kajh20

Its really a shame most are left with the feeling like they had to guess on most questions and never knowing which questions right/wrong, though passing is great, confidence with knowledge is even better. I'd hate to think that nursing is a guessing game (I realize it is at times, but..)and that hoping the right delegation tasks(including the 5 rights) is performed. I know this all comes with time working as a nurse, but it's the principle of it I guess. Critical thinking is not guessing without facts, I don't know, it's so confusing. I passed but this process has been mindboggling and still (with passing)I'm just as confused as I was yesterday before passing my boards. Happy I passed but discouraged by the process and not truly grasping the NCLEX test (strategy, info, what I'm suppose to know and WHAT they want me to know thats important).

BTW, adorable dogs! We have two big yellow ones! I forgot to ask (I know everyone is different and I read all the posts here) how long would you suggest I do the above study plan? I keep re-scheduling my exam b/c I feel like I don't know everything, but I also know that I can continue to live this isolated life and study and more than likely it's not going to do me any good since the NCLEX RN is so random (I have taken it before which I'm sure contributes to my anxiety!). I now find myself needing to know EVERYTHING as well as questioning everything, which is really good for my nursing b/c I feel like I'm really understanding the path of it all but I can't seem to stop and start answering questions! Anyhow, thanks again

Thank you, I appreciate your feedback!

Hi. I know this may seem silly but I think I have confused myself on airborne/respiratory isolation precautions. I have researched alot on the CDC website but it's very indepth. My question, I know Measles, TB and varicella require airborne/resp isolation but what about Herpes zoster/Shingles? it seems likely it would be included but.......Also, it's apparent that a N95 respirator is worn with TB, so is this the same for the other airborne diseases (measles, varicella)? or is a regular/surgical mask only required? Can anyone please help clear this up for me? Also, I'm wondering how everyone sits and takes 100-200 questions a day? I love to review, learn, find answers but I avoid doing a complete set of any amount of questions! I know this is what I NEED to do to pass and I can't figure out why it's so darn difficult for me to do. Any suggestions? I feel like I'm the only one who can't do this after reading these posts, though they are motivating. Cheers

hey, I just posted but forgot to ask about your method for selecting all the apply? did you use any special book for those or did you just know the diseases processes in and out? Any tips I would be so thankful for as these really freak me out. Oh and also for placing things in order like a procedure (which seems to be what I get from practice), is there a method you learned, like beginning with cking dr. order gathering equip, explain to pt, position pt, then place the procedure (say like indwelling cath) in order? one of my practice question from exam cram thru in dimming the lites, but after cross referencing that I found that lighting is important and is done after positioning the pt. But, I guess I'm curious to if when placing any task in order is it basically the same concept beginning with dr. order, equip, explaining to pt, then any other relevant steps then the steps for activity that needs to be done? Seems simple and I'm sure I'm making more complex but I JUST WANNA KNOW!!! tHANKS FOR YOUR WISDOM!!!

Congradulations to you! Your hard work paid off! I'm in that same mode right now and today I'm like, "I so cannot wait till this is over, I have no life!!! Good job!

Congradulations! that is so cool! Good job, really! My question for you is what do you mean when you mentioned disaster drills and which pt to d/c, does that mean disconnect or discharge? Just wondering b/c I don't recall covering much about disasters and pt care in my books (aside protocal for pt removal, fire, etc). I totally understand about addressing questions using kaplan and the decision tree not truly fitting in, it's never cut and dry which is why it makes it so tough. Thanks and congrads again RN!

Can anyone inform me on the general tasks, what I mean by that is what they can do according to the NCLEX. I DONT need to know what everyone does per their state I'M SPECIFICALLY asking for duties they can do in the hospital. I've been through both the NCSBN/ANA delgation guidelines and they do not address this, only stable patients. But I need to know a range of tasks they can safely perform. Speficially I'm wanting to know if for the NCLEX RN ONLY the LPN can: Suction, if so when can they not? suctioning can cause several adverse effects sterile dressings, not dressing changes but I need to know if "sterile" is included Can they insert foley catheters? other catheters? can they instill IV meds? give insulin? give anything else?push meds (this I think not) Trach care? can they give tube feedings? or change these dressings? can they help with chest tubes? I'm sure I'm missing something else? AGAIN, I don't need to know what LPNs do in each state, just for the NCLEX RN. I appreciate your help!

Thanks everyone, evidentally I wasn't very clear in my question and as another person stated, it doesn't matter what who does what in what state. I'm referring to the NCLEX RN exam. However, while trying to research this topic I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm not going to find "one" list which states a LPN can: and a list of delegated or independent tasts are listed (not just "stable patients) and same for a CNA. I totally get each state is reg by own BON but it frustrates me that this is not provided since this is what we are being tested on. I get it that I need to critically think BUT since I have NO practical experience I don't even want to begin to "assume" or guess on delegation assign. Just as I expect to be informed and remain safe under my BON as an RN I want to take this test same way. But, I'm guessing I need to get over it and leave it for what it is. SO, what do you know about assigning tasks to NEW RNs? do you assume they are like LPNs and assign most stable patient? Can they admit, discharge, do sterile changes? (can LPNs do this?), trach care, IV meds, etc? I've been told not to get distracted by a questions stating new RN but......... and Im not sure what they want me to be thinking about questions like this. I'd just like to know, why does it need to be a guess? Or perhaps one of my 13 books is missing that information? I want to be a safe nurse, so can anyone shed some light? Thanks so much!

OK, so I know to delegate stable pts to an LPN, but can anyone provide specific examples of tasks or pt care that is w/in their scope of practice? Some say they can suction, give IV meds, trach care, sterile dressings????? I'm not sure these are all correct. I also read that LPNs cannot do discharge planning, is this true? It makes sense b/c involves teaching. Also, if asked on NCLEX to prioritize 4 pts and 3 have specific needs and the 4th is a discharge pt, can that pt. wait? Also, as far as the charge nurse can anyone tell me the role they play for the NCLEX? since positions like this vary per facility I'm not sure how to grasp how they function when answering NCLEX questions. Thank you, I test soon and feel more confused than ever!

Hi. I'm guessing your wanting my answer, sorry I just was able to check this site. Hmm, my initial thinking is respiratory effort b/c of airway but that's expected w/M.G. I believe, as are answers #3 & 4 (i think), so then I'm thinking #1. But now I'm wondering if ascending paralysis is considered similar/same as respiratory function or perhaps a.paralysis is too vague. I do know that M.G. has resp paralysis, so did I just eliminate #1? OHHHH, this is so frustrating for me when answering questions r/t disease process and it's one that I've either forgotten or just unable to recall!!ERRggg What can you teach me from this??????

Hi. I'm needing clairification, I'm not sure if i'm in the correct thread or not but I'm sure someone will move it if not. So, with a nursing diagnosis when asked for such on the NCLEX, would the correct answer be the one that is most related to the issue described? or does maslow's still apply and a nursing diagnosis that is a physiological one take priority? For instance, if a question stated a mental condition and wanted a nursing dx related to that, would that be the best answer option? or would it be the option with a nursing dx related to a physiological nursing diagnosis, like safety or something? I think I'm confusing myself more and more. any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Yeah, you hit it right on! totally and completely correct about what you just wrote, forsure! Unfortunately, b/c I'm not such a good test taker so I do more and more which does not help. So, with that said, how can I beg and plead for you to share or at least highlight how you understood the strategy? I have the Hurst review/Patho book and a few of the Hurst CDs w/questions, I've also listened to Marlene over and over again. When I study sometimes I start to feel like I understand the strategy but then in a flash of time I no longer do and get obsessed with trying to find out info on a certain issue, like this. I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks

Do you have any suggestions for more specific info relating to these types of questions? Specifically, when to choose to call doctor vs when to choose an intervention? or just your own theory would help me understand a little better. I appreciate it,

That is so cool!!! So, I'm one of those peeps who does "feak out" but I don't want to! So thanks for posting. Ok, I have a question that I'm hoping you who studied for 6 days and anyone else who can help; I practice SATA questions and some, boom I get correct (though easy I think), then others where I always miss 1 or 2 and this is not good! For example, when a question asks to put a procedure in the correct order, I get hung up if I should choose dimming the lights before or after I position the pt., or do I assess pt. nostrils before I measure tube length? I understand cking orders, inform pt of, gather equip (or is this done before informing pt?), then I get hung up on whether to position pt, do somin else thats thrown in their-then I can place procedure in correct order. Am I totally missing something? it sure seems like I should know these little things, seems like everyone else who passes does! Uggg, whats wrong with me. Can anyone be so kind to spell it out for me or tell me where to go to figure out. I don't even want to mention how long I've been studying for, which is why I don't understand why I don't know this. Please help me.

Thanks, I guess my confusion is coming from different sources stating different things (or perhaps I'm confusing myself). I'm trying to find additional information (if any)or examples of situations like this where it gets me thinking and more "aware" of these types of conditions and s&s where the RN does not provide an intervention but calls the doctor. Anyone have any thoughts?

Hi. I'm also taking my test at the end of June and the more I study the more I tend to confuse myself. I have a question I was wondering if someone could help shed some light for me. Ques is: Related to how to answer certain types of questions when given a certain situation like the following question: A child has a R femur fracture caused by a MVA and is placed in skin traction temporarily until surgery can be performed. During assessment, the RN notes that the dorsalis pedal pulse is absent on the R foot. What action should the RN do next? 1. Notify dr 2. Admin pain med 3. Release the skin traction 4. Apply ice to the extremity The answer is #1 b/c an absent pulse to an extremety of affected limb could mean child is developing or exper compartment syndrome. This is an emergency situation and the dr needs to be notified. I choose #3 only b/c from what I've read in my study books if I'm to call the dr. what is the one intervention you would do to either save the pts. life or to improve their condition. So this was my thinking. I understand emergency conditions, s/s of, etc (or so I thought). For ex. I know the RN does not provide an intervention (if asked on NCLEX) if a pt. has a stridor, shock, hemorrahage, cardiac arrest and the like and that the option to call the dr. is the one to choose. I hope this makes sense, please tell me to clairify if I'm not making sense. Thanks for you help

I think you"ve taken the first initial (hardest part) step in your road to recovery! Way to go! Yes, seek treatment, at whatever the costs, the benefits are huge compared to staying in the cycle of an eating disorder. In addition, I can only assume but guess that you are not able to perform your best, 100% while delivering nursing care? I know you do not want to risk loosing your licesne b/c the one day your not able to function, you make a mistake while delivering pt. care. However, you may think your able to deliver excellent care and maybe you are but the longer your ED exists the worse you'll be and the symptoms with become greater and you do not want to risk your license. I vote to seek help now, even if it is a weekly support group to help figure out the process. It's amazing nowadays, the treatment has gotten so much better than it was 10-15yrs ago. I would be happy to help you navigate the process! Why? Because I've been there and it did cost me my nursing job and I was devistated, but in hindsight it was for the best b/c what if I had injured a pt.?and lost my license? It was a difficult road and I'm still in the process, it's a journey. I love the quote, "it's not what happens to you that matters, it how you deal with what happens to you that matters most"! Feel free to contact me. It took great courage for you to share this and I know the anxiety it's probably caused you but please don't push this aside, that is what the ED wants you to do, don't listen, resist the temptation and DEAL with it!

Hmmm.... interesting development. That compensation seems way too low. But it doesn't surprise me to see hospitals not wanting to pay "full price" for new grads who want special role transition programs. Those programs are expensive for the hospitals to run. I suspect we will start seeing many more hospitals either offering only a "training wage" for such programs -- or requiring signed contracts with "pay back provisions" to recoup their educational costs if the new grad leaves before working a certain number of hours. In response to the above: RN internships/transistion programs initially cost the hospitals more to run but ultimately greatly benefit the facility thru recruitment + retention. It significantly costs a facility a tremendous amount of money when they fire/hire/rns LV. The NCSBN had an article re: requiring new grads to enter one of these programs due to the increased safety rates, retention + satisfaction, etc. Studies have shown that the RN's who have been thru such a program remain @ a facility for longer durations. It totally makes sense, and of course you can live off a low wage, student loans give option of paying a percentage of your income. Its sad that one would be as prestigious to say that they are a nurse + shouldn't make less than a specified amount. An RN is no better than a CNA, the CNA is the eyes + ears for the nurse-we all do what we have to do in order to get by or get where we need to be. Or perhaps you should've become a plumber where you may be more likely to role out of school into a high paying job, take a look @ what's been going on w/the economy + roll w/it. Or fight it + be miserable all b/c your pride gets in the way.

Hi. I was wondering if you purchashed the Hurst online review or if your using a book. Thanks

Hi. I was wondering if you could send me your audio link? I would forever be thankful. Thanks in advance [email protected]

Goodluck! Relax + breath-you know the info-just yourself!

Hi Lanepn, I saw others asking you for the random fact throwing file + was wondering if by chance you'd be willing to send to me or tell me how to go about attaining. I know your posting was very helpful + would love more if not too much trouble. [email protected] Thanks for your time!

Hi there. Wow you are very kind for sharing your plan with all of us, teamwork is amazing. I too would love to be added to your list, sorry to add to the time it takes you to send all your info. [email protected] Very much appreciated! Can't wait to receive your info and excited to get going again. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation.

This is exactly why this test is so amiguious, and perhaps why so many medical errors. I'm just guessing but it seems for such an uncomplicated question that there would be one protocal for NCLEX purposes not per hospital. I know a lot of factors play into any given situation but the question @ hand is straight forward + yet there are so many different answers. I'm so confused. Can Anyone offer any insight?