RedShoeNurse

This is just my little corner of the world - First, I need to say, I live in NY, make no where *near* 70k (have been nursing for 3 years.) I chose to go to a private school so I didnt have to wait to get into community college. Acquired about 40K in student loan debt. I was a single mom and was hoping that I would be able to afford more with a new career and the loans wouldnt be a problem. I was wrong. My situation didnt get much better - times have been hard, life is uncertain - and my student loans are expensive. I even consolidated and they are terribly expensive. So - my advice to you is do what your heart says and be prepared to be in a financial tight spot for a number of years if you chose the private road. Unless youre lucky enough to land that 70k nursing job. (if you find one, tell me where it is!) =)

Hi there!! Well, when I was a child I spent a majority of my time in a local Childrens Hospital. I had major heart defects that required open heart surgery and continuous monitoring. All of the nurses that cared for me were loving and nurturing - so I wanted to be 'just like them' when I grew up. It took me a little bit of time to make it there, but I did it. I would love for them to know how much they influenced me and I try to emulate their kindness in my everyday practice. I am very grateful to have such wonderful nurses to have as examples. :redpinkhe

hello there! i was so scared when i took my nclex years ago. i came here for support, too! i took the test and walked out the building and was immediately ill in the parking lot! (in retrospect it was kinda funny) i didnt sleep for the days following, insistant i didnt pass. but i did! you have worked hard - the nclex is simply a test of minimum safe practice. you know the material. you know you know material. you'll be just fine! i had a nurse from cuba tell me to keep saying outloud "i am an excellent nurse, i have passed my nclex" she also had me write it over and over on a crisp white piece of paper in blue ink - that way i was focused on my *success* - failure was not an option. i was reiteraing to my subconscious that i had already acheived my dream. that is powerful! remember, dont dream it - be it! good luck!

First of all, I have to say that I am a hand hygeine PPE stickler - but I *did* contract MRSA this past year that warranted an operation as well as IV Vanco, packing - the works! A few weeks back I ended up with Impetigo which my primary doctor states could be a continuing problem because I colonize staph and im under so much stress that my immune system is poor. He told me to stop stressing and relax. Im A nurse, I dont RELAX! *lol* Anyways - considering that I am so meticulous with my hygeine and gloving along with any other PPE i feel is necessary, I suppose I am proof positive that contracting something is almost part of our job description. We can only follow protocol, be safe and hope for the best. Im just happy to be alive today to tell my story!

Hi Mama! We had to empty our pockets and take our jewelery off before. They told us no food or drink during the test. I could safely tell you that they will not allow you to eat in the testing center. eat breakfast beforehand and you should be fine. If you have a medical condition that requires you to eat regularly, ask the receptionist if you can eat one of the snickers on break. Good luck to you on your journey tomorrow!

Hi Everyone! I have been a 'silent' member/lurker for a while. I wanted to share my NCLEX experience. I took the test this Monday 4/3. I had prepared quite diligently for the test. I purchased Saunders after reading such rave reviews and it certainly did a great job in preparing me for the NCLEX content, so thank you Suzanne for your assistance :) My NCLEX was 75 questions long, *20* of which were the 'choose all that apply' version of the question. One after another after another... i kept getting choose all that apply. It scared me to death! There were a few times I had to take a deep breath and meditate for a few minutes so I wouldnt get discouraged. I had 3 herb related questions: Echinacea, Yarrow Root, and Black Cohosh. Herbs seem to be a focus. I had approximately 10 med related questions, specific to when to give a med and what to teach regarding the med. I had 4 infection control questions. It was actually the exact same question every time with 4 different options to choose from each time that question would resurface. I felt that was bizzare. The last portion of my test was strictly prioritization... who would you see first. I had no math questions. I had diseases that I only had briefly seen in passing.... I think the key with the NCLEX is being able to deduce from 4 answers which one is the most sensible. It was scarey. It was intimidating. It was everything that I expected it to be. I am now finished... the fear is over... and you will finish too. Prayers *ARE* answered. God is great... everyone of you will feel this joy very very soon Take good care all of you and best of luck!:balloons:

Hi MiMi! Congratulations on your awesome accomplishment!!!:balloons: Could you send a little prayer my way? Im taking the boards on 4/3/06 and would love a 'helping hand'. Take care and again, Congrats RN!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS SKATEBETTY!!!!!!! We are all so proud of you!!!!! :biggringi :biggringi :balloons: :smiley_aa Thank you SO MUCH for all of your tips and PLEASE feel free to grace us with your knowledge and tips any time youd like... we appreciate you, BETTY RN!!!!!!

Do you have the normal values memorized? Thats a really great place to start -- then we can focus on what happens when they arent normal.

Hi there! First of all, I am so sorry to hear that you did not pass this time. Take away from this what you have learned and build upon it to pass the next time. Secondly, I want to preface by saying I am certainly no expert and have not yet taken my NCLEX (april 3), but I do want to offer some tips and help. We can all get through this!!!! I would like to ask you.. how many practice questions did you do? Did you concentrate on your weakest points? Did you focus on prioritization questions? Which course did your employer have you do? I am just looking for some more info to give you the best advise possible.

This is great news!!!!! Congratulations!

The *BEST* of luck to you. I have been following your tips silently for days now and they have really helped me. Let us know how it goes... youre truly an

Youre in my thoughts and prayers. I draw my inspiration through all of you!!!

Hello everyone! I, personally, started my new job after two weeks 'off' from graduation. I am orienting as a new oncology nurse, work a second job at a bank, have a young son *and* manage to study for the nclex! :roll Its hard, im tired... but it *can* be done. Im a believer that with a good attitude, ambition, and focus you can do the impossible! The most important thing is to know *your* limits and be true to yourself and honest and in the end, you will make the best decisions for yourself and your career. Good luck!

Hi STN2003, congrats on your recent graduation and upcoming board date! How exciting for you!!! May I ask you this? When I go on the Pearson vue website and attempt to sign up, it is asking me to pay the $200 NCLEX examination fee. DO i sign up and pay for this now or after i recieve my letter saying that I am good to go? I want to do everything perfectly without a hitch! Thanks again, youre an for putting my mind at ease!