mookster

It depends on the institution! I worked as a CNA at a hospital while in school, and as soon as I got my bachelors, my position was terminated. I moved after graduation, and then applied to some assisted living facilities while I was waiting for my ATT, as well as studying for NCLEX. Don't be discouraged, if you need the work, you might as well at least try to find something in the field while you wait! Bear in mind, employers may not want to hire you if you plan on leaving so soon. It all will depend on the employers needs at the time! Hope I've helped! Good luck! :)

You should be VERY pleased with yourself! Nursing school is very difficult! I know there will be others who will say it's a piece of cake, but in the long run, it is difficult. Like you said, you have a long road ahead of yourself, but you can definitely make it. You'll definitely lose some more classmates along the way (hopefully not), but as long as you prioritize and keep yourself focused, and wanting it, you will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Congratulations on making it this far! You should be proud! :)

Well, I really liked the fact that my preceptor gradually allowed me to have a "full load" of patients by the end of my hours. We started together, then gradually gave me more to do. By the end, she was still observing, of course, but she would just watch me and pipe in when I needed correcting. It was nice to be able to have a feel of more than one or two patients we usually got in clinical. But of course, you'd also need to figure out your institutions guidelines on doing that. Personally, I already had a relationship with my preceptor, because we worked together on the same unit, as I was a PCA. I also liked the fact that my preceptor was kinda in the loop with the unit as well. She would personally go around and ask other nurses if they had any skills (IVs, NGs, foleys, wound care, ect.) for me to do, or if there was any interesting procedures that I could sit in on. The only thing I feel like I didn't get a lot of, was practicing end of shift report, or being on the phone altogether. For instance, if we were getting a new admit, or a transfer, I would have at least liked to get report once. At least a little practice would have been nice. But again, I guess that would be determined on the policies. I really hope that you have a wonderful time with precepting! Good luck! :)

Take a deep breath! First of all, let me say that you CAN do this! Personally, I used the Saunders questions online, and I passed in 75. I did numerous questions a day and definitely studied the rationales. Continue to study every day, but make sure you give yourself adequate breaks! Even during the exam. About every 10 questions, I would put my head down, count to ten, or do the ABCs, just to regroup, and rest my mind for a minute. It also helped me with anxiety. :) Above all, believe in yourself! You can conquer this exam! You made it through nursing school, and now this is the very last battle! I wish you all the luck in the world! :)

First of all, let me wish you good luck! :) Secondly, I would still continue to review your materials, focusing in on: delegation, infection control, common medications (as well as their adverse effects), and lab values! If you are doing daily questions, continue with those, at least 25 every day (I used to do anywhere from 75-100). Third, when taking practicing questions, as well as during the test, I know taking breaks helped me calmed my nerves. After every 10th question, I'd put my head down, or close my eyes, count to ten, or even do my ABC's just to let my mind rest and regroup. Take a deep breath! You got this! And again, I wish you all the luck in the world! :)

Congratulations on passing! :)

Girl, take a deep breath and calm down! I know this is a stressful time, but don't psych yourself out before you get there! That's the worst thing you can do. My advice: Every 10-25 questions, put your head down and take a break. Count to ten, say the alphabet backwards, anything to give your mind a break, and to regroup. I know it helped me a lot, and put me at ease. I wish you all the luck in the world! You will do just fine. :)

I used both Saunders 6th Ed., as well as the Kaplan QBank app. I sat for the RN exam and passed in 75 questions. I liked Saunders, and the rationales they give after answering each question - I liked how there were thousands of different questions with alternate formats, as well as them being online. To me, it almost felt like I was taking a test. I, like you, preferred using Saunders. The Kaplan QBank was my favorite app for on the go study. I liked how they gave rationales for each answer choice, it was really helpful. The only thing I didn't like about it, was that there weren't any alternate format questions. (I realize that it may be because I was cheap, and only used the free version.) Anyway, they questions were timed, and I had mixed feelings about it. Yes, I know you shouldn't spend a lot of time on one question, but I'd look up for a second, and time ran out. Then again, it sort of felt like your were going into "test mode" (being timed, I mean). Other than that, I liked it. Overall, the decision is yours, and how you feel about each program. They both have good qualities, and both offer great NCLEX prep questions. My personal advice would be to go with what you most feel comfortable with!