What now?

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry.

I just graduated nursing school this Saturday (Dec. 8th) and I have no idea what to do now. I'm thinking about taking a break, but I don't want to forget everything I just learned. I was thinking about starting the first tip on Suzanne's NCLEX plan, but I would like to know if I should first take the break, without any fears of forgetting things, or if I should keep going and jump right into studying for the NCLEX. I'm not even sure I want to start working right away, even though there is an opening for me in OB. Any advice???

All comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Congratulations on your graduation! You've definatley earned a break.

Jump right in on taking NCLEX. Statistics show that the longer you wait, the more chance you have of failing.

Take a week off, but then get right back into it. You can always take a break after passing.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Agree with Tweety, get it out of the way and take a break afterwards. Good luck

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Do it now while it is fresh - rest later! Good luck to you!!

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Specializes in Tele.
Congratulations on your graduation! You've definatley earned a break.

Jump right in on taking NCLEX. Statistics show that the longer you wait, the more chance you have of failing.

Take a week off, but then get right back into it. You can always take a break after passing.

Good luck.

I definitely think that Tweety is right!!!!!!!

I graduated in august 2nd, then took a little break, and started studying for the NCLEX-RN when I started my Kaplan complete course... on august 16, then took the NCLEX-RN 3 months later. I took advantage of the entire kaplan course and did everything that came with it. The course lasts 3 months.

now that I passed my NCLEX-RN, I am relaxing, going on dates with my husband, spending time with my baby girl (1 1/2 year old), shopping... just relaxing. We are going to Disneyworld in the first week of Jan, and I start working on the 19th of Jan at an orthopedic/medsurg floor

My friend who failed, planned a trip to europe when we were in school, and she planned to pass the test and celebrate with the europe trip. But when she was supposed to be studying, she was preparing for the trip, she would be out to lunch with her friends, always doing errands, so she didn't do everything that kaplan comes with, she just did the questions. I never suggest just doing questions, I suggest if you do a program, whether it be kaplan or some other course... do everything that comes with the course. Those courses are expensive, so take advantage of them when you are in them.

I know I say Kaplan kaplan kaplan, and I do not work for them, nor am I advertising for them, but that program really helped me pass my boards the first time around. It gave me the organization that I needed to start studying, that if I hadn't taken it, I do not know where I would have started.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I say jump right into it too. I figure I can rest and take a vacation after I get those 2 initials behind my name.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I'm of the "old school" belief that workng as a professional nurse is the best preparation for NCLEX. If you live in a state which allows you to practice as a GN prior to passing NCLEX, and you have a job offer to do so, I highly recommend it.

If not, set a regular study program, and take NCLEX ASAP. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to pass on the first try.

Good luck!

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Specializes in PACU.

Congrats!!!!!!

I am just graduating myself at the end of the week. I have decided that I will take a week off and then start doing questions. I wont be able to take Kaplan until January.

Like others have said, I rather keep moving while everything is fresh. I will take a vacation after boards.

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