NewtoNursing

1. 75 Questions 2. NCLEX3500 CD, ATI (took assessment tests and read some of the books, but didn't use the virtual instructor) 3. We took the NLN comprehensive predictor (I was in 99 percentile) 4. I tested on Friday for California and found my license online Tuesday (the most AGONIZING weekend of my life!) 5. I was SO freaked out. I really thought I might have failed. I thought the test was ten times harder than what I was prepared for. I'm still kind of stunned to see my name with RN. Even though I know I'm competent to start my career, that exam was BRUTAL! 6. First try...and last thank God! Congratulations new nurses!!! We did it!!! For everyone waiting...it will be over soon!!!

Hi diamondqueen, I have had no luck contacting CBON by email or phone when I've had questions, so in regards to your question...I sent transcripts from ALL my schools (even one community college where I took just one summer course years ago). Look at it this way, better to send too much than not enough. Good luck!

Hi blueherring, Congrats on the ER position at UCLA. I went out to Cali to visit with recruiters during my spring break and really liked UCLA. I was just wondering if you're planning on taking the NCLEX before you move out and then endorsing to Cali or if you're going to apply directly to Cali and take the NCLEX after you move. thanks, newtonursing

Oops, I meant to say I will interviewing with LAC-USC, not UCLA. thanks.

Thanks for all your info. I will be going to LA next week to interview for their ER New Grad Program. Do you have any advice about what to expect or what they will ask? Thanks!

Hi, I'm also looking to work in LA after graduating in May. I'm in NYC and have been researching places online. I think I'm going to apply to UCLA, also. There are a couple good threads on here that talk about it being a great New Grad program. I'm wondering, though, how are you going about interviewing? I was thinking of going out there during Spring Break to interview and get a feel for different hospitals and their areas. How are you going about it? thanks.

Thanks for all the helpful information. Yeah, I'm looking at UCLA Medical Center not Harbor. I do want to get a jump on interviewing and was thinking about heading out to California during my spring break in a couple weeks, so that I can meet with recruiters and get a feel for the differences between UCLA and USC-LAC. I'm just not sure how to go about it. Should I just call the Nursing Recruitment office directly, introduce myself and see if they would be willing to meet with me and give me a small tour of the E.D.? thanks!

Hi all, I've posted this question in the Emergency Nursing forum, but thought I'd try the Cali forum, too. I've been scouring the internet trying to compare UCLA and USC-LAC emergency deparments. I'll be a new grad in the spring and am currently in NYC, so I can't actually visit these hospitals to get a feel for them. I'm hoping someone will give me their opinions of either UCLA or USC-LAC emergency departments to help me out? I've gathered from other posts and websites that UCLA has a good New Grad program, so I'm kind of leaning towards them. Someone also told me that USC-LAC is a bit grittier, more chaotic, and many of the nurses are burnt out in the ER. Any opinions? Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for the first-hand opinion. It really helps me picture both places. Right now, I'm doing a preceptorship in a gritty high-volume (high-stress) ER and I really like it. When I'm a new grad, though, I'm worried about being in an environment where nurses are very burnt out and not as receptive to supporting new grads ("eating their young"). UCLA does have a new grad residency program, which I'm interested in. I didn't know USC also has one. I'm curious, since you described USC as being pretty tough with burnt out nurses and everything, why you chose it over a better working environment? Do they get more interesting/exciting patients than the UCLA ER? thanks again.

The CBRN website suggests submitting the application for NCLEX eligibility 4 months prior to the date you wish to take the exam. So, I will go ahead and send the finger print card, application with attached photo, and a check for the fees. I'm a second degree/transfer student, so I sent for transcripts from my other schools. The last piece will be getting my nursing school transcript sent out right away after I graduate. I will also be applying for an Interim Permit. I'm just crossing my fingers that it goes smoothly and I can sit for the exam in July.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I meant UCLA and USC LA County Hospital. I've learned a lot about them online and definately want to work in one of them. They are both Level 1 Trauma centers, which I am most excited about. I know UCLA has a great reputation for teaching new grads, which is why I'm leaning more towards them. I'm just hoping to get some first-hand opinions, if anyone has worked at either EDs or knows anyone who has. Thanks.

I've been scouring the internet trying to compare UCLA and USC emergency nursing. I'll be a new grad in the spring and am currently in NYC, so I can't actually visit these hospitals to get a feel for them. I'm hoping someone in this forum or the California forum will give me their opinions of either UCLA or USC emergency departments to help me out? Thanks so much!

Thanks for the reply. I feel calm now about my school meeting the requirements. From the CBRN website, it seems like a lengthy process, so I've started the paperwork already (transcripts, fingerprints, etc.). Wish me luck!

Thank you for all the info. This thread has been very helpful. I will be applying to take the NCLEX and get licensed in California after I graduate in May from NYC. Since I'm moving right after graduation, it seems easier for me to get licensed in California initially rather than get licensed in NY and then get endorsed. My only concern is that the California Board of Nursing website states the nursing program must meet their educational standards and I can't find any information to let me know if my school does or not. I haven't had any success contacting them by phone or e-mail, but I'll keep trying. I was just hoping someone could shed some light and possibly calm my nerves til I get an official answer from CBRN. Thanks.

Hi, I'm starting Hunter in the fall (pre-clinical) as a second degree student. It's so hard to find reviews of undergraduate nursing programs. I was wondering if I could get some real feedback from current students...any opinions about the program, people, anything at all. THANKS a bunch.