Tngu33

I told myself that I will write my success story here on allnurses when I pass. Some background info about myself: 1. I'm not one who can read something once and know it. I have to read it two times or three times to get it to stick! 2. I never thought I was a good or smart student until I started seeing my optimal potential in nursing school. 3. I graduated in Dec. 15' from one of the best nursing program in my state with a pass rate of 98% (But that doesn't mean much because NCLEX scares me!), and our avg. graduating class ranges from 90-100 every semester. It's a three year BSN program. So I took my NCLEX this past week and just like everyone else, I was TERRIFIED! BUT I PASSED! But I am sure that everyone reading this will want to know how i prepared because I occasionally go onto all nurses to read about success stories and decided from there what materials I will use because everyone is different. A lot of my classmates did Hurst and so did I. After the New Year, I started studying for the NCLEX, I sat down and read the Hurst content for about 2-3 weeks until I went over everything. I took a practice test and made a 58%. I FREAKED!!!!! I had a melt down. I felt like I did not know ANYTHING that was being asked! I was upset that I studied the HURST content and I felt I learned NOTHING. The type of questions NCLEX will ask are very different from what I was tested on in Nursing school. Well a little bit different, the big difference are the PRIORITIZATION and DELEGATION questions! So I basically had to start over with my studying. I had about 2.5 weeks until my test. My fiance recommended UWORLD. He actually recommended to me in January, but I blew him off because I spent $350 on HURST! He tried really hard to convince me because he used UWORLD for his Step exams in med school and LOVED IT. So after my mental break down, I gave in and decided to let him purchase me a months worth of Qbank questions. Finished all 1720 questions two days before my NCLEX. FAST FOWARD.... UWORLD SAVED ME! I WISH MORE PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT IT AND TOLD ME ABOUT IT EARLIER!! It build my confidence for the actual NCLEX! And the format is very similar if not THE SAME! So I would recommend anyone needing help with their studies to use HURST for content because you need to know content and UWORLD for extra questions and practice! UWORLD has AWESOME RATIONALES compared to HURST. I made sure I read every rationale carefully. I skipped the ones I know since I only had 2 weeks to study. I also recommend listening to the recording from HURST over because I did the LIVE review and missed some KEY INFO from the chapters. Write down notes, I dont like to write down everything, and it saves time. My avg score for UWORLD was 65%, I always score above average after every practice test. MY scores for Hurst went up after I started UWORLD, but it was NEVER 84% (the score they want you to make if you want to pass). Highest was 72% for me. ALSO if you're like me and like to change answers, DON'T! Practice on trying not to change answers and stick with your gut! Be confident. My test shut down between 76-80 questions. Wasn't sure because I didn't pay attention. I had a bunch of SATA at the beginning and it stopped asking me SATA around question 45-50. There were some info I never heard of, but I tried to narrow everything down and just answer the questions as best as I can. I walked out of the test feeling MIXED. The test was hard, but UWORLD prepared me for the hard questions! Know how to delegate and prioritize. Know your isolations and precautions for the different diseases! theres a mnuemonic for the precautiona! KNOWS LABS and DIET for different diseases! GOOD LUCK!!!

Totz agree!

Hi, I'm new to allnurses! I will be graduating in December 2015 with a BSN. I am relocating to Houston. I recently went to an RN networking Event for Memorial Hermann and I spoke with nurse recruiters. I came unprepared with no resume because I assumed it was informational. I was told by the recruiters to email my resume to HR and she will forward it the the Hermann facilities I want to apply for the GN Residency. I know it's very competitive in Houston and it's bumming me out that I know if I stay where I am at, I can get a job with no problem. I am looking at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Can anyone tell me about St. Joseph's and if they like to hire new grads without the GN residency program? I applied online to some of their positions and I know there is a job fair on Oct. 13 and St. Josephs will be there. I am 99% sure I will go to the Job fair with a bunch of resumes and put my self out there. Does anyone think it's a good idea for a student nurse who will be graduating in 59 days to go to a job fair?