Found another job/question

[EwokRN]

Well, I found another job this time it's actually in a local hospital on a Medicine Oncology unit. I went into this interview panel at a local hospital last Wednesday, and lo and behold one of the panelists actually was an old classmate of mine. I like totally froze, because I saw her and the older sister of one of my old classmates back in college/high school who I didn't really know. My old classmate, who I know better, is the manager of this Medicine Oncology unit. I applied for the New Graduate program at this hospital, which I've been actually dying to apply for since I graduated Dec '08 just because I felt more comfortable at this hospital during my school's med surg clinical. My old classmate, who I actually am on good terms with, told me early '09 she would hire me if she could, but back then the economy was bad, so nothing happened. When the HR manager called me Friday to make an offer, she said that all of the panelists wanted me but my classmate/friend really wanted me to be on her unit, so I'm hopeful.

Still kind of reeling a little from the Psych experience I had briefly from Feb-Mar '11. Looking back though from my first med surg experience, and the LTC facility, and the Psych facility made me realize that I shouldn't have accepted these positions in the beginning, because they hired me on the spot; however, with the exception of the LTC work (which lasted 10 months) I didn't really get that good of experience. The LTC experience actually was kind of a freak of nature that I lasted that long there. One thing that all of these places had though was high turnover, so I kind of blame myself for that happening. I think that if it wasn't for this bad economy I wouldn't have applied to these places in the first place. The LTC experience, however, in a sick, ironic way, helped me get this job. Knowing one of the managers also didn't hurt too.

Anyway, I'm trying to think of ways to get ready for my next position. The LTC experience I received will definitely help me. Mind you, I've not been working for a year..been taking care of my 9 month old twin boys/4 y.o. daughter with my husband. My parents are retired so they will definitely be looking after my kids while my husband and I work, so that's set.

I was thinking about doing the following:

-reading up on cancer-related diseases

-looking up case studies on AJN/Nursing Made Incredibly Easy

-making up cheat sheets to use when getting report.

-go over nursing skills (e.g., injections, hanging IV bags, critical thinking exercises)

-Labs?

Is there anything else anyone could recommend I could do? I really want to prepare for this next job. I think my first med surg experience I didn't prepare enough, and I think that's why they were asking me to get transferred. Thanks in advance.

I almost feel afraid to try again, but since my parents are still well, and hopefully have a couple of more years I need to take advantage of this time.

Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

Ewok