ETA-RN

I can share what I know at this point from my point of view. I was offered/accepted my position which is OR specific three months ago. Only a couple weeks ago did I complete my physical. County positions take quite a while to complete the hiring process before onboarding or for my situation-training takes place. I was told at the time of hire from the nursing recruiter that my position does have limited benefits but only after six months does the position actually qualify to change from "Shift Of Need" to RN1 status. The shift of need means that after you finally complete all the training or onboarding you will fill various shifts as needed. In my case as an OR nurse I'm assuming that it's a time period for you to decide about the work environment and also for the employer/county to see how you fit in their team.

Interesting thread. I'm set to begin next month there in a similar job class. I was told it was as needed after training concluded. During training it is more of a set schedule, for my position at least.

Thank you for posting this as I am waiting to begin a formal training program as well.

Stick with your RN goals. I work with a few RN's who were CST's but it took them a long time to make the transition. Not sure if their original goal was to become a nurse. Having your RN will open far more doors for you than the CST as others have noted.

I started in a local community hospital OR as a circulating nurse trying to learn as best I could following other nurses. That lasted six months. I'm waiting to start in a major Level I for a six month training program. Good luck on your current program and NCLEX! After that if you get the opportunity to get in the OR immediately after school take it.

Evening, I'll share what little I know. My mother served from 1961-1987 with the air national guard starting as a flight nurse until I was born. She then became a hospital nurse in the air guard and retired as a Lt. Col. Look into reserves, especially air guard. It's like a small family and doesn't deploy as often (at least from my mother'sexperience). It depends on what you want out of your military service.

I started as an OR circulator coming from more than 20 years as a rad tech and at the community hospital (socal) where I started my hourly rate was very low but I looked at it as paid internship to learn the role as an OR circulating nurse. It really depends on where you are and the needs in the area.

I'm 6', 49 years old/young and I can relate. I've just started as an RN and am working in Pre-op before I transition to the OR. We have no stools in pre-op and starting IVs isn't easy when the beds have to be raised all the way. It still doesn't seem high enough. Definitely watch your head though...no telling how many times I've hit mine on things over the years doing xray. Now, most of the time I usually look up when standing from a kneeling position.

Tomorrow marks seven years with Kaiser for me. I've enjoyed it. Not sure right now is the best time to gauge any employer due to Covid and how facilities are functioning. It is also not when you will learn "best practices" from a nursing standpoint. But you will be on the frontlines and look back on these times when things are better.

I'm interviewing next week for the LA "new grad" position. I have several questions to ask during the interview. Right now at my facility the ratios are crazy and we have long waits for ambulances on our ER ramp.

Definitely go for it. Kaiser is a good company to work for but know every facility has it's own personality. Ask questions about what you will be doing. As much as I hear about the "nursing shortage" here in CA I don't see it manifesting. I have a ton of applications out since passing NCLEX in July and only a few interviews. I have been offered a per diem "care assistant" position in the mid 30s that I've agreed to do. Hoping when they post their new grad positions in Jan it will make me a stronger candidate.

I'll say this...right now at least in CA it is very challenging to even get an interview for an OR/periop position as a new grad. I know COVID is a factor due to decreased case loads but OR is exactly where I want to be. It is where my interest in nursing began while my years working as an xray tech. I've always loved working in surgery. To echo others...it all depends on the person. If they have never been exposed to the OR it can be shocking. Some people are comfortable and others aren't. I hear from a lot of people that "you need med/surg experience" and I don't agree. There again, it depends on the individual.

I have eight applications submitted for various nursing positions. Four have been referred, the earliest was Dec. 2nd and no further email since then. I know it is a long process. Sounds like your interview took place quickly. I did claim veteran preference. For me working at the VA and staying at my current employer would be two great careers. My mother was a military flight nurse and I have several other family members who are veterans. Continuing my sense of service in this way would be fulfilling.

While I'd agree that magnet hospitals only hire BSNs I wouldn't say that is the situation for the non-magnet facilities. Sure they'd like BSNs but they have a lot of ADN RNs on staff too.

How long after it was "referred" did it take to get an interview? Do you have veteran preference too?

Frustrating times for sure. I've got more than 500 applications out around southern California. Add dialysis to your list of places to apply to. I'm 49 and work for a major healthcare employer but need a year of nursing experience before they will consider me as an RN. This is with more than 20 years of experience as a radiologic technologist in acute care facilities. I've turned down Kindred because they expected me to make them priority number 1 and drop my current employer. Dialysis wanted me but was fair about it and stated I would not have a life working two jobs. I'm just hoping that some local hospital is willing to pick me up so I can get my year in.

I'm in the exact same position. New grad, working on BSN, have my part time job as an RT(R). I have more than 350 applications out in socal. While it's not my goal as a nurse to be a dialysis nurse it IMO it is better than medsurg for me. Having worked in acute care departments for more than 20 years so that doesn't phase me. I think it is very doable.

Greetings from SoCal, How did you find out about the new grad program at the VA? Even with friends who work at the VA locally it is challenging to get information about nursing positions within the VA. Thanks.

Congratulations to all who have been accepted into the program. I'm a Spring 2020 graduate and RN. It is a great program. I'm not sure how your classes/clinicals will take place with online instruction. IMHO it is crucial to be in class, lab, and clinical. For those of you who have been accepted I have several books I'm willing to donate. ATI, A&P, and various nursing texts. None are recent editions but they may be helpful in some way. Depending on what uniforms are going to be required I also have two sets of LG male scrubs and XL lab coat I'd make available much less than the cost of a new set...still get new ones though. Good luck, work hard, be the best nurse you can during school and after. It's not easy but it is worth it.

First off, congratulations RN! I can echo many things from the previous post. I used Kaplan and had very similar results and feelings regarding the process. I have a close study group total of five classmates. We all have done or are in the process of doing Kaplan. So far three of us have passed the NCLEX at 60 questions. Should know the results for #4, who also ended at 60, tomorrow. The process works if you go through all the steps. I also supplemented with simple nursing videos for certain pathophysiology topics and ATI texts. Still doesn't feel real but I am a registered nurse. Been a long six years of prerequisites and the program.

I'm using Kaplan and it is good to see that it works. Very stressful times. Less than a month till NCLEX! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Sorry, yes you're absolutely allowed to express your sadness. Didn't mean to come across that way.

Just curious what programs are continuing and which are on hold/suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks in advance.

Be happy you're getting your diploma and will be able to sit for the exam. My program has suspended all classes. My cohort was scheduled to graduate in May.

Hi, I will give you my $.02. I've been a radiologic technologist for 20 years and currently close to the end of the first year of my two year program. If you go the xray route make sure it is not a "technician" school. They are very different. Think RN vs. LVN/CNA. Being an RT does not guarantee you time in OR unless you find a facility that has a dedicated OR xray tech. It happens but not the norm. As an RT you have the opportunity to continue licensure in CT, MRI, NM (nuc med), and radiation therapy. I say go for the RN as the opportunities are so vast. You may find during nursing school that another area of expertise calls out to you. Good luck with whatever decision you come to.