BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Hi everybody! My story is probably very similar to a lot of others. I'm Ukrainian IMG, graduated from med. school in 2003, have Green card, work as RN in US right now.Would like to try to pass USMLE but very scared because I know how different Ukrainian system of med. education is comparing to the American.
Please give me advise anybody where to start and what strategies I could use in my case. Do you think I could do it myself or I should take one of those live courses to prep. for USMLE(like Kaplan).
I would really appreciate your help. 
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| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 650
Posts: 6,056
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Start going thru the Exam Experiences forum of Step 1 go thru the stickies esp this one.
1. http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/58791/
2. http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/31304/
after reading them i think probably most of ur questions will be answered easily and still if u have other questions then post on the forum.
___________________
FORUM RULES-- Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand. I get enough exercise just by pushing my luck --P4U World.." The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."
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| babydoc4usmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 634
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yous situation as not bas at all, you are "young" grad and your RN job solves many problems (money, experience, connections)
as for the fear part - it's only up to you, if you are afraid, no one will be able to help. you have to decide for yourself what is your goal
if you want to make more money, no need to to go for USMLE, there are other ways to do it
if you want to be a Doctor, there is only one way through USMLE, suck it up and make a first step, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. don't hang on stereotypes, find your way to master the exams, but information on how others do it could come handy it terms of trying different sourses and techniques.
good luck
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| me007
Forum Guru
Topics: 72
Posts: 803
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will be difficult with full time job.
closier to the exam date even duties like washing clothes - writing bills - getting food - all looks annoying and precious time consuming.
if you have somebody who willing to help you to go through this - good. But our close ones not always understand us at such a time. 
i like this post
http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/comments.php?id=4...
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| new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
Topics: 650
Posts: 6,056
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Yup this is one post almost everyone likes.
___________________
FORUM RULES-- Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand. I get enough exercise just by pushing my luck --P4U World.." The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."
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| lydiebianda
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 3
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Hi!
How did you get your RN position?
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Thank you everybody for all your help. It gives me a hope. Thanks a lot.
I guess I should try passing USMLE because every time something is going on with my patients (I work in ICU) and I need an order from the intern or resident, they always waiting for my suggestions, always giving me what I needed. And every time they would say what a smart nurse I am, and it's kinda hurt me. Because I know that I could be the one who gives the orders. You know what I mean?
And I'm really tired of cleaning shit and doing a lot of physical work being a Nurse. I just feel like I need a better social status. But it's just easier to say, I guess....
I had both nursing and MD diploma, so that's how I got RN position in US. I had to pass nursing boards, took English etc. But it wasn't very easy at that time, I didn't know any English when I came to US. But I did it. Hopefully I'll be lucky with USMLE too.
Thank you again, everybody. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.
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| Harji
Forum Junior
Topics: 14
Posts: 24
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Kak dela bekind? xopowo ! i,m also a KSMU ( kharkov )graduate in 2002 .but i,m indian ( inostransee) hahaaaa don,t worry that much you can do it . i know its diffrent then ukr.but you are the sane personwho did it befor so you can do it .......just you have to sit back and study hard & do how many que.? you can and join kaplan it will give you the materal and more over environment you need for boost and push you need XOPOWO .
let me know where you at in US ( city ,State ) Paka davie hahaaaaa
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Hi Harji! Thanks for your reply, you made me smile(Kak dela, etc). Do you still remember Ukrainian or probably you spoke Russian in Kharkov? I live in Cleveland, Ohio.
Did you already take your Step 1? If you did, how much time did you need to study? What are you doing now? Are you a Big Doctor already?
What do you think about Ukrainian system of med. educ.? Did you like it?
Thank you again for your reply. If you have any helpful information, please let me know. Bye!
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| harrish
banned
Topics: 2
Posts: 25
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Dear Be Kind,
You have some great things going for you a job as an rn gives you great exposure to the US and strong clinical experience, your making money so take a course like Kaplan and spend time studying for Step 1 because usually this is what we do not use so this is what we loose :-), then see how it goes you have no visa issues and you should be fine, don't worry don't be scared like nike says JUST DO IT!
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Thank you Harrish! I didn't realized that my RN position means that much. Thanks again for your support.
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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I'm tying to read Physiology, I thought it would be easier.... All those graphics and curves are killing me!!!! I do understand them but I don't think I would be able to remember them... Anybody! Do you have any idea how to make this any easier?
Thank you.
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| dn25
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 92
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Hi, Check you PM, and email me
"I know you pain" ,bcs I'm Ukrainian who came here with no english,People here on this forum helped me alot, so maybe i can give you an advise .
IF YOU REALLY WANT THIS YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
___________________
"Trust yourself.You know more than you think you do"
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| Harji
Forum Junior
Topics: 14
Posts: 24
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Bekind join kaplan they have master professor for physiology .that the only vedio i enjoyed during my kaplan . i'm going through match .trust me match is Tougher then USMLE exam’s .my advice is just give one reading like u reading some kind a book ( novel ) on 2nd reading u will understand whats going on .i did that it worked for me ,i hope it work for you .DON"T GIVE UP .look aroud we ( Ukrainaian ) every where hahaaaa. i miss ukraine . u asked me about ukr. education .did i like it r not .this is not write que. of course i like to respect and give credit to ever think which made me a doctor .i know its diffrent then here but still i love my ukraine ( ja loblu teva ukraena .....). R you born in ukraine ,what is ur school name . good luck . talk to dn25 he is good better best then me . i'm laughing corner i will make you laugh and he can give you other stuff .i saying this bcoz rear his Signature. thats apply to you hahaaaaaaaa Paka davi ubedam sea
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| cypher82
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 11
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Sio budit harasho
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Thanks Cypher!!!!!! hope so!
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| ShweHope99.9998
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 12
Posts: 2,502
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Hi , was going to reply after seeing ur post , cause I can understand when ur in clinical but not as doc , how much that hurt , pain only can feel when ur there & they call u nurse , but kn who u r & also respect ur experties .
Do channel ur hurting as being nurse to the powerful energy of studying .
I did that . With FT work it take abit more time but since in medical, most u already know .
But as alot already said , u have advantage of .. being..... GC holder , good long yr USCE as RN & ICU [ very impressive one ] , young grd ... with all of those & no financial hardship with ur job .......... so .. What r u waiting for , GOOOOO For it , if u really want to b a Doc again
But take all help as much as possible from frds & kaplan from center prep then live then back to center like most young or not so young IMG does.
But make sure read all kap Ln ahead as quick browser so u will know what is in the DVD center self pace lecture then after master in DVD slow one or quick 2 times ... go for the live right after very quick read or go to live right away , then ... may b back to center right after that to read along with DVD again .
Make sure u try the free 2 week kap st 1 Q bank to know Q abit .
Here the link though in forum already .
http://www.qbankchallenge.com/
If cannot go for 6 to 7 wk live then at least go for st 1 & 2 center combo , u can do it , we all [ me , my frds etc .. they all in prg few yrs back .. most did PT after FT work with st 1 done then to speed up CS , st 3 { u will not need as rush , since ur GC } , but I am still working & studying with family & children.. so at one point I will cut my job to b less hr too ] do it with FT 12 hr job RN or Med staff , all r grd much much earlier then u , so u can do it .
Then get leave , holiday when near exm for intense review .
Oh play safe , no word at work re ur dream plan & action, most will give u torture when they kn . Ur dream is ur bussiness , none of others .
May all MD dreams come through
GL 
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| BeKind
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 37
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Thanks for your reply, ShweHope99.9998 !!! It feels so good not to be alone any more. You are very right ShweHope that nobody at work needs to know about my plans. I already changed my status from FT to PRN, a lot of my coworkers make me sick asking all these questions like WHY? I know I'm gonna be in trouble as soon as they find out. My answer is " Just because".
Good luck to ShweHope99.9998! Keep in touch, OK? I wish you on your step 99.9998!
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