Tips for a new grad?

[Trisha G.]

Hi everyone!

I will be graduating with an ADN in December! I am very excited, but also scared. Does anyone have any tips to help my transition from student to an RN?

Thanks!

[Kdog]

When you find a job, hospital orientation will help you transition.

[Ricu]

If you're taking the NCLEX, remember to prepare and study for it. Do not cram.

On the NCLEX, remember that you are being tested on basic nursing knowledge. Concentrate on the wording of the question paying close attention to what is being asked. Do not jump to conclusions because there will be logical wrong answers. This isn't meant to be misleading but rather to cause you to correctly interpret the information provided. Read every answer before choosing and once decided, don't change your answer.

In my experience, the best way to prepare for this exam and others like it is to do computer based practice exams- as many as you can tolerate. Don't struggle with studying notes before you take these practice exams because you don't know what you don't know. After the practice test, you will see where your weaknesses are and can then do focused review. I always find reading the question rationales very helpful.

Good luck,

R