How I passed NCLEX different methods

I'm an EMT, gone LPN, and now and finally an RN! I knew healthcare was my calling and I loved the excitement of each license, but I needed something more. I attended Miami Dade College for both my LPN and the transitional program to RN (which was brutal). I will also put it out there, I suffer from major test anxiety. The cramps, the palpitations, the sweats you name it I got it. But I've learned it's all in your head. So there's hope!

Now just so we're clear, Miami Dade College uses the ATI program. And I'll be frank, I hated it! It was so hard. I always felt stupid after a practice test or proctored exam. They considered 60% good? "I was like that's stupid, I just failed." In the end, it was definitely worth it. Read More...

What type of nursing do you want to specialize in?

I would like to do Pediatrics, probably in a doctor's office. How about you? Read More...

Never Give Up!

A strong positive message can move mountains. What do you do to remind yourself to never give up? Is there someone in your life that's always there to pick you up? I believe that inspirational/motivational quotes are a great picker-upper ... especially, if read at the right time. Share your stories... Read More...

RN program with no pre-reqs?

I'm looking into different nursing programs offered in my area and while many require students to take and pass prerequisite classes I found/heard of a few that don't. For example, Sumner College in Portland, Oregon has a new location that offers an RN program, 2 year Associates degree, with no pre-reqs. The only requirements to apply are diploma/GED, pass TEAS, and complete 2 essays. I reviewed the courses in their RN program and the "General Education classes" are listed in there at the bottom, which are: English Composition, Expository Writing, English and Writing, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Sociology 1 but they seem to be incorporated into the RN program and not required to take before nursing school...What does this mean exactly? That it isn't proper Nursing education if it just skips all that as a requirement to apply? Read More...

How do you handle all the reading?

Let me start off by saying that for as long as I could remember, I have never depended on reading textbooks. Many times I've been successful in classes where I don't use the book other than to make flashcards from boldface terms and big concepts (or I just wouldn't use it at all). Additionally, I would just go over the lecture power points.

However, I kind of had it in my head that for nursing school, that all changes and that you can't escape reading thoroughly. So that is what I've been doing. I read for around 3 hours or so (that time doesn't include breaks), until my brain gets so tired of looking at words for a day that I need to call it a night and I still don't get all the assigned reading done. Read More...

Teacher uses a different textbook for tests

What are your thoughts on a teacher making their tests from a different textbook than assigned to the students for the class? We are assigned Taylor's Fundamentals of Nursing but the teacher makes tests using a test bank from Perry & Potter's Fundamentals of Nursing. Is this fair to student? Read More...

My scrub pants are killing me!

Me and scrub pants just don't get along it seems. It seems no matter what brand of scrub pants I buy, they hurt the hell out of my inner thighs. I just think that because they inevitably fit more relaxed, the material just rubs against them. It is at the point now where my skin is red, patchy, irritated, occasionally itchy and won't go away. My only solution is to buy some thin leggings to wear underneath. What could I buy OTC to help my skin heal well? Has anyone else had this problem? Read More...

Curious about how you learn this way?

I'm really wanting to go for Excelsior (LPN to ADN) since I noticed that Kentucky BON lists it as an example of a nursing program on their website. That makes it seem legit to me..

How do you learn this way though? Correct me if I'm wrong. But my understanding is that each course is basically tested out of via examination. Do you learn via self-study when you are studying for the exams, or are there assignments or something? Either way, I really feel like this is a great option.

Two more questions: 1) I have all gen ed requirements done, so about how long should it take me to get through the nursing exams?? 2) I've seen a place saying that you don't get federal aid and on EC's website, it says you do. So should I expect to pay a lot out of pocket, when typical schools are covered by financial aid for me? Read More

Where can I find Kaplan Decision Tree?

I would like to know exactly what it is and where I could find a picture of it. I tried googling it but there's just a whole bunch of decision tree's and I'm not sure which one it is. 8 more days till NCLEX. Read More...

What is general skills lab etiquette?

My school has a pretty nice simulation lab. Students are allowed to schedule time in there or just practice when there isn't a class using the lab. My concern is: I'm afraid to utilize the skills lab. I'm afraid I'm going to use something to practice that I'm not supposed to or be accused of "wasting" things or "fooling around". Read More...

Am I an idiot? Should I give up?

In my 2nd year of clinicals, I have not come across any patients with irregular heart beats until today. My patient had atrial fibrillation and it was difficult for me to count the apical correctly. The beats were so irregular and fast. I got it wrong - twice.

1. How do you count an apical in this situation?
2. Am I an idiot and should I give up nursing? Read More...

How are the people making A's or B's studying?

I took off the semester for medical issues. How are you all studying? Last semester I made barely passing grades. I am trying to get my GPA up next semester. What method did you use for note taking (highlighting, outlines, etc)? What organizational method are you using for binders? Any other organization methods you use to stay on track? Any extra tips at all? I'd greatly appreciate it. I want to go back in and making much better grades. Read More...