Residency applications can be stressful. Here are important steps to remember when applying.
1. Stay ahead- ask for letters of recommendations during your third year clerkship. Ask every attending that you felt you worked with the most to write you a letter of recommendation. This gives them time to write your letter before 4th year begins. Send me kindly reminders 2 months before applications open.
2. Know the deadlines and opening dates- visit https://services.aamc.org/eras/myeras2014/ to learn more.

3. Fill out the application immedately it is open- even if you do not have all your documentations. This will save you time and last minute run arounds.
4. Save money for application- residency application is expensive.

Over the past weeks i have received several inquiries regarding NCLEX, some are asking about the exams, when the exam is and how to prepare for an NCLEX exam.

NCLEX is an examination process that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) dedication in developing psychometrically sound and legally defensible nurse licensure and certification examinations consistent with current practice.

Here are the steps on becoming a nurse in America:

Step 1: Apply with the State Board of Nursing where you will be practicing.

Step 2: Register with Pearson Vue to schedule your NCLEX location and date. Registration costs $200, plus additional fees if you are taking the NCLEX outside of the U.S.

Step 3: Getting into the Country. This involves immigration, visas, and getting approval to stay and work in the country.

To get more detailed information on how to apply and register for the NCLEX, visit thier site: https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm

In relation to this, we at FTPlectures offers lecture videos series that can help you prepare for the PHYSIOLOGICAL-INTEGRITY/ MED-SURG portion of your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam which includes conditions that nurses treat on a regular basis such as, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, renal diseases, and respiratory diseases. We simplify topics to allow you fully understand the concepts that pose difficulty to you. You do not have memorize concepts anymore. It is high time you learn and understand what you have been taught in nursing school.

Our course covers most of the MED-SURG and pharmacology portion of the NCLEX exam. We do not cover other aspects of the test including health and promotion, maintenance, psycho-social integrity, safe effective care environments. Thousands of nursing students have used our lectures to supplement their studying for the NCLEX by using our video lectures to understand diseases processes and management, pharmacological principles, drugs, drug interactions and toxicities to study.

Last week we discussed the updated information and practice materials for the step 2 examination, this time id like to talk about the best preparation program available in passing the USMLE examinations.

There are various sites that offers review programs for students and physicians to score higher in the examinations for USMLE steps 1 and 2, and Smashusmle.com is one of them.

Smashusmle.com is a review program designed specifically for USMLE step 1 and 2 examinations with detailed clinical explanation videos and images, interactive software and references and also simulated the actual USMLE FRED software to prepare for the board exams.

Smashusmle.com offers:

> High Yield USMLE Video lectures
> Over 2000 + USMLE step 1 and Step 2 Questions
> Free USMLE Review Books
> Free Board preparation schedule
> Free Prep Guide, Audiobooks and video tutorials
> 800 + Flashcards and Mnemonics with Image Bank
> 100% Pass rate guaranteed

Smashusmle.com teaches the right way to prepare for the USMLE exams and helps you avoid costly mistakes most exam takers commonly commit on the actual test. Smashusmle.com maximizes your chances in pasing by providing you the best visual aids and video presentation tutorials highlighting the important information to sufficiently prepare you for the test.

To all students who are preparing for the USMLE step 1 and USMLE step 2, visit smashusmle.com and be equipped to be complete and pass your boards.

Taking the USMLE examination could be both stressful and frustrating at times, however, there are some review materials that can ease some of the stress.

USMLE has updated thier information and practice materials that reviewers can use and prepare from. The update also intends to prepare examiners for Step 2 CK component which includes sample test materials and tutorials and other information materials.

According to usmle.com, the content for Step 2 CK consists of multiple-choice questions prepared by test material development committees composed of faculty members, teachers, investigators, and clinicians with recognized prominence in their respective fields. Committee members are selected to provide broad representation from the academic, practice, and licensing communities across the United States and Canada. Test questions focus on the principles of clinical science that are deemed important for the practice of medicine under supervision in postgraduate training.

USMLE Step 2 CK is a one-day examination. It is composed of eight 60-minute blocks which is administered in a single 9-hour testing session. The number of questions on a given examination form will vary, however it will not exceed 44. The whole examination form will not exceed 350. A minimum allotment of 45 minute break time and a 15-minute optional tutorial.

Appearing for a residency interview can require something more than just knowledge and applicator skills. It takes a real compelling personality and a deep interest and candidacy from the candidate`s side that will convince the interviewer to select him/her for a residency program. The interview for the residency assess more of the individual`s personality than competency. Certain points to remember while preparing for the residency interview are discussed below.
Residency interviews are not the same as for medical schools:
In an interview for residency, the interviewers are looking for the best and the brightest candidates who will fit into their institutional culture, especially taking responsibility in handling really challenging patient cases with dedication and integrity. It requires a deep interest and devotion to the program and hence the interviews are mostly collegial and conversational attempting to find if your personality will fit into the program.
Make sure to express who you are:
Getting the point across about who you are? And your motives behind choosing a residency program become a very important issue more than exhibiting your skills and competency in an interview like this. Make sure you convey your personal interests and your intentions far more than what is expressed in your curriculum vitae for optimal success.
Normal interview ethics:
The first impression is always the best impression. Hence, make sure you dress appropriately and take care of the way you present and comport yourself before your interviewers. Last but not the least, be confident in your approach and don`t forget that valuable smile and the handshake with your interviewer, that will help break the ice.