rngrad06

Thanks for the reply.... I think I will contact the ARSBN tomorrow and see what info they can give me.

Does any AR nurses know of any student loan forgiveness programs available post-graduation, yet still in the grace period? I went to the arsbn site but only found info. avail. to current students. I took the advise of others and borrowed $ while I was in school and was told it would be "the cheapest $ I would ever borrow"......I about fainted when I received my repayment notice and saw how much my payments were going to be. I thought the loans were going to be based on the interest rate the loan was incurred, not the interest rate when repayment began. The interest rates where much lower when I took out these loans. I am continually receiving offers to consolidate my loans but am afraid they might be a scam. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks for the advise...I have already started looking for a new job and have decided that I WILL NOT sign on the dotted line.

As a new grad I understand why a lot of them choose critical care over "paying their dues, so to say" on the floor. We are absolutely terrified of the responsibility of taking on so many patients so soon. I realize that these pts. are "supposed" to be quote/unquote "stable", but we all know that all too often our Med Surg floors are occupied by pts w/ all levels of acuity, especially if the CCU's are full. I don't know how other nursing schools operate, but the most pt. load we ever had as students, even in our last smstr of school, was 2, but we always had our instructor or a nurse close by to come to our rescue. Every hospital I have interviewed w/ in this area range anywhere from 5-8: 1 w/ the exception of Children's. Even while I was a student I would see seasoned nurese running like chickens w/ their head cut off trying to keep up....how can they expect a new grad to keep up? Every new grads worst nightmare is the thought causing harm or killing a pt. and I think loading them down w/ such great responsibilty of so many pts. increases the likelihood of that occurring. I DO NOT in any way think I am above paying my dues or working on a floor, ie - Med Surg. but run away from it out of fear.

I am a new rn grad and am currently working in an adult ICU, 22 bed unit. I have just applied for a NICU position online at Children's hospital. I shadowed there several times on my own time and fell in love w/ the facility but was not hired for any of the positions I applied for after graduation. I am considering the change for several reasons.... 1. The hospital where I am currently working for the past 8-9 wks offer a "required" critical care course. I was told about this course when I was offered the position, but was not told that it would be at my expense until my 4th wk of orientation. The catch is that you have to sign an 18 mo. contract to the hospital or pay $1500 out of your own pocket. That just hasn't set right with me since the day I heard it. It's a 10 day course (8hr. days) of which I am paid while I attend. I don't think that 18 mo. is a fair bal. for 10 days of training. I think what upset me most is that they were not completely upfront about it at hire. 2. I've had a bad orientation experience. My first 8 wks I was on day shift and I bounced around to 6 different preceptors. I don't think they purposely set out to give me a bad orientation, it just happened. I was ready to quit when I transferred to nights as a last resort. I have had a wonderful preceptor there for the past 3 wks, but still am not happy. I just don't think this particular ICU is a fit for me. 3. I have a strong interest for pediatric nursing. Any advise out there.....This course starts Oct. 2nd and each day I come closer I cringe even more at signing such a long committment, especially in a facility that I'm not sure I want to stay. Am I being unrealistic in my expectations from an employer as a new grad???

Hello, I am new to the L.R. area myself. I'm orignally from Ft. Smith but moved here from NW AR from Harrison, AR (about 30 south of Branson MO). We are currently living in Benton. I work at St. Vincents which is approx. 30 miles or a little less SW of LR. I have worked both day and night shift and my commute time is right at 20-25 min. from my house to the hospital parking lot. I never have any traffic issues as I am always either ahead or behind the traffic rush. We are renting now but looking to buy a home soon and have looked around the Cabot area, but have been pleased w/ the Benton and Bryant area. I have a 5th and 8th grader and am pleased so far with both of their schools. We have been here since May and find it to be a great area to raise a family. I too am looking for work at Children's. Good luck to you and your husband in your move.

I am a new rn grad and am currently working in an adult ICU, 22 bed unit. I have just applied for a NICU position online at an area Children's hospital. I shadowed there several times on my own time and fell in love w/ the facility but was not hired for any of the positions I applied for after graduation. I am considering the change for several reasons.... 1. The hospital where I am currently working for the past 8-9 wks offer a "required critical care course". I was told about this course when I was offered the position, but was not told that it would be at my expense until my 4th wk of orientation. The catch is that you have to sign an 18 mo. contract to the hospital or pay $1500 out of your own pocket. That just hasn't set right with me since the day I heard it. It's a 10 day course (8hr. days) of which I am paid while I attend. I don't think that 18 mo. is a fair bal. for 10 days of training. I think what upset me most is that they were not completely upfront about it at hire. 2. I've had a bad orientation experience. My first 8 wks I was on day shift and I bounced around to 6 different preceptors. I don't think they purposely set out to give me a bad orientation, it just happened. I was ready to quit when I transferred to nights as a last resort. I have had a wonderful preceptor there for the past 3 wks, but still am not happy. I just don't think this particular ICU is a fit for me. 3. I have a strong interest for pediatric nursing. Any advise out there.....This course starts Oct. 2nd and each day I come closer I cringe even more at signing such a long committment, especially in a facility that I'm not sure I want to stay.