New grads at Children's?

U.S.A. Washington DC

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Specializes in peds.

Hi I was just wondering if anyone was going to start working at Children's soon? Or if anyone works there now, how do you like it?

I start in Feb. :D

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

Does childrens' hire a lot of ADN nurses? I have had a hard time getting anyone from HR on the phone there.

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Specializes in peds.

I have no idea, but I wouldn't see why not. Apply!;)

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Specializes in PICU.

I work at CHildren's and love it. What unit are you going to work in?

Also, children's does higher ADNs

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Specializes in peds.

Hi! I will be working on the Medical Care Unit! I really want NICU, but they are not hiring at the moment, since they are moving into the new tower.

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Specializes in NICU.

I just starting working as a new grad in August and I love it! Congrats on getting a job, gigglebuns!

Yeah, we're not hiring in our NICU because we recently hired a ton of people in efforts to not have any travel nurses be in our unit. A lot of people are upset about it because we've had to float a lot more (well not me since I'm on orientation).

But I'd definitely apply as a fellow after you're on the MCU for awhile. They have programs that let you become a NICU nurse with a shorter orientation, since you already have basic nursing skills.

Good luck with those kiddos! Your heart is bigger than mine because I think mine would break a little inside if they ever asked me why they're sick and in the hospital.

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Specializes in peds.

Thanks!

Justine- how do you like working in the NICU at Children's? Is everyone supportive?

I already contacted the manager, she told me to stay in touch and come visit :D

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Specializes in NICU.

There's a mix, being any unit. But most everyone is definitely willing to help out if another nurse is drowning because of her kiddos. I had a situation where another nurse's kiddo was having bedside surgery and was VERY unstable. Even though I had 3 kids, I took charge of recording down all the vital signs and what meds were given at what time because the other nurse was running around with her head off she was so busy. And I've been helped similarly. Later on, another nurse entered in the vitals that I had recorded while I was catching up on my kids. It makes for a very supporting environment.

Yeah, Tara's awesome. She has been VERY wonderful to our orientation group dealing with HR issues and payroll (I'm told by my Dad who's a nurse director that these kind of problems are rampant in every hospital though) and I think she does a fabulous job on the unit. I've worked at a different hospital in WA state, so my comparison isn't based on too much, but I still think she's fantastic.

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Specializes in peds.

Thanks for the info:)

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU.

What is the hiring process like? After being so worried, I have an interview lined up on Wednesday in Hem/Onc. I am so worried, though, I am an inexperienced new grad. What kinds of things do they ask?

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Hi!

I will be graduating nursing school in May and was recently offered a position as a new graduate nurse in the NICU at children's to start in August. I was wondering if anyone who works there now could share with me how you are liking it and what the salary range is approximately, I know that the DC area is a pretty expensive area to live and I am worried about being able to pay to live there along with paying back loans etc. I am from MASS so I will have to relocate, find housing, etc. Any info/advice would be helpful, I am really interested in the position!

Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

Congrats! The salary range is about $55,000/year if you work days and around $65,000/year if you work nights. I moved to D.C. from Seattle myself, so it was quite the move! I'd suggest craigslist, definitely.

I pay $845 for my studio, although apparently that's extremely cheap for D.C. Most people live outside of D.C. and commute. You should be fine paying back your student loans and stuff, I think.

It's crazy because a year ago I was in your position! And now I'm taking my last test in the NICU orientation and will be off soon. I can say, the program is very good. There are some bumps along the way, but they're sorting them out as they go along.

Good luck wherever you choose (and hope you come here!) : )

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