newRN_2014

No I'm from Iowa! They are still hiring like crazy as we are always short staffed

I didn't even know it was a full moon on Monday- that explains it! Only worked a 4 hour shift and it turned into an 8 hour in no time. Ugh

Great replies by everyone so far, just thought I'd add my two cents. Just be careful about taking prerequisite courses. I do know most CC work with universities and specific programs, but some do not so much. Even though some required classes may have the same title or look the same, some universities may not accept that transfer credit and require you to take theirs. Just really ask a lot of questions but I have not heard of this being a huge issue with a lot of people. I only had an issue with one class. Good luck OP!

I did Hurst Live Review In December but had access to the online courses for 30 days whenever I wanted to activate them. I activated the online course about a month before I took NCLEX and only watched the videos once. I believe the videos are excellent but it is really up to you to memorize and grasp the content. I also utilized PDA by LaCharity and I believe that is what helped me pass with 75 questions. To be honest I think I studied hard core for maybe a week (not recommended), but because I did a combination of practice questions and content review I believe that is what helped me the most considering I was an average nursing student. You can do this! I also believe that nerves on the day of the test is what gets most people. I didnt open a single book the day before and instead watched my favorite shows on Netflix! Best of luck, and just remember you spent 2+ years studying this content anyways! :)

As far as your resources go, I would highly recommend completing the PDA by LaCharity book. I believe that is what helped me pass since NCLEX is increasing the number of delegation, assignment, and prioritization questions.

My story is pretty much spot on. But instead of going to Starbucks I cried the entire way home just SURE that I failed! But the good popup worked for me and my license number is proudly displayed on my computer screen! Congrats RN!

Yes, like what Buggysmom said, nursing school is usually part of the four year curriculum and most Bachelors degrees are 4 years. However, I did prerequisites (like general classes such as English, Psychology, Algebra, etc) the first year and a half and applied to get into the college of nursing to complete the rest of my Bachelors.

Hello MedicallyCurious! I just graduated from a BSN program this past May and passed my NCLEX board exam two days ago. What did you learn? I took classes from chemistry to pathophysiology (disease processes), pharmacology(medications), anatomy/physiology, lifespan development, microbiology, nutrition, and then the nursing specific classes (OB/ped, medical-surgical nursing, nursing leadership, research methods, psych nursing, etc). I believe all BSN programs cover most areas of nursing and require a significant number of clinical hours. I had a senior internship that was required by my university that allowed us to become more independent. What was your experience? It was very challenging, but I took it as it came one day at a time. I have always had issues dealing with significant stress, but looking back I am glad it was challenging because now I have major responsibilities that may mean life or death for the patient. What was the difficulty? The program is meant to be very difficult because it is a career that is very knowledge and judgement based. Is there something I can do beforehand to increase my chances of being accepted? I would suggest obtaining your CNA cert and being active in school when you get to college. That will show the college of nursing that you are able to juggle school and other life events and give you valuable experience at the same time. Also, aim high for your GPA. Unfortunately, I had a 3.6 and I barely made the cut at my school, but it is not impossible. Just try your best and the rest will come. What stood out for you? The amount of reading that is required. We had quizzes at the beginning of every class in the nursing program that held a significant weight in our final grade.

I did the same as everyone else, except gave up studying two days before. I felt that I knew what I knew and an extra day would not really make that big of a difference. The day before I watched my favorite tv shows and went to bed at 9pm for my 8am test. I did wake up early the day of my test out of nervous energy and tried really hard to relax. Right before I left I took one last practice quiz ONLY to get myself into test taking mode. But 75 questions later and got the good PVT popup! Still waiting for official results! Good luck :)

Thanks for clarifying! My start date is supposed to be June 30th, but that will never happen considering my exam is the 26th. So no I do not plan on working as a GN. I am so mad at myself for applying to IA, but this is a learning process for sure! Thanks everyone for clarifying, I thought I kind of ruined things for myself, but sounds like it will be okay. Thanks again!

So we moved here on June 1st, wont get my nursing license until the end of the month (hoping I pass:)), and I plan on changing my driver's license AFTER I pass my nursing exam. In ND we can go 90 days without changing the drivers license. I hope that since I actually moved here a month before I take my exam doesnt mess with my residency. I mean, my test is the 26th and that wont give me much time to get an endorsement within that 30 day time period. Shoot.. At least I used my parent's home as my primary residence when I applied to the IA BON, so hopefully I can use that until I take the test at least. Ha this is very confusing.

If you could email me the study guides I would be forever grateful thanks! [email protected]

My senior year of nursing school recently ended, and I am so terrified to start my career under my own license. My preceptor was very welcoming and would talk to me about almost anything. However, as a rural nurse some days were very slow. My preceptor would make me clean and stock rooms, and I feel as though my time could have been used a little better. I do not feel like I got a lot out of my 150 clinical hours, and I am scared that I am not ready for the real nursing world. I want to be the best for my patients, but my orientation at my new job is only 5 weeks.

I have heard that the hospital where I recently accepted a FT job offer has mandatory overtime. Where is the fine line between patient safety and employee wellness? I am very concerned about this, and I hope that I do not get burned out from my first year of nursing with mandatory overtime. What is your experience with this?

I will be starting my new job on the Observation Unit on rotating shifts very soon. How do you cope with the constant change in sleep schedule, how do you keep yourself sane, and how do you balance your work-life?

I will start working on the Observation Unit and will automatically placed in the New Grad Residency program at the hospital. My start date is supposed to be late June, but I still need to take nursing boards. I am so scared, and feel as though I could have learned so much more during my preceptorship senior year. My time management skills are sub par but I try so hard to keep up with everything. Please help!

I have an interview for the Observation Unit and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what this unit actually entails. The hospital website indicated that it was for frequent blood transfusions/IV meds and other aspects of care but it seems that there should be more to this. Thanks!

I recently moved to ND to start my very first job, but applied to the Iowa BON before I knew about the ND job offer as I am originally from Iowa. What is the process like to endorse into ND? How long does it take? Thanks

Can anyone please tell me about any experiences you have had with this organization? I am about to start my first job here, but I have heard many mixed things. Thanks!

Fargo area apartments are extremely reasonable. My fiance and I are looking at 600-800 for a two bedroom, with three bedroom not too much more. It is when you get out further west that you would run into problems. There are still several FT job opening in Fargo, and the area is so nice!

Student- "He clearly was NEVER a student before..."

I am graduating from a nursing school in South Dakota in May and my permanent address is in Iowa. However, I have already accepted an RN position in North Dakota even though I have not taken the NCLEX-RN. Do I have to apply to Iowa or can I apply directly to North Dakota? I would like to avoid paying the extra 200-300 dollars to get the ND endorsement. I plan on moving up to ND before I start working, and would declare ND as my primary state of residence. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!