GFzalez

Thanks for the info. Do you have any idea how many slots are open for NPs/competitiveness for these positions. I assume there are much fewer positions then there are for staff nurses and I know right now staff nurse positions are already very competitive. I just would like to know how that selection is brought about. Thank you so much!

I know this is an older thread but do NPs get paid more than staff nurses in the military? I am interested in joining the navy but I would like to get my DNP first hopefully start next fall 11' for three years, and I would like to have the loans from grad school paid off by the military. I have seen the military pay scale for officers but I haven't seen any distinction between NPs and floor nurses, (maybe I'm just not looking in the right spot) Thanks

One girl from our floor had 4 or 5 weeks orientation, but it was a specialty floor and she had prior experience.

Thanks for your responses. I've had two interviews so far. The first one at the women's prison went well she asked me the general what are your strengths and weakness? why do you want to work corrections? why did you want to be a nurse? do you have a biases towards inmates? what is your past work history? what are you most proud of as a nurse? She told me the very good atmosphere low security, and that they would never fault me for sending someone to the ER. that the women really only want to talk to you...Pretty good atmosphere. I met the overnight nurses and they are all very close knit. the other interview, if that's what you can call it went very differently. He basically gave me a very honest 20 min speech on what I could expect working there. It's basically a detention facility most of the over 1,000 inmates are pre-trail so they basically come off the streets and you have to figure out what their health problems and medications are. He said that I'm qualified because anyone with an RN is "Qualified" for this job. Everything is videotaped. He then went to told me how i need to be able to know if people are "faking it" because it waste huge amounts of tax dollars having inmates go to the ER for no reason. Also that I would be running codes as I will most likely the only RN there. Really not ready for that yet! I've only seen a code in nursing school and needless to say I wasn't very involved in that.. Well I did take an 02 sat a few times and moved things out of the way for everyone. He didn't ask me any questions and told me that they don't consider any of his choices anyways and because of their backwards way of picking applicants and he doesn't know who is hired until they walk through the door on their first day. thanks but no thanks!

Hello everyone I have three upcoming interviews this week for correctional nursing positions in the northeast. I've only been a nurse in LTC for five months but I have my BSN and previous experience in psych during nursing school. I originally wanted to work in a hospital setting I would love to "pay my dues" doing that infamous 1 year of med surg but the hospitals around here aren't exactly hiring anyone without existing acute care experience. Corrections nursing seems interesting so I might give it a shot. I was lucky to get that job that I have in the nursing home but it's not where I see myself in the future and (I don't know how safe my license will be working there as things are right now). So what should I ask them? I can't have no questions during an interview, but I have never even been inside a prison before. One is the women's prison, one is a level 3, and one is a level 4 ; the information about the prisons on the state website is minimal at best. Also is it true that an under-wire bra will set off the metal detector? I am kind of big busted and really only have under-wire bras. Only one of the places said that i shouldn't wear anything with metal in it but the woman didn't specify, she just said that once her shoes set off the detector; but I've gone through metal detectors at the air port without any problems. Anyways would be really embarrassing having to go through a professional interview without wearing a bra. thanks everyone

Graduated BSN in May 09' from school in mass, Passed NCLEX 75 Questions and 40 minuets later, got CT license in Aug, Despite countless applications (beginning in March of 09') and 9 interviews, was hired in Feb of 10' in Long term care in MA. (the only one that called back). I am happy to have a job, despite these days when I am feeling like a glorified babysitter and a waitress.

Thank you everyone for your responses. If for example that was given in the previous post about Long Term Care doesn't count as "constructive" credit then what would I count for? Would I be eligible for the new grad program if after I year I am still at my current job. I have no problems "paying my dues" I am not looking into any major specialty just yet I really just want acute care experience. I am in a bit between a rock in a hard place. I really don't want to stay at my current job but if I change jobs and then go into the military I will be afraid to be labeled a job hopper if I am going on my third job within 2 years. Thanks again for your input

Thank you all for your suggestions! EXACTLY! This was what I meant by starting off as a "new grad" I don't anticipate starting for almost a year so from now.By then I will have over a year experience in nursing but not in acute care if I stay at my current job. I should have clarified that better in my original post.

Also happy memorial day!

Hello I am a new nurse, graduated last year with my BSN but only have 3 months of experience in a nursing home. (It was the only job I was offered after numerous applications and interviews) I am thankful to have a job but It's not where I see myself for very long. I am 23 years old and really interested in joining the Army active duty. I am excited at the opportunity not only to serve my country but also receive the best training in the world for a nurse, and have some great life experiences. My questions are would working at a nursing home affect my ability to acclimate into the hospital setting where my first assignment would most likely be. Would I still be considered a "new grad" even if I takes a while to get into the army because my past experience is in LTC. Right now i just need to work in making weight before I can even be taken seriously by a recruiter, any suggestions for what worked for them? I just started Couch to 5K... I just don't want to be announced overweight in a room full of people when they do the initial test. My other questions that I am interested in.. How long does it take to complete the packet? What is in the packet? Do I need letters of recommendations from old professors and bosses? Also some questions about training: How much of the time at OBLC is spent on PT vs class time etc? What kinds of exercises are done? How many miles a day do you have to run? Do you have any choice as to when you go to OBLC? When is the best time to go? What is done during that time if you have time left on your lease and making car payments etc. Do you get commissioned as an officer before you go to training or after training is completed? How is that like? Also I have a cat, are people able to bring pets with them once they get their assignment? how difficult does it make things? -Thank you so much for your input I have learned so much from reading this forum.

At our LTC an LPN was finally fired for giving all his insulins and medications at 4pm so he could "save time" with the evening med pass!:eek:

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I will definitely be asking the nurse educator about hand washing audits for a start! Hopefully it will help this nurse get her act together.

I am a new grad working on LTC and still on orientation. I have noticed that one of my preceptors doesn't wash her hands...like ever during the shift. It's incredibly disgusting. She has been working at the facility for almost a decade and she is only in her mid 40's and doesn't even use the foam sanitizer that is stationed at the door of each resident's room. According to everyone she is a good and compassionate nurse, but how can that be possible is she doesn't wash her f'ing hands! Also she doesn't even look up the meds that she is giving! I know that in LTC you "know the residents" and probably have all the meds memorized but still, you can miss something and not even know it because she pours all her meds, gives them to the patient, and then signs all her meds and everything at the end of the shift. In the meantime she surfs on facebook and plays Farmville. What's worse is that we have blister packs for our meds that we pop into little plastic cups, she pops the pills out into her unwashed hands and puts that into the cup! Totally defeating the purpose of popping pills into cups! Also for eye drops she not only doesn't wash her hands but also doesn't wear gloves! And then she would go and pop more pills into her hands for the next patient's meds! Needless to say on the rare occasions when she does wear gloves she doesn't wash her hands afterwards. Even grosser recently I saw her after putting eye drops in a resident (sin gloves, of course) , then go directly and eat take out at the nurses desk!!!! I see her eat constantly without washing her hands and I gag a little in my mouth each time. During a shift I only saw her wash her hands once before a doing a dressing change prior to putting on gloves, then afterwards she didn't wash her hands! Am I missing something? How the heck does this happen? I mean I don't want to get my preceptor in trouble because she will know it will be me who said something but what should I do? I mean who wouldn't be offended when you say "hmmmm excuse me don't you think you should wash your hands, like more than once during a shift or more like in between each resident, before and after you basically do anything with a patient?" Also this nurse has a reputation for being moody and I don't want to get on her bad side while I'm still orientating with her. Suggestions...?

Don't give up! I was in your boat when I graduated back in May and had been unemployed up until February of this year living in CT. Despite several hundreds of applications I did get a few interviews (9 of them with only 1 job offer) but almost unanimously they wanted someone or hired someone with more experience. (surprisingly a lot of my interviews came from craiglist job postings). Other places included careerbuilders.com, also try nursing homes (google the location, dress nicely and apply in person, ask to speak to the nursing manager if available), community health centers, family planning centers are all willing to hire, or at least interview new grads. Also take another look at your resume and cover letters, I had tons of people critique mine until it was as perfect. I ended up getting a job at a SNF in western mass about a month ago, not too far a drive from the Hartford area but it did require shelling out an additional 280.00 for the Massachusetts license plus the additional postage to get the mail certified (which is a must if since you are sending the money order to Tennessee!) I like my job, however I am making a lower base pay then what I would be getting in CT 23.00/hr for RN. But I am just happy to be working and gaining experience!

You need to speak with management, she's your problem till she leaves for an RN job (and the way the economy is and ESPECIALLY how picky she is being, this can be a very long while before that happens!) Leaving the unit early is a no-no. I am embarrassed how she makes other new grads seem like they "know it all". As one of my interviewers once said in the most endearing way... "You're a new grad, I was there once too, you don't even know what you don't know yet." It's true. Also; I didn't know that RN's who passed the NCLEX could/would work as a CNA with all of the liability that comes along with it for little pay. From how you describe the situation It may not seem that she realizes the legal consequences of this...

Hello everyone I know there are a lot of similar posts floating thoughout the nursing boards but I haven't seen any recent one for vermont, so I figured I would ask. So..I am a new BSN grad (if May 09 is still considered new) Haven't landed a nursing job yet, have been licensed in CT since Aug and I am looking into jobs in other states. I keep hearing from everyone that If I can't find a job where I am located, that I should move...So how is the best way for a flatlander to do that? I'm not picky about where I would work but I would like a hosptial, any FT position. Thanks

100 a year for CT

Congrats! I am in a similar situation (before job offer) in terms of not finding a job despite numerous applications and 4 interviews, 2 of those times I was told that the job went to someone more experienced aka not a new grad! (only one of them was a new grad position which had limited space) anywho...not to bring down your positive post.... I do have one question: what location are you from and what state did you find a job in? thanks!

Hey I am also a new grad here are a few of the quesitons that i have been asked in interviews Where do you see yourself in 5 years etc? Short term and Long term goals? Why do you want to work here (either facility or specific unit)? How did you find out about us? Why did you want to be a nurse? Explain a time you had a difficult patient and/or co workers and how you dealt with it What personalities do you clash with? What are you interested in doing? How do you deal with stress/ What stresses you out? How well do you work in a team/ what do you usually do? In school what were your favorite and least favorite clinicals and why? What are your interests/hobbies One guy asked me what my responsiblity was for thanksgiving At a LTC facility I was asked are you detailed oriented? In a 6 month period how many times do you think it's acceptable to call out of work? What Management/leadership experience do you have? Experience with doing injections, what kinds? And "tell me about yourself" Be sure to ask questions about the facility you are interviewing at and have some prior knowledge about the place (look at website at mission and values, awards issued etc) Also I usaully bring a folder with me to the interviews with a few extra copies of my resume on good resume paper. It is also helpful because they will ususally give you a packet of things like benefit and job description, etc. Good luck!

I know the feeling! I'm in connecticut i took and passed my NCLEX-RN on Aug 14th and found out it expires anually on the last day on the month of my birthday, So it expires Oct 31st of this year. (After 2 months of licensure!) So I just had to re-new it for 100.00 on a license I haven't used yet, because i don't yet have a job! I got sent a letter from the state telling me to renew it before my official license came it. The Department of Public health should be able to give you that information or atleast direct you as to where to go. I was able to renew mine online with a credit card. Congrats and good luck to you

cnn: anderson cooper. flu fears, vaccine concerns. answering your important questions. october 23rd 2009 [color=#3b5998]http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/10/23/ac.swine.flu.cnn?iref=videosearch is it just me or did she not make a convincing argument for not getting the swine flu vaccine. about the public making the decision for getting the vaccine "check on this before you make that decision, there is plenty of information on the internet" (without citing specific reputable sources). and she claims to have been a public health nurse, how long ago? the doctor that she debated in my opinion, did a much more convincing job on getting the vaccine then she did on not getting it. what do other people think?

I didn't hear anything back, the position starts on Monday (my interview was last Friday) The hospital is having another new grad orientation in a few months. I have the business card of the HR person whom I interview with. My question is what do I do now? I already sent a thank you email to the HR person after my interview and requested the email of the nurse manager I spoke to but I haven't heard anything yet. Should I call and ask if there is anything I can do to improve my odds of being hired on the next round of applicants? If so, how should I ask and what other questions should I include? Also what should I do in the meantime. Eh... The worst part was I did my best, which was surprisingly well considering it was my first interview since graduating in the end of May . I honestly can't think of anything I can improve upon. (the NM even said "good answear" to one of my response!) I know that there were a lot of applicants for the few positions, the economy, yatta yatta yatta... But it still stinks not having a job. Thanks!

Cristiann, As someone who has just recently taken and passed the NCLEX (Aug 14th), I can tell you that feeling that you failed is a normal part of the waiting process in getting your results. From the looks of it, it seems that you have done a lot in preperation for this test. My advise to you is to keep busy for the next few days (if you were able to get the quick results from pearson). Do whatever it is you like to and have been neglecting since studying for this test: Go to the movies, gym, take trips to visit friends, cook, read, work..., you name it. You won't know your test results for sure until you get them. So take a deep breath and try to relax. Even if in the unlikely event (15%) that you need to take the test again, you will know what to expect for the second time. You will get a packet of your strenghts and weaknesses which will help guide the studying process and make the next time a success (if a second time is necessary at all) Good Luck and tell us how it goes.

Hello I am a new grad (still unemployed) with my RN looking to get involved with DMAT I have emailed the head of the chapter in CT and he told me to send in my resume which i just did. (I have recently started to become involved with the Red Cross but I want to be able to do more). I want to know is there anything that i can really do for DMAT (clinically) given my recent graduate status with little hosptial experience? I am not expecting to get a job with them or anything i just want that training and experience to help me get a job AND continue to work with them once i finally gain employment in a hosptial. Thanks

Hello Has anyone ever worked with the disatster Medical Assistance Team? They are a federally funded program that is to provide medical care in the event of a disaster or other event. http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opeo/ndms/teams/dmat.html Does anyone know anything about the trainings they offer or willingness to take on a new grad BSN-RN nurse for volunteerism? I know that there is one in my home state of CT but the website hasn't answeared all of my questions. Thank You