kamnan

Thank you so much for your information. I wasn't aware about the ANCP. I will have to look further into that. I'm getting close to being maxed out on financial aid from my previous bachelor's degree. So, if I can avoid taking out more loans- it would be incredibly awesome!

Good afternoon all, I have been looking through several of these threads and have found them to be profoundly helpful. I don't usually post things- but, my questions are so specific that I don't think I'll get them answered any other way:) Here's my situation: I am going to be 30 in the fall. I have a bachelor's in social work and have my ADN as well. I have worked Cardiac ICU for the past year and am in love with critical care nursing. I have 3 years in long-term care experience. I'm interested in joining the army active duty (AD)- but, have noticed that the Army Nurse Corps will NOT take me without a BSN. So... is it better for me to join AD as a commissioned officer (based off of my current bachelor's degree) and then risk not having an MOS in nursing... all the while, continuing my education and completing an RN-MSN option? Would I then petition to become a member of the Army Nurse Corps? Or.. is it better for me to join the Army Nurse Corps reserve and complete my BSN and then go AD at that time? I really want to go AD over reserves. But, I also don't want to be in a position where I'm not doing what I love. I worked hard to get to where I'm at and I want to continue developing professionally as a nurse. Thanks for any info.... I've found it can be a little difficult finding clear-cut answers for my particular situation.

Hi Lynn85- I feel your pain. Its rough out there right now- doesn't matter if you have experience or not. My husband lost his job 5 months ago and has been unable to gain employment... so, yeah... I feel your pain. I'm so thankful to have this position @ CNMC and I know I'm amazingly blessed to have scored such a wonderful position in today's economy. Have hope though- the need for nurses will not go away. This is just a wave. You might not be able to get the job of your dreams right off the bat. I'm actually keeping my position at the nursing home just as a back-up until I'm solidified @ CNMC. You just can't play it too safe right now. I know a lot of people tend to shy away from nursing homes- but I have enjoyed the environment for learning... most of the nurses have been doing this for a long time and usually don't mind showing you the ropes. I wouldn't change it at all that I started out in the nursing home. As for the interview ettiquette stuff... man... I can only say a lot of that you learn from making mistakes, unfortunately. I could take up pages of space here with jobs I've applied for and completely goofed up the interview (and subsequently did not get the job...). Make sure on your resume you list any scholarships you have obtained- if you have a good GPA- be sure to market that. Also, if you have no nursing experience- look at your current jobs and see what "nursing" stuff you already do... like prioritize or educate... there's lots of different things. Hang in there!

This message is for Lynn85... I dont have a way to apply to your message so this is the best I can do regarding your CNMC questions.. Yes, I did apply online. They had new grad recruitment event in Feb that I attended and had the chance to meet with people in person. I gave out my resume and sent thank you cards to everyone I spoke with. It took a long time for me to hear back from them- honestly, I'd ruled it out. As for experience- I have a bachelors in a different field and am graduating from an associates program in May. I worked for 1.5 yrs as a GNA and have been an LPN since August. So, yes... I do have previous nursing experience. But, I didn't get the sense that this was something they placed great weight on. My experience in nursing is pretty much all geriatrics- so, I think its fair to say I'll be on the same playing ground as everyone else come september when I start... hope this helps!

I actually just got hired on children's national in their cardiac icu as a new grad- position will not begin till sept. i can tell you there was no sign on bonus- i've heard from other people you have to ask about the sign-on bonus with children's. but, i was just so thankful to get such a position i didn't feel right about asking about a bonus! they do have other new grad positions open- i just think they're few and far between... hope this helps.

Congtratz!!!! Welcome nurse!

Well, I've found out I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all! Well, day two of waiting... everyone keeps telling me that they're sure I did fine and that having the pc shut off at 85 is a good sign. But, I just don't know... argh! I'm preparing myself for the worst. I should know by the end of the day. We'll see.... hopefully we will all pass and we'll be LPN's/LVN's in no time flat!

I am so there with you. I took the NCLEX PN yesterday and just felt so nauseous afterwards. There were so many questions where I felt like I was just giving an educated guess- which really frustrated me. I should find out tomorrow if I passed or not. I don't know... everyone keeps telling me I'm fine and blah blah blah... but, that sinking feeling in your gut definitely does not help matters.