ATI and their subsequent remediations were incredibly challenging this semester. However, they will help me prepare for the NCLEX when I sit for my boards. I saw some improvement over time on my ATI scores and recently surprised myself by doing decently well on a CAT exam for pediatrics (which was shocking…as pediatrics is not my strong suit). I learned to slow my thinking down a bit, as it’s not a race while answering questions. This helped me think more thoughtfully about my answers so I could really evaluate my understanding of the concept at hand. I do still take exams relatively quickly, so it is still a work in progress.
The content gaps highlighted in my ATI remediation review helped me look into concepts I seemed to not grasp as well as I needed to. The ATI resources usually were my go-to for concept gaps. However, the Lippincott textbook was also very helpful when reading up on things I was not totally understanding. I noticed that previous concepts that needed to be remediated slowly dissipated as I progressed through the semester.
In terms of self-care, if I am being honest, I could have worked on that. I did not get as much sleep as I likely needed and I work full-time most weeks. I did, however, take time every day to work out which really helps my stress levels. I also am an avid rock climber and decided that this semester I wanted to take at least one day out of the week to rock climb. Though there were things I could have worked on, like consistently getting more sleep, I am proud that I took some time to do things I enjoy while still being somewhat busy throughout the semester. I know it could always be worse, and there are people in my class who really struggle for time.
I am happy to reflect that this class was incredibly helpful for my growth as a new graduate nurse. I know that ATI can be tedious; however, I am happy to take them as I understand that it will help me in the long term when it comes to passing my NCLEX the first time. Some of the questions asked on the practice tests were helpful in my general knowledge of the practice. I am certain that a scenario will pop up in my nursing career where ATI will come in handy. I am excited to move along in nursing and to finally finish nursing school!
Thank you so much, Jo, for your thoughtful reflection on how all of the work you’ve put in, the strategies you’ve employed, and the balance you’ve tried to strike between work and play have contributed to your success this semester. These are wonderful lessons learned to apply to your new career as a nurse! I really appreciate you sharing that you have found value in the ATI remediations, as tedious as they can be (well said!).