Do you believe that a certain personality makes a “Great” nurse? Let me know. Growing up I always knew that I wanted to work in the health care area. I dreamed of becoming a pediatrician to be exact. I don’t know why I was stuck on that profession. But I knew in my heart I loved to help others. It brought me joy knowing that I could do something, anything to help someone.
Now if you can agree with me, that you know of a few people whose personality doesn’t quite fit the “ideal” image of a nurse. Nevertheless, that doesn’t negate their impact as a Registered Nurse.
Personally for me, I was always very shy. I didn’t find myself talking much in class. I knew the answers but somehow I kept it all to myself. As I got deeper into the nursing program, I realized that I couldn’t be this shy individual anymore. I had to open my mouth and be heard. I had to speak up and let others know that I have thoughts and opinions. I knew that as a nurse I have to be an advocate for my patients and I can’t be a shy nurse when it comes down to that.
Life is filled with lessons. I learned that we all live in this world to grow and adapt. So if you are in nursing school right now and you were wondering if being shy would hinder you…well you will probably find out that you will push the shyness away as you get closer and closer to your goals.
How has it changed you? How has being a repeat tester changed me? Well with any experiences ones mentality and perspectives will change. Being a repeat tester has changed me mentally, physically and spiritually.
After taking an exam like NCLEX, how could one not be changed. Hours upon hours, weeks after weeks of studying so much materials. I grew physically tired of it all. But at the end of the day, I had to remember why I am doing all this in the first place. I knew that I wanted to become a Registered Nurse and this is one of the most important steps to get there.
Being a repeat tester has truly made me sit back and become insecure. I didn’t feel as though I was good enough to even pass the NCLEX or become Registered Nurse. Sadly, I grew depressed. I isolated myself from family and friends. I didn’t want to go out to enjoy this thing called life. In my mind, it was NCLEX or nothing and at the time it seemed as though NCLEX was unobtainable. I later learned that when studying for NCLEX becomes overwhelming, please stop and take breaks. It doesn’t matter how long of a break just as long as you get back in the routine to study again.
I learned that making plans for our lives can really set you up for disappointments. God is above everything. He is in control and His timing is always right. I had to learn that while I was a repeat test taker, He was letting me know that I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t fully prepared to move on to the next step. Believe me, it was hard during that time to see or understand it all. I honestly thought that God hated me. But if you are reading this and you are a repeat test taker, don’t give up on God, no matter what. Stay strong and keep going. You will be blessed with your hearts desires but on His timing!!
Hey Nurses!! I love makeup as most girls/women do. As I suffer from occasional acne which decides to appear more frequently than desire, makeup really helps me out. My skin is very stubborn and after being attacked with acne, I’m left with dark acne scars and hyper pigmentation.
As a nurse, most people want to look “more put together”. I know I do. So today I decided to share with you all my makeup routine.
Do you wear makeup? What’s your favorite long wearing foundation? Comment Below
Hey guys, today I will be sharing with you some common mistakes that you could be making which can yield you failing your NCLEX exam. If this is true, please don’t get upset. I am guilty of doing most of these mistakes and I wanted to share them with you to help you all out.
Here are some of the Mistakes
Waiting too long to take the Exam.
What type of learner are you? You aren’t using it to your advantage
You don’t read the rationales.
Nerves taking over. You suffer from Test Anxiety.
You are stuck believing that passing with 75 is the one and only way.
You don’t practice in an NCLEX style like environment.
You rush through the exam or you take too much time.
Studying inconsistently.
Using too many different resources.
Watch the video here for more information.
I hope that you found this helpful. I really want to help as many people as I can because I know how it feels to study really intently and yet somehow still fail. There are things that we are doing that we may not pay much attention to that prevents us from passing. I hope that these mistakes mentioned can be an “eye opener” and you can succeed on your exam. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Hi people!! Today I will share with you some tips on when and how you should round the decimal up or down. It may seem confusing at first, especially while doing your dosage calculation problems. But with my suggestions, you should be fine.
The first thing you want to keep in memory is the decimal place values. Here is a chart I found that is very clear and most importantly helpful.
Note: The numbers to the right of the decimal point are Whole numbers; and they increase in value. Where as the numbers to the left of the decimal point are fractions; and they decrease in value.
-The first place to the right of the decimal is tenths.
-The second place to the right of the decimal is hundredths.
-The third place to the right of the decimal is thousandths.
-The fourth place to the right of the decimal is ten thousandths.
**When doing dosage calculations, its important to consider ONLY three figures after the decimal point. (thousandths)
If there isn’t a whole number in front of the decimal place (.056), always put a zero in front like this (0.056). This helps to avoid errors
Now here is the fun part. Let’s use this as an example, 18.763. Now glance back up at the chart above. Which number is in the tenths place? (7). Which number is in the hundredths place? (6) Which number is in the thousandths place? (3)
Rule: Rounding
Round to the nearest Hundredth place Example: 18.763
1) Find the number in the hundredths place, which is the number 6.
2) Look at the number to the right of the number 6, is that number more or less than 5?
**If the number is 5 or greater , round the number up by one.
**If the number is less than 5, the number remains the same.
Round to nearest hundredth place
0.778 becomes 0.78
0.472 becomes 0.47
3.015 becomes 3.02
2.562 becomes 2.56
Round to the nearest tenth place:
0.89 becomes 0.9
5.71 becomes 5.7
1.42 becomes 1.4
1.65 becomes 1.7
Always pay attention to numbers and what the question is asking you. Here is a number 4.375.
What if the question asks you to write it in the nearest tenths? What would it? (4.4 in tenths).
What about to the hundredths? What would it be? (4.38 in hundredths)
*Don’t round until the end (until you have solved the problem, then you round the number to place in which the question asks of you).
Today I will be showing you how to use the Metric Table to answer your dosage calculation problems. First you must be aware that the Dimensional Analysis is used to help you convert and solve the problems. In order to be able to answer the math problems you must have the Metric Table memorized. Trust me, after you’ve memorized it, you will be able to move quickly and adequately.
Click here to see the video and well as gain access to a copy to memorize.
Now that you have your copy of the Metric Table. The next step is learning how to convert through the units to solve each problem. To convert or make a conversion means to change from one unit to another.
To make conversions within the metric system you need to remember the common conversions such as 1 kg=1000 g, 1 g=1000 mg, 1 mg=1000 msg and 1 L= 1000 mL.
*To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you must divide by moving the decimal three places to the Left.
*To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you must multiply by moving the decimal three places to the Right.
Here are some examples:
Larger to smaller–> 0.50 g= x mg
Remember the conversion is 1 g= 1000 mg. So how will you solve this problem? Don’t forget when going from a larger unit to smaller unit, you must multiply or move decimal to the right. So 0.50 g will equal 500 mg. (You just moved the decimal over to the right three times)
2) Smaller to larger–> 0.08 g= x kg
Remember the conversion is 1 kg= 1000 g. So keep in mind that you are going from a smaller unit to large, therefore you must divide & move the decimal point three places to the Left. 0.08 g = 80 kg
Once you’ve watched the corresponding video, you will find 40 practice questions linked in the Description box.
Delegation is an essential part of nursing as it aids in effective patient care. Without proper nursing skills in delegation, the hospital would be in chaos. Here are some notes I have that may help you as well as some sample questions.
◉DELEGATION-transferring authority & responsibility to another staff member but not accountability.
Delegating tasks to another staff who isn’t an RN, you as the RN is still accountable.
◉SUPERVISING-directing, monitoring and evaluating that the task is accomplished.
You must follow up to ensure that the task was done correctly. Always be specific as far as time and priority of the task being delegated.
Ask yourself: Was the task done correctly? Were the clients needs met?
◉ASSIGNING– the distribution of work among the healthcare team.
RN has the responsibility and accountability for all the work that has to be done.
Must ensure that the staff member has the adequate skill level, any prior experience with similar clients, etc
◉5 RIGHTS OF DELEGATION
Right Task– identify what tasks are appropriate to delegate for each client
Right Communication– RN must give clear, complete communication or directions.
Be specific, tell staff when to report changes
Right Circumstance– Match the staff members skill level to the client’s care need
Right Person– Task must be within the staff member’s scope of practice.
Staff member must have the proper training
Right Supervision– RN supervises or monitors the staff, provides clear directions
RN must state expectations of tasks
Evaluate the outcomes
◉RN:
Do not delegate Teaching, Evaluation, Assessment, IV’s
Does initial assessments
◉LPN/LVN:
Can care for long term clients, Stable clients. (Never “fresh” clients) Can do follow up teaching and assessments. Medication administrations excluding IV’s
Can do trach care, suctioning, check nasogastric tube patency
◉CNA/NAP:
Vital signs on stable clients ,ADLs, Specimen collections, I&Os and established enteral feeding via Gtube (They can do tasks that are routinely done).
A Registered Nurse is delegating activities to the nursing staff. Which activity is least appropriate for the nursing assistant? (p. 346)
Assigning a post cardiac catheterization client who needs to lie flat to eat lunch
Obtaining frequent oral temperatures on client
Accompanying a man being discharged to his transportation to home
Collecting a urine specimen from a client
2) A medication nurse is supervising a newly licensed LPN during the administration of a client with myasthenia gravis. Which observation by the medication nurse would indicate safe practice by the LPN? (p. 341)
Asking the client to lay down on his or her right side
Instructing the client to void before taking medication
Asking the client to take sips of water
Asking the client to look u at the ceiling for 30 seconds
Rationales:
(1) Work that is delegated to others must be done consistent with the individual’s level of expertise and licensure or lack of licensure. The least appropriate task for the CNA would be assisting the post cardiac catheterization client who needs to lie flat to eat lunch. Since the client needs to lay flat, this client is at risk for aspiration.
(3) Myasthenia gravis can affect the client’s ability to swallow. The primary assessment is to determine the client’s ability to handle oral medications or any oral substance. Options 1, 4 are not appropriate. Option 1 would result in aspiration and the client does not need to void before taking this medication.
***Taking from Saunders Q & A Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination edition 3***
Watch corresponding video here:
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I know that once you hear “E-K-G” you might freak out. I know when I was in nursing school I had a huge fear of EKG. It was all lines and more lines in my eyes. Then once NCLEX time came around, I definitely didn’t want to bother with them. But I knew that EKG is very important so I had to be patient with myself and study it.
Please don’t worry if you can’t understand it all in one sitting. Once you are able to break it all down, you will see that its really not that difficult.
What is an EKG?
EKG/ECG– is a drawing or picture of the electrical conduction of the heart.
So just imagine that the strip are tiny photos of the hearts activity and know you have to interpret it.
Depolarization-Contaction
Repolarization-Relaxation
P Wave– Atrial depolarization
QRS Complex-Ventricular Depolarization
Normal QRS Complex- 0.04-0.10 seconds/1-2.5 boxes)
T Wave-Ventricular Repolarization
PR Interval-Atrial Depolarization; the amount of the it takes impulse through the SA node to AV node
Normal PR Interval- 0.12-0.20 seconds/3-4 boxes
ST segment-Early Ventricular Repolarization
Cardiac Tissue
Automaticity-create an impulse (SA node & AV node)
Excitability-the rest of the heart responds to the impulses & then relax
Conductivity-the electrical pattern
Contractility-ability to contract. It’s the mechanical activity of the heart.
Intrinsic Cardiac rates
Sinoatrial/SA node– the battery of the heart. It starts the heart beat.
60=100 bpm
Atrioventricular/AV node– “Back up battery”
40-60 bpm
Bundle of His/Ventricular Purkinje-20-40 bpm
Watch this video to know all about EKG and its components.
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I didn’t get to celebrate immediately after graduating from Nursing School because I had to prepare for the most important exam of my life. If you are currently in nursing school then you know about the pressure. I didn’t get to take a break from studying because I wanted to ensure that I knew all that I could possible to be a great and competent nurse (according to NCLEX). If you have graduated from nursing school then probably you can relate.
I didn’t get to enjoy life after NCLEX with my classmates because I didn’t make it when they did. I didn’t get to experience the emotions of relief and of accomplishment as I was literally left out.
I didn’t get to land my nursing job with others I knew because I didn’t get to move on from NCLEX. I didn’t get to sit down and chat with friends about life after nursing school because I was still stuck.
Life after nursing school…graduation day was a pivotal turning point. I was living life in stagnation. NCLEX was literally a journey for me and during that time I had to learn so much nursing information but most importantly I had to learn a bit more about myself as a person.
Nursing is a career path that is always evolving, so isn’t it important that we too are always changing and adapting as well? I knew that nursing school was something that I always wanted to do. I felt in love with the idea of being able to help make a difference in ones life no matter how big or small. I loved that I could teach others as I learned. I just wanted to become a great nurse to someone.
NCLEX or at least my journey with NCLEX wasn’t the best experience. I literally struggled and yet I never gave up. I was a repeat tester but I don’t and I won’t live my life defined as one. What I’ve learned about NCLEX is that it really weeds out those of us who are really determined, strongly passionate about nursing. Why, because NCLEX isn’t an easy exam but it takes someone who really loves the career to keep going forward to reach their goals.
I didn’t get to live life how I really wanted to. I didn’t get to go out and celebrate the holidays as I planned. I was always studying in hopes of passing this exam. I didn’t want to do anything but work harder on reaching my goals, write that RN behind my name. So I grew isolated and everyone noticed but myself. I gave up a lot to get to where I am today. Since graduation day to this very moment that I am writing this post. Nursing is my passion and I may not have been able to do the things that others were able to do hastily. But in the end, I was able to learn more about myself and my relationship with God.
I had to learn how to slow down, take breaks and breathe. I had to learn that everyones’ timing is different. But you have to believe that God will get you to the finish line but in His timing. To be honest, I still struggle with that, but I’ve learned that by waiting on Gods’ timing, things in life turn out much better than expected.
So if you read this post, I hope that you at least took away one thing. I didn’t get to….do lots of things but I learned to always be patient and wait on God. In the moment, you will grow impatient and upset but He knows it all. Days turns into nights and it will get tough. You may even find yourself, like I did, looking out the window while others are living life and you’re just inside studying. But during that time and afterwards, don’t ever give up.
Things you want may not happen when you envisioned it to take place but if its Gods’ will, it will come to pass. One day, I will share my journey because I know it can inspire someone. You, yes you, have an equally inspiring story too. Please share as much as you want here. It can and will inspire someone.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Please don’t forget to like this post and share it on any social media that you would like. Thanks so much for your time and support. Stay encouraged!!
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