EvinsAngel

Hi ekirkpat. I'm in almost the same boat as you. I recently graduated from a PN program in NY and I'll be relocating to NC as soon as I pass the NCLEX (positive thinking) :wink2: . Here's how I'VE been handling it...I'm going to sit for the NCLEX-PN while still in NYC (but I'll be taking it for NC). While I'm waiting to test I've researched via internet and word of mouth all the hospitals and facilities in the area that we'll be moving to. I've also sent intro cover letters and resumes to the facilities that interest me most and I intend to follow up with phone calls in the near future. I'll be taking a trip to the area to visit and possibly have some interviews the end of the month. I would suggest that you do the same if it will be possible. But, DEFINITELY research the area hospitals first. See what interests you and call and/or send your resume to as many as possible. Also, if you already know someone in the area ask them to scan the local newspapers for you. That's also a big help.

Hi everybody and Happy Labor Day! I'm just curious...how long did it take between graduation and actually sitting for your NCLEX? I graduate from my LPN program on September 28th :mortarboard: ...FINALLY!!!!! I'll have all of my requirements (nothing to make up) and I want to take the NCLEX asap. I know it mainly depends on how long it takes my school to send in the paperwork, but I just wanted to get an idea of how long it took you guys who wanted to schedule right away. (I'm in NYC if that makes a difference). Thanks in advance.

:welcome: to the wonderful world of nursing school . I can totally relate to all you're saying. I graduate from my LPN program in 4 weeks and all I can say is that it's been like nothing I've ever experienced in my life. We started out with a class of about 34...we have 13 graduating. I graduated from college (with honors) and I can tell you I didn't study or put half as much effort into it. It's a commitment and it can be harsh. I was fortunate to have GREAT instructors and a very supportive husband. Six months into the program my mom passed away and I didn't think I'd be able to get through that let alone LPN school...but I finally see the light. In the beginning there are the tests and quizzes CONSTANTLY. And in the case of my program they were never ending. My best advice is to prioritize and stay focused as best as possible. There is a light and it's all worth it when it's over. You'll learn things about yourself and you'll find that you have the strength to do things you never thought possible. I wish you the best and if you have any questions or need any advice, feel free to PM me.

Hello. Yes, I am currently finishing up in my LPN program...graduation is September . I plan to begin pursuing my RN through Excelsior in October or November. The major advice that I've been given is to make a time table, stick to it, and stay organized. Hope that's at least somewhat helpful.

Congratulations to everyone finishing up AND to everyone that's starting out. I have exactly 4 months to go...they just gacve us our graduation date...September 28, 2006 :mortarboard: . I can't wait. Eka69...I can totally relate...my class is so divided...there's this CRAZY competition and sometimes people get really nasty. It's crazy, but fortunately that will all be over soon. I'm so happy I'll be able to make more money when this is all over. I've worked part-time for the duration of this program and hubby has been EXTREMELY supportive but I know he'll be very happy to have some more help . And WastedEnoughTime...it's going to go by SOOO quickly for you and I KNOW you will be fine :).

Hi SuperMo. I'll be relocating to the Charlotte area at the start of the new year. I finish my LPN in September and I was wondering if you could tell me where the LPN jobs in and around Charlotte are. Thanks for your help.

Hi all. PN student here! Four months left of an 18 month program and I can not wait for it to be over. It's been a looong journey...literally. My commute is about 70 miles round trip and I live in NYC so by the time you factor in traffic and gas...Sheeesh!!! As for Pharm...my whole class was extremely fearful of it...especially when we found out that beginnining with OUR class the math portion would be self taught...Yikes!!! Fortunately, it worked out very well and I surprised myself...I got an A overall. So to all of you that are worried about Pharm...it CAN be done...I used to be a TERRIBLE math student. The toughest thing is probably memorizing the calculations and conversions, but again...it CAN be done. WastedTooMuchTime...we'll be neighbors soon. We're relocating to NC at the beginning of next year :-). Good luck to everyone starting, continuing, and finishing.

Hi everyone. I need a little help. We've just begun our second round of clinical rotations. This time around we're supposed to practice giving report on our patient (written). It seems that I always leave something out or put it in the wrong order. Does anyone have any suggestions or possibly a format that I could follow so that I don't leave anything out? Thanks for your help.

Thank you, KiyasMom and congratulations. I'm aware that I'll have to actually enroll before I can take NC 3-6 and I'll definitely do that. I'm just delaying enrollment because as of now I'm still an LPN student but I want to take the pre-reqs...A&P, micro, etc. I will definitely look into possibly having NC 1 waived once I've completed my program...September '06 ...I'm so excited :). P.S...which NCLEX-RN book would you recommend? I have Saunder's for the NCLEX-PN but I've found that Mosby's is better.

I definitely know where you're coming from regarding the time and the financial aid. I got my BA in English with a minor in urban education a few years ago. I became certified and taught junior high and high school for about a year and a half. I decided shortly after that my heart just wasn't in it. Soooo...now I'm in the process of completing my LPN...September '06 ...I definitely want to go for my RN and I will, but I maxed my financial aid out while going for my BA and a few graduate credits so I figured I'd go for my LPN, get my foot in the door, gain some experience and get my future employer to pay for it. For me, this was the only feasible way to do it. Ultimately, you and your husband will have to have a discussion regarding your finances, time constraints, child care, etc. and decide what will work best for you. I'm sure you will do well whatever route you decide to take. Best wishes :) .

Hi...I have a question. Were you actually enrolled in Excelsior or did you just register to take exams? I'm trying to figure out if they offer study guides and course outlines specific to each exam (ex. NC1 & 2, A&P, micro). I saw on the website that they offer free content guides to enrolled students, but I plan to take a few exams BEFORE I actually enroll in the degree program. P.S...I've already decided that I'm not going to use RUE, College Network, etc. So I'd like to find out if Excelsior actually offers study outlines to "unenrolled" students. Thanks.

Hi everybody. Quick question for anyone with experience at Excelsior...will they allow you to get study guides for things like NC1 and 2 before actually enrolling. Just asking because I'm planning on taking my A&P, micro, NC1 and NC 2 BEFORE actually enrolling in the program. I've done all the research but on the website it says that FREE content guides are available to enrolled students. How have you guys studied for the exams prior to actually enrolling? Thanks in advance.

Thanks. I realized what I did wrong...not a night person .

I am not yet a nurse, but I will reply to you as a former high school English teacher and someone who has decided to pursue nursing as a career. It went a little differently for me. I decided that I did NOT want to teach while I was still doing my student teaching. At that point I was already in my senior year of college and I didn't want to start all over again...so I went ahead and tried to do it. On my first day all I could think was "I have to do this for another 30 years before I can retire?" Needless to say, my heart was NOT in it at all. During that year of teaching I realized that I definitely could teach, but it was not my passion. I kept saying to myself that I should not have allowed myself to be talked out of my original intention of becoming a nurse. Anyway, long story short...here I am with 6 months left of my LPN program and I am LOVING most things about nursing :biggringi . I realize that nursing will indeed have it's ups and downs, but the only thing I regret is not going to nursing school in the first place . My best advice would be for you to just do it...if nursing is what you want to do, don't let anything stop you (not even your parents). Follow your heart. LPN 9/06 RN 1/08

Hi. This sounds like a wonderful resource however when I went to the site all I got was links to other places like Kaplan. Am I doing something wrong? I hate to seem so clueless, but could you help me out?