Maebell1925

I have been an rn at a hospital and have been hating my job although I need the job to get out of debt. I thought I'd like nursing but am rethinking this career change. The senior nurses, I assumed would mentor the new nurses. Boy was I wrong. Some senior nurses appear disconnected with new nurses (at my facility) so I hope to meet competent and caring nurses wanting to see new nurses succeed.

I interviewed at a hospital in Louisiana and starting pay for new grad RN was $18.00/hour. I felt sick.

cdc website on infection control

I hear you -- I got blasted for every little thing wrong in my patients room today -- felt i should have just walked off the floor and quit. the good thing is that the other RNs kept saying this kind of shift can happen. so we must hang in there.

Completely understand and I am now on Day #2 of my orientation on MedSurg. I am so feeling very anxious and not very confident. I have conveyed that to the RN and she has been receptive and willing to teach me. It is not as bad as you think - more hands on versus book stuff at this point. So just focus and try not to overwhelm yourself to prevent burn out. Good luck!

the website for Veteran's Hospital is http://www.va.gov and you can also try http://www.usajobs.gov. Both websites offer the RN series that is 0610. Inputting the RN series of 0610 will net you only jobs for RNs.

You asked the magic question! One of my colleagues who was also unsuccessful on boards called and suggested Hurst Review. The overwhelming difference is that Hurst Review focuses on the 'core content' and not just testing strategy. We both had taken Kaplan and utilized the strategies but the connections were not there as opposed to Hurst Review. I completed the Online Review ($300) and I wish I had known about Hurst in nursing school - it would have helped me with understanding the material and not memorizing. I recommend Hurst Review hands down. :bowingpur What else did I do to study: completed every question in Silverstri Q&A - took about 2 weeks; completed drug dosage calculation questions - about 10 a day - just to take the edge off at work during my breaks - completed the online review for Hurst. Did have to take at least 1 day off a week or I was going to go crazy - but otherwise about 15 days before test listened to Hurst videos and completed the worksheets. Oh, yes, - I also studied up until the last minute of the test and did not work for 9 days before test! You must do what works for you and what works for me is keeping my brain engaged. Good luck and when do you plan to take NCLEX? Maebell

Any word on whether you passed? I found out yesterday that I did and it was my 4th attempt. I am excited and no longer beating myself up over not passing the first time. A nurse is a nurse. Keep me posted on your results.

I also just took the NCLEX-RN and 101 questions. I hope and pray I have passed. Good luck to you!

Reschedule if you do not feel adequately prepared. Soul searching for your answer and it will come to you. This is a journey and it is your path.

Get one resource like Saunders and know it. The mateial in this book is right on target and does appear overwhelming but you can overcome by breaking it down into sections.

You must call the Texas BON. The information is not on the TX BON website on how to reapply. You must call the board on how to reapply. Good luck in your preparation to sit for the test. I understand that Suzanne's plan is a good way to study.

Congratulations and if you can share tidbits on how to destress, remain calm, strategies, they all would be appreciated. I continue to stress completely out when I sit down to test and the stress has gotten the best of me. Any recommendations? Maebell

I am praying that you were successful on the NCLEX. It would be a wonderful present to have passed.

Good Luck to you on your NCLEX. Just remember to relax while you are testing. Use your strategies and be confident in your ability to complete this hurdle to becoming a nurse. You can do this and must believe that you can. My recommendation: is you do not feel ready reschedule your test date. If you are confident go into the test center with your head held high and just do it!