wonderful nurse does NOT make you a wonderful preceptor. What has helped me most is communication!! I like starting and ending the shift with a little chat about what I would like focus on for the day and then at the end how I felt about it. If the student says they feel comfortable doing something... let them. Take 3 steps back, give them there space and just be there to give them that final nod of approval. After you have showed them how to do something give them a try. It is perfectly okay if there way is different from yours as long as it gets done just as safely. Positive encouragement combined with constructive criticism!! Explain and talk about a new procedure outside the room (away from the patient). Explain the basics of the equipment and all the different noises. Talk through the rationals. Personally I learn best when I have to put things into my own words. give them a chance to speak. and most importantly ..... DONT GO INTO THE BREAK ROOM TILL 5:00AM!!!!!!!!!

I had 12 SATA 1 math (100% positive that I got it wrong, because I made up a story and divided my answer by 6) alot of infection control and delegation I used kaplan to prepare and I think kaplan helped me gain confidence in answering questions; although I will say that on the NCLEX it was not the questions that were tricky, but the answers. The computer turned off after 76 questions and I didn't think I had proved myself either way. I walked out feeling confused I took my test on monday the 28th in California and found out I passed on Saturday morning. Those 5 days were horrible as the questions were haunting me and I could not get them off of my mind. I just wanted to share because I know I kept coming onto this thread to compare with the rest of you. Feel free to ask me any questions and good luck!!! :up::up::p:p:p:p:p