Catherine,RN

I PASSED!!!!!! Whoo Hooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, I basically just studied Kaplan Book, Saunders, and ATI. Kaplan is what helped the most because the book teaches you how to analyze questions. 90% of the stuff on the test I did not know. Know what is normal (Labs, meds, etc.) and study up on infection control and isolation procedures. Know common med endings so you are able to recognize what type of drug a question is talking about. And PRAY!!! Let me know how you do! Good Luck!

Hi Everyone, It's OFFICIAL!!! I'm an RN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. I really appreciate it!

Hi Everyone, Thanks for the encouragement and prayers. After 4 hours and 265 Questions, I still felt confident, but scared that I got all the questions. I just got home and did the PearsonVue trick. According to that, I passed!!! Does anyone know if this is accurate? I'm a little scared, since I will be working tomorrow. Maybe I should just wait until I get home to check the state board webpage? I'll let you know as soon as I find out whether or not I passed. Thanks again !!!

I take the nclex tomorrow @ 8am. I fell prepared and confident, but still scared! Used Saunders, Kaplan, and ATI to study. I also have some experience as a GN. Please say a prayer for me!!! Thank you!

Hi Everyone, I am taking my boards end of March. If we passed nursing school, we are competent to pass boards. Several friends from school just took and passed thier boards. They said it was easier than our nursing final. I am sure everyone will do fine. Have a positive attitude, study, review, get enough rest, pray, and you WILL pass! I am using a combinationg of Kaplan, Saunders, Mosby, ATI, etc. Just practicing questions and doing a general review of material. Also, I found lots of resources at the local library! Anyone have any other tips???

I do not believe this is included in orientation. I believe we will be completing it at a latter date.

thanks everyone for replying:) You've given me some great ideas.

I plan to take NCLEX in March for the first time. I graduated in December 2010. I hope I pass!!! I have a job working as an ICU staff nurse...so need it to keep my job! Just studying and praying right now and waiting to PASS in March!

Eight shifts does seem like a short orientation. My orientation to CVICU was two weeks of classes, than 6 weeks of following a preceptor (18 shifts). (The manager also told me before that if I needed it, she would extend it two additoinal weeks.) You need to feel comfortable before you are on your own. Being quick and recognizing symptoms can save a patient's life!

Thanks for the website. It is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!

Hi, I recently graduated from nursing school and was hired directly the the CVICU of a large city hospital. Any tips for getting started? I interned here, so I know what to expect and feel comfortable working with the staff. Any ICU/Cardiac tips would be greatly appreciated. I started a notebook the other day with notes about EKGs/cardiac meds/hemodynamics/ABGs/etc. that I can pull out in case I need a reference. I will also be taking boards shortly after I start, so any tips about studying for the NCLEX or what to expect would be appreciated as well. Thanks so much!!!