Notes to take while waiting for THAT job.

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Hello my fellow nurses. I graduated last year, took my boards on August and passed on my first try - so proud of that :) , and I have been looking for a job ever since. Though I am jobless I consider 2012 an amazing year and 2013 will see the fruits of it by getting THAT job.

I have my ACLS, BLS, PALS and a Telemetry course on my resume so something is going to happen...it must!

I feel as if I am forgetting my nursing knowledge, so I have decided that while I wait for THAT job, and while I take some pre-requisites to get into the BSN program, to review my Med-Surge textbook to keep up with that knowledge, and I am also wondering if while I wait for THAT job (cannot be too picky, would love ICU, but I am realistic), if it would be a good idea to start jotting down notes to have ready for information for THAT job. I was planning of getting a small three binder book, or those index cards with binders, and jotting information such as labs, general medications I should know about (there is no way I can remember the hundreds I learned in school), diagnostic testings, something that will help me as a reference and to keep adding as I get oriented in THAT job. (I get the feeling that I may either end up in the telemetry unit or med-surge.)

I appreciate the wisdom of the senior nurses and the tips of the new graduates already working, if you agree this to be a good idea and what sort of information you think is best to add to my nurse reference guide :yes:

Thank you.

PS...I plan to use the brain sheets posted here on AN, until I find the one that works best.

I hope you find something soon!

yeah insurnace companies sucks!

Thanks hun.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

I suggest that you don't wait around for "THAT" job and take "ANY" job. Seriously. I met a RN the other day who waited around for two years for "THAT" job, while I worked "ANY" job and guess who isn't "HACKING" it at "THAT" job now? Experience is experience is experience. You could walk into almost any LTC facility and have a job today, with insurance. Just saying.

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

Thank you IsisC. I had an interview today, it is in the hospital I want, not necessarily the unit though, but as you said is experience. Most likely the night shift and I am not that either, I am an early riser and I am ready to go, so I will have to research on ways on how to adjust my body clock, providing that is possible. However, it was my first interview, now let us see if there is a position for me available.

I have had two other interviews in other facilities that I have thought gone well, but never got called for that second interview, but I am not losing hope and I know God has the job for me, I just have to be more patient.

Right now I have an exam for another class on Monday, so my notes may have to wait, or I may just down the lab values and such for starters.

I appreciate everyone's input....there is a saying in Spanish "adelante, y no mirar atraz ni para impulso", translations is --- look forward, do not look back, not even for a push. So that is where I am right now.

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The place you had interviews already Call them again and ask what the status is. Ask to talk to the Nursing recruiter.

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Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

Have you looked into government positions? While I would DEARLY want "THAT" job, I took a position with the state of Texas because it has great benefits and pays the bills. The bonus part? I am gaining experience. It may not be the experience I WANT, it is something. I am getting patient contact, honing my assessment skills, and building my critical thinking and communication skills. And learning VERY quickly about medications used in psych, along with getting more and more comfortable with insulin and educating about diabetes to people with a diminished capacity to learn...unless I suddenly decide I love my job and stay with it, it should eventually lead to an acute care position, which will allow me to get the experience I need to go for my advanced practitioner degree and become a great FNP who has EXCELLENT experience dealing with difficult, non-complaint patients. :D

To make my long story short: Apply for anything and everything, and take what you can get. (And that old saying seems to be true: Once you have a job, you'll suddenly start finding others. I turned down one position, and was told by a DON on a pediatric unit that she wants to hire me. I am just waiting on HR to get back to me on a salary number. :D)

Good luck!!!! (Oh! And for the record, I graduated from a school in Arizona in mid-August, moved to Texas, passed the NCLEX in October, and managed to find SOMETHING in a city that seems to be FLOODED with new grads.)

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

Kristek, thank you so much for your encouragement. I am applying everywhere, but so far only to full time positions, however I am going to change that as well.

I interviewed with the recruiter yesterday for the first time who at first said there was nothing so far, I am guessing she liked me and wanted to help me that she asked me to sit outside for a few and then the director from a unit came down to interview me, they both told me it would take some time (I am so hoping to get this job). I am definitely sending a thank you note to both of them, only thing it may be until tomorow when I can get to the store (I have been sending letters up to now, but I go on and on, pretty much like here...LOL) and send it. Since they told me it may take sometime and the director told me I would be called for a panel interview then with the CON, I think I should wait at the very least until the end of next week to call....it would be pushy to do it sooner, no?

I have put applications to the State of Florida and to the VA, not interviews or calls from those, but will keep trying.

I have experience dealing with patients, but in another medical field, however, I hope this will be a plus as well.

Cheers everyone as I have my coffee.

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I agree with KristeyK it seems the only places I have had luck getting multiple job interviews was with the state! The do have pretty good benefits, pay pretty well, and will help pay for school!

Also it is so true about when you find a job you will suddenly find other ones! I finally got an offer and now everyone wants to call me ask to interview me!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.
I agree with KristeyK it seems the only places I have had luck getting multiple job interviews was with the state! The do have pretty good benefits, pay pretty well, and will help pay for school!

Also it is so true about when you find a job you will suddenly find other ones! I finally got an offer and now everyone wants to call me ask to interview me!

Yes, it seems to always happen, you get a job and boom, everyone wants you. Let us hope I get that call.

So anyone has any suggestions to add on my notes?

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