Starting a week from Monday! Plus question..

Congrats! That's awesome.

I think the answer to both of your questions depends more on the feel/culture of your unit than anything. If it was my unit I would say, yes, send her an email, and yes, carry a notebook if you want to. I have also worked places though, where the boss never checks her email and people look at you like you have four arms if you carry in a little tote bag. So, it just varies.

Do you have a preceptor assigned? Maybe you could call him/her and see what they think about both of these issues. Otherwise I would phone the boss as soon as possible and let her know, it pays to be direct, and give plenty of notice.

Thank you for the response. I have not heard anything about my assigned preceptor. I was thinking about just emailing my nurse manager and letting her know how excited I am to get started and that I need to schedule my NCLEX on a weekday and let her know the days available and ask her which one she would prefer me take.

When I do meet my preceptor I will ask her what she thinks about the notebook idea. I can't imagine taking in all this information and not writing it down throughout the day.....

Are there less-popular, alternate locations for the NCLEX in your area? I drove a little farther, but it was worth it. Less traffic, cheaper hotel rooms, and less people to take the "good spots."

If no....do you have your orientation schedule? Is it 5 days a week? Do you have "classroom" sessions, or is it all in the unit? I would say that the type of orientation you have will determine the day that would be best to take off. I would make sure to be present for "classroom" days, and reschedule the unit days. The babies will always be there. The chance to sit down and ask questions? Not so much. I certainly think it's okay to call your NM and ask for his/her input about the best day to reschedule orientation. Everyone remembers being stressed at NCLEX time - I don't care how long they've been a nurse.

As for the notebook - do not make yourself crazy trying to write everything down. There's simply too much to take in. You will get it with time. No one expects you to be proficient in a week. If you DO want to take notes, write down questions and terminology that you aren't familiar with....rather than "how to" notes. The unit's policies should be in writing somewhere, so copy or print those...rather than just writing them all again.

For now, just focus on getting ready to pass your boards. The job will be there when you're done, and they'll help you with what to bring or prepare. Remember...you aren't supposed to know anything other than the basics. And really, the ABC's are totally the crux of everything we do.

Good luck! :)

Thanks!

Your notebook idea is exactly what I was thinking of. Just terms of what is mentioned through the day that I would want to look up or become more familiar with when I get home from work. Like ECMO. When I went through my shadowing people kept mentioning it, and I had no idea exactly what it was, so i jotted it down and came home and researched it

As for my NCLEX, yes I actually did look at some alternate sites. (I like the idea of a more empty room)

I emailed my NM and asked her how she wanted me to approach my NCLEX. She told me to schedule to take it whenever I wanted and that they would give me the time off I needed to study and take the test. What a load off of my shoulders! I am so relieved.

By the way I am soo happy that I found this board!