redddy

Review the nursing Clinical Practice Guidelines for Psych disorders, and practice accordingly.

Wow. The entire scenario sounds scary. I'd try to get a job in a hospital that will allow you to train with an experienced preceptor for several weeks. Mine was 12 weeks at the large teaching hospital I'm still at 4 years later. I cannot imagine being in the situation you are as a new grad. It's unsafe.

30-40 min drive. the magnet hospital i work at is worth the commute.

Pay is terrible here in Tampa. My friend in CA makes double what I do.

Seriously?!

Here's a listing of Epilepsy Centers in the US: http://www.naeclocator.org/locator/resultsall.asp. I'd recommend trying to work at the one nearest to you. I'm an RN on a Neuro Unit at Tampa Gen, which has one of the few comprehensive epilepsy centers in the state, and care for patients on our long term seizure monitoring unit. I've learned soooo much in the past two years I've worked there. I'm not sure about certification. Contact one of the centers, and perhaps they can give you that info.

If you really want to become a nurse, you have to make nursing school your number one priority, at least that's what I had to do. Nursing school is extremely demanding, thus you have to keep up with the work and never get behind. This requires a substantial amount of time which you must free up from your existing schedule. I had to give up working my first two semesters, and only worked 16-20 hrs as a nurse tech during 3rd & 4th semesters. But with sacrifice and hard work comes reward- I was able to pass the NCLEX on my 1st attempt and now work as an RN at a large teaching hospital. Focus and stay positive. You'll make strong bonds with other students as you all strive to reach the common goal of becoming nurses. Best of luck.

OMG!!! What a coincidental post!!! About 6 months after working as an RN I went out one weekend to test drive a Mini Clubman, and let me tell you, that was the MOST fun I've ever had driving!!!! If it wasn't for my underlying practical nature, I would've bought that bb then n there! But...need to work a few years and get all my bills paid, then maybe a nice new car with a vanity plate 'RNROX' or something like that! ;-)

To all Nov 2008 test takers-BEST OF LUCK!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! I took NCLEX for the first time last Nov, and although I walked out of the test center feeling sick because I had NO IDEA how I did, I did pass, and so can you! Stay positive. Most importantly, TAKE YOUR TIME with each question (You have 6 hours to complete remember). Many of the questions I recall were all about prioritization- which patient would you assess first (remember ABCs), what action would the nurse do first,etc... Be prepared and focus.

Yes, I'm currently is SPC's online program, and there's students from other states in my class, so yes, it's totally online. They do require us to go into our communities to attend a professional nursing meet, as well as to do leadership and family practicums. The courses are accelerated, and quite demanding, so you must be prepared to devote time to course work. The most important thing is to keep up with the work throughout the week, don't wait until the last minute.

Hi Pinkster. I started SPC's BSN online this fall. Having already gotten by ADN from SPC in 2007, admissions had everything needed for my app, and I was accepted without a problem. The online program is intense, and success has everything to do with keeping up with the course work and assignments. Classes are 4-6 weeks each, and the program lasts for 18 months. Scholarship monies are available, so make sure u put in a scholarship app ea semester. I'm very PRO SPC. I felt their ADN program adequately prepared me to pass NCLEX, and I've had some wonderful instructors. Speaking of, ALL of the BSN instructors haved PhDs

New grad at a lg teaching hospital in Tampa, Fl making $20.69/hr. Somewhat disappointing, but it's a great facility to learn and get the experience and skills I need, so I'm grateful in that respect.

Ruby and others that got 265 questions, I know exactly how all of u feel!!!! I went into the NCLEX exam on Nov 17th feeling pretty positive and prepared. When question 75 came and went, then question 100, 150, 200!!!, 250, 265!!!, I was freaking out internally, but forced myself to focus and take my time answering each and every question presented to me to the best of my ability. I left the test center feeling TOTALLY deflated, almost physically ill. I've had a long and varied educational career, I've taken a LOT of exams, but I've never left a test not having any idea whatsoever as to how i did!!! I thought for sure I had failed after getting all 265 questions, and with my future riding on the results of this one exam, well, it was THE MOST STRESSFUL 48hrs waiting for a little 4-letter word-PASS- I have EVER experienced. Since learning I did indeed PASS the NCLEX, I've felt ecstatic and completely DRAINED at the same time. When you think about how hard, and how long, and how many sacrifices each of us has to make to get to this point, well, it's pretty remarkable to finally be able to say you're an R.N. Congrats to all who passed, and to those who got the other 4 letter word, don't give up, you can do it!!! I'm sooooo very thankful this Thanksgiving!!

Nov 17th is my big day!! (Barbara7809, I like your spirit!) A positive attitude is soooo important! Think positive and be prepared as possible! I quit my job in order to devote myself to fulltime review- I've been doing the ncsbn 5 week review online every day for 6-8hrs, as well as studying Kaplan's NCLEX strategy book, which really teaches how to analyze the questions themselves. I don't go anywhere without some sort of NCLEX study material. I'm almost there, and am determined to succeed!! Best of luck to all you future RNs out there!!!