RNStudy

My DH works for FedEx as a driver they don't pay anything near what UPS pays. But he used to work for UPS as a package handeler (sorting) and he says now in order to even become a driver you have to be a package handeler FIRST. That position doesn't pay anything. So many of the UPS drivers work years at minimum wage first before getting to be a driver.

Yes, these are my options. The ortho neuro position pays 22.78 is from 7a-7p. Not including shift differential. The Peds position is M-F 4p-11p with no weekends at 24.90 base pay with an additional 3 dollars differential! Big difference but I'm not sure about the 5 days a week thing.

Caliotter, does it make sense to question the rate? I'm thinking of calling the recruiter to let her know about the other offer. What do you think?

I need to move there !

Whoa, $18 an hour? Hmmm I wonder what cost of living would be in that area. Here in South Fl cost of living is sky high.

...an hour seems a little low for an RN with 2 years of experience, doesn't it? I was a Peds RN for 2 years, it didn't work out and now I'm starting a new position in ortho neuro adults. Making less than before! Doesn't make sense to me. Doesn't $22.78 sound too low for an experienced RN in South Florida? This offer is at an HCA facility. I was also offered a positon at a Level 1 trauma hospital in Peds at $24.90 an hour which sounds reasonable to me. But the problem there is that it is Monday thru Friday! I don't know I just feel like I'm being jipped at $22.78??? Any thoughts?

[quote=RN Thanks for the input :) peds is def where I want to be...another thing is a 600 dollar a month difference in salary. Hours are mon thru fri 4pm-12am

Nurse manager states I would also do admits if it got slow...I'm just so worried about getting into that position and turning down the other...then things don't work out for me with the resource nurse position.

That's exactly the kind of things the nurse manager explained to me I would be doing...how did you feel about that 5th nurse position FirefightingRN? Was it a needed position?

Hi people. I'm facing a dilemma and am asking for some advice... I was recently offered an RN position in ortho/neuro at a small local hospital. Pay isn't that good but its on days 3 12hr shifts. Soon after I was also offered a position at a larger trauma hospital with better pay and in my specialy which is Pediatrics. The problem is: the Pediatric position is an "RN Resource" position? Uh? Has anyone ever heard of such a position? They told me the position isnt the traditional RN position because I won't have my own team. Instead I will be assisting RN's with tasks that they don't have time to complete. Especially admissions during shift change! I'm confident I can manage this position but i m afraid that this is a very dispensable position. As in if census is low or there isn't anythng to on the unit that I would be sent home or even worse, the position might be terminated? Any advice guys? I'm looking for a long term position with a good hospital. My background is 2 years as Pediatric RN. Thanks!

Wow you sound exactly like me when I first started. Co workers would say I dont smile enough and I always found myself NOT in the "in" crowd. Yet I always connected well with my patients. I soon found out that as a nurse it was essential to form a good working relationship with all members of the team. Even if it meant faking it. I learned this lesson a little too late. But I did learn that being assertive, friendly, and smiling with others goes a long way. Maybe try smiling more even if you dont chit chat much. :)

From what I understand, once you have a portfolio you continue to build on it throughout your career. So although I may not have much to put in it now, I hope to add more to it in the future :) Also, I think a well put together portfolio can show the interviewer that you take pride in your work and shows off organizational skills.

DeepSouth I have 2 years experience in Peds but I'm interviewing on Monday for Ortho Neuro. Thanks everyone for all your info its soooo informative. I just went to Office Depot to pick up my supplies for the portfolio. I plan on including: Personal statement of goals Resume Recommendation letters License and certifications Patient thank you notes What do you think? Also, how do you show the interviewer or nurse manager your portfolio? Is it at the beginning of the interview? Are you supposed to leave it with them?

DeepSouth I have 2 years experience in Peds but I'm interviewing on Monday for Ortho Neuro. Thanks everyone for all your info its soooo informative. I just went to Office Depot to pick up my supplies for the portfolio. I plan on including: Personal statement of goals Resume Recommendation letters License and certifications Patient thank you notes What do you think? Also, how do you show the interviewer or nurse manager your portfolio? Is it at the beginning of the interview? Are you supposed to leave it with them?

Hello, I have an interview coming up and was thinking about putting together a portfolio instead of the traditional resume. I was looking online for info specific to a nurse portfolio but only found limited information. Have anyone of you ever put together a portfolio to bring to an interview before? If so what kind of infomation did you include? How did it look? Did it work for you? Thanks

In the state of Fl it is only legal to state previous position held, the dates of employment and rehire status. If you feel you previous employer is giving more info than whats allowed, you can always look into a reference checking service to see what your previous employer is saying.

I'm in south florida...pembroke pines to be exact. I have been a nurse for 2 years and unemployed for about a month. I know of several new grads who have been looking for a job for 6 months with no luck. They had to take a job at a home health agency for pennies...$19 an hour. I have filled out at least 30 to 50 applications. Only 2 call backs and I am very proactive with my job search. Even experienced nurses in S FL are having problems finding work. I spoke with a recruiter at Broward General who informed me that within a week of a job posting there is about 100 applicants and that I'm lucky if I get a call for an interview within a couple weeks of filling out an applicarion because the average time frame for a call back is a month and a half!!!!

I personally think to each his own...I worked the hospital for 2 years and found it stressful, yes, though rewarding. I just recently started home health. 1 patient with CP from 8am to 8p twice weekly. To me that was more stressful. Its just you and the patient and you have to do everything. Im the PCA and the RN: Changing poop Bathing ROM Vitals Meds G Tube feedings Resp treatments Transferring from bed to W/C Etc... Just a lot of work for the little pay. Here in South Florida home health agencies pay VERY little...starts $18.00 to $21 (that was the highest Ive found) Not only that but I enjoy variety and learning new things which you are able to do in a hospital setting. I would stick it out longer in the hospital. Perhaps look into other hospitals near you. Good luck !

I usually follow up with a thank you letter via email within 24-48 hours after the interview. A follow up call usually within 2 weeks is appropriate. Good luck with your job search...wish me luck in mine

No, they are not color coded nor are they marked "meds" or "feedings". Actually, the port for meds is significantly smaller than the feeding tube port. The med port is on the side and is about the diameter of the tip on a 3cc syringe. You cant miss it Its made for meds only. Good luck with home health!!!

Graduated in 11/2007 found a job in 3/08. FIRED in 1/10 looking for another job for 1 month now. Filled out NUMEROUS applications with only 1 call back

Wellllllll....news. Just got the email saying they went with another candidate. Im hurt...I mean my confidence is hurt. I have filled out atleast 30 applications and have only gotten 1 call back. Im soooooo discouraged now I feel like I will NEVER find a job. Its soooo competitve in South FL...its horrible. Pity on me. They must have really not liked me.

Thanks so much for your response Ivanna! Thing is I wasnt serious when I said "when can I start" it was actually intended to be funny. Im wondering if it was out of line Did you ever get the job Ivanna? LOL

Ahhhhhhhhhh, let me digress....please. So I just got back home from my second round of interviewing for this new urgent care center opening up in my area. I reeeeeally wanted this position. I had another panel interview this morning with the manager and supervisor RN and HR...total of a 5 person panel interview. I researched the hospital system and went over answers to most common questions. I felt so confident. But as I entered that tightly crammed interview room my confidence went down the drain. Im not sure why. None of the questions I went over were asked. I was asked "If I were to win an award what would it be and why and who would be your audience?" I answered "Most Compassionate Nurse and my audience would be prior patients and co workers and management"...How does that sound to you guys? Also I figured Id break the ice a little in the end when they asked if I had any questions I said "yeah when can I start?" I thought that was funny and they did too and laughed. But generally speaking I dont feel I had strong interview and am down about that. Ive been looking for almost a month now. Please give me some advice and any thoughts or questions are very welcomed! Thanks

Hello, just wanted to know if I can get some info on the kinds of patients I can expect to see on an ortho/neuro unit. Also, is this unit considered a specialty unit? Any info would be greatly appreciated...thanks!