First, thanks to all of you out there; you are such a wonderful resource! I will be graduating this June from an Accelerated BSN program. With the economic downturn, my job choices may be limited. In addtiton, there are 6 nursing schools in this area, so lots of new grads looking for jobs will make it harder to find a job here in NE FL. (especially since I'm about 25 years older than most of them! lol) I would consider relocating if I could find (1) a reasonable salary/cost of living, (2) education reimbursement - tuition/ loan forgiveness (3) MSN NP program nearby and reasonable $. I have done well in school and hope that maybe I can get some help in furthering my education. I know everyone says med-surg is the way to go for a new grad, and I will gladly take whatever I am offered, but in my clinical rotations, I have found ICU to be the most interesting (and challenging!). At this point, I am leaning toward eventually being a family practice NP. Since I am older, I need to be efficient and smart about my choices. So, I'm asking all you experienced smart nurses for your advice as to how to proceed. I would love to find a great hospital to learn nursing skills, and the opportunity to progress in my career in a nurturing environment. A progressive city/area would be the icing on the cake. I am so excited to begin my new career!Thoughts and advice are gratefully welcomed!
I am 45 years old, and just finished an ADN program in March of this year. I have been working in a Skilled nursing facility for nearly 3 years. (I started as a nurse tech right out of first quarter) It's no med-surge, but every day I work, I learn something new, and my confidence builds. They've also been awesome working with my school schedule, which is why I've stuck around. I'm in the BSN program now, full time credits and continuing to work full time.....the point being, every day I'm putting my hands on patients, and get to continue my education. So what if you spend 2 years on a foundation. I've done well in school as well, but NOTHING replaces hands on experience. ICU will be there in 2 years.
I feel like what you have said is so important. I hope I can find a place where I can feel free to ask questions and learn from experienced nurses (or CNA's). In my clinicals, I have already experienced the difference between a positive and a toxic environment. As a new nurse, the pressure of inexperience and the gravity of possible mistakes is plenty enough to deal with; feeling hesitant to ask questions or for help because your co-workers have attitude is not conducive for learning. I can grow thick skin; I just don't want my patients to suffer....I have found that most nurses have been most helpful and patient; after all, isn't that a big part of being a nurse? This forum is proof of how wonderful nurses are!
Wow! How do you know so much?! I will take your advice, and apply to them all. I did check out the website for UMMC Shock Trauma- it looks great! I just don't think I'll be able to get the same quality of experience here in NE FL. Too bad about the Inova hiring freeze, but I'll bet the COL is pretty high there. Thanks for all your input!
My:twocents::
Ask very specific questions about the orientation you want. Don't be afraid to state that you are new and inexperienced as a nurse, and that you believe you will require a very thorough orientation. Any decent manager will respect your ability to carefully assess your own abilities and form a plan for addressing areas that need attention. I've found that many employers believe, rightly or not, that older folks--I'm in my mid-50s and a nurse for one year--have strengths not as prevalent in the young, one being stability.
If, make that when you get a job offer, write a formal acceptance, and put in it your expectations for orientation based on the discussion you had in the interview. That way, if the employer cuts the orientation short, as happens, you can point to the written record and say "Whoa, there."
Since you've lived a little, I think you can trust your instincts. You'll interview and get a feel for the hospital and the different units. The rest will fall on luck and timing. The area where you'll choose to live is very important too. Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Durham have distinct personalities.
I hope all these years on earth have helped my instincts! LOL You are so right about the area where you live being important. Can you elaborate on the "distinct personalities"? I wish there was some way to really get a good feel for a place before moving there! Thanks again for all your good advice.
Ask very specific questions about the orientation you want. Don't be afraid to state that you are new and inexperienced as a nurse, and that you believe you will require a very thorough orientation. Any decent manager will respect your ability to carefully assess your own abilities and form a plan for addressing areas that need attention. I've found that many employers believe, rightly or not, that older folks--I'm in my mid-50s and a nurse for one year--have strengths not as prevalent in the young, one being stability.
If, make that when you get a job offer, write a formal acceptance, and put in it your expectations for orientation based on the discussion you had in the interview. That way, if the employer cuts the orientation short, as happens, you can point to the written record and say "Whoa, there."
That's a great idea about the expectations in the formal acceptance. I have had experiences in other jobs where they assure you that certain conditions will be met to get you to take the job then, wham, guess what?! Unfortunately, there's not much recourse if there are no other job opportunities.....
I am 45 years old, and just finished an ADN program in March of this year. I have been working in a Skilled nursing facility for nearly 3 years. (I started as a nurse tech right out of first quarter) It's no med-surge, but every day I work, I learn something new, and my confidence builds. They've also been awesome working with my school schedule, which is why I've stuck around. I'm in the BSN program now, full time credits and continuing to work full time.....the point being, every day I'm putting my hands on patients, and get to continue my education. So what if you spend 2 years on a foundation. I've done well in school as well, but NOTHING replaces hands on experience. ICU will be there in 2 years.
Sounds like you have a great fit! Congratulations! I am so impressed that you can work and gain experience at the same time you are going to school. You must be sleep deprived! I'm in a crazy accelerated program that really makes it almost impossible to work. I hope maybe next semester to work- if I can find a fit around my schedule!
I hope all these years on earth have helped my instincts! LOL You are so right about the area where you live being important. Can you elaborate on the "distinct personalities"? I wish there was some way to really get a good feel for a place before moving there! Thanks again for all your good advice.
These are just my observations...
Northern Virginia: Mostly highly educated people with dual professional households. Arlington county has the nations' highest rate of college graduates. There is one lawyer for every eleven persons and the ratio is higher for 'consultants' of all types. People are always in a hurry or they think that they are anyway. People are very aware of political and world events. It's a very conservative area and people are not very neighborly but the standard of living is extremely high.
Maryland: There are pockets that mimic Northern Virginia and has lots of old money like Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and to a lesser extent, Annapolis. Baltimore would not be included and is considered ghetto by many. However, it is home to Shock Trauma and the world's best hospital, Hopkins. The demographic is completely different in Baltimore. You may get a machete in the side of the head type of victim versus a boring multi-vehicle crash like at Fairfax. There's a little rivalry between VA and MD. A lot of it may stem from the different, crazy driving styles! VA= slower and by-the-book. MD= fast, faster and the law-be-damned. Plus, there is a redneck side to Maryland which is similar to many parts of Florida. There are more pick-up trucks versus the land of SUVs in Virginia. The cost of living is more 'reasonable' and the people are not as snooty as Virginians.
The District: There aren't that many natives since many come here for political/government careers. It is urban but not New York City kind of urban. It is a true melting pot with all the nations of the world represented. The food is great and the people are interesting. Public transportation is tops which is a good thing due to the utter lack of parking spaces. The Metro is clean and safe unlike other places in the country. People use it mainly for convenience and not due to the lack of funds. Many wear suits and ties or military uniforms on the Metro as they head for work. DC would be a good place to mingle if you are single. Check out Georgetown for drinks, food and dancing. You may look into nursing for the Federal Government too. The starting pay is $60K with great benefits and paid holidays. There's NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the Naval Hospital in Betheda and all the other big wigs in town like the CIA, FBI, Walter Reed and the VA Hospital. The opportunities are almost endless in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Durham: Well known for its world-class school, and teaching hospital. Some consider the weather decent although I think it is oppressive in the summer. The living is slower and therefore, the costs correlate. The people seem more friendly and neighborly on the outside but you may be an outsider for a while since you did not start grade school there. This area is vastly different than the previous three. If you like a bit of Southern feel, a slower pace, and the lack of Mega Malls and Mass Transit, Durham may be a dream come true.
I live in Balto. for the lower cost of living but work near DC for the slightly higher rate of pay. To me Baltimore is a little city that is historically working class. It has most anything you could want and if not NYC is only a few hours away. The schools, hospitals and jobs are plentiful, imo. There are definitely plenty of ghettos but also lots of cool city living for young professionals in neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Canton, Hampden etc. White Marsh, Bel Air and Columbia are nice suburbs if that is your bag. Personally I think the people are more friendly and less concerned with keeping up with the Joneses as in DC and its VA suburbs but thats jmo.
Thanks- you bring up good points. Your point of a long, specific orientation with a preceptor is my idea of "nurturing." Could this happen in an ICU for a new grad?
Some hospitals offer "New Grad Nurse Residency Programs" in which you work with a preceptor for an extended period of time...some of them even for as long as a year. It seems to be similar to a medical residency program. This is what I plan to do when I graduate. I need ICU experience to apply for CRNA school and this seems like the way to go.
Yeah- that sounds like what I would like- a long, thorough orientation. BTW, while doing my clinicals, I noticed the happiest nurses I met were CRNAs. Good choice to continue on to CRNA school.....I thought about it, but given my age, I need to get some paid work under my belt before I have to retire- lol! Good luck to you!
I live in Balto. for the lower cost of living but work near DC for the slightly higher rate of pay. To me Baltimore is a little city that is historically working class. It has most anything you could want and if not NYC is only a few hours away. The schools, hospitals and jobs are plentiful, imo. There are definitely plenty of ghettos but also lots of cool city living for young professionals in neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Canton, Hampden etc. White Marsh, Bel Air and Columbia are nice suburbs if that is your bag. Personally I think the people are more friendly and less concerned with keeping up with the Joneses as in DC and its VA suburbs but thats jmo.
How is the commute? Is it a cool city for an older (young-at-heart) professional, too? Can you find a place to live in a safe neighborhood on a starting nurse's salary? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to learn as much as I can! Thanks!
How is the commute? Is it a cool city for an older (young-at-heart) professional, too? Can you find a place to live in a safe neighborhood on a starting nurse's salary? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to learn as much as I can! Thanks!
It is a cool city for older young at heart professionals! Rent can be pricey in the best spots though. Definitely check out the Mayland section here because there are informative threads on neighborhoods. I don't mind driving and I work overnights so I rarely have a problem with the commute. Rush hour traffic in DC can be murder depending on when/where you are going. Baltimore rush hour isn't that bad although I avoid the beltway from Catonsville to Towson during peak times if I can help it. You sure you want to leave your beautiful warm winters?
I would consider your longer term goals in thinking where to work as a new grad. ICU is challenging, but if your ultimate goal is primary care/FNP, then ICU may not be the best place for you to gain experience.
I'm in a crazy accelerated program that really makes it almost impossible to work. I hope maybe next semester to work- if I can find a fit around my schedule!
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TeresaB930, BSN, RN
138 Posts
I am 45 years old, and just finished an ADN program in March of this year. I have been working in a Skilled nursing facility for nearly 3 years. (I started as a nurse tech right out of first quarter) It's no med-surge, but every day I work, I learn something new, and my confidence builds. They've also been awesome working with my school schedule, which is why I've stuck around. I'm in the BSN program now, full time credits and continuing to work full time.....the point being, every day I'm putting my hands on patients, and get to continue my education. So what if you spend 2 years on a foundation. I've done well in school as well, but NOTHING replaces hands on experience. ICU will be there in 2 years.
My two cents work....good luck!
Teresa