future_nurse08

I am from Texas and will be relocating to the Columbia area as soon as I graduate (June/July 2008). What is the starting pay for new grad nurses in this area and when should I begin looking for a job? Also would I need to take NCLEX here in Tx and then transfer my license? I've never moved out of state before so this is all new to me! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I did a test run to see how long it would take. It actually took about 2 and a half hours on the light rail and TRE. It's just with gas prices so high right now and having to commute from McKinney it doesn't seem reasonable to drive. Although neither does a 1/2 mile trek carrying all those books! I guess it comes down to time or money. I am lucky though, I was able to get a clinical assignment in Plano so it won't be so bad. I just finished all of the reading. I'm excited to finally get going next week. It should be interesting!

Hey guys! I am going to be starting at TWU next week and while I am excited about starting, I am not so excited about riding DART. I was wondering if anybody knew if TWU offered discounted DART passes for students and if it is more convienent than driving. I just moved this summer to McKinney. Thanks!

My roommate actually works at MCP so I can tell you a thing or two about this hospital. The staffing is horrible. They are always short but if you work the day shift you will be pampered otherwise expect to be way overloaded with patients at night. The nurse manager is rarely there and most of the time is very hard to get in contact with. The nurses do nothing but gossip about each other and they are very stuck up. Plano is a ritzy area and the nurses certainly act like it. They judge you the first time they see you and if they don't like you they will run you off. They have a very high turnover rate and seem to be always hiring. The hospital itself is nice and having been a patient there before the nurses on the med-surg floor seemed to give pretty good care but the ER experience was awful. My roommate works in the ER so I know that my personal horrific experience was not just an isolated occurance but a reflection on the patient care. My advice: stay away.

Congrats to everyone! I was accepted as well. What did you guys think of the orientation? I am not going to be able to take patho until fall as well so I will be right in there with you guys. Thanks for all the suggestions on how to prepare over the summer.

Andy_HRtoRN Yay! It looks like you and I are going to be in the same program. Did you go to orientation on Friday? What did you think of it?

Don't give up if nursing is what you really want to do. I've waited 5 years and have been rejected twice and finally was accepted to TWU. If it is what you love and want to do with your life then try other schools as well and re-apply next semester. Good luck!