Rookie

I have been a cardiac technologist 22 years (new grad RN) and recently saw my first tombstone ST elevation. If you have seen alot of ST elevation, you know most ST elevation won't start looking like tombstone until the elevation almost equals the height of the R wave. Kind of spooky when you see it and learn what it is called. I start my new job in the cath lab tomorrow (12-28-04), hope not to see it there.

Excelsior has been a great opportunity for me. I started taking the tests several years ago while in California and never missed a beat when I moved to Arizona. I graduated in October 2004, took NCLEX November 29 and start my new job as a cath lab nurse on December 28, 2004. Chip is absolutely correct - you get out what you put into it. You must have alot of self dicipline and be good at studying. The content of each test is long and the test itself is short. Because of this, you end up studying much more, but the 1st time pass rate for NCLEX for Excelsior is 97% (I believe this is the correct number). Make sure your are eligible, if so, you can take the first two tests before you have to start paying yearly student fees. You should have all your prerequisites done. I am greatful for the opportunity they provided me and would do it again.

I finished school on September 13 and went out to dinner with friends. I graduated October 15th and my husband took me out to dinner. I took the NCLEX on November 29th and found out I passed the next day and partied at home with neighbors. I got a new job last week (cath lab nurse) and went out to dinner with the in-laws. Don't hold back. You have alot to celebrate. Each step is a step in the process and each step should be celebrated (not necessarily with excessive alcoholic beverages or the like) but you have come so far. Take a little time to celebrate and to reflect on all the hard work you have done. PARTY!!!:balloons: :rotfl:

I have been in cardiology for 22 years and it never occurred to me that you cant call a PVC a PVC with AFIB but that is technically correct no matter how you slice it. But since most people are familiar with the term PVC, I'll probably keep calling it that even in cases of AFIB.

I had a patient on the treadmill with AFIB yesterday who had numerous PVC's and even a 5 beat run of VTACH. PVC's can happen anytime.

Congratulations!!!!! What a happy feeling it is. Have you started wandering around the house yet wondering what to do now that you don't have to study? It's friday and my weekend plans have always been - study. I think this weekend I will actually use my jacuzzi tub and drink wine, relax, play with my dogs. Relax used to be a four letter word, now it is something I feel we deserve. Cheers to you!

I took the test monday (11-29-04) and found out tuesday (12-01-04) from an e-mail from my state board of nursing and actually got my license in the mail on wednesday (12-02-04). Now that has got to be a world record. I have my little official license (not a temporary) in my hot little hands and it sure puts a smile on my face.

I took mine through Pearson Vue and there is a number you can call 48 hours after the test (two business days) or you can go on the website. There is a charge of $7.95 on the website and $9.95 by phone, with either, your card will not be charged until the results are available. Phone number is 1-900-776-2539 (1-900-77-NCLEX). The website is http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex. You need a user name and password so it is best to get those in advance if you would like to do an internet access. BUT...I did not find out that way. I had a random question to ask my state board of nursing. I e-mailed a question and explained I may be jumping the gun asking this question because I just had taken the test the day before and I had not even found out if I had passed or not. I got an immediate reply which stated - yes you did take the NCLEX-RN yesterday, and you passed! Imagine my further surprise when I actually recieved my real license in the mail on wednesday (not the temporary, the permanent one). So in lightning flash speed, take test on monday, find out you passed on tuesday and recieve license in the mail on wednesday. That's my story... Good luck to all.

I took the test monday 11-29-04 and passed after answering 244 questions. The questions vary from test to test, don't worry about the number of questions. Best wishes to you.

I took the NCLEX on monday morning and found out tuesday afternoon that I passed. I answered 244 questions. Very general, lots of prioitizing. I had about 6 dose calculations but not very many rare diseases. Good luck to you.

Try writing to the state board of nursing in the state you wish to move to. Most of them have websites. Good luck!

Dear Desperate: I am a recent graduate of the Excelsior Nursing School - passed the finals just last month, will officially graduate October 15, 2004. You can get a ton of information online at Excelsior.Edu. Also, they are very nice on the phone and can answer questions and send you information packages in the mail. You can go online and download the information for the tests. There are 6 written (or CAT) tests then you will have to take the CPNE or final exam. It is a three day exam that includes actual patient planning, care and evaluation. There is only a 65% pass rate the first time but it can be done. You will need the ability to obtain clinical skills without the support of the school, have a great network of supporters because it is a long road and also have the never die attitude. Hey, if I could do it, so can you. Good luck.

Consider taking your Microbiology class online from Brigham Young University. I did it last year, I recall approx 6-8 open book quizzes, two proctored midterms and a final exam that was pretty easy. I didn't feel I spent alot of time on it and it was an easy A. It was expensive (about $350 at the time) but well worth my not having to quit my job just to take a class and a lab at the local college.