Prepare for Transition

It is incredible how quickly time has passed since I began my nursing journey just one year ago. Reflecting back on the past year and thinking about my future generates a lot of mixed emotions. While I am extremely eager to graduate and practice as a registered nurse, my anxiety reminds me of the assignments, exams, and responsibilities that must be completed in such a short amount of time. Over the next ten weeks, I will need to ensure I hold myself accountable so that I am able to stay on track with my schoolwork as well as my preparation for the NCLEX. I will do so by utilizing the same SMART goal method used when composing goals for patients. On Sunday mornings, I will start my week by writing down my weekly goals, assignments, and class schedule; ensuring that these goals are specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time sensitive. Additionally, I will document my progress to help keep me motivated each week. 

While I have a lot of concerns regarding these next few months, I am most uneasy about taking the NCLEX. Even after sixteen months of rigorous school work and education, I cannot become a licensed nurse until I pass this exam. Fortunately, I have a lot of resources to help guide my studying and preparation for the exam. The ATI Nurse Logic 2.0 Modules have been especially helpful. These modules focus on test taking strategies that can help the test taker answer correctly by utilizing both their knowledge and key concepts within the question. Utilizing such methods have and will continue to support my success with ATI assignments and NCLEX preparation. 

As I think about the future, I am most excited to begin practicing as a registered nurse. No matter where I am, I know the day I step into my first patient’s room and introduce myself as their nurse will be the most rewarding. While I recognize that these next few months will be challenging, I know I will appreciate where all of the hard work will take me.