MsJP'14

Hi Everyone! I'm just taking a moment to vent! The process of getting into nursing school has been a trying one but there is no stopping me! I had originally planned on applying for the May 2015 term, because for whatever reason I kept confusing the microbiology requirement as a prerequisite rather than a graduation requirement. Once I realized my error, I purchased my HESI study guides and have been studying for the past 3 weeks, I'm cutting it close and that worries me, I take the exam this week and not only am I worried about the scores (the anatomy&physiology to be exact), I'm also worried bc my transcripts still haven't been evaluated for my prior degree and prerequisites that were done at another school. Today I found out that there was an error with the transcripts that were sent, so now I plan on picking up a paper copy by hand, and delivering it to avoid issues, I'm just afraid that all of the time I've waisted will cost me a seat in January and money that I' ve put into the test. I know everything will work out as it should, I guess I just needed to get my worries out in writing and let them go from here. This thread has been so encouraging, hopefully I'll be starting with you all come January!

I too will be applying for the fall 2014 semester! I'm taking micro now, and I plan on taking the nln-pax either in March or early April. Right now, my natural sciences gpa is a 3.8 and my overall is a 3.6, however according to MDC the cumulative gpa isnt taken to account (the website does state a 2.5 minimum gpa is required to apply though ). I am super excited! I know we can all do it!

I'm not sure, but what you're saying has been my experience. I have known males that will be infuriated with people or situations, yet they would only let it be known around their trusted few acquaintances, while some women have been in meetings, and threatening to fight each other. For the most part, they end up moving up the career ladder very quickly, I've literally witness all of my male counterparts who had the same or less experience than I had, the same or less education/training, move on to supervisory roles in 1 school year! I have yet to experience the ugly catty behavior from a man, so I would say there is some truth here.

I dont know if you have taken your test yet, if not, I know you can do it! I felt very sure of myself the day of my test, but once I started, I had to take deep breaths, and calm myself so that the assessor couldn't see that I was shaking! I was sweating profusely by the time I ended the test, however I passed because I took my time, and reviewed my steps to ensure that I completed everything before I stated that I was done. I know we have a time limit, however, being nervous, you have take your time or you will mess up. I even corrected myself, unbeknownst to the assessor, because as I began to count my patient's pulse rate, I realized that I was actually supposed to be counting her respirations! Instead of freaking out, I guesstimated that it had been a few seconds and I started on respiration 3 and kept going! She didn't even notice! My point is, you have testing anxiety, you just have to be calm and sure of your skills, its okay to be nervous, but dont allow your nerves to control you! All the best to you! Also, maybe you should test in another location, it might help to be in another environment. I had the opportunity to test near my home, but I took the chance and drove 30 minutes away, and it worked in my favor, the assessor was extremely kind and patient, she was really rooting for us to pass. We hugged and wished her well after the test, she was amazing!

Hands on learning is the most important aspect for me. My course was 4 weeks long including a 1 week clinical. It was a complete joke! Although the facility has an amazing simulated lab, we barely used anything! At the end of four weeks, we knew nothing, and we were encouraged to go on youtube and supplement our education! To make matters worse, they made it difficult to sit for the exam, and I ended up having to challenge the exam in order to get my certification. The biggest help was the textbook, because it set the foundation, we read from it daily in class, and completed the activities. However, I undoubtedly passed the clinical aspect of the exam based on youtube, and the prometric clinical skills checklist. It helped me focus on what the assessor would be looking for. I don't think a student should end their course feeling like they should have never paid the tuition and should've simply challenged the exam in the first place.

You can find all of the info. on the Prometric website: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/pages/fl.aspx Also, read the bulletin that Prometric has added, it has all of the info. you are looking for: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/documents/florida/FLCNACIB_20131210.pdf With the new year upon us, there are many changes involved with the test, specifically with the testing fees. Since they have increased from when I took the test last year, I am unsure of the total cost, you'll find that info on Prometric. As far as study guides, what I used was the clinical skills checklist that you will find on the website, I printed it out, and I watched the youtube channel 4yourCNA, it was a tremendous help, if you follow her series, and commit the clinical skills checklist to memory, you will pass with flying colors! :) https://www.youtube.com/4yourcna Please let me know if you have other questions.

Im in Education and you find the same behaviors in this field as well!