The Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam (CPNE): what the heck is this madness?!

After writing an overview of Excelsior College's ADN program in early 2013, I thought I'd shed some light on the most daunting part of this program: the Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam (CPNE). This is arguably the most challenging part of becoming an RN "the EC way." Often incorrectly billed as a "2.5-day skills check-off," passing the CPNE can be stressful and difficult because it is far more involved than a mere check-off. Often the worst part of the CPNE is the unknown, coupled with the "I heard this" and "I heard that" rumor mill. So here is some legit info on the CPNE, with some opinion thrown in, because hey, I gotta be me. Read More...

Any other students who are mothers?

My biggest concern and challenge while in school is that I'm also a mother! It is no small task, for sure. I also work in a clinic part-time - so balancing all these roles it so hard. I couldn't do it without the help of my husband. It'd be nice to build a nice support system of other moms in school. Read More...

How to search for Nursing Scholarships

Searching for the right scholarship is not easy ... it takes a lot of work and determination. For those who are successful they have done their work. They have spent hours researching at school ... researching online ... and they never give up. Here's some tips that may help you win a scholarship... Read More...

Nursing students and immaturity

A couple of the young male nursing students in my Master's (!) program think it's funny when our instructor talks about problems involving genitalia. They giggle in class and basically don't act like I would imagine someone studying medicine would act. Okay, okay, it may be unusual to hear an instructor speak frankly about the vasalva maneuver or imperforate anuses on newborns if one is not used to hearing about such things. But COME ON, we're in nursing school! Read More...

Took NCLEX-RN on October 2nd, Got good Pop up & Passed with 75 questions. My advice.

I graduated on May 26th 2013 from University of Guam. Guam is a United States Territory. Our school has an 8 year accreditation for being able to maintain an 85-100% passing rate for NCLEX during the last few years.

I did not graduate with honors, though I was close. I had a 3.4 GPA, and unfortunately I failed one class during my first semester of nursing school. I was held back a year. However, that experience pushed me to work harder and I was motivated more than ever to succeed. Read More...

Turns out, I'm an idiot. Rotten clinical

I've made it to the last semester of nursing school never having cried over a clinical day. Well, broke that streak-- spent an entire hour sobbing when I got home. Icky, ugly crying, folks. When people say academics don't matter, it's true. All my crap resume stuff (scholarships, job offer, clinical evals, grades, externships)... Read More...

Should I take medical terminology (not req'd)?

I am planning my courses for next quarter (A&P II and O Chem or Micro) and thinking about taking a medical terminology course. It is offered through the MA curriculum at my school and not required for any of the nursing programs I will be applying to. Do you think it would be worthwhile or do will I get enough terminology through my pre-reqs and nursing school? Thanks for any advice. Read More...

My NCLEX experience and tips

I took the NCLEX the 1st time in June and failed with 265 questions. I was beyond devastated.... and all my friends passed it right away and I was really doubting my abilities as a nurse. When I went to take it the 1st time, I was BEYONDDDD nervous.. my nerves definitely got the best of me. I took Kaplan and liked it.. definitely did a lot of questions but just skimmed over the rationales. Read More

[Poll] University South Alabama MSN Applicants Spring 2014

I just wanted to start a new thread/poll for the MSN applicant pool for the University of South Alabama. The previous thread was for BSN to DNP applicants. I know there are many different MSN programs at USA but you take many of the same core courses. So I figured we could all share what program we applied to, what part of the country we are from, and if and when we get decision letters. Read More...

Looking into Excelsior

I see a lot of positive threads. I know it's exam based but what about clinicals, where do you do them? At work or do they send you somewhere? Read More...

Accepted!! Goodbye cubicle, HELLO clinicals!

I am thrilled to announce I can finally stop stalking the "Pre-Nursing Student" threads and begin the "Nursing Student" thread-stalking. I got my acceptance letter for the Spring 2014 start in a BSN program! I was curious to see if anyone else is currently starting or already started their nursing program after quitting a full time-comfy-living-weekends-and-holidays-off desk job?? I am terrified to leave this cubicle prison that has grown to consume my Monday-Friday life for the past three years, but so incredibly anxious and excited for the day I never have to sit in this chair again. This past year of taking night and online prereqs while day dreaming of becoming a kick-butt-super-nurse has finally paid off. Now I just need to sit quietly at my desk and pretend my life is as ordinary as ever until I can give my notice! Read More...

Questions about Nursing Care plans?

What do these things mean when it comes to nursing care plans...

1. Common related factors
2. Defining Characteristics
3. Common Risk Factors
4. Common Expected Outcome
5. NOC outcomes and NIC Interventions
6. Ongoing assessment actions/ interventions and rationales
7. Therapeutic Intervention Read More...