MissNursingBee
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Whoops, I meant to say Pediatric Primary Care NP, not sure how I managed to leave our that crucial component, haha! I would like to continue to work while furthering my education so am more drawn towards the online classes. From what I've seen, there are not many online or hybrid PCPNP programs in Illinois aside from Rush, and I don't want to be limited to only one option.
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Hello all! I have a question that I’m hoping may be able to be answered by someone who has had or currently going through a similar situation.. I’m looking into pursuing a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree in the near future and from my research, have found that there only seems to be a small handful of reputable schools with this type of program across the country. I am currently living in Illinois working as a full time Peds RN and was wondering how absurd or challenging it would be to attend an online or hybrid school in another state. I understand that a lot of the programs have some sort of on-campus requirements, mostly just a few times during the course of the program. Is there any one out there who attends an out-of-state school and travels for these on campus requirements and what is your experience like?
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Not sure if this is the right place to be asking this, but thought I'd start here! I just graduated with my BSN in May, and I am having some serious trouble even getting an interview after sending out a countless number of applications. So my question is, would it be a good idea to volunteer at local hospitals, possibly get my name out there and do some networking? I'm not sure if I'd be better off spending the time applying for more positions (I never knew how time-consuming the application process can be - phew!). Does anyone have any experience with volunteering post-nursing school and successfully finding a job this way? I have no previous healthcare experience other than clinical, which I'm sure is hindering my ability to land an interview. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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I absolutely agree with RN403. Study common drug suffixes and choose the most logical answer. No one is expected to know everything about every drug out there, but it's always possible to end up with a question on the NCLEX with some obscure drug you've never heard of - especially now that they are only including the generic name for a lot of medications. But again, knowing suffixes will help! Study a bit more in detail on common drugs that have need-to-know protocols/side effects/labs - Digoxin, Lithium, Lasix, Nitros, Heparin, etc. I was always freaked out about pharm as well, but it didn't seem quite as scary once I took the exam. :) Best of luck!
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It's great that you're taking the time to answer a lot of questions - that's probably the best way to truly prepare yourself for the exam. For those you didn't answer correct, thoroughly read the rationale and understand why that is the correct answer and why the answer you picked may not have been the best answer. This will definitely help jog your memory when you sit for the exam. I felt myself recalling similar type questions on the NCLEX from the Q&A book I used to study. It's difficult to feel 100% confident going into the exam - just read each question carefully, analyze it, write down key words if you need to, and read every answer individually, telling yourself why that answer may or may not be true. Remember, you have the knowledge it takes to pass! Just breathe :) Good luck tomorrow!
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I also went into the NCLEX completely freaked about the SATA questions because during my studying I always did terribly on them. Unfortunately I cannot compare the NCLEX to Kaplan because I didn't use their study material, but I can say that the SATA on the NCLEX were MUCH less intimidating than those I answered in my Lippincott Q&A book. I felt that the answers were based more on the basics or key points that nurses must know about a specific scenario, medication, etc - Things that are drilled into our heads in nursing school. I took the NCLEX yesterday and had probably 8-10 SATA and have received the good pop-up! Waiting for the official results tomorrow :)
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My school also had us attend the ATI live review. Fortunately, the representative I had was great and really focused on what we needed to know and focus on to pass the NCLEX. I took it today & have received the "good pop-up" - keeping my fingers crossed! I actually did a lot of my studying with the ATI Comprehensive NCLEX Review book that was provided to us at the live review and feel like it helped me a ton, considering it's to-the-point and very easy to read. During the review, try to pay close attention to strategies given regarding how to approach the NCLEX questions. The prioritization strategies that the rep taught us were great and REALLY helped me with the exam - focus on timing, acute vs. chronic, trends vs. transient, stable vs. unstable, etc. I found there to be a LOT of, "Who would the nurse see first?" questions. As for the ATI Virtual, I did not take it, but heard it can be rather difficult. I suppose it all depends on your learning approach. I enjoyed the live review because I tend to retain knowledge better in a classroom setting rather than in front of a computer screen. Everyone's different! Best of luck to you!
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Never give up! Good for you for not letting it defeat you and having the willingness to keep at it! Nursing - let alone the NCLEX - is not an easy thing and it needs people like you who will work hard and remain persistent! Keep your head up & best of luck on all of your future endeavors :)
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Congratulations! I take mine this coming week... SO nervous!
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Don't give up! Before retaking it, maybe try a TEAS V study guide/practice book if you haven't already. I used a McGraw-Hill practice test book and it helped a TON. I would take about an hour out of my day every day to answer some of the practice questions and read through the rationales. Maybe try focusing more on the areas of the exam that you had trouble with. Have faith and good luck to you!
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Thank you! & Best of luck to you :) AUSON is a fantastic program.
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Sounds like a good plan! & Honestly, I'm not quite sure if AUSON has a wait list.. I've heard rumors that they do, but nothing certain. Regardless, the school sets a quota and, of course, anyone who takes the time and effort to get in typically won't back out.. but things do happen!
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Good luck!!
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Hi PaulDee! First and foremost, best of luck with your acceptance! In regards to working while in the program, it is absolutely possible, but maybe not for everyone. I, personally, have decided to focus on my schooling and am only picking up occasional shifts at my previous non healthcare-related job. However, I know many, many people in the program who are managing the coursework with a part-time healthcare job. It really all depends on how well you are at managing your time wisely. Classes are difficult, that's no surprise! But the way everyone learns the material is different. I tend to have to read and re-read material in order to understand it and retain it so that I'm confident when applying it during clinical. Of course, this is a lot more time consuming, so I certainly appreciate the time I have available while not working. Then again, I'm always stressing about not having enough experience when it comes to thinking about applying for jobs after graduation. Long story short, working during the program is 100% feasible and has some awesome benefits when it comes to job hunting and additional experience you can bring to class or clinical. It just may not be suitable for everyone.
