Graduate nurse in may 06, moving to Pittsburgh and need help

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Hi,

I will be graduating with my BSN in may, and I am moving to Pittsburgh.

  • Does anyone know what I should do about nclex. Should I take it here or in Pittsburgh. I plan to move in September.
  • Also, I don't know much about the hospitals. I am interested in working in a fertiliy clinic, but Magee does not take GN's.
  • I am interested in critical care, but am afraid because I will be a new nurse, so maybe med/surg. Anyone know if hospitals that want GN's for med/surg.

Thanks!!! any input would help me out so much. I need some new friends when I move too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:nurse:

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Hi there! Congrats on graduation! I will also be a GN in May. I have many questions also! I know Magee doesn't hire GNs, but I wonder if the BSN you will be holding will make a difference. I think everywhere needs MedSurg nurses. I have heard all good things about West Penn and their salaries are really competetive. The nurse recruiter told me just tonight that they are looking for Nrs. for Med surg (general surgery), Cardiothoracic stepdown, and Renal and Endo. I believe that Allegheny General Hosp. is also. They have an infertility dept. there (or at least they did). I have heard mixed opinions, both good and bad, on working there. If I hear some good stuff I might apply. Don't know if they are hiring GNs for OB there either. Best of luck to you! You'll like the 'Burgh! Hope my limited info has helped a little.

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Thanks so much for the information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate it. I went online and just applied to the positions, but is there a different process that I have to go through since I am going to be a new graduate nurse(like do I have to contact the recruiter instead?) Thanks again!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

Just a thought on your question about where to take the NCLEX:

Take it whereever you are right now. This way, you'll pass with the information still fresh in your mind from nursing school. Then, you can transfer your license to Pennsylvania and not have to wait so long to take NCLEX.

Its better to do NCLEX earlier then later.

Good luck :)

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

I would suggest going to a job fair here in Pittsburgh. I think they had one @ Dave & Buster's last March. I'm not sure where this one's will be. If you can't get there, then definitely call the nurse recruiter. You may never hear if you just apply online.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

I just did what you are contemplating. I graduated in December and moved to the Burgh from Florida. I had a job waiting for me when I got here in a critical care unit. You can take your boards wherever you like. I chose to take mine here in the Burgh since I'm already working. Where you take your boards has nothing to do with your licensure. However, to save money and time, I suggest that you apply for PA licensure directly rather than transfer the license. It didn't take me long at all.

Be prepared for a lot of adjustment. New career, new town, new learning. It can be pretty stressful. Navigating the hilly windy roads is a challenge even to long time Pittsburghers. I like the place but it will take me a while to get comfortable with the geography and the weather.

Good luck.

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From my experience and many others (I have heard) it is a waste of time to apply online. Typically you'll not get a responce. Job fairs and calling nurse recruiters is the way to go. Unless you want to make a road trip and fill out a bunch of applications and turn them in by hand.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Ditto that. Applying online will get you nowhere. Just pick up the phone and make some calls. You should have no problem getting interviews. I interviewed in August for a January start date and was hired virtually on the spot.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

The best kept secret in Pittsburgh is the VA ! They need 20 nurses to open a new ICU and are willing to train. I think there is a sign on bonus too. If you have your nursing license in any state the VA will honor it so you won't need a PA license unless you want one. Good luck. There are many benefits, tuition repayment is one.

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You are right....the VA is one of the secrets of Pittsburgh. l loved the time I spent there, granted that was 10or so years ago. Everyone looked at me funny when I decided to spend my senior year there, most of them were picking Presby and Montifore. Hah, a lot of the same docs would rotate up the hill too.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Not to mention, you start out with four weeks vacation. :coollook:

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