MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: May/June 2008

More than 550 senior nursing students get tips on NCLEX preparation at MNA’s transition programs

The MNA sponsored three educational programs for senior nursing students entitled “The Real Nursing World – Transition from Student to RN” in March and April.

The programs provided senior nursing students with strategies for the transition from student to professional nurse and offered an exclusive job fair for new graduate nurses. The programs were held March 26 in Worcester, April 3 in Springfield, and April 9 in Randolph. The MNA has offered this type of program for a number of years and the response from faculty and students continues to increase annually.

		Sara Barnum, RN, M.S., senior faculty at Test Preparation Specialist goes over literature with program participant.

The highlight of this year’s programs was the return of Don Anderson CMSRN, MSN, Ed.D. Anderson shared some of his strategies for successfully preparing and passing the NCLEX boards. A recognized leader in NCLEX preparation, Anderson is the owner of Test Preparation Specialist.

Program attendees were enthusiastic and eager to learn from the panel of recent graduates, as well. The programs were deemed a huge success by the students as reflected in their evaluations of the three events.

The programs were free of charge to all senior nursing students and instructors. Area hospitals and other healthcare facilities were invited and prior to the program discussed new-graduate orientation programs and employment opportunities. This mini job fair proved to be a successful recruitment venue for many nurse recruiters in the area.

This year’s effort made it possible for more than 550 senior nursing students to share in this exciting opportunity and take full advantage of a timely learning experience.

Plans are in the works for our 2009 transition programs to be held next April. If you would like more information about this remarkable opportunity, contact Carol Mallia RN, MSN, associate director, Department of Nursing at 781.830.5744 or cmallia@mnarn.org.