Wise Words....

 Don't take anything personally. Don't take that asschewing from Doctor I-Never-Want-To-Hear-Your-Opinion-Because-I-Am-God-And-Therefore-Infallible to heart. Don't be disheartened when you hear you've been written up, or that other nurses are talking shit. This is the HARDEST thing I've had to learn and I still struggle with it every day. But the fact of the matter is, people are going to talk shit about you for whatever reason: You're new. You know more. You're cuter. Your scrubs are too tight. You called in sick the past two days. You hit the keys too loud when you type. Your hair is a weird shade of brown. This happens. Let it roll off your back, be secure in what you know and what you don't, what you're comfortable with and what you aren't, and learn how to assertively (not aggressively) advocate for yourself. Other people's opinions of you not a reflection of you, but of them......Mojo,RN

Knee Pain Illustration....

Tips to keep your Brain Fit....

 Exercise—Physically active people can reduce their risk of dementia by 30 to 40 percent. Weight Training—Studies have shown that resistance training can increase brain growth factors, which protect nerve cells.

 Learn Something New—Challenging your brain does in fact increase the number of brain cells and the connections between them. 

Relax—Regular, chronic stress can lead to impaired memory because it floods your brain with cortisol.

 Go Greek—Eating a diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans (otherwise known as a Mediterranean diet) has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 34 to 48 percent in Columbia University studies. 

Spice It Up— Many herbs and spices are high in antioxidants, which may help build brainpower. Set a Goal—Having a clear path or mission in life can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. 

Socialize—People who need people, well, they may be protected against dementia because social interaction provides emotional and mental stimulation. 

Reduce Other Risk Factors—Many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, have been linked with an increased risk of dementia. 

Take a Vitamin—Declines in digestive acids or as a result of medication interference can inhibit your absorption of some of the nutrients you need from foods, particularly B12, which can affect your brain’s vitality. Incorporate some or all of these tips into your daily life and you will be doing your part to keep your mind sharp and your brain active long into your golden years.....

NCLEX EXAM ADVICE.....

I READ THIS ON A WEBSITE TODAY...AND WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU....NEVER THINK THAT YOUR DEFEATED...OR YOU WILL BE...KEEP UP THE HARD WORK!!! AND NEVER EVER, GIVE UP!!

"OK OK ...THIS IS MY 6th TIME TAKING THE NCLEX-RN EXAM.... PLEASE DONT DOUBT ME.. I KNOW I CAN DO THIS AND ACCOMPLISH IT !!!!  I HAVE NO DOUBT, AND WILL NOT GIVE UP.. I JUST PAID FOR MY NEXT NCLEX EXAM LAST NIGHT.... I HAVE 4 WEEKS TILL I AM GIVEN A DATE TO TAKE THE EXAM..........SO HELP ME OUT AND GIVE ME YOUR PRAYERS OFCOURSE..................

THERE IS NOTHING ELSE I WANT TO BE IN THE WORLD... THAN BECOME A NURSE........SO ... DONT TALK ME OUT OF IT.. OR SAY I SHOULD GIVE UP... CAUSE THAT WILL NEVER BE AN OPTION FOR ME... SO TELL ME WHAT TO DO............

I NEED ALL THE SUPPORT I CAN GET.................ANONYMOUS 





FINAL STEPS TO SUCCESS!
SLEEP

Make sure you get plenty of sleep leading up to the exam.�

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Your priority should be to get to bed early and get a good night’s rest.  Alcohol will not enhance your performance in the exam and you have worked too hard to get this far to make the day more difficult than it needs to be. Also watch out for excessive caffeine intake, as this may make it difficult to settle down and concentrate during the exam.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Dress in layers for maximum comfort. The exam centre is air-conditioned and you may feel too warm or too cool at times during the exam.  Also take some high-energy natural sugar food such as apples, bananas, nuts or trail mix and a bottle of water for the 10-minute mandatory break, which you will have to take after 2 hours of testing.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Once in front of the computer, take time to read the introductory screens. A scratch card will be provided, so you can make notes to yourself on key points to remember and you can also do maths calculations as needed. There is also a drop down calculator as part of the exam.

READ CAREFULLY

Once you begin the test questions, be sure to read each question carefully and read all the answer choices before you make a selection.  Don't allow the level of anxiety to cause you to rush to finish. You have 6 hours to answer as many questions as necessary. There is no problem if you are the last one in the test centre; this is not a race.

LAST QUESTION OF 265

If you sit for the total possible questions of 265, you must pay careful attention to the last question.  If you pass the last question you will pass the whole exam, if you fail the last question.  This is because at 264 questions without the computer shutting down you still have not shown your ability enough for your exam to be over and so the outcome is based on the last question!  Tough but true.�

ONE AT A TIME

Expect to feel like you are only getting half the questions correct. Even if you are performing far above the passing level, remember that the NCLEX test is designed to challenge to your test knowledge, so you should expect to only get about half of them right. Just keep going and concentrate on one question at a time.  Focus on what is on the screen and you'll be much more likely to give an accurate answer. 

CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY

Be confident in the time and preparation you have invested in preparing for the exam.  You have done well to get to this stage.  Remind yourself of all you can achieve; a positive attitude is crucial to a successful exam outcome!

Also remember

• Read the questions and every option thoroughly and carefully! Ask yourself, what is the question really asking?�
• Pay attention to KEY words (example: Early, late, never, best, immediately, initial).�
• Use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory guide you in prioritizing (example: Physiological needs come first).�
• Use ABCs to prioritize(Airway, Breathing, Circulation)�
• Use the Nursing Process to prioritize (Assessment, Analysis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation)�
• Always focus on the client's feelings FIRST! If an answer reflects the client's feelings, select that answer!�
• Know the six rights of Medication Administration (Right client, dosage, route, time, drug, documentation).
•  You are always taking care of a patient.�
•  NCLEX is not the "real world".�
•  Don't pass the buck – this is a nursing exam and therefore it is testing the RN’s knowledge, not the role or responsibilities of other health professionals.
• Take care of the patient first and then the equipment.�
•  Memorize lab values.
•  Communicate therapeutically.�
•  Learn your positions and how to answer positioning questions - are you trying to PREVENT or PROMOTE something
• Don't ever delegate assessment, teaching, or evaluation to anyone else – these are the RN’s responsibility