LuxAeternaRN

How'd it go??

The anxiety before testing day is INTENSE and that's putting it mildly!! When I went in, I just forced myself to NOT think of all I didn't know and just focus on answering questions the best I could. Realize that you've been preparing for this exam since you began nursing school. It's impossible to know everything! When you feel doubt or panic creeping, push it away! If you allow yourself to panic, your judgement and ability to answer questions will cloud and make things that much worse. You can do it!! All the best :)

THIS EXACTLY!! I have had quite a few preceptors - my dept has hired a lot of people so we're all floating to several preceptors. Most have been great and let me do things independently. I've done well with those preceptors and felt I was learning so much! But this last one... as nice as she was, we just did not mesh well at all. We got report which took 45 minutes because there was a lot of gossiping going on. After report, we were in a rush so she would say, "oh, just let me do it. You can do it the next time because we really need to hurry". I felt she would have meshed better with someone who was more needy, like you said. Someone who would rather follow and watch - which is fine. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely need help and appreciate all of the pointers and constructive criticism I can get! I just learn a lot better when I can do things and ask for help when I need it. She will be a fine co-worker just not the best preceptor fit for me! Anyway, looks like we're all plugging along nicely! I've loved my job so far and really look forward to feeling more and more confident. My patients/patient families have been wonderful and I love interacting with them! I hope the love for nursing stays with us all! Best of luck :redbeathe

My hospital is "Going Green" by switching over to fabric gowns - these are yellow with stripes on them. So, that could be what's going on? Maybe she was, like you said, bleeding. Regarding the blue gowns, this sounds like the Dr was doing a bedside procedure (PICC insertion, for example) with the help of the nurses.

I wish I could hug you I'm so sorry you had such an experience. As a fellow new grad, I know how awkward your first new job can be. To be treated in such a manner when you're already nervous and unsure is inexcusable. I think you did the right thing by resigning. Your sanity is not worth that mess! Wishing you all the best in your search for a new and more welcoming new grad position!:hug:

We can all learn from each other. New grads from seasoned nurses, seasoned nurses from new grads, and anyone/everyone in between. I am a new grad and try to approach experienced nurses humbly and willing to learn. I KNOW I have so much to learn but that's the beauty of nursing - we all do :) Not every new grad is a know it all. I think each nurse has something of value to bring to the profession. We aren't all going to agree on every subject - and if we did, what kind of fun would that be anyway?

I myself am a new grad and I am starting out in float pool. This week is my 3rd and I'm having a good experience so far. I will be med-surg/pcu my first year and then can train into ICUs. Definitely check orientation! The units I have been to (so far) have been very appreciative of the floaters because they are shorthanded. Most made an effort to learn our names and even posted them up. The nurses have been very helpful, MDs too. I have not felt bad about asking questions but honestly, I don't care if someone gets mad about me asking things! I would rather not endanger my patients and/or my license. If your unit is like mine, we show up to our home unit at our scheduled time, find our assigned floor and head that way. It is a bit overwhelming to be floating to different floors when you're brand new but I've decided I will look at it as a great experience to see so much. Best of luck with your interview!! Also, you can ask if they have shadowing opportunities so you can see what a typical day is like, see if it's a good fit. I did this and really enjoyed it. Let us know how it goes!! :)

Best of luck to you both!! You've both passed nursing school, taken the classes, and practiced - believe you can do it and you will! As lisahb said, it doesn't matter how many times you've taken it. Don't even think about that when you go into the exam. All the best. :redbeathe

LOL, I got a kick out of this! Starting nights soon and will keep this in mind!!

I'm a new grad so I have limited advice but I'll tell you what I've experienced in oncology. My last clinical rotation was on a wonderful oncology floor and I loved it! It was a very busy floor. I have 3 friends beginning in oncology - 2 at one hospital, 1 at the other (we have two major hospitals in my area). From my own experience and from what my friends are telling me, they stay slammed! You'll learn a lot and these patients will benefit from your kindness and care. However, if you're looking for a slower pace and are concerned about the emotional aspect, there are plenty other areas you can look into. Patients in every setting will need your empathy and thoughtfulness so you can't go wrong! :)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you just want to get your RN degree and not necessarily a BSN (Bach in Nursing). If so, your best bet might be to look at local community colleges. I would go scope a few close by, speak to counselors and see what classes you would still need to pursue a RN degree. I would also search for information on nursing programs on this very site. If the program you're interested in isn't on here, try to found out their reputation and NCLEX pass rates. You can usually find this info just by googling. That's where I would start. You don't need to do the LVN program in order to get into the RN program. I'm sure you have many of the classes required. You'll also need Anatomy&Physiology, maybe Chemistry, Microbiology, etc. Different programs have different requirements but a guidance counselor could show you where you stand. Good luck to you! :)

Sleep as much as you can tonight, put all negative thoughts aside, don't even think about the types of questions you might get or lab values, etc. Just put it all out of your mind and once you get there tomorrow, breathe, believe in yourself and answer as best you can. Don't overthink or spend too much time on one question. You've been preparing for the NCLEX since day 1 of nursing school. Best of luck!

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I remember feeling this way during my first year. Little did I know, I actually WAS learning things and building on what I had learned. It's just overwhelming at first because so much info is flying at you at once. What has helped you in the past to focus and pass classes? I felt I was much better at concentrating if I had slept well and/or had some coffee before class. I recommend reading or at least skimming the assigned material before you go to class. This way you have an idea of what they're talking about and aren't hearing it for the first time. Take good notes or highlight notes you've made from reading during lecture. After class, at some point, read as much as you can and go over notes. I'm not sure what you're learning style is but for me, I have to read, read, read! The main thing is to keep up as best you can with the material so you aren't cramming. Even if you just study enough to pass exams, you won't be fully prepared for NCLEX. It's hard work but it sounds like you're enjoying it so that's great! Just keep at it! Edit: Also, if you haven't, invest in a NCLEX book. They have great books available that break things down as well as give you practice questions.

I'm in Resource (float pool) so I will be floating to Med-Surg/PCUs my first year. After my first year, if all goes well (pleeeease!), I can specialize and start going into ICUs, ED, etc. What will you be doing?

Congratulations!!! I'm a newbie RN as well and just finished my first week of work. Best of luck to you as you start your career!