โWhen you feel like quitting, remember why you startedโโฃ
When I was over stuDYING for the NCLEX, I would remind myself that NCLEX was just another step in my journey so I can start caring for patients as a nurse. โฃ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌโฃ ~ U World & Rationalesโฃ โฃ~ Mark Klimek Audio Lectures & Notes
๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐๐ฅ๐ฌโฃ ~ 100-150 Questions a dayโฃ ~ Write rationales for each question I got wrong, even the ones that I got right. Rationales are the best way to study for NCLEX. You won’t remember the specific questions on UWorld, but you will remember the rationales for why you should ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐ง๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฃ. I also used my rationales to pinpoint patterns of types of questions & content I was tested on. โฃ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ๐๐งโฃ ~ Three Weeks to Studyโฃ ~ On UWorld I didnโt do the questions based on categories (prioritization, etc) I chose to do a comprehensive test each timeโฃ ~ I started with 75 question tests at a time, but after I completed my test & reviewed my rationales, I was so exhausted I wouldnโt want to study anymore for the rest of the day. My average scores were 40-50% when I did 75q tests at a timeโฃ ~ So I started doing 10/20/30 question tests at a time & I continued reviewing/writing rationales after each test. My scores improved dramatically (60-80%) & I was learning so much more (less burnout)โฃ ~ I would make a goal for 50-75 questions in the morning, break in the afternoon, then another 50-75 questions in the evening. My goal of 100-150 questions a day completed!!โฃ โฃ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌโฃ ~ Notebook/White paper to organize my notes of rationales. Noticing patterns & seeing areas where I was weak & improving upon them was SO helpfulโฃ ~ Having time for self-care, doing something fun, was major ๐ I needed that time to step away from the stress of studyingโฃ
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I have gotten a couple of requests on my Instagram Account @thenurserah https://www.instagram.com/thenurserah/ to share the residency program spreadsheets I have been using to find new grad programs in California. It’s hard as a new grad to know how much opportunity there is out there, but there are seriously a lot of hospitals in California with new grad residency programs.
Which programs you apply to depends on a variety of factors. I would use the spreadsheets as a way to organize which new grad programs you are interested in. For example, I would select a hospital I was interested in and go directly to that hospital’s website to learn more about their new grad program. The hospital’s website is the gold standard for accurate information. When researching, I would look for key details like when the program opens, what the requirements are, etc. and I would organize this information in my Residency Template that I am sharing with you.
thenurserah Residency Template
The first excel sheet, thenurserah Residency Template, is a template I made when I was applying to new grad programs. Since it is a template, you’ll be able to fill out the information for the specific new grad programs you are interested in. I also included a check-off list in the template of itemsmost often required in your application packet. Your application packet essentially becomes your portfolio when you go in for your interviews. Your application packet should include: Your resume, Cover Letter, Letter of Recommendations, and Licenses/Certifications/Special Projects. I included unofficial transcripts on the checklist because these are usually a required document in the application process, so it’s helpful to have them. However, it may not be necessary to include them in your portfolio. Also, the work experience doc & the licenses/certifications doc on the check-off list are word documents you can make so that the information is ready to plug into applications, they are not for your portfolio.
California Residency Programs 60 TotalCA Residency Programs Separated by Health System
The last two excel sheets I didn’t make myself. Two wonderful people on a Facebook group that I follow posted them online. The Facebook group I follow is called RNInterview Tools; before I knew anything about new grad programs, I got a lot of my information from this page. The excel sheets below are filled with tons of new grad programs. Filter through them and start adding the ones you select onto your spreadsheet. Make sure you do your research on the hospital website as well. I wish you all the best in your search for a new grad program!
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Spreadsheet of pediatric new grad programs with important information such as when an application opens
Folders for each organization I am applying to include:
Resume
Cover letter
Information about the specific hospital
Word docs with information I can copy & paste into an application
One includes information usually asked on the application about work experience including contact information for supervisors, addresses, so it’s super easy to copy & paste
Another includes info about all my licenses & certifications, so it’s easy to enter information about them like license #, expiration date, etc
Being Resourceful
Reaching out, asking my friends, family, and other people who’ve been in my position for advice
It might be nerve-racking at first, but I’ve only gotten positive feedback
Shoutout to my amazing support system
Career Services at my university has been a huge help
My resume, cover letter, & interview skills have greatly benefited from their advice
Websites to follow
newgradnursehelp.com They have a ton of new grad programs posted on here from all around the U.S, super helpful if you are starting to look at new grad programs in your area
Facebook.com Believe it or not, I’m using FB & here’s how. I follow a bunch of New Grad Facebook groups where people ask questions and post resources all of the time. When I didn’t know a thing about applying to jobs as a new grad, I got a lot of my information from these groups
Grammarly.com Honestly, this app has been a lifesaver when it comes to quickly checking for errors in my writing. SO helpful
Practicing Self- Care
Facemasks, trips to Lush Cosmetics, spending time with family, playing tennis, and more
Self-care means to me that I do what is best for me
Today it was cleaning my room, oh my gosh, believe me when I say the laundry pile was out of this world
Believing in myself
My dream is to be a pediatric nurse, and I keep telling myself that what is meant for me will be
the nurse serah 