honestly no one can remember everything taught in school, but with experience and in the right situation, your brain WILL click and you'll somewhat remember. I'm more of a hands on person - NOT a book person. When working, you will remember what you're told and as long as you have common sense you should do fine....
honestly getting a hospital job is based on who you know! any work in a nursing home, ltc, etc does not count towards your clinical/acute experience - but how are you suppose to get experience if no one hires you w/o experience? i'm in the same situation here in florida.....i think it's everywhere