katia0203

Yeah this is probably policy-related, so you just need to ask your nurse manager to help you out.

Lippincot..hmm. I've never liked Lippincot's books, found them a bit dry and hard to understand. I would try Kaplan or Hurst, I had good luck with Kaplan. Do questions every single day. It really helps!

My testing center was more lax then some, I got away with chewing gum and I got to keep my earrings lol. But it really depends, I did a good job hiding it under my tongue I guess.

I would also recommend taking 6/8 off from studying, it'll only stress you out more (in my opinion). Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

Our Kaplan course week was basically useless, but all the resources they provided online were super helpful. QBank, QTrainers, and content review really helped me.

I used the headphones and found them to be really helpful! I recommend it!

The NCLEX actually stops at 75 questions, so you can certainly pass it in that amount of questions. Generally it takes somewhere in the 120s-150s, but don't freak out if you haven't finished in 150 questions. It'll be fine, try and stay calm :)

Not much to be found in MN either.

It really varies from state to state how things are done. Here in MN, students generally start applying for jobs in early April, but most institutions won't know if jobs for new grads are really available until May or June. However, you should still apply. A couple of my friends already have job offers but that is certainly not the norm here, so don't feel discouraged if you don't already have something lined up.

Generally you can apply for positions before you even take the NCLEX, so I would absolutely go on ahead and apply. I take the test in June and I've been applying since Mid-March. It may vary from state to state (I'm from MN).

Yeah I know, pickers can't be choosers, but one can dream...

Don't lose hope LittleMiss, the economy will hopefully improve while you are in school. It's already improved since I started 4 years ago, which was right after the major collapse in 2008. No it's really not that great right now, but I have hope that I'll eventually get a job despite the near hiring freeze on new grads in MN right now.

Hey now, this probably isn't the student's fault. If the assignment was to do a survey about the OP simple question, then that's the question that needs answering. The responses I've seen are well thought-out and informative.

You can do "Risk for infection related to surgical incision wound, open fracture of RLE and indwelling catheter. Or, related to disruption of normal tissue integrity and indwelling urinary catheter". Risk for infection is an established nursing diagnosis, so I don't think you're supposed to tack on anything else except in regards to "related to". Make sense? Anyone else feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I've been taught to do and have done throughout my schooling.

You know, I'm a senior in my last semester and I still haven't figured out how to study for a cumulative exam. It really depends on what kinds of stuff the prof gave you for study materials. For example, my profs teach via powerpoints, so studying them worked best. Basically skim the stuff you know and look closer and what you don't feel comfortable with yet. Need to know meds? Flashcards work really well; you learn them while making them as well as using them. I'm not sure how much NCLEX questions will help you here since they won't cover just what you're learning right now. And the most important thing...don't get burnt out. Don't study so much that your head is spinning with information, you're exhausted, and you can't think. Get a good night's sleep before the exam, eat a good breakfast, and try and relax. I know you have heard this before, but I'm telling you that it really is helpful. Good luck to you!

So it told you that you passed this morning?

This sounds like my school. The profs are trying to get you ready for the NCLEX I'm assuming. The questions on that exam are going to have 2 answers that are both right, and it is your job to pick the one that is best. Sometimes it's hard because you know you would possibly act in a different way than what the answer is, but you have to answer how they want you to. Ask yourself: which action is the most efficient? which one will make things quicker and smoother? which problem is the most important one to fix out of the ones listed? It can be tough to get used to, but by the time you're in your last semester the format of the questions will be familiar and you will have a better idea of how to answer them. Good luck to you!

I'm also going to graduate in May, and people in my class are friends and supportive but no one talks about jobs or job interviews. I would say it is out of respect; eliminating the stress of hearing about other people getting job offers while you don't is the way to go. Sure, your close friends will probably tell you if they get a job offer, but there shouldn't be any gloating. My opinion is that you should take the high road here. Apply for any jobs you want and ignore their gloating; all they are doing is making themselves look selfish and insecure. Focus on yourself and share your joy with friends and family once you get a job (I know you can do it!).

Also, is it even POSSIBLE to get a job in postpartum/L&D/NICU as a new grad? I'm having trouble finding something that requires less than 2 years experience in either of those fields.

Hey guys, So I've been scouring the websites of various hospitals in the Twin Cities, and it seems like all the jobs are either .8 or less. Is anyone aware of any currently externally posted full-time jobs? Thanks!

Unfortunately the area to enter the salary requires a number :-/

Hey guys, So I'm slotted to graduate this May with a BSN, and I'm going to be applying for hospital jobs in the Twin Cities in MN. The hospital I'm applying to is asking me on their application to enter what my preferred starting salary per hour or per year is. I'm worried I will pick too high or too low...I mean, I know that generally the starting salary is somewhere around $25-30/hr. Do I go on the high end? The low end? Somewhere in the middle? A friend of mine told me to go on the high end, which gives them the opportunity to make a counter offer, which could be higher or lower than what I put. What do you guys think I should enter? Thanks! :)