Smith1283

Hello, I Started Core May 2016 & I just graduated in August 2018. For the first semester, I had fundamentals and pharmacology. 1 Clinical once a week at a nursing home for our fundamental rotation. You won't like it. The staff won't care for you to be there. In fact, you will feel like it's a waste of time, some days. There will be times your heart is broken and confused. This is normal. The point of the nursing home rotation is that you begin caring for others in a healthcare setting. We were in the program 2 weeks before pharmacology started. This class was tough. Learn basic meds for each body system. 2nd semester is when we started Basic med surge and maternity. That rotation changed to 2 clinical days each week. One clinical was for the med surge and the other was with maternity. Both clinicals were done at the hospital. We had a test every week for each class, so 2 tests weekly. We also did a wound care day at a facility for a clinical, WIC and health department clinical and AA meeting clinical, but just one rotation of each. The 3rd semester started Advance med surge and pediatrics. This was also 2 clinical days each week at the hospital with a test for both classes each week. 4th and LAST semester! One class being Practicum. 32 hours of precepting at a hospital for 12 hours each shift until our 32 hours were complete. We also needed to complete "mentor hours" which was a time we would dedicate to another student for tutoring. Leadership was included in this semester, so there were tests for that and the rest was dosage calculation predictors, and ATI predictors for all of the classes and material learned throughout the last year. I graduated and now work in Labor and Delivery. I had a horrible time through nursing school and then God that its over. Not everyone has the same experience but its a journey to be discovered and managed. I discovered and I managed and can say it WAS worth it! I continued for the BSN hybrid, so I haven't stopped school but it is mainly online with one class per month, totally doable. Your necessities: Stethoscope, plain white nursing shoes, navy blue scrub pants, pens pens pens, pencils, penlight, watch with second hand, hair needs to be up at all times, even on class days, nails must be cut without polish and clean, note cards, notebooks, desktop computer to youtube Registerednursern.com and diligently study and use those resources. A planner to stay organized and highlighters. I never used my scissors or all the funky things I thought were cute and bought. Keep a small pocket notebook for clinical, it helps. Good luck!

Checked quick results today & I PASSED!!!!!!!

This wait is killing me!!!

Here's an update.. The NCLEX looked exactly like Uworld. The questions being asked were odd in my opinion. I don't think any of the stuff I studied was even on there. I have no idea if I passed or not. I completed at 150 questions. I did the PVT & received a good pop up. So, now I wait.

I am sitting in front of Pearson Vue waiting to go sit for my NCLEX-RN...The day has come, I am alive and well... Thank God for allowing me to come this far in my life and pray for everything I've learned these past 3 years to come to mind as I sit and rest... Her goes nothing!

I just completed the 2nd assessment in Uworld... scored a 56% that placed me in the 47th percentile with a high chance of passing NCLEX.

The day has come and I am literally freaking out! I've managed to complete the nursing program and enjoy the last month of freedom until all of a sudden the NCLEX-RN was less than a week away. I don't feel prepared, I don't feel like I studied enough and I have no clue how I'm going to cope with the anxiety (postrxadmin). I purchased Uworld in July but only took a couple of their tests because I was still in school and didn't give much time to it. I completed what my school required and then graduated in August. Almost 3 weeks went by and I had only completed a few more tests on Uworld. When the 1-week to take the NCLEX popped up, I felt extreme anxiety and even foolish for not utilizing my time more wisely. I had already started the BSN program, was writing papers and doing assignments for that class while picking up where life left off 2.5 years. Studying for the NCLEX wasn't on the top of my list to do. 3 days ago, I started studying HARD and refreshing my knowledge with labs and basic fundamental steps. I took the Uworld assessment and scored a very low 52% with a borderline chance of passing the NCLEX. Let's just say the anxiety sunk in a bit deeper. For 2 days I've listened to every Mark Klimek lecture, took notes, and completed 1,000 questions from Uworld test bank. I am about to take the 2nd and LAST assessment before taking the NCLEX tomorrow and this feeling is overwhelming. I've scoured forums looking for hope and have been back and forth with them. Heres to my journey, either way!

Coming from someone that is taking the NCLEX-RN tomorrow, I can appreciate your post. I can't say that I have been as diligent like you with studying but I have listened to every Mark Klimek lecture and have 500Q left in Uworld. I've found after reading posts in hopes of encourgament, nothing will said lasts all of 5 minutes, then I'm in my head again thinking I'm not prepared. But, thank you for posting your experience. Ready or not, here I come!

Congratulations on your passing boards!!! I'm going on Friday to take the NCLEX-RN and I can't even begin to express how stressed I am... Uworld and Mark Klimek is my life line right now but I only have 2 days left!!!!!

Thank you for that!!!! I am doing exactly that! "looking through the forums to get a glimmer of hope". I am taking NCLEX-RN on Friday!!! I feel like I haven't studied enough. And I know everyone typically feels that way before taking the NCLEX. Uworld and Mark Kilmek has been my life line since graduating. I recieved a really good score for my pre assessment but now i'm at 49% with 1100 questions in. AHHHHH lol

1st semester was: Monday- off Tuesday- Fundamentals lecture and test Wednesday- Clinical at Nursing home Thursday- off Friday- Pharmacology lecture and test 2nd Semester: Monday- medsurge clinical at hospital Tuesday- medsurge lecture and test Wednesday- Maternity clinical at hospital Thursday- Maternity lecture and test Friday- off This is subject to change. Because you will have skills check-offs and proctors to come in and take, but this was my basic schedule so far. I have no idea what I'm going to have 3rd semester. But I'll find out next month. I'm not including homework for class or for clinical. That's just too much to list or even remember..lol

Hello, I was accepted into the ADN program at Keiser and I am currently in my 2nd semester. It is hard and very time-consuming. If you have a lot going on in your life that requires your attention, this may need to hold. This program requires you to be enslaved for 16 months. Everyone is different though, and test taking is easy for them. However, the majority struggle and have had to quit their jobs just to have more time available for studying or homework. Now, with that out of the way, if you are serious, mentally, financially & emotionally ready for this program and need some pointers, I can give a few. I'm sure you have already had the interview and should hopefully be starting the program in January. Interview pointers: Dress for success in business casual attire Hair and makeup conservative Think and memorize why you want to become a nurse and if it's because of the money, don't say that. We all need to make ends meet but nursing is more than that. Nursing needs heart! I say memorize because you may get so nervous you forget what to say. Trust me, I know from experience. Everything that is in your portfolio should be emphasized in the interview, like all of your accomplishments. Know what you want to do after nursing school. How do you want to give back to the community? Will you volunteer during nursing school? This is basically a job interview and you need to sell yourself. But remain honest in everything you say. Being a nurse, we kind of have a spirit of discernment and it all comes out in the wash, and when the program is over and all the drying is done, you don't want to appear to be a liar. Smile! Remain respectful and on topic, I don't care if they distract you. They are watching your reactions. Last tidbit.... Relax! You made it this far & chances are, you're getting into the program.

I am currently in my 2nd semester of the ADN program at Keiser University. I too completed my Gen Ed classes there. Those classes have nothing on what core is like. It's totally doable if you are able to place your free life on hold. There is so much work to do! I don't have time to do anything with my kids these days. Every now and then I will feel like I have a break and can sneak in a movie or fun day with them. That usually follows with tons of work and the neverending feeling of being behind. There are tons of studying, reading & homework for each class and each clinical. It doesn't seem like much, but there's only 7 days in a week.. lol.. I'm maintaining a decent gpa, but if I just got C's the rest of the way through, I'd be completely ok with it! Fundamentals was the hardest for me. It took a minute for me to learn the concept of test taking strategies. Some people really have that skill down pat! I had to youtube and study on how to study and how to take tests... Funny? are you laughing? because I am. But it's the truth! Youtube is your FRIEND!!! Don't rely on lecture to be the ONLY source of learning... Depending on your instructor, you may highlight the book and annotate, while others you'll break your hand trying to write everything & that should be your main study guide. I will list a few really great websites I used to help me! Good luck and keep us posted! registerednursern.com simplenursing.com youtube.com

Hey Girl, I am in my 2nd semester now and wanted to check in with you. How are you doing?

I did get a seat in the program. I started May 8th of this year. I am currently in my 2nd semester. I completed first semester, Fundamentals and Pharmacology with a B. First semester was a struggle. I was a huge adjustment! I am doing well. Just ready to graduate. I love this school. They really prepare you for the NCLEX.

Serhilda, you're awesome! Thank you í ½í¸Š

I couldn't believe she did either. I would've helped her. I'm a good person. I'm still nice to her when I need to be. I just wonder how she did it exactly.. & the snob squad.. that's funny.. I will always remember that.. just have to keep it to myself because I sincerely want the drama to end. It's only fun for the 5 in the group doing it. Thank you for the encouragement.. I'm so glad I decided to post í ½í¸ƒ

I truly appreciate that advice. I will definitely try that approach í ½í¹‚

I truly appreciate your you sharing your personal story with me. & thank you for the encouragement!

Thanks man... It shouldn't be this way.. I just need to keep my sanity.

THANK YOU! I really appreciate your words of encouragement í ¾í´—í ½í¸­â¤ï¸

I feel you! Good people are so hard to find these days. People with hearts like that are just not very bright on the inside. I am like you! I have not one bit of malice in my bones. I wish for everyone to succeed and if you're not my cup of tea, I don't gossip about you or roll my eyes at you or cause drama for you. so many of my classmates are like that and it is exhausting! I am exhausted with the drama. I want everyone to succeed even if I want to shake some sense into them and tell them to shut up, for the LOVE OF GOD, SHUT UP!!!! I'm tired of the attention seekers, and the ones that make you feel stupid for asking a question. I'm an LPN going for my ASN and I'm appalled by some of their behaviour. Grown women really do act like that! The oldest one in our class is 49 and she is the worse of them all!!! Now, out of 24, 8 of them are gossiping, drama filled, attention seeking, bonafide mean girls and it's toxic to other people around them. Lord have MERCY on me because I am going through it today, if you hadn't noticed! LOL.. I just want to study, go to school, learn, have an experience worth remembering and carry on with my life. I do not care to feed the birds, I just want a peaceful, respectful adult class. A good experience is too much to ask for at this point.

I am FRUSTRATED!!! I need to vent... Considering I am somewhat anonymous here, I figured I would be able to get out what I'm feeling without holding anything back. I began Nursing school 3 months ago. I am currently an LPN but didn't feel the need to share that with anyone because I felt it wasn't something anyone, in general, would care to know. My first clinical day at the nursing home was TERRIBLE! I was paired with someone, I thought, was sweet and we would have gotten along great. Everyone knows how good it feels to have teamwork and a day with someone that is nice and easy going. Well.... Her during her first vital assessment, I noticed while she was taking a radial pulse, she didn't have a watch. I also noticed the clock on the wall was behind us, so I was curious to how she was checking the pulse and keeping count. Of course, I wouldn't say anything in front of the patient but I felt I should question it. I did hesitate at first but then I couldn't just say nothing! I mean, what was I suppose to do, It was my first day! I said very sweet like because I am a sweet girl. I said, "how were you able to check the pulse without a watch?" She said by counting 1 Mississippi 2 Mississippi in her head. Now, I know she had 0 medical experience but we had just got checked off for vitals and I had no idea how she thought she could get an accurate pulse rate by double counting in her head. All I said was, "I don't think we are able to do it like that, are we?" & that was it. She gave me attitude and refused to do any vitals. When the instructor came around, I was assessing an apical pulse and she went to ask the instructor about it. Of course, the instructor verified with her that it was impossible to get an accurate reading the way she was doing it and carried on. I was so uncomfortable because she began to be rude and very attitude like towards me. I tried my best to be nice and cool with her. Up until I was coming out of the bathroom and walked up on her talking junk about me to the other nursing students... I mean, come on!!! I don't need this. Then she goes on to say that I like to work alone when she refused to take vitals even after I offered for her to wear my watch. Out of 24 students, why did I have to be the one?!? Why Lord?! I was furious... Needless to say, she went and complained and we were switched. Now the class is wondering whats going on and since I keep my mouth shut, the only story they were getting was hers which was a result of her insecurities and was giving me a bad rep that was not even cool, nor fair to me! Let's fast forward now... I was put in a group for a culture project. My group was the only group that didn't communicate and it was mentioned to us. One girl's dad died and I had compassion for her and offered to pick up any slack on the project. We knew about this project 2 months before it was due and 2 weeks before it was due I was still trying to meet up and there was 1 person that was causing so many issues. I sent an email and basically laid out a very detailed concise plan and requested they be willing to work with me as a team to get it done... Good Lord, I SHOULD NOT have done that. Ever since that, the communication got worse. There was no communication, to begin with. So finally after allowing them to pick MY topic and pick the order, I would present, I started my work and went running full speed. I created a really cool powtoon video that was awesome!! They got upset with me for not sharing it with them prior to the presentation but I literally had to do this on my own and on a deadline. Mind you, for over a month I had been trying to meet with them all together to figure out a plan to see who was going to do what. It was a joke. Had I not done the video, we would have been the only group out of the 6 to not have a video but even still, they were angry with me. I received a response text msg the weekend before our project was due to do our own thing independently, so that meant exactly what it said to me. I was so over this project already. 1:00 am the morning of, I had to text a group member to send me her outline because I was responsible for compiling them all together. the other 2 group members emailed them to me, but I had to baby sit the other and she is a 49-year-old woman!! It was a joke! After the project was done, I felt relieved. our project kicked butt and we had so many compliments. I was just thankful I could move on from that nightmare. Next thing I know, we're having a meeting together and they are complaining about me, all 3 ganging up on me saying that I did my own thing and didn't communicate with them... It was INSANE!!!. I had to show the instructor all of our text messages just to show the TRUTH! & how I was doing my part to get the project rolling!! They were slacking, bottom line, well, the one that contaminated the group caused so many ripples with drama and her life drama that because I am so proactive trying to get the project done, I was to blame. I mean, the instructor could see the amount of work I put into the project. After that, things only went down hill for me! The clinical group I am in is one-half of the room and it happens to be all of the girls that don't care for me and act behave like they are in Jr. High. I'm only 32 but I am very laid back and don't gossip or cause drama & that's why this has been such a nightmare. When we are doing ATI simulation as a group with the instructor and we are all supposed to answer a question, if I get it wrong, they laugh and say slick stuff under their breath; sometimes I am ignored, so after lunch today, I gave up! I decided to withdraw and not participate in answering questions.Why would I want to continue being treated that way? I'll just sit back and listen. I wouldn't laugh at them when they answer something wrong, nor have I done so when they do. I am smart. I didn't just get my LPN by paying for a certificate, I worked hard for it but I don't have to explain anything to them. I don't have to tell them I'm an LPN so they'll back off because to be quite honest, the way things are going, I feel it would only add fuel to the flame. I have experience but I am far from someone to make another feel as if I'm better or smarter because I am not. I actually feel inadequate at times and them snickering like little kids and rolling their eyes when I ask a question or answer something wrong is just too much for me at times and I feel like I'm going to lose my patience with them! Now, the other clinical group, I love! They are awesome! They don't have that type of nonsense going on. They treat everyone with respect. In my group, it's 5 of them that talk over everyone together like a mean girls club. So, I have decided to just not answer any more questions and withdraw from participating in the simulations or being active with the class. It really makes me sad though, because I am outgoing, not over the top gal, but sweet, cool and chill. I feel as though the pattern with the issues has not been giving me a good name and I just don't know what to do. I only have a few more weeks of this semester and I'm trying my best to shut up, stay to myself and enjoy the people that are good, supporting and non-judgemental, normal people. I wonder how the heck the other girls decided to become nurses? Drama just exhausts me. How do I release this stress/anger/anxiety and woooo saaaa before I go complain and have yet another issue to my name? On the other hand, my other instructor doesn't put up with that crap. I thrive and enjoy her class. Active participation is encouraged and I don't feel stupid when answering something wrong because they know better than to try that in her class. Is my nursing instructor wrong for not controlling her class? Am I the issue? I felt exhausted to just type all of this out, I feel better now. I would have liked to enjoy this experience but a journey I had been so excited for has become depressing and exhausted mentally with just drama. I need to escape from the drama. I need them to leave me alone. I need to feel comfortable to answer and participate in class so I can learn too. I can only pray things change after this semester. Anyway, advice and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism will be welcomed. Thank you for listening to my rant. It is over now.

And you thought the Nurses were Sharks!

ABSOLUTELY! Thank you so much!