Related: Anxiety, Exam, Failure, Fear, Feelings, Learning, NCLEX, New Nurse Tips, Success

So how many times will you take the NCLEX?  Most all of you will surely answer at least once.  But for some of us-those select few who no matter how hard we try just can't excel at a nursing exam-it might be a few more.

I'm fessing up: I did not pass the NCLEX the first time.  I had heard from teachers and nurses alike that [...]

Related: Attitude, Career, Expectations, Job Search, Learning, NCLEX, New Grad, New Nurse, New Nurse Tips, Night Shift, Nursing Jobs, Resume

You've worked hard.  Stayed up night after night studying.  Suffered through exhausting clinicals.  Missed out on time with friends and family.  Shoved thousands of facts into a weary brain.  Now all you want is to put all your new-found knowledge to work.  Get out there into the workplace and do your thing.  You're confident.  You're prepared.  You're ready.

You start pounding the pavement.  Sending out resumes.  [...]

Related: Confidence, NCLEX, New Grad, New Nurse, Nurse Resident Programs, Preceptor, Residency

Have you participated in a nurse residency program? Where at? How intense was the competition? And would you recommend it?

Nurse residency programs-geared to ease the transition from new nurse to competent nurse-are increasing in number and popularity. When you take a look at the benefits, you can see why the competition for a spot is fierce.

According to Jean Roberson, MS, RN, BC, who coordinated a [...]

Related: Addiction, Confidence, Delegation, Drug Addiction, Failure, Fear, Goals, Mistake, NCLEX, Nurse Relationships, Orientee, Perfect Nurse, Stress

As we come to the end of 2008, I thought it would be good for us to do a little RealityRN review.  You know, think about the good, the bad, and the ugly of a year almost gone.

I spent some time reviewing what the "hot topics" have been.  We certainly have covered a lot of ground--that's for sure.  We've talked about drug addiction, the NCLEX [...]

Related: Confidence, NCLEX, New Grad, New Nurse Tips

Want the inside scoop on the NCLEX? As a nursing instructor, I recently interviewed some of my graduates about their experiences taking the exam. Here’s what I found out -- and I offer my advice for facing the one thing standing between you and your license:

Think Critically
Many nursing graduates have a great deal of experience answering NCLEX-like questions. Surprisingly, though, several new grads found the [...]

Related: Addiction, Anxiety, Drug Addiction, Embarrassing Moment, NCLEX, Stress

Google is a wonderful thing.

I had been having this weird gunk in my mouth for a few weeks and had no idea what it was. Nor did I want to mention it to anyone because it seemed so bizarre and embarrassing.

So I went to Google. I typed in "white stringy mucous in mouth." (Too much information, I know, but hang in there with [...]

Related: Confidence, Expectations, Job Search, NCLEX, New Grad, New Nurse, Orientee, Stress, Student Nurse, Time

Dearest Friends and Family,

I thought I'd take this opportunity to catch you up on what my life looked like in 2007.

January through May was spent finishing up Nursing School. Clinicals, papers, tests, studying and looking forward to the day I would finally start my new career and the freedom that comes with a paycheck. I couldn't wait for the next step.

May through July [...]