EP 113: Nursing School vs Nursing

EP 113: Nursing School vs Nursing

Nursing School vs. Actual Nursing

We are going to be discussing the difference between nursing school vs. nursing. Nurses always say to their students or orientees “Nursing is a lot different than clinical.” We even say it quite often. Nursing school and nursing are 2 separate things [1]

 

G-tubes, catheters, and IV pushes

1. G-tubes

Remember how we were told to check placement and patiency then flush. Our clinical testing consisted of our instructors observing us put each medication in a separate small cup,  add a little flush in between each ned.

Then you let it all go in by gravity? 

There is no time for that. 

Mix the meds together, dilute with water, and push it in. Everything’s going into one place anyways: the stomach. However, remember to always check for placement. 

 

2. Foley catheters

Foley catheters can be some of the hardest things to insert. In clinical, you were taught to find a landmark. Spread this labia. Locate this, half-a-finger length up, insert, and you’re golden! Smooth and easy.

It’s a bit harder than that. 

The best advice is to get some experience. Walk in with a determined attitude, get some help, put on the lights, and always bring 2 kits and extra gloves.

Try to minimize distractions but there’s usually something going on. 

 

IV Pushes

IV pushes in nursing school and clinical were a long process. You stand there in front of the patient and instructor, pushing the med for 5 minutes. It’s your first time and the patient’s because no one pushes meds that slowly. 

Don’t get us wrong. We still push meds like Lasix slowly, but not 5 min. 

 

Physician’s Orders and Patient Compliance

1. Doctor’s orders

As nursing students, nurses were strictly never to change or discontinue a physician’s order without expressing over the phone, verbally, or written consent from the doctor’s physician. Another one was to call and notify the doctor of the refusal of medication by the patient. 

In the real world, we do not call the doctor and say a patient refused a med unless it’s something serious like a pressor or inotrope. We use our judgment. If you aren’t sure, then ask around first. 

 

2. Patient compliance

In a theoretical textbook scenario, the patient always seems to be compliant. Mr. Thomas, have you been adhering to your heart-healthy diet, yes and I’ve never felt better.

That’s too perfect of a world; you are going to see the frequent fliers that come for the same thing over and over again.

 

Double Gloving and Wet-to-Dry Dressing

1. Double gloving

We were never allowed to double-glove in nursing school. If I remember it correctly, we were strictly not allowed to do it and had to always re-apply new gloves.  

In the real world, some situations call for double gloving. This is in attempts to clean up c diff, and before changing a betadine dressing are good times to double glove.

 

2. Wet-to-dry dressing changes

How many times did you do a sterile wet-to-dry dressing change at home, before lab, during class, and at your lab practical?

In the real setting, we do not do as much as the nursing school made you think you would. We have better ways to properly clean and heal a wound.

 

Short Staffing and There’s No Black and White

 

1. When there’s short staffing

Short staffing and nurse-to-patient ratios have never been fully enforced in the US, and California comes first on the list with the best nurse-to-patient ratios. 

In the textbook world, you always have enough staff, equipment, and medication. You learn nothing about short staffing and how it will affect you physically and mentally.

Due to staffing, mistakes are unfortunately made. Medications are late, labs take longer than expected, and patients become agitated. It isn’t a perfect world with perfect staffing. 

 

2. Nursing Isn’t Black or White

Nothing in nursing is black and white–not even lab results. Everything is gray. Textbooks make it seem simple, but it isn’t.

The human body and mind are very complex, and nursing and medicine are too. Keep an open mind and learn to think critically [2]

What are your nurse expectations vs. reality experience? Check out ours here 👇😎

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
00:53 Unwinding for a little bit
03:13 Today’s Episode
04:17 NG tubes
08:00 Foley Catheters
12:02 Do not discontinue a physician’s order without speaking to them
18:16 Patient Compliance
20:26 Double loving
22:05 Wet-to-dry dressing changes
24:52 Short staffing
30:44 Nursing isn’t black or white
35:20 Recap
35:39 End of show

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

Cardiac Research and are Plant Milk Good

Cardiac Research and are Plant Milk Good

Cardiovascular Research and Plant-Based Milk

In this episode, we are going to take a look into cardiac surgery, the effectiveness of aspirin, and the effectiveness of left atrial appendage closures. We are also going to discuss different types of plant milk and how they compare to regular cow milk.

Effectiveness of Aspirin Dosing and Cardiac Disease

There is a standard protocol if you have suffered a stroke or heart attack your doctor will most likely prescribe you a low dose of aspirin. Low-dose aspirin is 81 mg but aspirin also comes in a 325 mg dose. Over the years physicians and cardiologists have looked at which dose is the most appropriate one.

A recent study came out examining the difference in outcomes between 81mg of aspirin and 325mg of aspirin. It took a look at the appropriate dose of aspirin to lower the risk of death, MI, and stroke and minimize major bleeding in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [1].

  • A total of 15,076 patients were followed for a median of 26.2 months
  • Death, hospitalization for myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for stroke occurred in 590 patients in the 81-mg group and 569 patients in the 325-mg group
  • Hospitalization for major bleeding occurred in 53 patients in the 81-mg group and 44 patients in the 325-mg group

Conclusion

  • No significant differences in cardiovascular events or major bleeding between patients assigned 81 mg and that assigned 325 mg of aspirin daily.

Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion during Cardiac Surgery to Prevent Stroke

A left atrial appendage closure is a procedure done to close off an appendage protruding out of the left atrium. The issue with having an appendage is the risk of developing blood clots then leading to ischemic stroke, especially in people with afib [2].

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is derived from the left wall of the primary atrium, which forms during the fourth week of embryonic development.

Surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage has been hypothesized to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, but this has not been proved. The procedure can be performed during cardiac surgery undertaken for other reasons.

The primary analysis population included 2379 participants in the occlusion group and 2391 in the no-occlusion group, with a mean age of 71 years. The participants were followed for a mean of 3.8 years. The procedure was performed as an adjunct to primary cardiovascular surgery.

  • Stroke or systemic embolism occurred in 114 participants (4.8%) in the occlusion group and in 168 (7.0%) in the no-occlusion group

Conclusion

  • Among participants with atrial fibrillation who had undergone cardiac surgery, most of whom continued to receive ongoing antithrombotic therapy. The risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was lower with concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion performed during the surgery than without it.

How does Plant Milk Compare to Regular Cow Milk?

The debate about which milk is healthiest has been going on for years. We know cow milk is rich in many vitamins and minerals and has been drunk for years. Plant milk has been pushed as a good substitute for people who cannot or do not want to drink regular milk. How do they compare? 

The six most popular plant-based milk based on sales data from the past year are almond, oat, soy, coconut, pea, rice, and hemp milk [3].

The Different Kinds of Plant-Based Milk

  • Cow’s milk 
    • Naturally rich in protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, and is often fortified with vitamin A (which is naturally present in whole milk) and vitamin D.
      • Cal: 150, Protein: 7 grams, Fat: 5 grams, Carbohydrates: 8 grams.
  • Almond milk
    • One cup of the unsweetened version has just 37 calories (about a quarter the amount in whole milk) and about 96 percent less saturated fat. It is no match for cow’s milk in terms of protein, it has just about 1 gram.
    • Many brands contain additives like carrageenan to thicken and prevent separation.
    • There is some debate about whether carrageenan promotes intestinal inflammation and damage. Still, most of the research on carrageenan and gut health has been conducted in animals and in labs.
  • Oat milk
    • Oat milk has risen in popularity, sales are up 182% compared to last year.
    • One cup of oat milk has little saturated fat (0.5 grams) and slightly fewer calories than whole milk (120 versus 146) but has 7 grams of added sugars (plain milk has none) and only 3 grams of protein. It also has 2 grams of fiber, but that is not very much.
  • Soy milk
    • When fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D, soy milk is the only non-dairy milk that is comparable to cow’s milk in terms of nutrient balance, according to the dietary guidelines.
    • One cup has 6 grams of protein, 105 calories, and about 89 percent less saturated fat than whole milk. It is also a natural source of potassium. 
    • There’s been some concern about the estrogen-mimicking compounds called isoflavones in soy.
  • Coconut milk
    • It’s naturally sweet and has about half as many calories as whole milk, but has little protein (0.5 grams per cup), and has 5 grams of saturated fats, about the same amount as whole milk, with no healthy unsaturated fat.
  • Pea milk
    • Pea milk is high in protein (8 grams per cup) and unsweetened versions contain about half the calories of whole milk and just half a gram of saturated fat.
  • Rice milk
    • Made from brown rice, the milk has a naturally sweet taste. It has slightly fewer calories than whole milk (115 versus 146 per cup), and no saturated fat. However, it’s very low in protein (0.7 grams per cup). When compared with other plant-based milk.
    • The beverage also has fast-digesting carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into glucose.
  • Hemp milk 
    • Hemp milk is made from ground, soaked hemp seeds, which do not contain the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant.
    • The seeds are high in protein and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats. Thus, hemp milk contains a slighter high amount of these nutrients than other plant milk.
      • Cal: 60 calories Protein: 3grams, Carbs: 0grams, Fat: 5grams

More research is needed on the type of milk that’s most beneficial and the effects of antibiotics and artificial hormones given to dairy cows.

It’s best to choose organic milk from cows that are free of growth hormones. Milk alternatives can also be part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Check out the full episode here and know more about cardiac research and your favorite milk. Click here 👇

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Intro
00:30 – Episode Introduction
01:15 – Effectiveness of Aspirin in Preventing Cardiovascular diseases
03:50 – Study conclusion
04:45 – Effectiveness of Left atrial appendage exclusion during cardiac surgery
08:10 – Debilitating effects of stroke
09:05 – Plant Milk vs. Regular Milk
11:00 – Sheep’s milk
13:00 – Museums in Chicago
15:52 – Cow’s Milk
17:06 – Almond Milk
19:12 – Oat Milk
20:44 – Soy Milk
24:24 – Coconut Milk
25:05 – Pea Milk
26:00 – Rice Milk
26:47 – Hemp Milk
27:37 – Know where your milk is coming from
28:42 – Wrapping up the episode

 

Toxic Chemicals and How to Avoid Them

Toxic Chemicals and How to Avoid Them

Toxic Chemicals and How to Avoid Them

Did you know that we encounter toxic chemicals every day? Most of the products we use have toxic chemicals in them which can affect our health in the long run. How can you avoid them?

UCSF Study Finds Evidence of 55 Chemicals Never Before Reported in People 

Scientists at the University of California San Francisco have detected 109 toxic chemicals in a study of pregnant women, including 55 chemicals never before reported in people and 42 “mystery chemicals,” whose sources and uses are unknown. 

The toxic chemicals most likely come from consumer products or other industrial sources. They were found both in the blood of pregnant women, as well as their newborn children, suggesting they are traveling through the mother’s placenta [1]

Tracery J. Woodruff, Ph.D., a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF, said, “It is alarming that we keep seeing certain chemicals travel from pregnant women to their children, which means these chemicals can be with us for generations,” she said. 

A former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientist, Woodruff directs the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment (PRHE) and the Environmental Research and Translation for Health (EaRTH) Center, both at UCSF.

The 109 toxic chemicals researchers found in the blood samples from pregnant women and their newborns are found in many different types of products. For example, 40 are used as plasticizers, 28 in cosmetics, 25 in consumer products, 29 as pharmaceuticals, 23 as pesticides, three as flame retardants, and seven are poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds, which are used in carpeting, upholstery, and other applications. The researchers say it’s possible there are also other uses for all of these chemicals.  

The researchers report that 55 of the 109 chemicals they tentatively identified appear not to have been previously reported in people:  

  • 1 is used as a pesticide (bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidini-4-y) decanedioate) 
  • 2 are PFASs (methyl perfluoroundecanoate, most likely used in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics; 2-perfluorodecyl ethanoic acid) 
  • 10 are used as plasticizers (e.g. Sumilizer GA 80 – used in food packaging, paper plates, small appliances) 
  • 2 are used in cosmetics 
  • 4 are high production volume (HPV) chemicals  
  • 37 have little to no information about their sources or uses (e.g., 1-(1-Acetyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-dodecylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione, used in manufacturing fragrances and paints—this chemical is so little known that there is currently no acronym—and (2R0-7-hydroxy-8-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-methoxy-2-,3-dihydrochromen-4-one (Acronym: LL-D-253alpha), for which there is limited to no information about its uses or sources 

“It’s very concerning that we are unable to identify the uses or sources of so many of these chemicals,” Woodruff said. “EPA must do a better job of requiring the chemical industry to standardize its reporting of chemical compounds and uses. And they need to use their authority to ensure that we have adequate information to evaluate potential health harms and remove chemicals from the market that pose a risk.” 

Why is PFAS important?

PFAS are found in a wide range of consumer products that people use daily such as cookware, pizza boxes, and stain repellents [2]. Most people have been exposed to PFAS. Certain PFAS can accumulate and stay in the human body for long periods of time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. The most-studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA and PFOS. Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animals. The most consistent findings are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to:

  • low infant birth weights,
  • effects on the immune system,
  • cancer (for PFOA), and
  • thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS).

PFAS can be found in:

  • Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
  • Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs).
  • Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing, or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
  • Drinking water is typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g., manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, firefighter training facility).
  • Living organisms, including fish, animals, and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.

7 Steps to Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Chemicals are part of our lives, thanks to the products we are using and consuming. But you can always reduce these chemicals by minimizing their use [3]. Here’s how:

  1. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
    1. It’s cheap to make non-toxic cleaners from safe and effective ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
    2. Certain chemicals in cleaning products have been linked to reduced fertility, birth defects, increased risk of breast cancer, asthma, and hormone disruption.
  2. Avoid Fragrance
    1. Shop for cleaners, laundry detergents, and personal care products labeled “fragrance-free” Warning: “Unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free!
    2. Fragrance can be made up of hundreds of chemicals, which companies are legally allowed to keep secret. Common fragrance chemicals include phthalates (linked to reproductive and developmental harm) and allergens.
  3. Give Your Personal Care Products a Makeover
    1. Read the label to avoid chemicals like parabens, sodium Laureth sulfate, and oxybenzone
    2. Personal care products contain a wide variety of chemicals, including some known to be of concern and many that lack research to prove safety for women’s health. These products are applied directly to our skin where they are easily absorbed into our bodies.
    3. Oxybenzone: An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cellular damage. I recommend wearing skin-protective clothing and using natural minerals or zinc products.
  4. Go “BPA-Free”
    1. Ditch the canned foods when possible and opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead.
    2. Look for products packaged in glass or lined cardboard instead of cans.
    3. Don’t take paper receipts at ATMs, grocery stores, etc. unless you really need them.
    4. BPA has links to breast cancer, reproductive problems, obesity, asthma, tooth decay, early puberty, blood pressure, and heart disease. This chemical, which is commonly found in plastics, mimics the hormone estrogen, wreaking havoc on the body’s systems. What’s worse, studies show that more than 90% of Americans have BPA in their bodies.
  5. Quit the Quats
    1. Reduce your use of disinfectant products.
    2. Avoid antibacterial hand soaps, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products which contain quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Check the front label and avoid products that contain ingredients that include “…onium chloride” in their names, like Benzalkonium chloride.
    3. Quats are skin irritants, can irritate your lungs, and have been linked to asthma, fertility issues, and reproductive harm. The overuse of quats can also lead to the promotion of antibacterial-resistant bacteria (“superbugs”).
  6. Choose Alternatives to Plastics (where possible)
    1. Use glass jars or ceramic bowls to store food.
    2. Never microwave plastic. Wash plastics by hand – not in the dishwasher.
    3. Avoid plastics with recycling symbols #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), and #7 (other) which have greater potential to leach toxins and are difficult to recycle.
    4. Plastic products can contain toxic additives such as phthalates, heavy metals, and other compounds which leach out over time. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known as poison plastic, is found in plastic products from toys and cookware to shower curtains.
  7. Ditch the Air Fresheners
    1. Eliminate odor – Identify the smell and eliminate or prevent it. Check out our tips for reducing odors around the home.
    2. Open a window – Ventilating your home with outdoor air has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with asthma, allergies, and infections.
    3. Set out a bouquet of fresh or dried flowers to add a floral scent to your home.
    4. Simmer herbs or spices on the stove. Try seasonal alternatives like pine cones, pine needles, or cinnamon.
    5. Air fresheners add unnecessary chemicals to your home including ones that may disrupt your hormones.

To watch the full episode, click here for Ep. 44 and learn more on how you can avoid toxic chemicals 👇

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Intro and topic introduction
01:00 – Micro toxins
02:15 – Bluetooth radiation and invisible electronic signals
04:05 – A study on chemicals
10:00 – Toxins found in our everyday items
11:09 – Dangers of non-stick cookware
13:32 – Why PFAs are important
18:00 – Be wary of what you consume
18:26 – 7 Steps to Avoid Toxic Chemicals
20:19 – It’s like lifting weights
20:45 – Be fragrance-free
25:07 – Personal products makeover
28:27 – Go BPA-free
29:45 – Quit the Quats
31:35 – Choose Alternatives to Plastic
32:32 – Ditch Air Fresheners
36:45 – Be mindful of the products you are using!

 

EP 84: How to Pass The NCLEX

EP 84: How to Pass The NCLEX

EP 84: How to Pass the NCLEX

Taking an exam as important as NCLEX can be exciting. But how to pass the NCLEX like a pro? What are the exact steps you have to take to your success in passing this examination?

With the right preparation, passing the exam is absolutely attainable for every nursing school graduate out there. In our podcast episode, we explain some of our best strategies for studying, planning, and taking the NCLEX.

COVID-19 Impact on NCLEX

Ensure social distancing measures are in effect, as well as increase the number of candidates that can test daily. The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations will be administered until Sept. 30, 2020, as follows:

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) will still be used:

  • The minimum number of test items will be 75 (15 of those will be the pretest). Previously It was a minimum of 75 questions with a max of 265
  • The maximum number of test items will be 145
  • The maximum testing time will be 5 hours
  • The difficulty level and passing standard have not changed

In 2018, the pass rate for 1st-time test takers with a Bachelor’s degree was about 92%, compared to an 85% pass rate with an Associate’s degree. This is all from our NCLEX study guide on page 4. 

What is the NCLEX?

So, you graduated from nursing school? As you know, you’re far from celebrating just yet. It felt like the hard part is just beginning. You need to study and pass your NCLEX. 

The NCLEX, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test every state’s regulatory board determines if a candidate is ready to become a licensed nurse. The NCLEX is used to determine if it’s safe for you to begin practicing as an entry-level nurse.

Start preparing as soon as you finish school

Starting your studying too early/while you are still in school (and studying for exams) may cause burnout and lead to a more stressful NCLEX studying experience. On the other hand, if you take off a large amount of time in between school and NCLEX studying, you’ll start to forget key information you learned in nursing school that’s needed for the NCLEX.

We suggest waiting 2 months max to take the test. All that knowledge is still fresh in your mind and it’s a perfect time frame to plan out an effective study plan. Order your study material during the last couple of weeks of school to ensure you have all your resources ready for the upcoming weeks of studying

Read over the National Council of State Boards of Nursing detailed test plan (there is an overview of what you’ll be tested on and what percentage of the test is made up of what topics. For now, the NCLEX has 4 major categories, and the percentage is broken down on our NCLEX study guide.

Study Schedule 

Create a schedule that reinforces studying. For the next 1-2 months, your time revolves around studying. Aim for 3-4 hrs a day, if you can do more, that’s even better. Studying for 4 hrs a day gives you 120 hrs of studying a month, average human life is a little over 700,000 hrs and a typical work week is 40+ hours, just to give you a perspective for anyone that thinks that is a lot of studying.

Study Material

Study materials will depend on your learning style.

Flashcards: You can take them anywhere. Separate the ones you know and the ones you get wrong, and focus more on the ones you get wrong. These are really good for labs and meds.

Sticky notes: use these as another way to go over the things you struggle with. Write down what you keep getting wrong and post them on your bedroom mirror or a place you commonly stay in.

Notebook: Write down key topics and rationales. Separate them into categories so you are not looking all over the place. Being organized is key. A notebook is great because you can quickly look back on rationales, key points, and information as a quick reference. Another benefit is you are writing what you are learning which is another study style that will increase memorization.

Study groups 

Creating a study schedule, have you used one? Find a place to study, a place that won’t have many distractions. The place we have found to be most beneficial is the Library. This way you separate your personal life from your study life. You go to the library for 1 specific thing only, that is to study. Once you leave, you’re done studying, look at it as if it is your office and your 9-5 job.

Why do study groups work effectively? 

Forming study groups is a very effective strategy for enhancing learning. This is because groups share unique insights and learn from each other. Group members can also teach confusing concepts they understand to other group members. 

Study groups are particularly effective for completing projects, developing presentations, and preparing for exams. Study groups can help improve your notes by comparing class lecture notes. You can then fill in any information or important concept you missed during the lecture.

Study groups also allow you to have stronger support systems and can help how to pass the NCLEX. We all know how stressful nursing school can be. Joining or forming a study group is a great way to give and receive motivation and support from fellow students and group members. And if you become sick or are unable to attend class, you can get notes from members of your study group.

Cramming for an exam? No problem, study groups can help you cover more material. Working in groups makes it possible to focus on more concepts since multiple people can review more material than just one. Lastly, it makes studying easier and more fun! It’s a great way to liven up your studying sessions. 

Developing an effective study group

These are our recommendations to develop an effective study group!

How many people? 

It’s recommended to keep study groups between 4 to 6 people. People often socialize too much and cannot cover as much material in smaller groups. In bigger groups, some group members do not contribute as much and organization can be a problem.

Who?

The most effective study is completed in study groups composed of members with the common goal of earning good grades. Like-minded people, you need to be around those that take extensive notes, clear up confusion, and can ask questions to contribute. 

Where?

The location for studying can play a part in how to pass the NCLEX. It is best to study in environments without distractions and areas where group members can communicate freely. I always loved to reserve time in the library or parts of the college with a few couches and a quiet environment. 

When?

Usually, you want to plan around exams. I used to always have study groups the day before or the day of the exam session. Our study groups were effective at reviewing all the material before the exam and finishing up last-minute confusion. 

Maximize the value of the group session by setting clear expectations and goals. Prior to each session, group members should discuss what they hope to achieve, so that the session is productive and stays on track.

Focus – Keep your eye on the prize 

How do you promote focus, what’s the secret? Focusing on one given task at a time. Our current society makes everything so dam distracting. Everything is calling out to grab your attention. It’s time to cancel out all that noise. You need to put quality time and energy into passing the NCLEX. That’s how it’s done. 

Here’s how to pass your NCLEX, click on the full video 👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro
00:41 – Overview
05:01– What is NCLEX
07:35 – How to Prepare
11:50 – Navy Seal Mindset
13:44 – Choosing study material
16:01 – Flashcards
17:23 – Study methods
19:49 – Study groups
21:19 – Effective Study Groups
22:50 – Pick your poison
23:59 – Study with Friends
26:42 – Keep Focus
28:43 – Secret Plan
34:24 – Final Thoughts

 

How Does it Feel to Take the NCLEX

How Does it Feel to Take the NCLEX

Our Personal NCLEX Experience

To become an official nurse, one must take the NCLEX exams and obtain their license. Here’s our own experience as we went through the process. 

Education and Background

We did our prerequisites at a community college for two years and then attended a university for another two years to receive our Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN. Many of you will be coming from a BSN program, but some of you will come from an and, or even overseas. 

But it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from or what degree you have. The NCLEX exam will still be the same. You don’t automatically become a nurse by graduating from nursing school. The NCLEX is your final step.

Many people pass nursing school and get stuck on the NCLEX, and that’s okay. You can make multiple attempts, and you’ll succeed if you work hard and focus. There are also people that pass on their first attempt with a minimal amount of questions.

The key takeaway is to get it done and pass. 

How We Felt About the NCLEX

In the beginning, we felt the same way as everyone else: stressed! Once you graduate, you realize that it’s time to study for and pass the biggest and most important exam of your life. Everyone is nervous!

The best way to calm your nerves is to slowly ease yourself into it. Look up some free Qbanks online to familiarize yourself with the format. Remember, it’s just an exam. It isn’t going to eat you up. 

Before you dive deep into studying, make sure you’re having fun in your free time. This will provide an escape from studying and thinking about the NCLEX. You have to be able to relax to pass the exam.

Some nurses have struggled to pass the NCLEX because all they did was study and didn’t take time off for themselves. Learn what helps you relax. 

Here are a few things you can do to relax:

  • Work out
  • Go to a sauna/steam room
  • Meditate
  • Do yoga
  • Make a change in your environment
  • Enjoy free time

Whatever helps you reduce your stress as your NCLEX date approaches is good preparation. You’ll feel more confident and be more likely to pass.

Driving to the test center is not hard mentally, but once you finally walk in and sit down, your cortisol starts to increase. Remember to stay calm and understand that you’ve taken multiple practice exams almost identical to the one you’ll be taking.

In general, we felt confident and both passed the NCLEX on our first attempt. 

Post-NCLEX

Once you’ve completed the exam, you must wait a few days to get your results. Those days will be some of the longest in your life. We were nervous during those days as well, but once you get your results, you feel a giant sense of relief.

Finally, you can practice nursing! If you didn’t pass on your first attempt, that’s okay. You’ll get there. 

Didn’t Pass the NCLEX?

We know tons of nurses that had to retake the exam, and they’re some of the best nurses we’ve ever seen. If you didn’t pass, it’s time to take a week’s break and then repeat the process with extra effort.

You may need to devote more time to it or use multiple studying methods such as Qbank and audio formats or even reading. Don’t get discouraged. Study harder and smarter, and you’ll pass.

Overall, the NCLEX is a hard exam, and studying for it is not easy. Studying takes a lot of time. But it’s something you have to do.

When it comes to stressing about the NCLEX, realize that it’s normal. You need to devote not only time to studying but for yourself as well. This will keep you motivated and prevent you from burning out.

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!