Often students talk about what they will do when they no longer have to show up for lecture or clinical.  Frequently they state that they will sleep till noon, and go have some fun.  Several graduates say that taking a break will give them the opportunity to refresh their spirits and revitalize themselves. Despite thinking they know what they are going to do once graduated, many graduate VN students find themselves momentarily lost.    What do with all my free time? The majority of students return quickly to the work force taking whatever job they can find so they can fill their gas tanks and replenish their empty checking accounts.  Often students take a trip or short vacation before they settle into the largest task of all… Reviewing and preparing to take the NCLEX licensing exam.  Some schools provide NCLEX review, and those that are not offered this prep class scurry to attend 3-7 day NCLEX review classes. 

The very best advice for any new graduate is to take a break from the books for at least a one week.  Set your goal to take the NCLEX within 8 weeks of graduation.  Statistics have shown that those who test within the first few months of graduation do much better on state board .

Once rested, quickly open the review book and start pounding away at the review questions.  If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay.  The rational is given in the back and many students learn quickly from the review questions.  Be strategic in your study plan.  Study those topics (systems) that you hate.  Remember when you like a topic (system) most likely you are already proficient in that area.  Don’t waste your time going over material that you feel comfortable with.  Remember not to spend countless hours at this.  Set a timer for 45 minutes and when it rings, pull yourself away and go do something else and then return to task and reset for timer for another 45 minutes. 

It is also important for new graduates to complete an IV therapy certification course.  Those VN graduates that are hopeful to work in acute areas of the hospital need to complete a basic arrhythmia course, Advance cardiac life support  (ACLS) as well as Pediatric advanced life support (PALS).  Many states offer an opportunity to work with an interim permit, which will allow the new VN graduate to function  as a vocational nurse pending  state licensure.

Many new graduates are anxious to continue on with their education and seek educational counseling to prepare themselves for entering an RN program.  There are many online programs now available for those that are self motivated and indepenedent knowlege seekers.  These programs pave the way to complete higher degrees such as RN, BSN, MSN, NP, and CNS.

Of course for the majority of graduate nurses the next few months will be spent returning to past lives, reuniting with family and friends.  The biggest adjustment of course will be once they land a postition, to be able to multi-task and complete assignments timely, and be willing to ask questions of their mentors.  It is vital the newly licensed nurse accept that there is a new learning curve  and only with time on the job will they gain a sence of confidence.