Ra!nne, RN

It's been a while since I last dropped by here. Just want to share the good news to you guys. I should have posted this 10 months ago. That's right. I am officially a practicing nurse since November 2011. From a call center agent to a bid support specialist (which are non-nursing related) then finally down to my dream career, which is being a nurse. I am proud to have worked under those non-nursing related careers. They may be outside of what I've studied in college but still, the knowledge and skills I've learned were worth it. And besides, it took me a lot of courage and confidence to stand up for what I know was right at that time (which was practicing outside of my profession because of the lacking hospital opportunities). I was able to financially support myself and my family while I made sure to have the time to study and not forget my profession. The point is, no matter what type of job you're into right now -- be it in the BPO industry or other non-nursing related careers-- for as long as you know where you're headed and what you really want to be, then nothing is impossible. Just make sure that you're ready to face the challenges along the road. I'm telling you, the road is tougher than you think. And once you've reached your dream career, it's not yet the end of the road. More difficult challenges await. But at least, you're on the right track. As for me, I am still struggling hard. I am now trying to establish my career as a nurse. Difficulties never stop. Everyday is a chance for me to learn and experience new things. I could have chosen the less work, good-paying job but I didn't. I made a decision. I chose my profession. I now have my dream job at my dream hospital. As they say, dreams do come true. But I repeat, this is just the beginning...

I'm just curious... Is the compensation and benefit package under telehealth nursing competitive as compared with clinical nursing (if you work in a hospital in the US)? This maybe a growing career right now but little do we know about the salary as well as its stability.

For those who passed the final interview, any news on when will be the date of deployment? Well, they say that it may take about 1-2 yrs or so, but did anyone who passed the final interview this year get the chance to start already? I passed the final interview last May 2011. Haven't gotten any good news yet. Please share your status. Thanks!

Thanks for liking. :) The training that I had with VLUNA was really worth it. It's one of the best place where you can apply your knowledge and skills and differentiate theory from reality. Of course, don't forget the words "discipline" and "responsibility". You'll know them when you're there. Also, your learning depends on the area where you'll be assigned to but nevertheless, you'll get the experience you need. You'll eventually get tired and lose motivation but be patient. Your dream of becoming a "practicing" nurse is at hand. If it doesn't work, another door will be opened so don't lose hope. By the way, just had my final interview with PGH and gladly, I passed. Just don't lose HOPE. It's really frustrating but I know this long wait will have an end. Everything will be in its proper places... WE will be in our right places. :)

hi guys! pls share something about your experience when you had your final interview and how long will it take after the final interview for you to be deployed?

Just like you, I'm in the call center industry since I passed the NLE last 07. Though I had my training last 09 at AFPMC as an RN Resident, it was never an assurance that I'll get a decent job as a staff nurse there or at any other hospitals. The chances of being hired as a staff nurse are becoming slimmer especially if you are not affiliated with anyone inside the hospital, no matter how good your qualifications are. It is indeed frustrating for us who have the heart to serve as nurses but were never given the chance. But as they all say, we should never lose HOPE. The challenge that remains for all of us would be on how to retain and enhance the skills and knowledge that we gained as nurses way, way back. We cannot deny that as we continue to learn new things from our current work, we tend to lose the knowledge that we had in relation to our profession. We must have the initiative to have continuous learning not just for our own sake but also for the sake of our future patients. As for me, I'm still waiting for some good news from PGH since I passed the panel interview last 2010. So while waiting, might as well enjoy the type of work that I have now and stay focused on what I really want to be. By the way, I'm currently a bid support specialist and I no longer take in calls. I am enjoying my work but I really prefer to practice my profession. When the right time comes, I hope I'll be ready... and become the BEST NURSE that I can be.

Any updates for those who passed their panel interview last August 2010? Are you already scheduled for your final interview? This will be for a staff nurse post not under APCN.

Hi guys! Any updates for those who had their panel interview last August 2010 when will be their scheduled final interview for a staff nurse post? I passed the panel interview last September 2010 and the last time I called, I was advised that August 2010 passers are set for their final interview. Please share what you know. Thanks!

How about UST or UERMMMC? Do they have classes during the weekend? I know being a graduate student is kinda difficult especially if you're working at the same time. I don't want to waste money since I'll be the one spending for my studies. That is why choosing the school that suits my work schedule would be better (also if the fees are cheaper). Kindly suggest as well if you have any idea about the fees. This would really help. Thanks!

I'm also planning to take up master's degree but I'm looking for a school/univ that has schedules during weekends only since I'm currently working on a graveyard shift during the weekdays. Any schools that you could suggest?

thank you for the advice... it is much appreciated.

im really confused right now if i should take the june board exam... just want to seek advice before i decide... it would really mean a lot. thank u very much.