jeemac

2 weeks ago I began orientation in a LTC/sub-acute facility. When I began orientation, I was under the impression that I would be training as a staff nurse. This is my 3rd week and I just found out that they will be training me as a Supervisor. Just to add a little background, I'm fresh out of nursing school. Just graduated in May. And while my initial thoughts were "Wow.. I'm in way over my head", I've come to realize that although I'm a new grad, it doesn't mean I have nothing to offer this facility. Now I'm remembering all those things I learned in leadership class. Last night during my orientation, the Supervisor I was with told me "You worked your ass off for 4 years for that license. One day you might find that everyone in this building is working under your license. Protect it. You are capable of doing everyone elses' job... but can they do your job?" This is a huge responsibility, but I'm looking at this as an opportunity to become a leader.

Since many of you were so kind as to share your stories of triumph and defeat, I wanted to share my own. I had taken the NCLEX for the first time in early August. Had a lot of personal things going on simultaneously (great timing, huh?), so I feel like it was a bit of a distraction for my studies. I ended up getting ALL 265 questions- tons of questions on priorities, ESRD, and random things I didn't know at all. I knew something was up when I kept getting the same ESRD-related questions over and over again. I didn't take my break after 2 hrs either (BIG MISTAKE THERE). I suppose the anxiety was pushing me to just get the exam over with. Needless to say, I tried the PVT trick and the credit card information page showed up. Like many of you, I was absolutely devastated. However I am a firm believer that things happen (or don't) for a reason. I would come back the 2nd time with a vengeance. My study plan was completely changed the 2nd time around. I actually went back into my old medsurg texts and read through chapters. I did mostly NCLEX 4000 and Saunders q's the first time, not focusing too much on content. I found that things made much more sense now that I knew EXACTLY why I was choosing certain answers over the other ones. A friend of mine also lent me her KAPLAN textbook, which was a HUGE help. Instead of looking over system by system, the KAPLAN text divided its content by categories like Safety, Infection Control, etc. It was also very simplified which helped with the reviewing process. I did 100-300 q's a day for a month. The week before my exam, I took 75, 150, and 265 question exams on NCLEX 4000. Most of my scores ranged from the mid 70s to low 80s. The day of my exam, I took a deep breath and knew this was going to be my time to shine. I took my SWEET TIME with the exam. By the 2nd hour, I was only on question # 80, but I really made sure I picked the answer I wanted. I took a break and when I came back, I got the EASIEST question regarding NRRN. From that point forward, I knew for sure that I could do it. Lo and behold, 20 questions or so later.. the computer turned off! I didn't bother doing the PVT trick. To be honest, I just wanted to see the official PASS on my computer screen...and 2 days later I did- with my entire family in the room showing their support to me. Now I'm on the job hunt and still waiting for my license to come in the mail, but I am so happy that I can finally add those beautiful 5 letters to my last name- BSN, RN!!! For anyone else who is retaking the NCLEX, I wish you tons of luck. Sometimes you just need to revamp your study plan. Best of luck!