pixiepie

It took me a while to figure out what positions to apply to, but I eventually settled on med surg too. The problem is that I'm interested in a lot of areas, but don't know which one to commit too. I also realized as a new nurse that I have a lot to learn still. I think there will be a lot to learn with a variety of clients, skills, etc. on a medsurg floor. One that I'm applying for (crossing my fingers that this one works out), has med-surg, tele, and oncology--can you imagine going bored on a floor like that? Not me. You could have just about anyone on a floor like that. And IF, I decided to pursue a specialty, I could go anywhere later. Honestly though, I'm not sure I'd want to leave when the variety that I want is all on the same floor One of the best lessons I've learned in nursing is not to compare myself to others. I used to think I was so dumb b/c I hadn't had 'such n such' experience in clinicals--but tell me, how many people have had every single possible skill/experience in clinical, and repeated enough times to be an expert, while in nursing school? So don't doubt your decision. Just make the best one for YOU, where you'll be happiest.

Thank you, Adidas and Wingles. Last night went pretty well, I think. I think I will most likely stick with night shift and I love the unit I was observing on--Med/Surg, Tele, AND Oncology! There is no chance of getting bored on a floor like that. If I could have described my perfect floor, that'd be it. I was a great nurse, who loved answering my questions. If the rest of the nurses there are like her, then I know I'd be happy there. I just wish the managers there were more straight forward. They said 'they're interviewing many people, they'll have to talk with each other (day manager and night manager; also doing another shadowing there on days), and see what they have available... I figure they can't be wasting their time or my time, by having me come back for another 5 hour shadowing... So one more shadowing on this floor that I love on day shift, and then another shadowing at another hospital on night shift (both the same day)...

Calla, Thanks, I'm glad to hear that. I'm heading out to one of my shadowing experiences right now.

Both hospitals I interviewed at have me scheduled for shadowing. One wasn't necessary, but was highly suggested to make sure this is what I want to be doing. The other hospital said that's it's standard. Is this truely just an observation experience to find out if I like the unit or not, or is there more that I should be prepared for? thanks

Anyone do this? Both interviews I had this week went well. One manager pretty much said that I had the job as long as I enjoy my shadowing experience. She said to call in the morning the next day and let her know if this is what I really want to do, so she could 'get the process started'. I also have another shadowing (well, two for this unit--1 on night and 1 on day shift) experience scheduled for another hospital. I can't read the managers, but I think I responded well in the interview. They seemed to like and agree with my responses, but they kept saying how they were interviewing a lot of people, didn't want to hire just anyone, and were being very picky. This is the position that I want the most--it's my dream position actually. Has anyone done shadowing experiences before as part of the interview/application process? Is it simply just to see if we like the unit or not? Or is there more to it that I should be prepared for? They wouldn't waste their times having me shadow, if I wasn't a good candidate still right?

Hi, I'm a new grad nurse myself and don't have a ton of experience to draw from. I'm in the midst of the job searching myself. All applications are via online here. I realized calling recruiters in HR was pointless b/c they tend to screen their calls, and they seemed to want to get me off the phone as soon as possible. So... after about 1 week after I sent my application in, I call the hospital, ask for the unit I'm applying to, ask to speak to the unit manager. I totally lucked out the first time and the manager was available to speak to me. She requested an interview right away, even though she hadn't read my application yet. Interview went well, now I just have a shadowing experience, then I'm supposed to call her in the morning and tell her if I want the job. The second place I called, the manager was unavailable, but a few days later, suddenly received a call from HR requesting an interview. Did that one yesterday--one with HR, then one with 2 unit managers. I have two shadowing experiences scheduled this week with them, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one works out b/c it's my dream position. So after all that, I fully encourage that you start skipping HR all together, and focus on making your one week follow up calls to the unit managers. Then just think positively--how you are the right candidate to fill the position--the rest will just follow. hth

Hi, I'm new here. I haven't read through all the posts b/c there are so many, hence my apologies in advance if I repeat... I found clipboards, esp. those ones that hold supplies underneath, were too wieldy to lug around; so I picked up some great org. folders at Target and Walmart. --spiral bound folders; great for my leadership clinical (assigned to preceptor and grad. take over their client load). I'd put ea. pt's info in their own folder, but all bound together for easy access. or if you only have one pt, this is great for org. all of your notes, assign pages, etc. --I also have another folder that I like to sometimes use for clinicals that holds a pad of paper and holds about four different folder slots inside for easy org. --post it notes--I like to organize my day @ clinicals. I make a rough time line; write in when meds are due, when to do cares, vitals, etc; also for mult. pts, I write Rx by the time due and the pt's room number. If they don't have a lot of meds, I write in which ones are due. This is also great for writing reminders and notes. I post this on the inside front of my spiral bound folders. -- --drug book --Littman steth.--it's an investment, you'll be using it long after you're out of school --dansko's--fabulous, fabulous or --ryka sneakers for the ladies out there--these shoes are designed by women for women--truely the most comfy shoes besides my danskos --lunch bag --coffee bags--they look like tea bags, but they're for instant coffee--maxwell and folgers have them. I carry these w/me for coffee whenever I want. --highlighters --scissors --tape for drssg changes, etc --binder, paper for notes --organizer/calendar --Pens, you can never have enough --pencils for those pesky exams --white lab coat and white long sleeve shirts for when you're freezing --mints, b/c who wants a nurse or student nurse hovering over them w/bad breath --mini calc. for when your instructor makes you recheck med dosages --small change purse to carry extra change, license, etc b/c you won't be wanting to leave that in the breakroom... --hand sanitizer--Purell, our home hospice nurses all carry a bottle w/them and it's easier than constantly going looking for a hand sanitizer dispenser --bottle of advil/motrin/tylenol, etc b/c you're gonna need it --bottle of water to carry w/you just in case --LOTION b/c your hands will crack and bleed w/all that handwashing! **Glysomed from CVS, Target, walmart, walgreens, etc. is awesome! Avon's silicone gloves hand lotion/cream is similar. I also like Surgeon's skin secret sticks made from beeswax and lanolin. I rub it on my knuckles and cuticles before bed at night and then in the mornng. Lasts through handwashings. --hesi nclex review book