Howard County General

JJDina · Feb 6, 2015

I currently work there! I can't speak for the new grad program, but one of the nurses just hired to our unit has done it. She's doing a really great job, so I think the new grad program prepared her for it. Feel free to ask more questions and I can always bug her about it. I know they go through a long program of skills, lectures, etc and then time on each unit. Then you apply to three units and interview. Her first choice was our unit and that's what she got. :)

roxiroxmysox · Feb 6, 2015

Thank you so much for replying! I'm in peds and did mother baby there for clinical and I love it! I go to HCC and really hope they hire me because it is my first choice to work there! I'm trying to find out starting pay and if it's true that they don't do rotating schedules there?

Sugar Magnolia · Feb 9, 2015

The RN fellowship is a great program. They do a great job with not just teaching skills, but also providing support. Orientation is long, and you get to try different units with different preceptors. The majority of your time orienting is on dayshift, then a few weeks on nights. Once you are on your own, you are eased into things-- you start with a modified assignment (less patients). That lasts about a month. I have worked at HCGH for over 3 years and I love it.

roxiroxmysox · Feb 9, 2015

Thank you for the info!!! It's on the top of my list right now I've heard nothing but good things. Do you know starting pay by any chance?

Sugar Magnolia · Feb 10, 2015

New grads I'd say maybe around 25+? I should remember night shift and weekend differentials, but I'm drawing a blank. I think one is 3/hr and the other 5/hr. One of the good things is you get so much vacation/sick time you won't know what to do with it all. Also, there is an RN union, so your raises are automatic.

roxiroxmysox · Feb 10, 2015

Omg that sounds amazing. I have various health issues so I'm looking for a hospital that would allow me to have a stable schedule (lupus related things), and rotating would just not be an option and I want a place that is good to their staff. It sounds great! I was so afraid my health would limit me, though I'm totally fine during the day with a consistent schedule. But I'm hoping I would get hired there and that it would be a good fit. Everyone always says new grads need to do their time on nights, and I'm willing to work hard just like anyone else, but my kidneys start to go and my blood sugar among other things when I don't stay on a sleep schedule (which makes me sound like a wuss ), and I just don't think I can fit into this new grad group of being thrown into a wonky schedule. Ugh sorry for the rant. I'm just worried, and I can't wait to be a nurse! I just hope it all works out.

Sugar Magnolia · Feb 10, 2015

They do hire new grads on days-- a lot of people seem to want nights because of the extra money. But you would definitely still do the nightshift orientation no matter what. They want you to experience both shifts.

roxiroxmysox · Feb 10, 2015

Ok thank you so much for the information!