Published Jun 29, 2010
WeirdNurseKelly, BSN, RN
197 Posts
I graduated from an ADN program on June 4th, took the NCLEX on June 9th and finally got my license last week (took them forever to do my background check). I had been applying for jobs for several months now. Mostly in hospitals on the coast and in Portland. We want to move back to Portland soon.
Last week I kind of gave up all hope for a med/surg hospital position but have continued to apply and also adding to my list LTC facilities.
Today, I finally got a long awaited call for a potential job. It is at a LTC facility east of Portland. Only weekends, hoping that maybe I could pick up some extra hours or if I work there long enough more hours become available. If I even get the job.
Anyways, I was wondering if some of you veterans can give me some tips or information on what to expect during the interview. This wouldn't be my first job in health care. I have worked as a medical assistant for around 7 years before going to nursing school, and spent a short time working in a retirement home as a caregiver. So I am a little familiar with the sick and elderly. Just wanting to know what I should expect during the interview process for an RN!!!
Kelly, RN (I love writing that)
Up2nogood RN, RN
860 Posts
What facility?
I would rather not say the facility. The job market in OR is bad enough. I name it here and I have that much more competition. Sorry, don't want to sound rude or anything but you want a job you do the research. Would be nice if you addressed my thread.
ArmyWife11B
38 Posts
This sucks I'm sorry. I haven't even gotten as far as you, I'm just a CNA..but I'm scared now, I guess this just goes to show that the "Nursing Shortage" is over... I don't know all that much, but in my opinion, if I were you I would maybe think about going back to school and doing RN to BSN, I think thats what most hospitals are looking for now.
I wish you all the luck in the world!! (Idk if its to far for you to relocate to, but I heard Salem Hospital is about to hire 50 new grads?? just something you could maybe look into?) :)
Katrina, CNA (...can't wait to be able to put RN there )
Armywife. Salem isn't that far really. Well...............kinda far from where we are at now. We live on the coast. Originally from the Portland area but moved out here so that I could go to nursing school.
There still is a shortage, it is just not so bad in Oregon. On the Providence website there are TONS of jobs in Seattle, Olympia and Everette area. I think there are like 5 or more jobs there for every 1 here in OR. I think too they are on a hiring freeze right now. At least that is what I heard from someone I know who works in L&D for Providence.
Don't be discouraged though. Still shot for the starts and continue with your dream of becoming a nurse. Nurses will always be needed. Nursing and teaching are the two careers that are thriving in the economy right now. Oregon just really sucks for the job market as a whole, not just for nurses. We are ranked the 44th WORST state for employment right now.
I do plan on getting my BSN. I want to work while I obtain my BSN. I am almost 30, married for almost 2 years and I want to start a family while I am still young. I am the nurse who wants it all :)
And you are not JUST a CNA. Remember that. You are a friend, someone to talk to, a therapist, a shoulder to cry on, I can go on and on and on. Always remember you are not JUST a CNA. You are a valued member of the health care team.