nononsense

SO update. I've spend the last year working as a Med Surg nurse. I've recently went full time Psych and PRN Med Surg. I'm considering talking with a therapist. I'm tired of not getting anywhere.

SO, I graduated in 2019 in July from the FNP program. IV'e taken the ANCC and AANP, no luck. I rate in the 50%'s I need to be in the 70s%. I'm so disappointed. I stopped pushing myself. IV'e done all the reviews: Barkley APEA Leik I want to do a live APEA review online. It's so expensive. I've tried to change my work hours to day shift. I'm trying to handle my business, to be a better person and nurse. Winter, failure, night shift, it's taking it's toll on me. I'm trying to afford all the reviews and test fees. The economy is not helping, I'm not able to save, every time I turn around; I have another expense preventing me from registering. Or the night shift doesn't align with review dates. My job requires me to pick up extra. Etc..

So, I have 7 years nursing experience. I have been a CNA, LVN, RN since 2006 now, in 2012 I passed the NCLEX-RN. I have done Med Surg Tele, home health, inpatient psych, correctional nursing, and travel. Most of my jobs don't end well, due to the strain being in school full time and working full time takes. It took me 10 years to realize I was killing my nursing career by jumping around from job to job. Now I have a MSN, with a FNP certificate. All I have to do is pass the FNP national certification board (just one). I'm in looking for a job mode constantly. Last month I began a Med/Surg (GI) floor a hour away with weekend option ($38/hr). I have a nursing home job that is unreliable in hours $28.50/hr (5min drive). I put off starting an assisted living (glorified medication assistant) position to start orientation at the GI med/surg that is ($30/hr and 30 min away. Last week I had an acute dialysis nurse interview, they are going to call me in a couple of weeks. 12 hour shifts, $30-35/hr, benefits, 30 min - 1 hr drive depending on the demand. This week I go for a nursing teaching position at a renounde university. I don't know what the salary is, it's a hour away; except I think they will pay for my Doctorate. Also, if I go full time, I can get nursing educator loan forgiveness. My priorities are a mess. I went broke putting off studying for that test since last July (over 6 months). Now that I am getting back on my feet, I have too many goals. I also was accepted into a Psych NP - certification program, and have another waiting on me to pass the FNP certification exam. Med/Surg is really demanding. That is why I am calling around for dialysis, home health, nurse educator or some other role. It's like I'm constantly planning to get fired, so I'm collecting jobs. If I can just pass that certification I can have other problems! I'm building back up from being broke, fired expectantly, cut from the schedule, or let go in the past 6 months.

I feel the same way, many acute care positions I have been dismissed from. I tried home health, I don't want to drive around the county for free. Nursing home, would disable me physically from the nature of the work. Psychiatric hospital isn't bad, except I have to pass meds to all the patients occasionally. I made one mistake, and now I'm looking to jump ship. I don't know where, or what. Research, informatics, education, prison, legal, administration... I'm trying for fnp school currently, do I have what it takes?

How about office kind of jobs. If you find a title you like, get a masters to complete your resume.

Well, don't give up. MAYBE you do not have enough education to be happy. OPTIONS: Get a masters in nursing, and specialize in something you are passionate about. Find a cause you are passionate about, do it for free; until you can find a way to get paid. Know you are not alone, I don't like Med/Surg. It's the only nursing I know; I've been doing it since I was a CNA dreaming of being a RN. Talking about my hang ups may not be healthy for you to hear. You are helping me by letting me type about them. So I am trying to get a job in the ED or ICU. I know the ED will be great! I volunteered as a Triage Nurse at the Free Clinic, and I loved it! Tomorrow the Director is going to return my call about an interview!

What you can't get paid for, do it for free! Maybe they will notice and pay you eventually?

I'm from the area! It's a great place to work. The care is top notch! The nurses you work with are great. I worked there, before moving on. You will enjoy the small town. Austin, Texas is down the road 40 minutes!

Work=money. It is a no brainer. When being out of school for that long, did you find a refresher for Med/Surg to stay on top of your skills and critical thinking? What materials did you use?

Walk into the hospital. Ask for the hiring manager. Tell them the manager your delima. If this manager wants you, the manager will walk over to HR and tell them to hire you. If the manager is the manager you want to work for he/she will tell you go ahead take the other job, or I am going to hire you. You can tell the second job that some thing came up and you need more time to make your decision, while you orient yourself with the manager you want to work for. You still have both opportunities....See?

I understand your frustration! The patho/phys classes directed towards information that happens in the body or mind is more helpful. I have an associates in Biology, a minor in Psychology, and an associates in Nursing. These courses have to be done to move on, and get a BSN. It sucks, who ever made these rules have a different way of thinking. Right now I have taken 90% of the courses it takes to get a BSN. Last course I took I earned a "D" because of my career, responsibilities, and etc... Now, this is the last time I can re take the class. If I do not pass, I am not coming back to the BSN Program. At least with your theory, and foundation you have the motivation to get these classes over with.

Everyone needs to vent! I started my first ADN Program in 2004, failed out. Began the LVN Program in 2006, failed and went back. Went to the LVN-RN Program in 2010 after saving some money, finished a semester late. I'm taking the NCLEX-RN again for the 2nd time next week! I have over 46 credit hours, all the BSN and MSN pre-resquites for the local university! Keep beating yourself up and pushing yourself! You will finish!

Find a way to take a review: Kaplan, Hurst, Saunders Book etc...

I don't know what to say to that question. I've been trying to figure out how to post my own concerns. So, excuse me while I reply. I took the NCLEX-RN in August and was not successful. Since then I have stopped the distractions, and am seriously studying; finding a job, and getting on with life. I'm scared that I won't be successful again. I took the entire time, 275 questions later I felt confidient. Now I almost passed, is what the results said. Any encouraging expriences/words out there?

You are not alone in this issue. I'm here to offer resolutions; not to have a pitty party for the obese/overweight population. http://www.oa.org/ Our fate is in our own hands. Best of luck to you!