OutWest

In my case, it was quicker to get the BSN. I already had a previous bachelors, but no science. I had to take two semesters (part time) of science prereqs. The nursing program was another 5 semesters (full time) for a total of 3.5 years. They transferred all my GenEd prereqs over from my prior bachelors. For the ADN programs I looked at, they would not transfer any GenEd prereqs and I would have had another 3 semesters of prereqs, plus the science prereqs. The difference was the BSN was 1 semester quicker.

This is interesting. I am in the process of hiring into an ED and the unit manager made a "oh, by the way" comment that part of my hiring process would involve taking the TEAS test. I am assuming she is referring to the nursing school entrance test? This is the first time I have had to take a test for a position. Usually, it is the usual background/reference check and drug test. I will be interested in finding out what kind of test you are going to take.

Thanks for the reply. It is always good to hear directly from someone in the trench. The nurse recruiter tends to give a rosier picture than reality. rnboysmom, I hope you faired well during the ice storm. My sister was also in a severe ice storm in the pacific northwest and went without power or phone for almost a week. It makes one appreciate our daily conveniences.

Hello, I am considering applying for a local hospice RN position. It would involve home visits rather than inpatient. My work history has been in the hospital where I have become quite fond of the 6 on, 8 off work schedule. I use my 8 days off to spend quality time with the family. What is your weekly work schedule like? I have heard stories of having to be available for call 24/7 and not being able to spend time with family or take long weekends. Thanks in advance for sharing your scheduling structure.

I just saw your post and apologize for the late reply. When you say you will graduate in May, I am assuming you mean May 2009? If so, hopefully this reply will still be relevant. I have worked for both Delta and Montrose (currently in Montrose). DCMH has, by far, the best pay and benefits package of any hospital in a 3 county region (Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties). Delta used to be "the place to work", but recently, politics are becoming quite vicious. That is the reason I left. The work environment became really toxic. Also, there is zero chance of a new grad getting hired in the ER. They likely would start you nights on med/surg. MMH is currently in a hiring freeze for the ER as they are just now seating a new ER manager and a new CEO will start mid january. I doubt that they would place a new grad in the ER. They are looking for experienced ICU nurses and also placed 2 new grads in the ICU this year. I can't answer for med/surg, although, they always seem short staffed on med/surg. The pay is the lowest of any of the regional hospitals and the benefits package is mediocre. In all honesty, the best chance for a new grad to be placed in an ER would be at St. Mary's in Grand Junction. They now typically place 2 new grads each semester. This is a new program they started 1 1/2 years ago. They have an outstanding orientation program for new grads (6 months I believe). I was employed by them a few years ago and can tell you that staff is considered disposable. It is a big hospital where you are a number and not a name. Politics and back stabbing are common. They are currently building a new 10 story tower and plan on doubling the size of the ER. I am guessing this will translate into a few new positions opening. Grand River Hospital in Rifle also hires new grads and puts them through med/surg with rotations into the ER. I can't speak for working conditions as I have not worked there. If I can answer any more questions, feel free to ask.

I don't know what state you are in, but in my state, all EMS agencies (including critical care transports) are required to get medical advice (usually from the ER docs where the patient would be transported) on the acceptance of a refusal of transport. If this paramedic made the decision without contact for physician approval, he could lose his certification in the state I live in. Just as a post script, it is not uncommon to encounter this kind of cowboy attitude in the rural setting. I work professionally as a transport RN, but also volunteer on a rural ambulance in the community that I live in. One of the most aggravating things I face is the cowboy attitude of a few of the volunteer EMT's. Some become EMT's for the t-shirt and the privilege of strutting around the community with their inflated ego's. On the other hand, we also have some very dedicated volunteers that take their job seriously and have excellent skills. Sadly, it only takes a few cowboy's to ruin the reputation of the good EMT's. Hopefully, this one paramedic in your situation hasn't ruined the other's on his service.

Thanks for the reply. I will give FlightWeb a try. I have to admit that I have been naive about the situation with private transport services and the tricks they play on staff.

Hello all, I have recently accepted a new position as an RN on a ground transport team (critical care transport ambulance). My prior position was as a staff RN in a hospital that gave us excellent pay and benefits. An existing, privately owned, transport company expanded into our area and approached me about hiring on with them when they were staffing the new station. When I accepted this new position, a lot of promises were made regarding education opportunities and compensation package (pay and benefits). The reality has become that the company is now backing off on most of the promises. They are now reluctant to pay for any CE's or recerts and have taken the promised pay raises after probation period and the health insurance off the table. They also are not offering any vacation or retirement benefits. Myself and the other RN's on our service are becoming frustrated with this. My main question is how your pay as a transport nurse compares to working as staff in a hospital. I calculate that I took a 30% pay cut plus loss of benefits (no health insurance, vacation time or retirement). Is this normal for the transport positions? Thanks in advance for any advice or information.

I am happy to report that my first nursing job after graduation from nursing is great (have been an RN for a whole whopping week now)! The hospital that I am working at has the lowest turnover rate of any in a three county region and that translates into a happy and satisfied nursing staff. I too always read about the negative experiences that people have had and was wondering if all nursing was this way. During school, there were a fair amount of experiences that could be related as nurses eating their young. Looking back on those experiences now, I realize that they helped me learn to appreciate the happy and supportive environment that I now find myself working in. Keep thinking positive thoughts and good karma will follow!

Thank you for your response. I like how you have worded the pending license.

I have been a long time lurker on this site and really appreciate all the advise that I have read over the last several years. My question is about the wording on cover letters and resumes in regards to the estimated time that I will sit for the NCLEX. One year ago, Colorado disallowed the hiring of GN's. A few facilities offer 'internships' until the passing of the NCLEX, but those facilities are few. Colorado also changed the rules about how to apply for 'authorization to test'. It used to be that a letter from the nursing school stating successful completion of the program was all that was needed to start the application process. Now, we have to wait for official school transcripts in hand before applying. Since we are coming up on winter break, the registrars office is not making any promises about having transcripts done before they leave for the winter break. This leaves us in limbo without knowing how to predict when we will actually be able to sit for the NCLEX. What are some suggestions on how to word the unknown timeframe of taking the NCLEX when applying for jobs with a cover letter and resume? Thank you.