Can we talk about something other than NCLEX?

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Hey all new grad nurses! i know this is a really stressful time in all of our lives, but PLEASE, in order to preserve my sanity, can we try to discuss something other than NCLEX on some of the threads on here??

I am so frustrated right now. I still have not received my ATT, so maybe I am a little jealous of all the new grads who are ready to test. Maybe I'm just sick of the wait. But all this NCLEX stuff sure does seem irritating!

So, in order to fulfill my own request, let's talk about JOBS!!

How is everyone's first job as a GN/new RN going??

I start Feb. 9 if I decide to go with the position I have been offered in NICU. What about you guys??

*Sorry if this post seems like I feel like this: :( Unfortunately, I do feel that way, and probably will until I receive my ATT. Sorry for venting the frustration on you guys*

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Hey great of you to bring it up. I was also thinking the same thing the other day. Would love to know how everyones job is going (for those who have started).

I have taken a long route to get to where I am now. Graduated in June and took the summer off to live at the beach.:) Started work as an RN in October and didn't like the hospital at all. Was a great learning experience though and even though I was not even there for 2 months I learned sooo much! After much debate, realized that I was not happy where I was, loved the actual nursing part, but not crazy about the city (I had moved far away). Moved back home and got a job at a hospital that I had worked as an extern in, that I love. Start ICU internship Feb. 2nd. Can't wait, though I'm nervous!

So 8 months after graduation and I'm still a "really new" nurse...hopefully will find my niche soon!

How is everyone elses jobs going?!

Lar

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Nekhismom,

I know how you feel, I waited a long time for my ATT, finally I called the state board of nursing and found that they thought I hadn't paid for my test yet, when I told them that I had paid they looked closer at my stuff and found that I did indeed pay already. The lady told me I'd receive the ATT by email the next day, and I did. I also received the ATT by mail about a week later. I am scheduled to take the NCLEX on Feb.2. Wish me luck!

Dixie

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Nekhismom-

Hi! Not trying to take away from or change the subject of your post but it brings up a question for me regarding RN "first jobs"....

Although I'm not a graduate RN yet, I'd like to know what the concensus is as far as whether or not new grads should go right into a specialty rather than starting in med/surg......

I've always been told "starting in med/surg brings a new grad valuable experiences that you can't learn elsewhere" and that it gives you a "solid starting foundation into your nursing career".

Now since I've been on this board, I've read many posts (including yours) in which new grads are starting in a specialty area.....is starting in med/surg not the norm anymore?

I would love to specialize right away (either NICU, ED, OR).....but don't want to lose out on any of those valuable experiences by skipping over med/surg units..Any of your instructors ever influence you to do one or the other?

Any info or guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks for listening!:)

-Laura:D

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Nekhismom-

Hi! Not trying to take away from or change the subject of your post but it brings up a question for me regarding RN "first jobs"....

Although I'm not a graduate RN yet, I'd like to know what the concensus is as far as whether or not new grads should go right into a specialty rather than starting in med/surg......

I've always been told "starting in med/surg brings a new grad valuable experiences that you can't learn elsewhere" and that it gives you a "solid starting foundation into your nursing career".

Now since I've been on this board, I've read many posts (including yours) in which new grads are starting in a specialty area.....is starting in med/surg not the norm anymore?

I would love to specialize right away (either NICU, ED, OR).....but don't want to lose out on any of those valuable experiences by skipping over med/surg units..Any of your instructors ever influence you to do one or the other?

Any info or guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks for listening!:)

-Laura:D

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I feel that it is up to each person to decide if they should specialize right off the bat. Why spend a year in Med/Surg and hate it just for the experience WHEN you could immediately go into an area that you like?

For example, I worked in Med/Surg as a nursing tech for two years. That was enough for me to realize that I hate Med/Surg (no offense to anyone who likes it!). I worked in several different areas as a student to find out what I like. When I graduated, I immediately specialized. I worked at Riley Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and I love it! I am learning so much and I don't regret my decision at all.

:)

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Hey I was a grad not that long ago. You'll get there before you know it. Just be kind and gentle with yourself.:kiss

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Mom2kids-

I too heard all the talk about "needing" Med-Surg from my instructors. However, I heard very differently from RN's that I knew and RN's that I did clinical work with. Mnay nurses on this board have also told me it is ok to specialize right out of school. SO this is my take on specializing: do what feels right for you.

In our senior semester, we all did med-surg work. We took a full pt. assignment and did total care, and we did not have support staff. Our instructor let us do our work ourselves, and only assisted when we passed meds or specifically requested help. Otherwise, we were on our own. We worked 3-5 days a week for 8 hours a day. I felt like this was MY time in the "trenches" of med-surg. I did learn a lot; however, Med-surg was NOT for me. I know that working med-surg would have lead to a lot of frustration and could have damaged my attitude toward nursing in general.

I went into nursing school to be a L&D nurse. I still plan to make that happen. However, when we did our rotation through a NICU, I was fascinated. I felt like I could work in that area and enjoy it. I felt like I would be able to make a difference. I also liked OR very much, and felt like ER would have been a good fit as well. The job I have been offered is in NICU, and I am looking forward to it, even though it isn't exactly what I had hoped for. It's still something I like, and I will (hopefully) enjoy very much. I think I have a lot of skills training with adults for a new grad. Personally, I don't want to be working with the med-surg population, so I think Med-Surg is a waste of time for me. But some people enjoy Med-surg, and others may truly need that experience. For example, if I wanted to work ICU, I would think Med-Surg first would help. But since I want to do womens/children's, I don't think it will.

Bottom line for me is just follow your desires. If you feel like you would be a good fit for a particular unit when you graduate, by all means, apply! It can't hurt to try. There is supposedly a nursing shortage going on, so I say take advantage of it. Go on and specialize if you want to. Just be sure you will have a good preceptor!

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Hey everybody! Thanks for sharing with me. I'm glad I wasn't the only one needing a break from "all things NCLEX" ;)

larlar81, that is so cool that you were able to live at the beach for the summer. I am envying you right now, because we have all this ice and snow! Sure could use a piece of the beach now. I'm glad you found a place where you feel more comfortable. yay for you!!

Dixie, I am sending you the best wishes on your NCLEX!! YOu have studied hard, you made it through nursing school, now GO PROVE that you know this stuff! You can do it, girl!

Thanks for telling me about your ATT situation, I think i will call my board tomorrow since I paid for the NCLEX in Nov.

Thanks to everyone who responded!

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Nekhismom -

Thanks for all the input, I understand your point. That gives me some insight at to which direction I will take when the time comes. If the opportunity is there, I will definitley specialize...narrowing down the specialty will have to wait until I'm actually in the clinicals/different rotations. Not interested really in med/surg right now.....

It's funny, but I never thought I'd want to work in mother/baby/NICU, but since having my 2 kids....it's given me a different perspective for the nurses who work within that specialty. I'm definitley looking for a specialty that I can grow with and leave work feeling like I've "made that difference". I guess just being a nurse should make us all feel that way though!

Congrats and good luck to you with your new job!!! I hope that it pleasantly surprises you and you enjoy it more than you thought!

Be sure to keep us all posted when you start! Thanks for the advice! :kiss

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Specializes in OB.

I just wanted to add that I have my first interview as a GN on monday. I am SOOOO escited because it is in L&D and that is what I have allways wanted to do. It is my "dream" job. I just wanted to share my excitement!:D

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Originally posted by rpbear

I just wanted to add that I have my first interview as a GN on monday. I am SOOOO escited because it is in L&D and that is what I have allways wanted to do. It is my "dream" job. I just wanted to share my excitement!:D

:biggringi :balloons: WOOHOO!!! Congrats!! Sending best wishes and prayers your way!

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