EyesForward

I should be getting my ATT any day now, and I am really getting the jitters. Did you select your own test date, or were you assigned one? I am hoping to schedule my exam around the first week in Feb., but no sooner, since I need the time to review. I am reviewing content by way of Saunders, and then practicing questions from the Kaplan and Saunders cd's, and possibly the NSCBN online. I guess I'll be hanging out here for the next couple of weeks. Really scared, but trying to just stay focused. :heartbeat (tachycardia, diaphoresis, nausea, diarrhea!)

It comes down entirely to the policy of the hospital to which you are applying. Here, some hospitals call them nurse interns, others call them nurse techs or nurse associates. Some hire after semester one, some after semester two. Either way, you need to contact the recruiter for the corporation you are interested in, and ask. I am a nurse tech in picu and er, and was hired during semester III, but we hire students after semester I.

I also have an expensive pair of Dansko's collecting dust in the corner. They were too hard for me too, but then my sister turned me on to Merrell's, and I have been floating on a cloud ever since. I have several pair now for all occasions, beach etc. They cured me from heel pain too (plantar fascitis). You can find them at http://www.shoebuy.com.

Two of you mentioned free study guides from Excelsior. Can you tell me where to get them? I have a friend who wanted the RUE study guides, but does not have the $$$. Thank you!

How about a job as a hospital unit secretary? It's a good way to get experience reading charts and adding orders, which you'll have to know how to do as a nurse. You've said you have clerical experience, so you probably can get a job w/o too much more experience. Lots of hospitals post their open positions right on their websites, and you can apply over the web. After you apply be assertive with calling the recruiter to make sure they know you're serious.

I also had PF and am a runner, until I got orthotics from my footo guy for my running shoes, and bought a pair of Merrell's by recommendation. I have so many pairs of Merrell's now for casual, work, beach, etc., and they are truly unbelievable comfort. My sister, also an athlete and a surgeon recommended them along with Danskos. The Dankskos didn't work well for me, because the sole is so hard, but supportive. I needed cushion, and the Merrell's are so soft on the heels. Try them...free shipping and returns at http://www.shoebuy.com.

OK, I see I need to toughen up! But...has anybody experienced any repercussions for saying no, such as negative feedback during evaluation time for "not being a team player", and so on? Thanks everybody whose answered so far. Cool answers, especially "I've had two beers" (which is probably true half the time!) :beer:

I graduate in December, and have heard the textbook we use for critical care is not too swift. Can you recommend a book that comes to the point and gives you the gouge on critical care nursing? I'd like to find something on the shorter, but more direct side, rather than anything entitled "...for Dummies". Thank you!

Alright, the phone is always ringing, and there are always messages on my cell. I want to go in and help out, but most weeks I've already answered the call and gone in for someone or another, or am scheduled to pick up someone elses shift. If you have to or want to say no how do you get it done? I tend to ramble on about what I have to get done that day, or say I've already picked up a shift this week for someone else, but no matter what I hang up feeling like a sludge. What's your "no, I'm sorry I can't work" speech? Thank you!

:) I ended up doing my usual overspending on Amazon, and got the flip book, along with two other books! Thanks, guys.

Anybody tried them? Is there any pharmacology in them? Waste, or worth it? Thanks, Wendy

PICU transport nurses, can you tell me a little bit about your experiences? I have an opportunity to do my preceptorship wth a fantastic nurse in the PICU next semester, and I am really, so excited! Our PICU does transport, and it sounds so intense and interesting, but I'd like to hear things from your perspective. Thank you, Wendy 3rd Semester ADN

I know. I don't really expect people to search for my question, and RN's may not look in the LPN corner, so I hope you don't mind if I side-step the spanking.

I have been studying from a variety of NCLEX books which are set up in categories of disorders; cardiac disorders, respiratory disorders, etc. Does this closely resemble the format of the actual test? I've seen people post frequently on the large number of priority questions they've gotten, but have only seen a few of those in any of my study guides. Some have great outlines in the beginning of each section that point out important info, so I guess the question is are these really going to help me pass, or am I going to be shocked because I was studying something that will only help me marginally?