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Becoming a Registered Nurse: BSN or ADN?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (RN) jobs will increase by 19 percent through 2022—faster than average for all occupations. But the educational paths to nursing are varied. Which one should you choose? Should you pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)? Let’s take a look: […]

5 Ways to Avoid Medication Errors

Nurses administer hundreds of medications to their patients on a regular basis and are responsible for patient safety. Thus, medication administration becomes a major challenge, as nurses struggle to keep up with all the latest pharmaceutical advances and medications on the market. According to the American Nurses Association (2017), medication errors are one of the […]

How to Ace Alternate-Style Questions on the NCLEX-RN

Now that you’ve done all the hard work at nursing school, it’s time to prove you’re really ready to become a nurse. To do that, you’ll have to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Are you ready? You’ll take the NCLEX-RN on a computer at a Pearson VUE test center, answering questions that show you can apply […]

What's Tested on the NCLEX-RN?

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) determines if it’s safe for you to begin your practice as an entry-level nurse. While nursing school exams are knowledge-based, the NCLEX-RN® tests application and analysis using the nursing knowledge you learned in school. You will be tested on how you can use critical thinking skills to make […]

How to Pursue Nursing as a Second Career

Jacqueline Molina decided to pursue a nursing career after teaching for three years. Here is her experience on how she pursued nursing as her second career. I remember my last day as a New York City high school teacher like it was yesterday. Soon, I would be embarking on a whole new adventure called nursing school, all […]

How to Master Medication Calculation Math

For those of you who are in the application phase of nursing school or have yet to take your first medication calculation test, here it is in a nutshell—an assessment of your ability to correctly and accurately calculate and administer medication dosages safely to patients. Topics covered are oral medications, parenteral medications, reconstituting, weight based […]

Tips for Retaking the NCLEX

Failing the NCLEX-RN on your first go does not mean your career as a registered nurse is over. There’s still hope if you don’t pass. With the right attitude and preparation, a setback can actually be a setup for your future success. By asking yourself the right questions and learning from your mistakes, you may […]

5 Therapeutic Communication Strategies for the Mentally Ill Client

Therapeutic communication is one of the most difficult things for nurses to master when caring for those who are trying to cope with the stressors of disease, illness, and even the loss of life. Finding the right things to say in times of great distress is one of the key elements in establishing a therapeutic […]

What to Know Before Your First Day of Nursing School

Congratulations! You’ve earned your coveted seat in an exclusive nursing school program. Now what? Aside from the usual first day of nursing school jitters you may experience, your new life as a nursing student can be extremely exciting and terrifying at the same time. Here are some helpful tips to get your feet wet before […]

How to Succeed at Medical-Surgical Nursing

Ah, medical-surgical nursing. Most nursing students refer to this course as “med-surg.” It is typically offered in two semesters, depending on your program, and focuses on the different body systems and disease processes, signs and symptoms testing, treatments, and nursing interventions. Med-surg nursing comes as a challenge to most nursing students, even for those intending to become medical-surgical […]