llteddybear

I feel for you. I too am a not so new grad. I graduated in 2003. I had problems, but eventually passed the NCLEX in March 2010. I took out a loan so that I could go to an RN Refresher course. I currently work as a CNA. My hospital won't even hire me. I took my ACLS because they helped pay for it. I just started to volunteer at the local RotaCare clinic. Even with all this, I still have not found an RN job. I am finding out that if you see a posting for a job, one must jump on it. It might be filled by tomorrow. Keep your chin up! It is a difficult job market out there. lol

Lisa, Sorry that you are having trouble deciding. It took me one week or two sessions to decide. I also had a lot of questions. I did decide on continuing, and was satisfied at the end. Hopefully that helps. If you have anymore questions you can also PM me.

I just found out about this post. Can I still participate? I really need good feedback as I still do not have any callbacks.

Cornerstone is a little disorganized in the administration part. They have a payment plan to ease the cost. The classroom part went through the material quick. The clinical part was at a local sub-acute facility instead of a hospital. All in all I think I learned a lot and got a good refresher. I don't know if I will get a job, but it helped me work on my weaknesses and strengthen them so that I could get a job and hit the floor without asking a lot of questions.

I too have a reimbursement plan at my hospital. I gave them a copy of the letter with a copy of the check. They accepted that. Hopefully that helps.

I currently work as a CNA in the float pool. Since I passed in Mar. my manager stated that she would not hire a new RN since it is harder than just working on one floor.

I know it is expensive. I have looked at the BRN website. They list a lot of refresher courses in my area for cheaper. The problem is that due to the economy, this is the only one near me that has not cancelled there program.

I have found an RN refresher program in the Bay Area. The college is Cornerstone college in Union City. They are starting classes next week. It is expensive at $2400.00 for 9 weeks, but I think it will be worth it. As someone who needed to refresh there clinical skills before I can get a job as an RN this is the only choice I had. Hopefully this information can help anyone who needs a refresher. Good luck!

I also have test anxiety. I used to just faint when I started the test. This was not good during nursing school. My MD gave me 1/2 a pill of Xanax the night before the test. This would make me have a good night sleep the night before without the groginess of many medications. I also did practice questions and studied 3 times through each chapter. The first time through I would highlight key items. The second time through would define key items. The third time through I would take notes on any information that I was unfamiliar with.

I have been a CNA for 13 years now. Still working as one even though I am an RN. Anyway, I like to come in 15-30 minutes early to organize my day (find out who my nurses are, what patients I will have, etc.) Most of the night nurses don't mind if you look in their charts to find out information (isolation, procedures, etc.) I write everything down on a nice organized chart (name, room number, activities, vitals, I&O, procedures, report from RN, etc.) I always mention anything out of the ordinary to the RN right away. No waiting. I show my initiative by always answering call lights even if they are not my patient; by answering phones; stocking linens; or finding anything else to do when it is on the slow side. I also try to always find the good in everyone and make them smile with good humor. The day goes so much faster. Remember to have fun!! Being stressed as a CNA makes for a burned out RN later. Ask questions! RN's don't mind answering questions especially if you mention that you are in RN school.

As I stated earlier, I found out about a Post-Graduate Clinical Transition and Professional Socialization Program through San Jose State. Those new grads or anyone who graduated after May 2008 you can go to http://rntransition.wionline.org. Hurry applications need to be in by May 15th. Good Luck All!

I noticed California was not on the list. Does it mean that if I wanted to travel outside California I would have to take another test to do travel nursing?

I did not have to redo all of nursing school, only 1 semester. I also took 6 attempts at passing my NCLEX to finally pass in March. I say PLEASE don't give up. Having your RN is worth it.

Is this only for students trying to get into RN school? Does an RN to BSN bridge program qualify?

I am an "old" new grad. I graduated in 2003. Passed NCLEX in March. I have applied to Samuel Merritt refresher program. I was just told of a summer skills lab at San Jose State University. Trying to get more information on that. I also am working as a CNA so that I can at least get information and tips from veteran nurses.

Where do you live? Here in the Bay Area the local community college doesn't have any thing like that. They had a refresher program but, do to the economy, had to cut it from the budget. I am looking into all options out there but, they seem to dwindle each passing day.

I am currently working as a CNA, even though I passed the boards because I want to keep my "foot in the door". I was told by HR that I should either go take a "refresher course" to keep my skills up to date or go back to school for my BSN. Now I don't know which to do.

Thanks. I also filled out an application for JVS in Hayward. Even though I am not an international student. Hopefully one of the courses will accept me.

Thanks. I did not know about the Samuel Merritt "transition" program. Do you know how to get information about it?

I just passed my NCLEX on Mar. 2. I am considered an "old grad" because I graduated in 2004. (I sat 6 times for the boards). Even though I currently work as a CNA in a hospital in Mountain View, CA, they won't consider me for the New Grad Program. They told me to go take a refresher course and then have to reapply with no guarantee of a job. This really sucks! Worse yet, the refresher programs at the colleges near the Bay Area are either full or cancelled until September. Does anyone know of any refresher or residency programs in the Bay Area?

I can use help on my resume also. I am currently working in a hospital as a CNA. I just passed my NCLEX, but I graduated from school 6 years ago. I took the NCLEX many times and failed during these past years. How does one not attract attention to the missing years?

I just passed after answering all 265 questions. After 6 times I was afraid to do the trick, but I did the trick and it worked for me. I got alot of SATA's and math and audio questions. I told my husband I wasn't sure and he stated that I can't give up because I have come this far. So don't give up. You can do this.

It doesn't matter how many questions you got to pass or fail the NCLEX. I took the test 6 times. The first time I got 75 questions, second I got 100, third got 120, fourth got 200, fifth and sixth times 265. I did not know about the pvt trick til this last time. It would have helped as I could have found out sooner and studied for it instead of waiting for the snail mail. Anyway, going the distance of 265 just means that the computer can not figure your score out because you are right on the passing line. You pass if the you answered the last 5 questions correct. Just keep your head up and we'll keep the prayers going for you.

I just passed my NCLEX exam. Now that I have to write a resume and look for an RN job is hard. My problem is that I am currently working as a CNA in a hospital, but they won't hire me as an RN until I have a current resume. I also graduated 6 years ago. During those years I have tried and failed multiple times for my NCLEX. I just never gave up. Now how am I to write a resume when there is such a big gap in years from graduation to becoming an RN? Can anyone help.

Don't be too scared. I had the "hold popup" for one week. I called the boards. They usually need some sort of information before they can get you the results. I would first call the boards and see what is needed.