NCLEX-RN Exam Jitters

Tomorrow morning I am driving by myself to the nearest city to take the NCLEX-RN exam. I opted not to take this trip with friends or family members, because I knew that I would need to focus and internalize my thoughts to the big test ahead. The whole nursing school journey I have made to this point has all been due to my own hard work and ambition. It seems fitting that I will once again be taking a long road by myself with an unknown fate lying at the end of the road.

This past month since I have graduated I have been busy focusing on finding a job and tying up all of the loose ends related to nursing school. I’ve also been taking a much-needed vacation and resting while I can before I start a career that will last my lifetime. Although I have been studying, the closer I get to taking the NCLEX exam the more I wished that I had studied more while I could.

The past few days of studying have been the hardest on me. I keep thinking “how do I study for everything I have learned in the past four and a half years?” Simply taking lots of practice tests and answering questions are all that I seem to be able to do anymore. I think my brain is past absorbing any more new information so answering questions is a great way for me to keep it active and alert for the big day. On some days, I have also found myself to be too stressed out to study. I will sit in a chair and stare at questions and then get so restless I have to stand up and walk around for awhile. I am grateful that short breaks are allowed while taking the NCLEX because I have a feeling I may get so stressed out I need to walk it off before calming down again.

All of my classmates and friends that have taken this exam have all told me that they were convinced they failed it when they walked out of the room. They all passed. I keep reminding myself of this as I have a feeling my journey back home after the exam may be a struggle. But, I know I can do this.

The number one piece of advice that I have received about taking this exam is: “Just breathe.” I hope any of you that are taking this test shortly follow the same advice.

The next time that I write a blog I will either be a Registered Nurse or a very sad Graduate Nurse. I will keep you all posted.

Thoughts on Mandatory iPhone or iPod Touch for Nursing Students

Recently in the news I read that nursing students at Ball State University in Indiana are now required to purchase either an iPhone or an iPod Touch for nursing school. The purpose of this is to have current and easy access to medication information and medical terminology without the need to carry books around.

At my nursing school we were strongly encouraged to purchase a PDA with a drug program installed, for easy searching of medications, but I opted to lug around my books instead of buying an outdated PDA. But, I definitely would have been more apt to purchase an iPhone or iPod Touch because of its versatility and usefulness not only as a resource for nursing school, but in pretty much every aspect of my personal life.

Sure there are pros to using mobile devices in our profession, but what about the cons? Along with using this technology in a productive way, I can also see that having these tools could become an immense distraction. Students could fall prey to the many applications these tools are known for and miss out on learning opportunities in the classroom or clinical setting.

Overall, however, I believe that the implementation of these tools is a great idea. Especially for the younger generation who are already implementing many of this new technology, we might as well harness its power and use it for further education.

What are your thoughts on mandatory iPhone or iPod Touch for nursing school? Do you think it’s a good or bad idea? What other technology might be useful for nursing schools to implement?

Facing Rejection as a New Nurse

As humans we all face some sort of rejection in our life. Those of us in the nursing profession, I believe, experience rejection a little more frequently. Some of you may have been disappointed when your number one nursing school choice did not accept you into the program, or you did not get your number one choice for your senior preceptorship. As students we may have experienced rejection from other nurses who refuse to respect us, or even the patients we try so hard to be compassionate and caring for. Let alone our personal lives.

Recently I was rejected by my number one job choice. This job was perfect for me and I was perfect for it. I felt completely confident when walking into the interview and really felt like I had connected with each one of the interviewers. I also felt as though I responded very well to their questions and even provided some intelligent questions about the position and hospital. But, sadly, about two weeks later I was given the sad news that although I was a “great candidate” I was not being offered the job.

It was very crushing to experience my first real rejection in the tough world of unemployment. But, as they say, “when one door closes another one opens” and I’ve definitely seen that happen. New opportunities have arisen almost immediately and I am very excited to see what doors I will actually end up walking through. I will be updating this site regularly as to my progress in that area.

I would love to hear some examples of how nursing students overcame their disappointment in not getting into their number one school/preceptorship/job/residency, etc. I’m sure many nurses will be able to relate to your experiences.

Pursuing a Nursing Master’s Degree (or Not?)

Recently, I have been considering my future options as a nurse. Finding it difficult to get a job right out of nursing school I have seriously considered going to graduate school right away, rather than waiting several years like I was originally planning. Instead of landing my dream job as a labor and delivery nurse (which is extremely difficult to come by as a new graduate) I have considered getting my master’s degree in nurse-midwifery and becoming a nurse-midwife. I could probably work in a medical unit full time while I pursue my master’s and be that much closer to my long-term dream.

It seems as though I am not the only one considering further education as an option during these more difficult economic times. Many of my nursing school colleagues and friends from liberal art colleges have also expressed an interest in getting their master’s rather than spending time searching for jobs.

A few benefits of getting your master’s right away might include a better income, better credentials and a better chance at landing your “dream job.” However, some might argue that you may not have the skills and experience needed to become an expert in your field if you only have a few years of working under your belt.

What are some of your thoughts on this? Do you think it’s an unwise decision to get your master’s degree right away? Please share, I would love to get some feedback on this.

Volunteering as Student Nurses

Volunteering is often not a task that student nurses need to be told to do. We just do it. Whether it’s helping out a family member, neighbor, friend or classmate, we tend to jump right in and do what needs to be done. Going into the nursing profession we generally already have the innate urge to do good and even seek out those opportunities willingly. So why am I even talking about this?

There is another level of volunteering that needs our help. It is the area of private non-profit organizations and groups that often go understaffed and overworked. These are the homeless shelters, Boys and Girls Clubs, Volunteers of America and so on. There are even many great opportunities to go overseas as a student nurse during the summer and assist in other needy areas of the world. The Red Cross is another great organization to become a part of. You can learn great skills in disaster preparedness for your community and maybe even teach some classes in your area. This is valuable experience that you can apply to your nursing career.

Volunteering not only allows you the great opportunity to give back to your fellow humans, but it also allows you to build upon your basic nursing skills and reminds us that volunteering is truly the core of being a nurse. It can connect you to your community to build lasting relationships as you continue to grow into a respected nurse and neighbor.

I would love to hear of some more organizations to support as a student nurse. Any thoughts or personal stories would be appreciated!

What You May Not Have Known About NCLEX Testing

After graduating I had this image in my head of studying for a few weeks, then taking the NCLEX, then working shortly thereafter. I had no idea that there would be a several month long waiting period before scheduling to take the NCLEX and then taking it. Let alone applying for jobs, interviewing and having a job.

I’m writing this because I wish that I had more information prior to graduating. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Web site has everything you need to know about the NCLEX, but not necessarily the time frame in which it will all be done. NurseZone.com also offers NCLEX exam prep details that you should check out as well.

Your nursing school will most likely provide information on how to apply for a license within your state, but also has the information you need. You will need to fill out an application as well as a background check and submit it all in with a fee prior to the deadline. After graduation you will register to take the NCLEX and submit another large fee. Here lies the waiting part. After you are approved through your state boards to take the NCLEX you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). Nurses have told me it has taken anywhere from 4-12 weeks to receive their ATT. After you receive this you may finally schedule a time and place to take the NCLEX.

So what do you do in the meantime instead of panicking? Study. This is the perfect opportunity to take practice tests and review that list of medications you’ve been putting off.

I hope this provides a little bit more clarification into the secret world of NCLEX testing. Be prepared to wait quite awhile after graduation and be sure to have some money set aside for all of the hidden fees associated with taking the NCLEX.

I would love to hear of the timeframe other nurses have had to wait from graduating to taking the NCLEX. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Graduation from Nursing School, What Now?

The big day that I have been waiting for finally arrived—graduation!

I had been waiting for this day for nearly four and a half years. When it finally arrived it felt surreal. Friends and family kept asking, “Aren’t you excited?” I was but a part of me just felt like it couldn’t possibly be happening. Something would happen to ruin it, like me not passing my classes and failing in the last semester. I kept having that strange irrational fear that something would ruin this special occasion. But, that time never came.

So graduation came and went and I feel it still hasn’t really settled in that I am FINALLY done with nursing school. I still have the nagging feeling we all experience when we’re on Christmas or summer break that there is a test I should be studying for, or an assignment I forgot about, or something that I should be doing with my time other than just relaxing. But, there is nothing. All I have on my plate to do is to find a job and study for boards. The time has arrived! Then, why am I not more excited?

Everyone told me that I would go through a period of shock after graduation and I didn’t believe it. How could I feel that way? ANYTHING is better than being in nursing school. It will be such a relief! Now I think I understand what they meant. There is predictability with nursing school. You know what your schedule is and where you’ll be and what you should be doing. Yes it is hard but it is something that I have done for four and a half years that I am now completely used to and comfortable with. The next phase of my life is so unpredictable.

Where will I be living? Where will I be working? Will I like it? There are so many questions running through my head that graduation is not as exciting and relieving as I was hoping it would be.

Thank goodness for friends and new nurse colleagues. They have been a saving grace and a great resource to turn to. With their help I can make this transition to the next phase of my career—from a very busy nursing student—to a well-prepared graduate nurse. Thank you to everyone for the support and encouragement during this long journey and new step into a great profession!

How are you coping? I would love to hear about your post-graduation experiences.