scoober33

I am on the 3-11 shift also. We have 60 patients, 2 LPNs, and 4 CNAs. It seems like an impossible task for me to soon be doing 30 patients on my own!

Hi everyone, I graduated the LPN program this past Dec, passed my boards n Feb, and just started working my very first nursing job in a skilled facility on a LTC unit. I wasn't quite sure where to go for my first job, and ended up doing this. I just finished my 4th day of training on the unit and they are supposedly giving me 10 days total. I am feeling VERY overwhelmed. My responsibilities are for 30 patients with extensive meds. Even though I am still training with someone, I am finding myself getting very flustered and just anxious. Plus, the reason I got into nursing was to spend time with my patients and get to know them which I cannot do. I DESPERATELY need advice/help. Right now I am in a 90 day probationary period to see if this is a "good fit". Would it be horrible to leave so soon if I decide its not the right environment for me? Also, what is the correct way to handle that when you leave a nursing job very early on?

Thank you so much to those who have responded so far! I really appreciate it..you have no idea! I just need to get past my nerves and I'm sure I will be ok. I usually learn things pretty quickly....I guess it's just the "new nurse jitters." Anyone else feel free to comment! :)

This past Friday I was offered my first nursing job and accepted. I will be working full time 3-11 in a LTC facility. (has other areas as well) As much as I am super excited, I am also extremely scared and nervous. I will have 2 days of facility orientation next week, followed by 10 days of orientation with another nurse. According to the DON, of course my main job will be passing meds. (to about 25-30 pts) Everyone seems pretty nice and helpful that I have met so far. I guess I am just lookiing for others stories about your first nursing job, or working in LTC, any advice/tips/info you can throw at me would be greatly appreciated!!!

I found out at 8:39am that I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):):):):) Thank you so much to everyone for your support!!

Oh also..someone asked me how I prepared. I did get one book which I believe just came out recently, its the Kaplan NCLEX-PN Strategy Book. 2010 Edition, sort of a purple-ish color. I really liked how they laid out all of the strategies, what to expect, and they have questions throughout and also a practice test of 145 questions. I would recommend this book! I also had a book of built in flash cards with practice questions. I did not use the online question bank, as I didn't have the money at the time. I don't know if that would have made a difference!

As far as the test, it definitely was not what I expected. The questions seemed to stay along the same lines the whole time. I did get what seemed to be mostly prioritization type questions. Also, psych questions came up quite a bit, as did meds (quite a few I didn't even recognize). I got maybe 2 or 3 SATA questions and absolutely no math questions. Also, no fill in the blank. I got one that was the type where you put steps in order though. Overall, it was just a strange experience.....not quite what I expected. I should have my results hopefully tomorrow. I am feeling ok at times, but other times today I am having a lot of anxiety and almost crying at some points just thinking about whether I have passed or failed.

I just got back home! I have no idea how I did on the test. I felt ok taking it, but it did cut off at 85 questions.......I am trying not to freak out!!

Thank you so much everyone for your replies! I am getting ready to head out in about 15 min to head to the testing site. I will keep you all posted, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate reading your messages this morning. Independent29, I should have my results by tomorrow or Fri at the latest!!!!!

Please if you are reading this say a little prayer for me. It's now 9:20pm and my test is at 8am tomorrow morning! I was actually feeling ok up until about an hour ago, I think it has finally hit me that this is it. I am incredibly nervous at this point, but am going to try to maintain some level of confidence tomorrow. From reading everyone's messages, I know this is normal! :)

Hi everyone! I graduated from the LPN program in December. I just received my email/letter stating I am now authorized to take the NCLEX-PN. I am scared!!! I looked at the schedule online and can schedule it as soon as I'm ready, as soon as tomorrow! I am looking for advice...I have heard from people to go ahead and take it right away, that there is no way to prepare for it, is that true?? Please help and tell me about your test experiences! Thanks :)