Phish

Where can one take an RN Refresher Course in the Boston area? What is the cost? How long is the course? I graduated nursing school 2 years ago but never worked in Med Surg and figure I need to take a course such as this in order to obtain a second job. Thanks!

I graduated May 2006. I had been applying everywhere with no response. I sent in my resume to a health center in Boston, heard back within a week. I was really excited at the time. My starting salary was 26.50/hr. After 9 months of no real support :angryfire, I networked my way into a major hospital in Boston. I love it!!! A rough starting point but I don't regret it, I believe it made me a stronger person in the end. :trout: Good luck new grads, it can be a little discouraging in the beginning but hang in there, it is worth in the end.

I was thinking about moving to Florida. I am an RN in Massachusetts, what do I have to do to transfer my license to Florida?

Does anyone know about Correctional Nursing in the Boston area? Working conditions, salaries, benefits, etc?

Hi all... I graduated in May, took my boards in August, started sending my resume out in July, had a job set up to start in September. Within 2 weeks, I got about 10 calls for interviews, went on 4 interviews and received offers from all. I found out the problem with most hospitals is the lack of preceptors. The nursing shortage in Mass is alive and well! I got a job in a community health center making the same money as my some of my friends I graduated with who work in the hospitals... And $2 more than others who chose to work in LTC. Boston.com is a great resource to search for a job. I also thought of places I was interested in and sent my resume to them whether or not I knew they were hiring. (In fact, the job I have now, I never saw an ad for it.) I knew when I graduated, I didn't want to work in a hospital because of my future goals. I feel I am getting the needed experience as a new grad and I work Monday through Friday 9-5p. This leaves time for me and a per diem job if I wanted. You have to think outside of the old taboo that you have to work in a hospital right out of school. Maybe try and get some experience elsewhere then transfer into a hospital if that is what you want. There are a lot of health centers, LTC, rehabs, schools, state hospitals, DSS programs, private doctor offices, etc. that will take new grads. As always, be careful and don't just take a job to have one! I found some places will hire new grads but have you pushing paper, taking phone calls, or giving out just meds. My job at the clinic is a combination of primary care and urgent care nursing. I am able to do so much. I did make sure during the interview that I was promised at least 6 weeks of orientation, a preceptor and made sure I was comfortable with the center and the resources available for a new grad. Everyone from the Doctors to the MA's are very supportive and helpful. They also support continued learning. By my second week, I was sent to a conference at the State Lab to learn about immunizations, a conference on cervical and breast cancer, and a seminar about children and asthma!! I feel very lucky so far to have landed such job. So don't give up and don't settle. GOOD LUCK NEWBIES!!!!!! :monkeydance:

I took my boards yesterday at 12:45p and I am a mess. My anxiety is causing mild chest and back pain. I feel like I am preparing myself for the worst. I just don't think I passed. I don't want to face anyone right now, this test has made me feel like the biggest looser. I had no clue! Why do I feel this way, I feel almost as bad as I felt when my cat was hit by a car! I have sooooo much riding on this one little test. I hate have all my eggs in one basket! Pray for me as I will for those who have to retake the exam.