imagineyou

Thanks for the reply! That’s a good point. Seems foolish to me to leave a unit, coworkers and management I love and am comfortable for my first job as an RN. But the potential ICU job is SO hard to pass up. I was only there for one day but I got reaaaally good vibes and was honestly humbled that they asked me to come interview on the spot like that for such a competitive new grad spot. Rationally I know the ICU will be there forever. And you’re right, there are more sick adults than kids. And my peds floor is progressive, so it would give me good experience too. ugh I’m just really overthinking this haha.

Hi all! Looking for some feedback and and advice of what you think is a "better" option. I graduate from an RN program in December and am starting to apply for jobs. I currently work as a tech on a pediatric floor, and although I never thought about peds before this job, I have grown to love it a lot. There is a good possibility they will offer me a position as a new grad as I have previously discussed it with my boss. My dilemma is that even though I love the floor, the nurses, manager and the patient population, I am not 100% that I want to do peds forever and I worry transitioning to adults later on will be hard. I'm also worried that there are skills I won't get to do much with kids (as I've been told by nurses on my floor) and that worries me a bit. I'm also concerned about having issues with nurses/techs getting used to me/not respecting me as a nurse and not a tech, especially considering I've been there for 2 years. My gut tells me I should start out in adults. I have an opportunity to interview with a lower acuity adult ICU where I did clinical and I feel like I could learn A LOT there. I absolutely loved it. But if I started there, I don't feel like I could really go back to my peds floor if I hated it. I feel like that would be weird to turn down an offer from them and them return a year later or whatever. And I feel like I'm crazy for turning down a position on a floor I'm already comfortable in. SO. Any advice? any input from people that have worked both? anyone else feel torn between these 2 vastly different populations? If you worked peds vs adults, what did you like/dislike about each?

It depends entirely on your program. The minimum overall for my school was 70% as well as minimums in each section (can't remember exactly what they were) and they did not look at your application if you make even a point less than the minimum, even if you have a 4.0. If you made the minimum that your school requires, you should be fine, but the chances of you getting in with a lower score depend entirely on how competitive the applicant pool is. You can always retake the teas!

I got in too!!!!! Literally SO excited!

Hello! I can'y answer your question about how sustainable it is to have 2 full time jobs as a nurse as I am not one myself yet, but I've worked a full time and part time simultaneously before and it was a lot. I think I'd recommend finding a job that allows you to work overtime as much as you want. Once you get comfortable with that FT job and see what your schedule allows, maybe find another PT job. You can also start selling plasma for a little extra money. I know some of your loans are parent plus and I don't believe those will be eligible for IBR, but your federal ones should, which should help. I also recommend reading Dave Ramsey's total money makeover (i'll even send you my copy :) ), watching his youtube videos and listening to his podcast. He's a personal finance "advisor". He has been a saving grace financially for me. Once you have a job, throw EVERYTHING at your debt. I know it seems overwhelming right now, but you can do it! One little step at a time. Whatever you do, DON'T QUIT school. You don't want to have thousands of dollars of debt and no degree. Good luck!!

Hey, caligirl! I specifically do have a previous bachelors degree, that's why my application points are a little higher. I'm missing 1 A&P class and didn't do amazing on the teas. From what I understand, there's not one thing they look at more than the other, so as long as you do well on the teas, have your CNA and you have all your pre-reqs, you should be okay! Don't be discouraged. You can always keep applying and keep taking classes to get an associate's. But I have no doubt you'll get in! Good luck!

I'm getting ready to start my journey as a nursing student. After graduating college the first time around, I worked as an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and am now a foreign language interpreter (I'm bilingual English/Spanish). My ideal dream for the future would be to own several homes and live off of that residual income and work as a nurse part-time or PRN in the mental health specialty. I loved working with my people with IDD, so doing something in that field again would also be nice!

Took the teas yesterday and ended up with a 77! Not the best but I'm SO relieved I made the minimum since I barely studied. My application score will be 53.99 and I'll be submitting this week. Hopefully it's good enough! I don't have the patience to wait another semester lol.

Thank you SO much for the advice!! :)

I'll be applying in August! I'm taking BIO 168 now and will only have BIO 169 left to take by the time I apply. I take the TEAS 8/20 and if i get the minimum scores my app should be around 52-53 points. Any suggestions on the TEAS? I'm TERRIFIED to take it!