Doodlebug21

In my experience, for nursing school we were required to take a HESI exit exam. They wanted us to have a 900, I ended up with an 840. For NCLEX I ONLY used UWorld which I thought was a wonderful refresher. I used all of the questions and my exams were between 52-70% but a majority was around 56%. I felt really prepared for my NCLEX and also wanted to move it up, however, I didn't. I wanted to be sure I answered every question on UWorld. I used LaCharity for PN but not RN but I highly recommend- it's a great book! I took my NCLEX June 16th. My exam was almost ALL select all that apply, a few "who would you see first", and two drag/drop questions. Did I think UWorld saved me during the exam? Probably not because I had some off the wall questions. What I did like about UWorld was that it prepares you for the randomness of questions. None of the questions were related to each other and it really makes you think. UWorld questions were also more in depth, NCLEX is very vague in my opinion. My computer during my NCLEX shut off at 75 questions and I am now an RN. My best advice- DO NOT WORRY about your UWorld test scores! Just keep practicing and getting used to the types of questions and how to answer them (Especially SATA). During your exam do not try to figure out if the question is easy or hard. If you go beyond 75 questions just know that each question thereafter is a new opportunity to pass. You made it through nursing school, you've got this!! Good luck!

I am a LPN with only 6 months of experience with LTC and I currently make $22/hr on second shift.

I feel from reading her post she handled the situation very well. Especially for being a new nurse. That being said, new nurse or not it doesn't matter what type of nursing position she is in. Her post was directed at the fact the hospice center she works at is not well equipped or managed very well. A nurse with 20+ years of experience would even complain about this as well. You come off very rude BTW

I graduated October 2nd, sent all of my paperwork to the state and had my stuff organized. The school on the other hand waited a month. State received their paperwork November 3rd, received my ATT via email November 5th and tested November 13th.

Some schools, at least where I'm from, after the first year of nursing school you're allowed to sit for the NCLEX-PN. I know a few people who have done it just to gain some work experience as a nurse in LTC to get into the hospital quicker. I am from Michigan, I'm not sure what you're allowed to do in your state though.

Honestly, I wish I had this book when I took the NCLEX-PN the first time. Nearly half of my test was priority and pt. teaching. Since I bought the book, it helped out tremendously! I highly recommend this book, it contains multiple choice, SATA, and place steps in order. Yes, it is more geared towards RN but definitely helpful for PN as well!!

I only recall seeing one drug I've never heard of before and they only gave me the brand name, not the generic. Other than that, I don't decal any pharm. I know I got like 3 SATA and a ton of priority and pt teaching

The book we used for Pharm was "Basic pharmacology for Nurses" I think we touched the book a total of 2 times the entire semester. The biggest issue was that the teacher wouldn't come in most days or she would assign us drug cards for homework but then never collect them. never knew if I was even doing them right, nor did the class. We all got shafted in the entire pharm course, unfortunately. I'll have to look into that book though. I have tried the NCLEX mastery PN app but the questions on there seem much more difficult than what the NCLEX asks you, do you feel the same way?

I attended a one year LPN program October 2014-October 2015. Little did I know that the entire school was a joke. They cared little about the students and entirely about the money. Yes, I passed, as everyone did. I took the NCLEX November 2015 after studying the hurst program and failed. I have little hope and don't know what to study. My results showed that I was near passing in every topic except pharmacology, which I was below passing standards in. What should I do? I have little hope and have been highly depressed since. Help.

What's the difference between Hurst and Nursity? I have done the Hurst review but I have failed the NCLEX the first time.

I just ordered all of these books, hope it pays off! I can't afford to fail again!

Congrats on becoming an LPN!!! Any tips on what I should study before the NCLEX?

I graduated from a practical nurse program October 2nd and the school claimed they mailed out documents to the state October 3rd. I then mailed out my application to the Michigan board of nursing and paid Pearson vue a week later. Everything is approved on my application except the state has no supporting documents from my school. I have called and they keep telling me they mailed it out already. I called the board of nursing and they tell me they haven't received anything and they're not busy at all. The school kept telling us to take the NCLEX right away but the school is the one holding us back from receiving the ATT's. What can I do? I'm getting discouraged especially since I have 2 job offers who only need my test date so I can start working.

Thanks a ton! I am truly grateful for your help!

I just registered with Pearson VUE and paid the $200, and printed out the application for the state of MI. What do I have to do next?

No, my place of work never said anything about needing one either. They just said fill out an application and we will hire you as a GPN.

I graduated from nursing school on October 2nd, the same day all of my paperwork was sent out to the state. I am trying to register for the NCLEX exam but I am a bit confused on what to do. Do I pay the $200 now or do I have to wait for the ATT's to be sent to me via email? I'm not really sure how any of this works my school never walked us through it all. HELP!

Honestly, that's a steal! I paid $14k and nothing was included. I had to buy my own books, uniforms, stethoscope, bp cuff, everything!! This class too was a straight one year no waiting list.

I understand you are no longer able to work as a GPN once you have failed the NCLEX and it's only good for 90 days. Otherwise you must work as a cna or at my job, they'll boot you out the door unfortunately. But if I don't have a permit, how is it legal for them to work me as a GPN?

They no longer exist? My job has offered me a GPN role until I pass the NCLEX recently. Maybe I don't need a permit then? I'm not sure how they're able to do that if MI no longer has permits?

Do lots of research and asking other nurses what they're doing for school. While at clinical for PN I always asked nurses where they went for RN or where they're attending. I am in a technical school so it's 1 year PN program no prerequisites required, yet I attended a community college prior and knocked out all but 3 prerequisites out for RN. The LPN to ADN program is 16 months while an LPN told me about her current program at another school that's 2 semesters (5 classes)! I'm really happy I asked around because this alone will save me a lot of time. So be sure to dig into other schools! I too graduate next month, so congrats to you both!!

I have also heard many negative things about Everest along with employers not hiring from this school. Since they're not accredited, if you wanted to continue your education to become an RN, you would have to start from scratch in a community college or university. Starting with your prereqs which could be time consuming and very costly on top of the $19k Everest charges (or whatever it may be). Ultimately the decision is yours, as I went to a pretty bad school like Everest who employers frown upon. I am embarrassed to say I went there but, just keep in mind your future may be affected job wise from this school. Good Luck!

Yes, it is legal for them to tell you to work as a CNA but keep in mind the state holds you to your highest license. You are held to LPN expectations while having the cna job. It's a sticky situation and really not worth the mess if something were to hit the fan. Good luck!

Well, in my situation I am only doing this program so I don't have to wait 5 years on a waiting list to become a nurse. This is a quick, painless way to become an LPN. As far as the school, it's very unorganized and low budget. The overall outcome of what you gain isn't they great but you get what you came there for in the end. Just make sure you make your payments and you'll do fine. I only have 6 months left though it really isn't that tough. If you're doing this for a quick way to become a nurse, sure I recommend it. If you're doing this to gain a lot of knowledge and get the most out of school, then no I dont. Deep down it's a terrible school but it is what it is. The school is unable to attend hospitals nearby due to lack of professionalism so you may have to do some traveling.

As PN students, our clinical instructor today handed us alcohol swabs and wrapped pre filled saline flushes and told us to always carry them around since you never know when you will need them. Not sure why we need them as PN students since we can't use them though but it certainly isn't illegal in Michigan.