Category: Nursing School

How Are You Doing? Mental, Emotional, Physical Health Check-In

One of my favorite healthy living/lifestyle bloggers Brittany from A Healthy Slice of Life shared a post Monday with a health check in. Reading her post and the comments got me to thinking how important it is to take time to step back and do an overall evaluation of our full bodied health. The past few months have been downright hard for all of us in one way or another. Like I have shared here before, in the past few months I quit my nursing job of 3 years, moved to D.C. during a pandemic, bought and moved into a camper with my husband and fur babies, and started a job with 2 days orientation. We are beginning the civil rights movement of our time with the #blacklivesmatter movement and the fight against systemic racism. Covid-19 is still spreading and effecting us across the U.S. I have worked and seen Covid first hand and know the pain and destruction it can cause. It has also kept me apart from loved ones and away from the things and places I love. I think it’s safe to say 2020 isn’t easy for anyone.

To be honest, I have been struggling with my mental health since the end of 2019. I’m not quite ready to share everything, but nurse burn out and the cancer battle and loss of my beloved dog Southpaw have really put me in a funk. I am finding happiness in my job and life again through travel nursing and a new adventure with my husband but I still am having hard days. I’m trying to learn to be an ally to my black friends and family and how to fight the societal racism I was born in to. I am try to be a good nurse and encourage people to do the right thing- wear a mask, social distance, practice hand hygiene- while being told I am just falling for the conspiracy. I missing my friends and family and things like summer concerts and trips to the beach while realizing there are much bigger issues going on in the world. Life is just hard. But we can’t learn and grow and be who we are meant to be without taking care of ourselves. And taking care of ourselves starts with checking in and learning to understand what we are feeling, why we are feeling it, and how to take care of ourselves through both the good and bad times of life.

Emotional

My emotional health has been doing better the past two months, but I still have had some hard days. Days when I miss my family and friends, doubt my decision to start travel nursing, and just feel an overwhelming heaviness over the state of the world. The racism and hate I see in the world is heartbreaking and infuriating. The pandemic is heartbreaking. The lack of belief of the science behind the pandemic is so frustrating.

Mental

I did not realize the mental and emotional strain my nursing job was taking on me. I loved the people I worked with and the patients I cared for, but I was stressed for days before and after my shift, I felt sick having to go to work, I wasn’t sleeping well or sleeping to much, the list goes on. My new job can be mentally draining because I’m always having to learn a new unit and new people, but I just feel so much happier and more mental clarity being in a job that doesn’t cause so much stress.

Physical

Oh dear. My physical health sure has taken a down slide during the craziness that has been the transition into travel nursing. I have ate waaaay to much comfort food and not enough veggies. I have not moved my body other than walks around town (probably to get food) and work. I had an ovarian cyst (not to TMI) right before I left for my DC and it was awful. I was on the couch for a solid week with some of the most excruciating pain I have experienced. Like, almost passing out from pain. I had been doing well with running 3-4 times a week but this brought that to a complete stop. Then, when I was feeling better, it was time to pack up our house to move in less than a week. Then cue multiple 48 hour trips home, going 30 plus hours without sleep at times (thanks, night shift), learning a new job, finding a place to live, the list goes on. Needless to say, any type of physical activity went to the wayside. The thing is, I feel SO MUCH better when I move. Even if it’s just walks with Declan (my dog.) So I have been making a more conscious effort this past week to start running or walking every day. I’m already feeling better and like I have more energy. Home workouts, yoga, and walks are all easy and socially distant ways to exercise but also not add stress to your body.

Self Care

I probably sound like a broken record but self care is just SO SO SO important. It will look different for everyone and will also look different depending on what your body and emotions need at this time. I wrote a post on self care while social distancing if you want some ideas on things to do during quarantine. For me lately, it’s sleeping when I’m tired, runs and walks with Declan, and nights by the campfire with my husband.

Gratitude

If you made it this far, thanks friend. This blog post turned out to be a lot longer than anticipated, but it feels to get these word down on “paper.” I want to emphasize I would say overall I am a happy person right now. I have so so much to be grateful for. I have a great marriage, great family and friends, and two fur babies I love. I am on an amazing and long awaited adventure as a traveling nurse living tiny. I love my job and work with nice people. Please don’t see this post as doom and gloom, but just know I can empathize with the hard days we are having this year. If you’re struggling, please reach out to me, a family member or friend, or mental health professional for help.

I hope you’ll take some time to check in with your full bodied health and try to find what you can do to help support yourself. Have a relaxing and safe weekend. <3

How are you feeling, friends? What self care do you have planned for this coming week?

 

Happy CNA Week! 2020


Thank you to all the CNA, HHA, PCT, STNA, and PCAs out there!

Happy CNA (Certified Nursing Assistance) Week! Thank you for all you do for your fellow health care workers and patients. You all are AMAZING! I worked as a CNA before I became a nurse and I know that it is not an easy job. It is long hours on your feet turning, lifting, and pulling patients. You work hard, and I know often times that hard work goes unnoticed. I want you to know I see you and appreciate you and value the work you do as a healthcare professional!

Maslow Hierchary Of Needs

In nursing school, we learned about Maslow’s Hierchary of Needs. This is a theory of the five categories of human needs. The needs are listed in a pyramid, with the most important and basic needs at the bottom- physiological. This is air, food, clothing, shelter. This is the things that CNAs do! I never understood how people could look down at what the CNA does, because they are caring for the most important and basic human needs. I can run drips, doctors can perform procedures, we can do all the things medicine has to offer- but if the room isn’t clean, the patient isn’t clean, fed, cared for- the family and patient perception will be they didn’t receive good care. You help to ensure the patient feels safe and cared for. That is AMAZING.

CNA= Life Saver

CNAs save lives just like nurses, respiratory therapist, doctors, physical assistances, nurse practitioners, and all the other health care professionals. I have had many CNAs alert me to a life threatening change in a patient, a critical vital sign or blood sugar, find a patient unresponsive, etc. I have watch CNAs get snacks for low blood sugars, encourage patients to breath when they are short of breath, perform chest compressions, run and get critical supplies for codes. The list goes on, but please know, you save lives. And when it comes time for people to leave this world- you help them go with love and dignity. That is just as amazing.

Travel Nursing & PCTs

I recently worked some tough shifts. It can be hard not having anyone you know working on the unit with you. I had some tough patient assignments, admissions, sick patients who needed blood and a variety of medications and care, and I just felt like I was drowning at times. On these days, I had the most amazing PCTs. Working as a travel nurse has really reminded me how amazing techs can be and the large value they hold. One night, when I was behind, my PCT saw that I was struggling and jumped into help without asking. She would check in on my patients and report to me that they were okay. When my admission came, she set up the whole room, placed a Purewick, did vitals, and put the patient in a gown. When I came out of a room (I was giving 10pm medications still after midnight) and she came up to tell me all she had done, I could have cried. I appreciated it so much. It was the support and help I needed to make it through another 6 hours. I make sure to make a conscious effort to thank every PCT I work with personally by the end of the shift. Appreciation can go a long way.

THANK YOU!

Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for what you do for patients and staff. I hope you work with people who appreciate you, and if they don’t, know that I do. Your job is to care for the people in their most vulnerable times and in very vulnerable circumstances and you do so in a way that gives them dignity and respect.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 10 reason I LOVE Nursing

Happy Valentine’s Day! I know some people think it’s corny or a “fake” holiday, but I always have had a soft spot for all the pink and love involved on February 14. This post is my virtual Valentines Day card to all you amazing nurses, nursing students, and PCT/CNAs out there (and you amazing non-nursing peeps who support my blog)! THANK YOU for all you do and the love you provide!

Ten Reasons I LOVE Nursing <3

1. Flexibility of Scheduling

There are so many scheduling options available for nurses! Day shift, night shift, M-F, 12 hour shifts, 10 hour shifts, 8 hour shifts, weekends. There are endless possibilities to find a schedule that works for you! I currently work 3 12 hour shifts and I love it! Yes, they are long shifts. Yes, sometime nights leaves me feeling exhausted (and it may not be the shift of choice for me forever.) However, I love having my four days off and being able to have 3-7 days off at a time without using PTO!

2. Find the Job You Love

There are SO many jobs and different specialties/facilities nurses can work in- it allows everyone to find their niche and a place where there are happy! It also allows for nurses to change jobs to allow for growth, you are not stuck in one exact job forever. Hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, home health, various specialties and jobs- so many opportunities!

3. Nurses are the BEST people

I LOVE nurses! They are some of the best people. Nurses are kind, caring, funny, resourceful, smart, and bad ass people. The nurses in my life have helped me to grow as a nurse and better care for my patients. There are also nurses in my life who have become family. They have shown me love and support in both my nurse life but also my personal life.

 

4. No Humor Like Nurse Humor

If you have ever worked as a part of the nursing staff, you know. Nurses have some of the most out there humor- but it is how we cope and get through the day! Laughing with you coworkers or patients is one of the best parts of the job.

5. You Become Resourceful

How much of our jobs is simply trying to make things work!? Even a job where you have allll the resources and the best equipment, you still have to be resourceful from time to time. It may taping blankets to side rails for seizure precautions or getting creative with how to keep a confused patient calm and content, nurses are resourceful and know how to get the job done!

6. Forever Learning

I love to learn, and the beautiful part about nursing is the learning never ends! College and nursing school is honestly just the beginning to a life long journey of learning. Every shift I work I see and learn about a new diagnosis, medication, procedures, nurse hack, or even culture/way of life.

7. Scrubs are like PJs

If you have to change out of your yoga pants or pajamas, at least you get to throw on a pair of scrubs! I love wearing scrubs because I don’t have to stress about what I’m going to wear to work, they are comfy, and make for all the bending, moving, and walking you do in a shift that much easier!

8. Opportunity for Growth

I think Grad School is the number one way people think about growing and moving up in their career as a nurse- but there is so many ways that you can grow in your nursing career! Becoming a preceptor, joining the leadership team, becoming charge nurse, obtaining certifications, the list goes on for ways you can grow in your career without even returning to school.

9. Life Lessons & Gratitude 

Through nursing, you get to meet people of all different ages and walks of life. I have learned so many life lessons from my patients, their families, and even my coworkers. Everyone has unique experiences and you can learn a lot through talking with your patients and coworkers. Through nursing you also are have the privelage to be there for the best and worst moments of people’s lives. Through these moments, you gain gratitiude for the things and people you have in your life.

10. Nurses are the Heart of Healthcare <3

Nurses are the heart of healthcare. Nurses coordinate the care of our patients and facilitate communications among all the specialties involved in the patient’s care. We give medications, assess, and intervene when we find life threatening changes. We save lives. But we also care for the whole person. Not just the body or the disease process. We are nurturers. We help someone to feel less scare and alone, or a family member to feel like they can rest because their loved one is well taken care of. It’s amazing and a privilege to care for the whole person.

 

Thank you again for all the hard work you do. Thank you for the love and care you show your patients, families, and fellow nurses. Send this post to a special nurse, nursing student, or PCT/CNA in your life and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Influential Nurses- Celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, I am sharing three nurses who contributed greatly to the nursing profession. These nurses, along with countless others, overcame oppression and prejudice to break down barriers for nurses of all backgrounds. They lead the way to move our profession forward and for nursing to become inclusive of all people. Let us all take a moment this month to appreciate the amazing African-American nurses who came before us, and to continue to grow the nurse profession.

Harriet Tubman (1819(?)-1913)

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work in freeing slaves through the Underground Railroad, but Tubman also acted as a nurse for the Union in the Civil War. Tubman used home remedies she learned from her mother to treat dysentery, smallpox, and other diseases. In 1862, Tubman went to South Carolina to nurse and teach the Gullah people who had been abandoned. In 1865, she was appointed matron of a hospital in Virginia, where she cared for sick and wounded black soldiers.

Tubman never received pension for her time as a nurse. Despite the U.S. Secretary of State, William H. Seward, petitioning to Congress for Tubman to recieve a nurse’s pension for her work during the war- her claim was denied. Her widow’s pension was increased due to her personal service, but this was the extent of acknowledgment for her work as a nurse in the war. In 1908, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly was built on property next to her farm in New York. Tubman cared for the residents until her death in 1913.

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)

Although there were many African-American nurses before Mary Mahoney, she was the first African-American to graduate from a nursing program and hold a professional nursing license. 42 students, including Mahoney, were admitted into the New England Hospital for Women and Children Training School for Nurses. Mahoney was one of only three people in her class to complete the 16 month program and graduate in 1878. Mahoney became a private nurse and also was an early member of what would later become the American Nurse Association (ANA.) In 1908, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. Outside of nursing, she was a supporter of women’s suffrage and was one of the first woman to register to vote in Boston at the age of 76.

Goldie Brangman 

Goldie Brangman, CRNA, MBA was a pioneer of the Nurse Anesthesia profession. Brangman founded the Harlem School Center School of Anesthesia and was the program director for 34 years. While working as a Nurse Anesthetist at Harlem Hospital, she served on the surgical team and delivered anesthesia to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after he was stabbed in New York City. She later became the first African-American CRNA President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in 1973. In 2008, Brangman retired and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross for over 25 years. She also was a guest speaker for the Diversity CRNA Information session encouraging woman of color to be active in the state and national nurse anesthesia associations and to purse doctorate degrees.

 

References:

https://nursing.jnj.com/advancing-culturally-competent-care/african-american-nurses-who-paved-the-way

https://dreemcoalition.org/pioneers

https://www.nursing.virginia.edu/news/flashback-harriet-tubman-nurse/

Nurse Burn Out: Pt 2

In my bachelors program I did a lot of research papers and my final capstone on nurse burn out and retention. It is something that has interested me since I first became an LPN in 2012. Through my research in my BSN program (and career as a nurse), I quickly realized that nurse burn out and retention were even bigger issues that I could have imagined. The problem is a systemic one and there are many factors that need to be looked at and discussed to truly make nursing a sustainable career. In my little corner of the internet for the time being I want to focus on fostering community and self care to help nurses cope with burn out (myself included), although I will discuss other factors from time to time.

What is Nurse Burn Out?

Nurse burnout is a mental, emotional, and physical state cause by chronic overwork, lack of job fulfillments & support, and continued stress. A 2001 study showed that 43% of nurses working in hospitals reported symptoms of emotional exhaustion and burn out.

Signs & Symptoms of Burn Out

Constant Fatigue

Fatigue and exhaustion is expected when working long hours caring for patients. But when a nurse begins to live in a permanent state of emotional and physical exhaustion and it begins to effect their life outside of work, this can be a sign of professional burn out.

Feeling Overworked or Unappreciated

Feeling like your work is not appreciated or goes unnoticed can lead to feelings of burn out. We can help each other feel more appreciated in what we do by showing appreciation for our coworkers- both nurses and other staff.

Lack of Enthusiasm about Work

We all have days where we don’t feel like working, but a constant state of dread and anxiety surrounding work is not normal or healthy.

Irritability/Lack of Patience

Becoming easily annoyed, lacking patience, both inside and outside of work is a common effect of burn out.

Mentally “Checked Out”

Feeling “numb” or disengaged both in and out of work is a common sign of burn out.

Battling Burn Out

Say no to overtime

I have said yes to overtime plenty of times, both to help out my fellow nurses and to help out my bank account (just being honest.) However, I have seen and felt the toll constant overtime can take on people and the burn out that can follow. As nurses, we love to help and we know the struggle of working short. However, it is not your job to burn yourself out to staff the unit. No one will care about your mental health or well being as much as you. We HAVE to take care of ourselves to take care of others. This means saying no to overtime, switching shifts, or staying over when we need too.

Talk to Someone

Find a friend, fellow nurse, family member, or leader that you can talk to about your feelings. I have a nurse friend who has been a nurse longer than me, and talking to her has been so incredibly helpful. She has encouraged me to deal with my stress and take time for myself- through using PTO and saying no to overtime. You also can consider professional councilors, they can help you work through your emotions surrounding your burn out and help you decide what the best plan of action is for you to recover.

Self Care

We all have different ways we like to rest and recharge. Bubble baths, massages, time outdoors, time with loved ones, Netflix on the couch, are all ways you can practice self care. Find whatever works for you and make sure you take time every week to do it. Also, remember the basics of caring for yourself. Eating well, moving your body, and sleep are all important to being a happier, healthier, less stressed nurse.

Stress Reduction

Meditation, yoga, exercise, and journaling are all ways that we can work to reduce stress and deal with emotions that come with our job and life in general. It’s important that you find what works for you and again, do it regularly.

Burn out is something that is extremely prevalent among nurses (and nursing students) and is something we should be talking about- in nursing school, the workplace, and our nurse social circles. We should discuss recognizing signs of burn out so we can intervene and get help before we hit rock bottom. I recently wrote about my own Burn Out & Journey to Recovery . Just because you are burnt out, doesn’t mean you are a bad nurse or that you don’t care about your patients. We need to let people know they have a safe place to talk about their thoughts and feelings and offer the encouragement and support they need.

Are you currently dealing with burn out or have you in the past? What did you do to help yourself recover?

 

References: Avoiding Burnout as a Nurse- Nursing.org

How to Detect and Avoid Nurse Burnout- USF Health Online

 

Q&A: RN to BSN program

Hello! I have officially been back to blogging consistently for a month and I have to say it feels good to be back! I graduated Medical University of South Carolina’s RN to BSN program in August 2019. I loved the program and had a great experience there and I am proud to call myself an MUSC alum! I did a LOT of research of different programs before I started MUSC so I wanted to share some general information on RN to BSN programs that I found in my research as well as a little bit of my experience in one to anyone who may be thinking of taking this path. Sorry this post turned out to be longer than anticipated, but I was trying to answer a lot of the questions I know I had before starting this journey. Let me know if you have any questions!

What is a RN- BSN Program?

A RN-BSN program is a transition program for Associate of Degree Registered Nurses to become BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepared nurses. The actual program is typically one year if you go full time, although part time and self paced programs are also an option. Upon graduation, you will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Classes include gerontology, physical assessment, leadership, and research.

Are prerequisites required?

Yes. Most bachelor degrees require at least 60 hour of core classes- math, science, english, arts, etc. I completed my classes at the community college I attended for my ADN (RN) program. I was able to earn an Associate of Science Degree and complete all the pre-requisites required for my program. Make sure you check the program you are interested in for required pre-reqs before you start taking classes! Most have specific classes that are required. Part of the reason I chose MUSC was because I had all the classes and wouldn’t need to take any more. A lot of the other programs I looked at I would have had to taken an extra semester of classes because I needed a specific science, math, psychology, etc.

What type of time commitment is required?

RN to BSN programs vary in what type of classroom attendance is required. The program I attended was 100% online and did not require any specific check in times, which I really liked. Some programs are hybrid, where you attend class or lab weekly/biweekly and the rest is online. Other, may be 100% in seat, although I don’t think those are as common. As far as coursework and studying, I would say I spent at least 10-15 hours a week completing assignments.

What was the coursework like?

Papers, papers, and discussion post. You will write, “Great post! Thanks for sharing!” more times than you can count. And you will spend a lot of time researching, writing, and editing papers. HOWEVER. Don’t be afraid. I personally like to write and research and don’t mind papers, but I know not everyone is this way. Even if you don’t like writing papers, it can be done. If you are super worried, look to see if you program provides any type of writing help or resources. Also, Purdue OWL APA guidelines + an APA manual are absolute MUST.

Do I have to take the NCLEX again?

Nope! An RN is an RN, whether BSN or ADN prepared! No more NCLEX!

Why should I get my bachelors?

I think their is a lot of disagreement on if nurses should have to obtain their BSN or not, especially with the push for programs to only be BSN, magnet status wanting hospitals to house 80% BSN prepared nurses, etc. I think it’s a very personal decision to go back to school and varies among the individual. It is a big financial and time commit to return to school, but you can find ways to help with that. My hospital reimbursed me for part of my tuition in exchange for me staying one year as a RN. Going online and having a flexible class schedule allowed me to work and live without school (completely) ruling my life.

Most hospitals are requiring nurses to complete BSN to keep your job unless you are grandfathered in, I had to sign a contract I would have mine within 5 years of hiring. BSN also opens up a lot of job oppurutnies both in and out of the bedside/hospital. Things like case management, leadership, program coordinations, public health, education, etc. all either require BSN, or you will be more likely to get the job with the added boost. It also sets you up for grad school and continued education if you decide that is the route for you.

What was your personal experience with the program? 

First day of “class”

I really did love my BSN program and had a good experience. It was all online and didn’t require any set log in times so I could keep my schedule and not make any changes at work. I went to school full time and worked full time and still felt like I had time for fun and hobbies. A lot more time than I ever had in my initial licensure program. I understand the exhaustion and burn out that follows completed nursing school, but honestly, RN-BSN is not nearly as stressful. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of papers, discussion post, and research- but the stress and amount of work is way less. I was busy but it was manageable.

I will be honest and say that I do not feel the program necessarily helped me grow a lot clinically as a nurse- all of that growth has come from my time as a nurse. However, the research and discussions I engaged in really helped me to see nursing in a big picture kind of way. And to be honest, it made me see a lot of the issues with nursing. Systemic issues involving leadership, staffing, burn out, disparities in healthcare, and more all came to light and really changed my perspective on some things. It could be discouraging at times but it also helped me to grow as a nurse and person and helped to shape and guide my beliefs and passions as well as career goals and aspirations.

Have you or do you plan to attend an RN to BSN program? Do you have any questions for me?

Burn Out & Journey to Recovery

I love nursing. Becoming a nurse is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love my fellow nurses, caring for my patients and their families, and precepting new graduate nurses. I found a passion in cardiac nursing and love taking care of sick hearts. Even with all this, burn out can still strike and leave you feeling down.

Recognizing my Burnout

I have been feeling depressed (between the death of my fur baby, winter blues, life changes in general) and burn out at work. I still enjoy what I do, but I feel a dread before I go into work. My stress and anxiety are high all the time. On my days off, I do nothing but sleep and eat. I don’t want to leave the house. My self care is non existent.

I thought I shouldn’t write this post, because blogging and IG and all the things I follow are about how they fixed having this problem. How they may have bad days, but generally life is great. They have a whole box of tools to get through the bad days. And that just isn’t where I am right now. I miss Southpaw terribly. I miss my family. I don’t know what direction I want to take on my nursing journey- stay in place? Go to day shift? Go to grad school? Try a new unit? All I know is now is not the time for me to make a change in my career.

Burn Out is Inevitable

I decided that someone else out there may be feeling this, and I should share my current experiences and not be ashamed. Nursing is HARD. No matter how much you love it or how much you were made for it, I believe burn out is inevitable. This isn’t my first experience with it. In my BSN program, I did a lot of research about burn out and nurse retention. These are two subjects I’m passionate about and also topics that I feel are not discussed enough in the nursing professions. Burn out is something we should learn about in nursing school along with coping mechanisms. It’s something that should be discussed in our workplace and support should be readily available. The our coworkers are friends bring up these feelings, they should be met with support and love. Burn out is real and hard but it doesn’t have to be the end of your job or nursing career.

Journey to Recovery

I’m going to be honest- the past few months I just have been going through the motions. I go to work, I do the bare minimum at home, I’m just existing. This isn’t a great way to live. I have good moments and happy days, but overall, I see a major difference in how I felt 6 months ago. I finally feel ready to start working on making it better. I’m going to start small- beginning to do self care again. Working on finding what can bring me joy. Sunday, I took a step. I cleaned my house & car and went for a walk outside. Today, I traded post-night shift sleep for a 1.5 hour nap, hair therapy, lunch, and blogging at a coffee shop. These are small steps, but a lot more than I have done for myself lately. I hope to share with you my journey through a series of post on burn out and self care, including research I am doing to learn more about burn out and what we can do to prevent it. My hope is maybe this series of post and vunerability will make even one person feel less alone, and maybe even encourage someone to join me on this journey.

Are you or have you ever experienced burn out? What did you do to feel happy and fulfilled again?

Three Tips for Nursing School

It’s that time of year- where a new semester begins and the hustle and bustle of school is underway. Although I have had periods of time off during my journey to my Bachelors, it feels weird to not be packing up a backpack and heading back to school. However, I have learned a thing of two during my four degree programs I have completed (LPN, ASN, ADN, BSN.) Today I’m sharing three tips for success in nursing school and also linking to some of my other nursing school related post.

1. Get Organized & Stay That Way

I am not naturally the most organized person. I had to WORK to learn to be organized in nursing school. But with so many due dates, clinical, classes, projects, and more- you have to get organized in order to be successful. One missed assignment or clinical could cause you to fail an entire class. A few key elements to staying organized and on track:

  • Use a planner! Whether digital or paper have all these due dates in writing!
  • Keep your papers together! I had a 3 hole punch and ALL my papers and notes went into the binder for each class. I would print the course calendar out and put in the clear sleeve of my binder so it was easy to see.
  • Find a buddy who you can check in with about assignments, etc. They don’t have to be you best friend, but if you have someone you can text if you have a question about something that was said in class you will get a response a lot quicker than an email from an instructor.
  • Have all your stuff ready the night before! If your trying to pack your backpack or dewrinkle your scrubs the day before clinical, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Being diligent with your time and schedule will lead you to success (and cause you a lot less stress.)

2. Self Care is MANDATORY

You WILL burn out in nursing school if you don’t take care of yourself. The amount of work, pressure, and stress of nursing school makes it feel like you have no time to take care of yourself, but you do. Sleep, eat well, move you body, and do something you enjoy every week. That one hour of self care will be more beneficial than an extra sleep deprived stress meltdown hour of studying. Choose something that makes you happy- and make time for it every week.

3. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is NOT TO BE

Guys, you do not want to be late to ANYTHING in nursing school. Ever. I have seen people get locked out of tests, classes, and sent home from clinical. I know things happen and there are things in life that cannot be controlled. But you HAVE to leave early for class. You need to go and find your clinical site the night before. I usually was at clinical (in our meeting spot!) 15-30 minutes before we had to be there. I was always at least 10 minutes early to class (seated in class 10 minutes early, not sprinting across campus.)

A few more post to help you be successful in nursing school:

Nursing School Prep

Success in Clinical

Tips for Surviving Nursing School

My NCLEX Test Day Experience

I hope you all have a great semester! Good luck and take things one step at time. I remember feeling so overwhelmed at the amount of assignments on the syllabus every semester, but then at the end, you always somehow made it through!

What classes are you taking this semester? Do you have any questions or ways I can help you?

When you don’t get the “dream job”

The “Dream” Job

I had clinical on various labor and delivery units and instantly fell in love! I was the first to volunteer for every delivery, c-section, bathroom call. I was eager and loved every second of it. At one hospital, I spoke to the nurse manager. She let me shadow her at clinical. In my practicum, I tried my best to be as helpful and enthusiastic as possible.

Loving every second of labor and delivery clinical as a nursing student

I asked my preceptor if I could use her name on my application if I applied for a RN position. She said yes. However, I quickly realized that the culture of the unit did not fit what would be the best learning environment for me. It also was a 40 minute drive from my house- longer with traffic. I would not be hired full time, I would be hired per diem and the could transition to full time when it opened. I also would have to sign a two year contact or pay the hospital a lot of money if I left. I did not plan to leave, but I knew sometimes things happen in life. All of this lead me to explore other options.

I decided to go out on a limb and apply at another hospital’s labor and delivery unit. I applied.. twice. I stopped by the unit to introduce myself to the nurse manager- the one I had shadowed in clinical. I was never allowed past the front desk . When I asked if I could come back or wait, I was told she probably would never have time to see me. I left a handwritten note explaining my interest and love of labor and delivery. I sent an email. I never heard from her. I understood. I was new, no experience, and probably seen as a pest. I did what I had read so many other people suggest and have success with but I never heard a word. It was very discouraging.

The Job Meant for Me

Now, I loved cardiac nursing in school and knew starting on a telemtery/step-down type unit would be something I would enjoy, and also give me excellent experience if I decided to try another specialty in the future. I applied for two cardiac/telemetry units at seperate hospitals- and received two job offers on the same day. It was the boost I needed. I was so excited and realized maybe this was actually where I was meant to be. Something in my heart felt so right about one hospital- something I had never felt with the other tele unit or even labor and delivery units. It felt like I place I could learn and grow as a nurse- a place I would always have a team standing behind me. I eagerly accepted the job. It was one of the best decision I have ever made.

Excited for my first night on CV/Tele!

I truly LOVE cardiac nursing. I love caring for sick hearts. The people I work with are amazing! They are supportive and kind and funny. I did not get the “dream job” I thought I wanted but I found something so much better. Another area of nursing I truly love and am passionate about. A unit with a culture that has allowed me to learn and grow. A nurse family that has supported, encouraged, and taught me so much.

Don’t Be Discouraged

If you want to start in a specialty or a specific unit, but all means, GO FOR IT. Apply, email, use connections- whatever you can do! I am not here to discourage you. I am simply here because social media and blogs are filled with people who got their “dream jobs” right out of the gate. Lists of tips and tricks to help you land that job. Listen to them, utilize them. If you get the job, CONGRATULATIONS!

However, if you don’t get the job. CONGRATS to you as well and please know it will be okay. To be honest, as a nursling, you only have had a small taste of nursing. You don’t even truly know what each unit holds. Even after years of nursing, you still won’t know the truth behind a specialty unless you experience it. Go in with an open mind and find the positives in your experience. And maybe- if you are as blessed as me- you’ll find a passion, a nurse family, and learn something new every day.

NCLEX 101: How to pass your NCLEX and earn your credentials

Congratulations, you graduated! It is such an exciting time, but also a stressful and confusing time. You have passed all the classes, test, clinical, papers, but now is one of the most important test of all. The NCLEX. The test that will make you an official LPN/RN. The test that will give you a license and allow you to start practicing your craft. I have written a few different blog post about this subject back when I was a new grad and have linked them in this post. I also wrote some helpful tips, resources, and left some encouragement to all of you about to embark on the NCLEX experience!

Let’s get started!

What is the NCLEX?

NCLEX stands for National Council of Licensure Examination. This is a national exam given to nursing school graduates for state licensure. Everyone takes the same NCLEX, but you will only be licensed in the state to which you apply. You also can take you NCLEX at any Pearson VUE testing center, regardless of what state you will be licensed. For example, I was testing for a SC nursing license but completed my test in NC. There is an NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses and NCLEX-PN for Licensed Practical Nurses. The NCLEX-PN ranges from 85-205 questions with a time limit of 5 hours and the NCLEX-RN ranges from 75-265 with a time limit of 6 hours.

Computer Adapted Testing

Computer Adapted Testing is why the NCLEX has a range of possible number of questions. In order to give appropriate questions to each test taker the computer re-estimates your ability with every question answered. Therefore, each question you receive is based on your performance of the previous question.

There is no grade for the NCLEX. The computer will decide you have pass/failed when:

  • You have completed the maximum number of questions allowed
  • 95% confidence rule
  • You exceed the maximum amount of time.

The 95% confidence rule is when the computer will stop giving you questions because it is 95% certain you are above or below the passing level. Think of the passing level as a line. You start on the line, every time you get a question right- you go a step up. Every time you get a question wrong, you take a step down. When the program has determined with 95% certainty that you are above or below the passing line, the test will end. It also can end if you meet the maximum number of questions or if you meet the maximum amount of time.

Get Registered

This is one of those things in life that if you wait until you feel you are ready, you’ll never do it. Once you get you ATT (authorization to test), go ahead and book that exam! Having a deadline will help keep your studies on track and will also ensure you take the test in a timely manner. I took my NCLEX 3-4 weeks after graduation and felt this was enough time to study. I would suggest taking it within 4-6 week, while you are still fresh from school.  Remember, you can go to any testing center. If the one closest to you is booked, look at other areas around you. You have the knowledge, you just need a few weeks of practice before you take the exam!

Questions, Questions, Questions 

Seriously, I can’t say it enough. I think the absolute best way to pass the NCLEX is through question review. You have already had two years of nursing education. Lectures, powerpoint, flash cards, clinicals, studying for hours on end. Now, the focus is to learn how to appropriately answer NCLEX style questions. This is not to say you don’t need to review the rationals for the questions. Understanding why an answer was right/wrong is just as important as getting the answer correct.

Create a Study Plan

Decide what study tool you are going to use and create a plan. The first 2 weeks of my studies- I chose certain topics to answer questions on. The last 2 weeks,, I mostly did comprehensive exams to better prepare for the actual test. When I missed things, I read the rationale and wrote things that I found to be pertinent in a notebook. Do not spend you whole day studying! It is unnecessary and will lead to nothing but stress. I suggest completing 100-200 questions a day and limiting your studying to no more than 2 hours.

Uworld

I used Uworld for my NCLEX-RN prepped and loved it! I felt the questions were similar to the NCLEX questions and I really love the rationales they gave- they are very detailed and they tell you why answers are right but also why the other answers are wrong. They also have an app on your phone which is nice for if you have a few minutes to spare while you are out. You can pull up the app and do some questions. You can find a blog with a more detailed account of my Uworld experience here.

Kaplan

I used Kaplan Review and Test Prep for my NCLEX-PN and really enjoyed it. The review class was helpful and they also have a large bank of questions with rationales.

Do not study the day of the test

Seriously, don’t do it. Studying or questions the day of the test will do nothing by stress you out about things you think you don’t know. Your focus on the day of the test is to remain calm, get checked into the test center, and ace that test.

Pass with 75 questions on the first try

Everywhere you look someone is talking about how they passed the NCLEX on their first time in the minimum number of questions. And this is great! It is something to be proud of. I passed both my PN and RN NCLEX in the minimum number of questions (85 PN, 75 RN) on the first try. However, I decided not to include any of this information in the title of this blog post, no matter how intriguing it may be. Let me say this, it does not matter if you pass in 75 questions or 265 questions, first try or third try, YOU CAN STILL BE AN AMAZING NURSE! It has no bearing on your knowledge, compassion, or skill. I do not want to lead anyone to believe that if question 76 pops up they are a failure. Before I submitted my 75th, I took a deep breath and told myself that if another question popped up it would be okay. I suggest you do the same and believe it!

Don’t base answers on past experience

The NCLEX world is a perfect world. There is adequate staff, resources, and disease processes are always text book. The NCLEX world is black and white while the nursing world is full of grey. Answering based off things you have seen or done could get you in trouble, so answer based off what you have learned in your studies.

The Experience

Both of my experiences with the NCLEX involved a lot of anxiety and not being confident that I passed when I left (I think this is common for a lot of people!) You can read a more detailed post on my experience here.

Know where the test center is and arrive early

For both my NCLEX, I went and found the testing center the day before! I tested out of town for both and chose to get a hotel for the night before. It was a little extra money but knowing I was close to the testing center and being able to locate it the day before was very helpful.

Walk in and do you best!

In the end, remember the NCLEX is just ONE test and it does not define who you are as a person or a nurse. Follow these tips, study, and just do the best you can do. Good luck! Let me know when you pass that test! 🙂

Where are you in your nursing school journey? Are you preparing for the NCLEX?