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I took it today and finished in 75, getting the "good" pop-up.

Here's what I did:
My school paid for me to take Kaplan. The in-class portion was useless to me, but the most helpful thing were the practice questions. They are set up exactly like the NCLEX (I wish I could show a screen shot, they were identical, right down to the set-up, colors, etc.). This helped me feel more comfortable when I sat down to take it because I felt like I had already seen it before. Kaplan was next to useless for me as far as content review. They did give us an e-book, but I didn't use it. I did about 1000 questions and studied the rationales for every question I got wrong or was unsure of. I kept it all in a notebook and reviewed it daily. I did this for about 3 weeks (starting after the course ended), doing anywhere from 100-200 questions a day.

I used Saunders to review content. It comes with a CD that you can identify strengths/weakness with through a diagnostic exam. Honestly, I didn't go through it completely. I went through the pediatric sections because that was my weakness according to the diagnostic exam, but other than that, I just kind of skipped around, focusing on areas I needed clarification in.

Here's what I wish I had done:
-Actually set up a study plan to review instead of jumping around. I wish I had time to go through the book completely, but it just wasn't feasible. It would have made me feel better going into the exam.
-Bought Lacharity's book and included it in my studying. I did pretty well on delegation, priority, assignment questions, but I still wish I had used this book for some extra practice.

General stuff:
-Know lab values. Some people have no questions on them, but I for one did and was happy I memorized them.
-In addition to multiple choice, do as many alternate-format questions as you can. I hate SATA, but was happy I dedicated a few days to just doing those kind of questions. At least half my exam was SATA. I also got ordered response, graphics, exhibit/chart, so make sure you are familiar with these. Kaplan has some sample tests that are completely SATA/ordered response/computation, and you can pick to do only alternate response items from Saunders' CD.

The day before the exam, try to relax and not get yourself worked up. Do some light reviewing if you must, review lab values one more time but absolutely no hard-core studying because it wont help. Day of, wake up early, have a light breakfast (I was too nervous to really eat), and make sure you get there early so you're not rushed. Don't forget your ATT!

Keep calm. You've completed nursing school and have the knowledge to do this. It is a minimum competency exam; you're not expected to get everything correct.

Good luck!!!

This is the sleep mask I use and it is awesome. We got it for free when my fiancé sold mattresses, but it's so good I'm thinking of buying a backup. I also have to have the fan on when I sleep. I don't drink caffeine after about midnight or 1, and I have a variety of meds I rotate between to help me sleep.

I think every person has to just find what works for them in terms of scheduling, whether or not they flip their sleep on nights off, etc.

Your class schedule does sound like an added challenge, though. If it were me, I'd probably do best working Thursday (hoping I could squeeze in a map between class and work), Saturday, Sunday each week. That would allow you to have a normal schedule on your school days, stay up on the weekends, give you one weekend night for socializing, and let you keep the same schedule each week and not have to switch things up to fit in your "weekend" requirements.

Also, consider taking a vacation day the week before big tests. Talk to your boss about whether or not you are allowed to take an occasional unpaid day off as well (especially for studying).

Good luck!!

I finished a 12-month ABSN program last May; my previous degree was in illustration. Now I currently work in Peds ICU and I love it :) But I won't lie, getting to the point where I am today was challenging and definitely a test of how much stress you can handle. But I'm copying and pasting a bunch of my previous answers on the subject here:

"The longest, shortest year of your life" is exactly how I would describe it. In our program, you only got 4 grades (all tests) in a class - so if your average was lower than a 76, you were out. We had a new class every 4-5 weeks, two full days of classes per week and the rest were usually clinical. Also nonstop studying 24/7: tests usually covered at least 11 chapters. Relationships were definitely tested (I was really lucky to have an understanding SO but other people in my class, not so much) but I met some of my best friends in this past year and I wouldn't change it for the world. It did feel like we got a slight break every four weeks when we took the final for our current class, but after a weekend off, it was back to work as usual. We also only got two weeks off the whole year for christmas/new years. Out of 28 of us, 24 completed the program (only 1 of those 4 failed out, the rest dropped because they felt it wasn't for them) and 22 of us passed the NCLEX on the first try.

Skills wise, I'd say you definitely have what it takes. Going into school, I had no idea how to take a manual blood pressure or check my own pulse. I was worlds away from the science of medicine. But keep in mind that the things nurses do aren't exactly the same as what medics can do. We're not allowed to do a lot of things (and this alters per hospital policy of course) but keep that in mind when learning - try to keep yourself from getting disheartened when you feel you were taught something differently.

As far as testing goes, stay focused. Nursing test questions are known to be kind of bullshit. See if your textbooks come with study guides or online practice questions. Personally, I was a straight A student until I hit nursing school - I was just not ready for the way NCLEX-type questions are phrased and I should have practiced them a bit before my first big exam. It sucked but it is what it is. Many professors will take questions from study guides for their tests to help you out. Also, I highly recommend [The Saunder's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX] (https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/1455727555) as a great reference tool. It really gets to the point when it comes to med-surg nursing.

Finally, making connections during your clinical placements will definitely help when it comes to getting your foot in the door for your first nursing job.

Good luck! My inbox is open if you have any questions

Nursing school can be an extremely stressful and can take its toll on ones mental and physical health. Even those who have been passionate about nursing since day 1 can find that they have burnt themselves out trying to succeed. While in nursing school I saw students get IBS, debilitating migraines, anxiety attacks, kidney stones, even hair loss and poor metal health related to sleep deprivation etc. In school you may not have gotten the one on one attention needed to feel confident in your nursing practice, this can leave one feeling anxious and underprepared when entering the workforce. This is common. However, I can say through personal experience that I entered the workforce feeling underprepared but through my employers orientation program and learning how to speak up and ask questions I soon found the confidence needed to be a successful medical surgical RN. Dont be afraid to apply for hospital positions often times if a hospital hires you to be a med/surge, er, icu, maternity or pediatric RN and you find that the floor you are on is not suited to you, as long as you speak up and express your needs to your manager they may look for opportunities to keep you in the organization but cross train you to a position more suited to your personal nursing practice and skills. In the hospital setting you will quickly learn that RN's stick together, you become part of a team of professionals and will soon learn that they are your allies and you are not alone. Nursing is such a vast profession with a wide range of opportunity. If one form of nursing doesn't suit you, try another, you may find that you enjoy the profession after all. I hope this helps. I also suggest reading memoirs such as Critical Care: http://www.amazon.com/Critical-Care-Nurse-Everything-Between/dp/0061791547 and the book From Silence to Voice: http://www.amazon.com/From-Silence-Voice-Communicate-Politics/dp/0801478731. I would start with Critical Care.

This is absolutely the best stuff. It's really saved me. We have VERY dry winters here and the hospital air filter just dries out the air even more.

It comes in a small tub that you scoop with your fingers or in a squeeze tube. The tube stuff is newer so I haven't seen it in the stores like you will with the tub (at CVS) but Amazon has it. The tub is not great for at work since scooping it is a great way to contaminate it. I prefer the tub because it is perfect. But the squeeze tube is great too, just a little more lotiony in feel.

Both have no smell and no feeling. It's the best.

I have turned everyone into converts at work. All that nauseating flowery junk is practically gone now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00121UVU0?keywords=working%20hands&qid=1453183671&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011KMZ2WW?keywords=working%20hands&qid=1453183667&ref_=sr_ph&sr=1

💖

Half my life. She’s been gone half my life.

I was 17 when my mom died and there are so many things I have wished over the years that I could go back and do differently. There are pictures I never took, memories I didn’t get to make, words I didn’t say.

The night she died, I had been frustrated with her all day. I was angry.

I remember walking up to my room to go to bed and I walked past her room and mom said, “Good night sweetie, I love you.” I stopped and I looked at her and said in the most 17-year-old way ever, “I love you too, mom.” I look back now and I think she knew. Maybe she didn’t, but part of me thinks she did. I sure didn’t.

Hours later, everything would be different.

At 17, I didn’t have the proper tools to deal with my grief, so I shut it out and pretended it didn’t exist. Truth be told, it’s taken the past 17 years of working on a lot of internal forgiveness, accepting the things I cannot change, and making peace.

She was an absolutely incredible woman. She impacted literally thousands (if not millions) of people’s lives. She was a true advocate. She was an amazing wife to my dad. But to me, she was the most incredible mommy.

I don’t care how old you are, you always need your mama. And today, I need her. And she’s not here. And it sucks.

Some years I “handle” this day really well. This year? This year feels heavy. Knowing she’s been gone half my life feels heavy.

It will be okay, but today… today is hard. Today, I miss her.

I share all this to say that to anyone who has experienced loss or grief - whether it’s been a week, a month, a year, 10 years, or 50 years… your feelings are valid and it’s okay. God sees you in your grief. He weeps with you and He rejoices with you.

​

Lynda Van Devanter Buckley

May 27, 1947 – November 15, 2002

https://www.facebook.com/stillbeingmolly/posts/2532577566811111

https://youtu.be/2kgqlSqosNw

https://www.amazon.com/Home-before-Morning-Story-Vietnam/dp/1558492984

https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/23/us/lynda-van-devanter-nurse-who-became-chronicler-of-her-wartime-pain-dies-at-55.html

ADC ADSCOPE

I've had some expensive scopes in my time. After 8+ years of nursing this just under $20 gem is my favorite. The ear pieces are fantastic and form a great seal: probably the most important part of a stethoscope. It also has a bell, which, if you want to listen to heart sounds, does make a difference. The quality is very good.

If I ever lose this scope I will buy another one. Can't seem to lose this one though, no matter how many times I leave it somewhere. It must be paraplegic.

You don't need an expensive scope. You need proper technique. Make sure the diaphragm has a good seal against the skin. Have the patient take a deep breath. Make sure the ear piece has formed a good seal in your ears to block out other sounds. That's all you need.

I have quite a few suggestions.

Specifically for nurses:

1. Schaum's Outline of Emergency Nursing: 242 Review Questions - Not my favorite one, but it serves as an ok reference.
   
   
2. Emergency Nursing Made Incredibly Easy - Love this one.
   
   
3. Saunders Nursing Survival Guide: Critical Care & Emergency Nursing - I like this one because it touches ICU as well as ER nursing.
   
   The following books are more for med students and MD's but I believe as nurses we need to understand rationales behind what MD's do, so these are good references:
   
   
4. Case Files Emergency Medicine - Goes over a number of cases involving common complaints seen in the ER, assessment findings, treatments, etc for those cases. By far my favorite book in my ER Library.
   
   
5. Emergency Medicine Secrets - doesn't have case studies like the book above, but goes more in detail about common and uncommon complaints seen in the ER.
   
   Miscellaneous books:
   
   
6. Rapid Interpretation of EKG's - as an ER nurse you'll need to constantly interpret the EKG of patients that are on the cardiac monitor to bring any changes to the attention of the MD. It really helps if you can identify those rhythms and this book is really easy to understand.
   
   Also consider subscribing to some journals. I'm subscribed to a few of them.
   
   
7. The Journal of Emergency Nursing
   
   
8. Nursing2016 Critical Care
   
   
9. Nursing2016
   
   I'm an ER medicine nerd, so I love reading this stuff but by no means do you need to have all these books. I just enjoy learning as much as I can about EM.

I have a few that I still use after two years in the Emergency Department:

Books

• Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Nursing Care This is by far the best resource I have.
  
  
• Rapid Interpretation of EKGs You will be interpreting EKG's to notify emergency docs if there is a rhythm that they need to be made aware of ASAP (i.e., STEMI, new-onset a-fib with rapid ventricular response, torsades, v-fib, SVT, etc...)
  
  Journals
  
  
• Journal of Emergency Nursing - some of the articles are fluff (i.e., impact on nurses of something in an obscure Chinese hospital), but a lot of them are medical/clinical in nature and very interesting.
  
  Blogs/Podcasts
  
  
• EMCrit - probably the best EM blog/podcast out there
  
  
• Life In The Fast Lane if we are ranking, this is tied for the number one spot of best EM blogs/podcasts
  
  
• The Skeptic's Guide to EM
  
  
• NurseEM not updated very frequently
  
  
• FOAMCast Free Open Access in Medicine - deals mostly with EM
  
  
• R.E.B.E.L Cast
  
  
• ER Cast
  
  
• Emergency Medicine Cases
  
  Subreddits
  
  
• /r/emergencymedicine
  
  
• /r/emcrit
  
  
• /r/medicine
  
  
• /r/neurology
  
  
• /r/cardiology

So I just graduated in June and passed the NCLEX on my first try.

The most helpful tool for me was my Saunders NCLEX study book. It was like the cliff notes to everything I learned in nursing school plus tons of NCLEX style questions in the book and hundreds more in the CD that came with the book. I didn't buy it until just before I graduated to review. I honestly wish I had bought it at the beginning of nursing school because it was such a great resource for learning. I could have used it to review and quiz myself during school as we learned patho and pharmacology and not just for studying the NCLEX. Go to your local book store and look at these books now. Find one you like and get it now. You will use it throughout school and what it teaches will be just as valid when you graduate (as long as the NCLEX doesn't have any major changes which is extremely unlikely as they often go many many years without altering the testing style)

I spent a lot of time on the bus commuting to and from school. I loved NCLEX apps for my phone. It was an easy way to quiz myself while traveling home without lugging heavy books with me. Kaplan, Saunders, ATI, and so many more make apps and many have free trials. Try them see which one appeals to your learning style. I preferred the ATI app but you have plently of great NCLEX apps out there to assist you. You could start doing this in your last 6 months or less if you want and have a smart phone.

Really the most important part of the NCLEX is learning how to answer the questions. Never assume anything. Don't "what if" yourself on questions. ABC. ABC everything on patients. If you need to triage a patient it's always Airway first, Breathing second, Circulation third. Oh you stubbed your toe? Let me check your airway. Sounds dumb but if they aren't breathing then bandaging that toe is not going to help much. If you buy an NCLEX book pay close attention to how it guides you in answering the questions. The test prep guides want you to learn how to answer the question. You know the material but none of that matters if you don't understand how and what the question is asking you.

I have 2 care plan books and I have used them all the way through clinicals (I'm just finishing up my last semester and getting ready to start my preceptorship).

I would HIGHLY recommend a care plan book, they have help me immensely. Our instructors have us do a major care plan at least once per semester. When it's all typed up it ends up being about 20 pages or so. We are required to have numerous interventions and rationales for those interventions. It would be 10 times harder to do that without a good care plan book.

The ones I have and like a lot:
http://www.amazon.com/Nursing-Care-Plans-Guidelines-Individualizing/dp/0803622104

http://www.amazon.com/Nursing-Diagnosis-Handbook-Guide-Planning/dp/0323036643

Hopefully this helps you out a bit.

I just took the NCLEX last month, and it was all over the place where content is concerned. I was in and out in 75 questions, so I didn't see a whole lot of it, but its really more about critical thinking than specific knowledge. Of course you have to have a level of background knowledge in nursing, but its mostly about the "think and link".

As far as studying, I didn't do much - I spent the last 3 years studying nursing, after all. I did however use an app called NCLEX Mastery, which can be found here, whenever I had a few minutes with nothing to do. Its pretty comprehensive, and it generally has thorough rationales. I found it useful for assessing for areas of weakness in my knowledge. I also used this book. Its very thorough, and while I didn't make much use of it, my classmates speak very highly of it.

If you've done well in your course of study, don't get yourself too worked up about NCLEX. If you haven't done so hot, I'd recommend spending some quality time with either/both of those resources.

Best of luck!

Edit:
> A lot of students in my class are extremely nervous about it.

I have come to the conclusion that my faculty made a BIG deal out of the NCLEX mostly to scare us into busting our asses studying. It worked. The truth is, if you've paid attention in class, done your reading assignments and haven't been daydreaming during clinical, you'll be fine. The vast majority of nurses pass the NCLEX on their first try, whether it takes them 75 questions or 285. The fact that you're worried about it and are seeking resources indicates to me that you'll pass and be just fine. Just don't think you can sit on your laurels, though :)

I was getting around that too. Though I mostly used the ATI RN Mentor app (FREE!) more though since our school used ATI to prep all along the way.

If you have the [Saunders NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review] (http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1455727555), the online questions (info on the front cover of the book) are super helpful because you can sort the SATA questions out and just do those.

You'll likely be fine with how you're testing but I'd suggest, like others have, to just keep up with the questions. Good luck!

I'll try not to sound like an advertisement. I've needed to use various ways to visualize patients at night for a long time, and I'll give you a couple of suggestions. This is an excellent one if you need a white light. It has a rather narrowly-focused spotlight which can help you keep it out of the patient's eyes and is also waterproof and very durable. I've had one for years. This smaller square flashlight may also be useful - it has both a white and red LED (with low and high modes for each) and recharges via USB.

Red is best for keeping night vision and not blinding the patient, but green can also work (but it tends to be brighter). If you're just checking for respiration, reflecting the light off the ceiling or wall can give you enough light in the room to visualize the patient (and the room as well if you're doing safety/security checks). I've found it useful to carry a flashlight(s) that can handle both red and white in both low/high power modes. Red usually does a good job illuminating the room, but sometimes it's necessary to see colors, and then the white beam is needed. Rarely does it wake them up, and I need to check on the patients four times an hour.

I found the best way to study was to complete alternate format questions, specifically the select all that apply questions. They're definitely the hardest on the NCLEX, and if you can begin to master those kind of questions, the other questions begin to look a lot easier! This was the book I used to study for the NCLEX, and I passed on my first attempt: http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-NCLEX-RN-Alternate-Format-Questions-Lippincott/dp/1451185456/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453125007&sr=8-1&keywords=select+all+that+apply+nursing

Good luck to you!

I used Saunders and dominated the Exit HESI, which is allegedly supposed to be more difficult than the NCLEX. I loved it, it had tons of questions, and really helped me go through each system and point in the lifespan to come to logical conclusions during my test.

http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1437708250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203614&sr=1-1

Other people will recommend Mosby's.

http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Nursing-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/0323078958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203661&sr=1-1

Both are supposed to be great, just make sure you get one with a CD included, otherwise you will miss out on tons of questions that are not included in the book. Good luck to your wife!

I have never used a knockoff littmann, or seen one that I know of. I would be weary of a $10-15 stethoscope. You want something decent for school because you are just learning things like how to take a manual B/P, how to auscultate heart and lung sounds, etc and you want to be able to hear what you are listening for. I have used a cheap stethoscope (something like one of these) and it sucks. I had trouble getting a b/p because it was hard to hear.

You don't have to go all out and get a Cardiology III or anything, or even a littmann. There are other decent stethoscopes out there, but get one you can hear with. I used a littmann lightweight in school and it was decent and it only costs about 40 bucks on amazon. If you buy the right stethoscope now, you shouldn't have to buy a new one when you graduate, think of it as an investment. Just put your name on it so it doesn't walk away.

Here's the classic II in (what most nursing students use) in navy blue for $68.

Here's The lightweight for $39.99 in burgundy, the other colors are $44.

Here's an AdScope for $15-$18. I've never used one, but it has good reviews and I have heard of the brand before, so it might be worth a shot if you are truly that strapped for cash.

I had an interview for a new graduate position (and got it!). The first portion of the interview consisted of questions similar to what you posted: Some questions addressed my previous clinical rotations; most focused on my previous work experience. I went to a ton of nursing job panels where HR managers would come and talk about what they wanted, etc., so I had a good idea of what questions they were going to ask and WHY they asked them ("previous behavior predicts future behavior").

I had "scenarios" as well. One was about hypoglemic management ("You walk into the room and your patient is confused and diaphoretic"). I went through the steps/algorithm (VS, BS -> IV glucose; skipped 'orange juice' because of risk for aspiration). Another was about priority/delegation that was ripped straight out of La Charity (http://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323065708). Thank God I had done the book in the days prior [for my own NCLEX studying].

A question I was not ready for was about my educational background (my bachelors; I'm an ADN). They asked extensively about it. And on a related note, the pay rate between the BSNs and ADNs at my hospital is negligible. Literally, cents ($0.49 to be exact). In fact, people with previous hospital experience (CNA, transporter, tech, LVN, etc.) had a greater pay rate than me ($2-3).

In terms of my nursing education, they did not ask anything in the interview, but for sure they looked at my transcript. I would learn that the only reason they cared about my GPA was because (1) I did not have my license [yet] and (2) I had not taken my boards. Hiring me was a considerable gamble and they used my GPA as a predictor of my chances of passing boards.

I would probably pick one of the conditions, whichever one is the priority which will be the cardiac one.

Do you have a nursing diagnosis/care plan book? I use Davis's Nursing Care Plans:Guidelines for Individualizing Client Care Across the Life Span.

For HF, nursing diagnosis can be:

Decreased cardiac output related to altered myocardial contractility as evidenced by increased heart rate, dysrhythmias, ECG changes (or whatever changes they may be experiencing)

Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand as evidenced by weakness and fatigue

Usually nursing diagnosis are by priority, so obviously anything dealing with the airway or circulation would be the most important to make a diagnosis for. :)

I like Okeeffes Working Hands Cream. Everyone in my office has one at their desk and my mechanic BF uses it as well. Works pretty great!

Good idea. Like I said to the other poster, I think Saunders is much too easy. Even the priority questions are very obvious. I really liked the Lippincott book. Their questions were harder and helped me more. Lippincott also has a questions book with ALL alternative format questions.

It's a computer program. It has about 4000 different questions and when in study mode, it provides the correct answers and the rationales. And I don't argue with the rationales the way I have with other programs like PrepU. PrepU is pretty good too though. PrepU is available through Lippencott & Williams. the Saunders program is called Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX review. I bought in my school's bookstore but it's available on Amazon. I have the 5th edition but they have a 6th edition out now. It's a HUGE book but it comes with the CD-ROM and that's what me and my classmates use. Here's the link http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN-Examination-Edition/dp/1437708250/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404257715&sr=8-2&keywords=saunders+comprehensive+nclex+review

Personally, I just read my instructor's power point to get an overview, and then read the textbook. Sometimes I'd take notes on the powerpoints, because then I didn't have to write as much since there's already a skeleton outline.

THEN practice question. I'd do tons, like 200-500 per chapter. I bought a lot of extra resources. Chiefly I'd go to Lippincott's Q&A (I guess there's a newer one out now). This had the most consistent quality of questions. Then I'd use whatever Success Series book paired with the class [1]. These two together would cover a large breadth of disorders, individually each one would skip some diseases. I'd save Saunders for last if I wanted more questions, because too many of them were ridiculously easy.

I really liked the Saunders/Sylvestri book. It was required for school, and came with a companion CD. I only ever used the CD, I did probably 3200 questions and it was definitely overkill, but I passed in 75 questions and that's the only review I did. I know it's stressful, but you'll get it next time, and good luck! If you buy the book used, make sure it comes with the CD!

I really liked this book. I found the reading to be much more easier and enjoyable than a textbook...

Also I'll give a second vote to the Skillstat website posted by /u/JemLover

I have [these](Tamarac by Slippers International Women's Leddi Slipper,Allspice,7 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00842ZD9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mNCxxbQABQRXN) and love them. Super comfy. Order a size up, they run a little small.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Smile Link: Davis's Nursing Care Plans:Guidelines for Individualizing Client Care Across the Life Span.


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Spain|amazon.es|
|France|amazon.fr|
|Germany|amazon.de|
|Japan|amazon.co.jp|
|Canada|amazon.ca|
|Italy|amazon.it|
|China|amazon.cn|




This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

https://www.amazon.com/Illumivein%C2%AE-Portable-Light-Finder-Transilluminator/dp/B014X9IJGU/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41PO0NDLRRL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=NV3FZEXW53A57J7DWPRJ

Highly recommend this product. I couldnt hit the broad side of shit 6 months ago. Bought this puppy and now I am one of the best in the hospital. I know it sounds too good to be true, but this thing is fantastic. Seriously, you have to try it.

1. Employee health, get thee hence
   
   
2. Try a hand cream with an exfoliating aspect. O'Keeffe's is a great choice -- it's cheap, unscented, contains urea, and also forms a protective layer on top of the skin. You could also try Eucerin Advanced Repair which has urea and lactic acid, as well as skin protectants, though it's a thinner consistency (more lotion than cream). AmLactin has, as you might expect, ammonium lactate, but it is more irritating and stinkier than the other options, and it's a thin lotion. Honestly, the O'Keeffe's is the best stuff, and it's only $7.

Rapid Interpretation of EKG's, Sixth Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0912912065/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ED5MAbCN0H9CD

Recommended to me by an amazing seasoned ER nurse. Very easy to follow.

I'm not all the way through it but Rapid Interpretation of EKGs is AMAZING

https://www.amazon.com/Cardiac-Catheterization-Handbook-Morton-MSCAI/dp/0323340393/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536618435&sr=8-3&keywords=cardiac+catherization+handbook

This book is a great place to start. Your background will help you tremendously but be prepared to feel like you have no idea what is happening for a little while. There is a lot of equipment and supplies that are foreign to us ER transplants, but with a little time it all starts to make sense.

I grabbed this one over the holidays, and it's been great so far.

I'm not a Nurse (one day...), but my sister works in restaurants & has issues from the constant washing of her hands as well.

O'Keeffe's Working Hands is stuff she uses quite often.

I use Eucerin myself. I have a tube of it, it's lasted me over a year now.

Hope this helps.

Littmans are on sale on Amazon right now!!

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-2450/dp/B00AZAMQ2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417699379&sr=8-1&keywords=littman

From 39.95 (for burgandy), but there's also a $5 coupon you can "clip" to save even more.

The 2-day review course was a requirement for graduation from my nursing program. It was a pretty thorough review course, and our program had an incredibly high NCLEX pass rate. However, I would never have spent $350 on it if I wasn't required to. I did NOT like their practice questions, I don't think they were reflective of the actual NCLEX test. I ended up using Saunder's review book for the rest of my studying, and I think that the review information in that $50 book was more helpful than what I got from the $350 course.

I did a content based review via 'hurst review' first. once i was comfortable reviewing all the content, i went on to doing questions and looking at test taking strategies. i feel like kaplan focuses more on test taking strategy than on content review. consider picking up this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323065708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346661504&sr=8-1&keywords=prioritization+delegation+and+assignment

I did every single question in this book and went over all the rationales. i also did all the practice tests under the hurst review. in total, i think i did close to 1500 questions in a span of 3-4 weeks. on test day, i was there for 6 hours and did all 256 questions. i passed.

beams That just made me grin and do that little "eeeeeee!" noise. :) I'm glad it made you feel better. It drove me batshit when I heard the "you'll do fine!" In my head I kept saying, "Yeah, YOU think I'll do fine because YOU'RE not the one up for the test, not to mention you know NOTHING about nursing nor how the damn test works!!! ARG!"

After you get to the test center and the nervous breakdown begins, try and shake it off by imagining yourself as one of very few people able to do it (since not many other professions have such a test, it's true!). Hold your head high and force out a superiority feeling. I kept telling myself, "Well, the time has come. If I cannot complete this task now, then in 45 days (the length of time they put between retests) I will do it again. This is not the end of my life nor my career. Others have failed, retaken it several times and become great nurses. Fuck it, this is nothing compared to my first semester of clinicals." (and my college is the only college that does one-on-one preceptorships for ALL 4 damn semesters!) Worked for me, but everyone is different.

And don't forget to be doing at least 100 questions a day. I also went to Barnes and Noble and got Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination The book was pretty good at recapping everything we needed, but the disc was friggin' awesome when it comes to practice questions. Practice closing your eyes and envisioning a patient in whatever environment the question suggests and you being in the room with them. That helped a lot during the test for me.

Oh hell, do something I completely forgot to do. Do everything you can to memorize things similar drugs have in their generic name like ACE inhibitors (-pril) antiarrhythmics (-ide, -mine) beta-blockers (-olol) cholesterol lowering (-statin) anticoagulant (-in) and so on. I'm TERRIBLE at cardiac drugs and had to look it up just now to type those things!!! Scares the living hell out of me.

To be honest, I didn't take the NCLEX until July 21st! I graduated in May. There are several areas where I want to end up, those being the ED, OR, or the behavioral health unit (an RN on the BH unit when I was doing my clinicals said, "it takes a crazy nurse to work with crazy patients!" so I'd fit in well). I found out through the quick results thing 2 days later I had passed, and saw my license number online at nursys.com on the 28th, later that day my license was in the mail. Heh, as you know, one has to sign the license. Well, I practiced my signature to make sure it wasn't crappy. A few signatures later I was ok with how it looked and went to sign it. Damn thing looks like a 4th grader that just learned cursive! AND I forgot to put RN-BSN before I did the self laminating thing.

I started sending out my resume the 1st, and have gotten a few hits. I found an ad on Craigslist for Mollen Immunizations posted on the 1st so I applied. I had a phone interview the next day, and what was funny about it is I was still in the twilight of sleep! The call woke me up but not enough to make me jump out of bed. I remember the lady asking if I had trouble managing an immunization clinic by myself, if I had trouble with using partial vials, and that's about it. Of course I answered no to those questions. The only other thing I remember is her saying "congrats, welcome to the team!" When I finally woke up I was worrying over what the hell I had agreed to, but they sent an email with the job details and instructions for filling out paperwork for HR. It pays $22/hr, but that's pretty good for mundane work (sitting in one area for however many hours and giving shots/shot education). I'm kind of excited about it. I was part of the flu clinics on campus for 2 years and I did 8hrs in the H1N1 clinic last year.

ICU scares me because there's fifty billion things that can go wrong at once. Which brings me to another fear, the cardiac/stroke floor. I had another interview where I was supposed to interview for entry-level inpatient surgical center, but they pulled the bait and switch on me using the latter position to snag people for the former position, since not many people would apply to it. I tried to be as enthusiastic as I could be, but honestly, if they want to hire me, I'd go into v-fib (heh, I have "benign" PVCs so it could happen!). Granted, they give a shitload of training and I'd have a mentor for up to 20 weeks, but I'd much rather be in the ED where there's a lot of other people to back me up plus doctors there constantly. And I'd have a lot less patients with heart problems.


Hooooooooooooly shit. I didn't realize how long this post was getting. I wrote a friggin' book!

Cardiac Catheterization Handbook, 6e https://www.amazon.com/dp/0323340393/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CnpIAbP8VJ4WT

I like this book.

Know your cardiac meds (duh), anti-coags, vasoactives... pretty much the ones we use most.

What the majority of other's have said, but with a link! Here is my stethoscope, it blew my shitty nursing school one out of the water: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-2450/dp/B00AZAMQ2U/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1368302530&sr=1-2&keywords=littman

I recommend getting one that is NOT black, just get her favorite color, unless it happens to be black, then get her, like, blue. People beat stethoscopes, unfortunate, but true. The lightweight is boss and serves any and all of my Med-Surg needs.

I recommend Med-Surg Success. It isn't very expensive and found it really helpful during my first Med-Surg course.

I use this Saunders book. Maybe you use this one too or you have a different one in mind. I really like this one because the chapters give you a bullet pointed review of concepts and have practice questions at the end of each chapter. I haven't used any of the others, but I really like this one.

I chose three from amazon. Please tell me what you think! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07THG81Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D4NPYMI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B8ITZRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love this one. I can sleep through almost anything with this eye mask, it completely blocks out ALL light, and is comfy to wear while sleeping. I'm a side sleeper and it doesn't poke or leak light.

Theresa Brown is a great non-internet resource. She is a former English professor who switched into nursing. She has a column with the New York Times and wrote Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between

I thought this was really helpful

http://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323065708/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422588167&sr=1-2&keywords=prioritization+delegation+and+assignment

Her book is good too.

Get yourself this book, too. It's helped me a great deal but I still get MDs to interpret EKGs for me.

If you're willing to pay $20 for a badass pen light, here's what I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66118-Stylus-Light-Holster/dp/B0015UC17E

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 6th Edition includes complete content review and over 5,100 NCLEX examination-style questions in the book and online.

http://www.amazon.ca/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN®-Examination/dp/1455727555/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426253124&sr=8-1&keywords=Nclex

Rapid Interpretation of EKG's: Dr. Dubin's Classic, Simplified Methodology for Understanding EKG's https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0912912065/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ncd6Cb75KA2DE

https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Interpretation-EKGs-Sixth-Dubin/dp/0912912065/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ekg+interpretation+book&qid=1568959702&s=gateway&sprefix=ekg+int&sr=8-3