starlight13

i definitely like 3 in a row, yes i'm exhausted at the end and get nothing done during those days, but i like have 4 off in a row to actually do stuff

crocs! they're inexpensive, come in great colors and are soooo comfortable! they're the only things i can wear and not have my feet hurting after a 12 hour shift

While I can't really speak to the nursing schools here I can talk about the other points you asked. I was born and raised in MN and then moved away for 17 months to go to nursing school in NC only to come back here. I love MN and all it has to offer. As for the weather, well it's cold in the winter and hot in the summer. We definitely have all four seasons and that's one of the things I really like and that I didn't feel I got so much in the south. You get used to the cold and while the summer days are hot the nights cool off and it's great to be outside. I have always lived in the Twin Cities area and really like it. The suburbs are a great place to raise a family and you're still close enough to the city to enjoy everything there. There are tons of museums, concerts, theater events, bars, everything. There's plenty to do as both a young person and a person with kids. I hope this helps, if you have any more specific questions let me know.

Hi everyone. I just graduated from nursing school in December 2007 and passed the NCLEX with 75 questions about 2 weeks ago. I just accepted a position at a major children's hospital in the ED on evening shifts. I start orientation a week from monday and am excited but also a bit anxious about it all. Hopefully all goes well! Good luck to everyone else!

I've heard only the best about them from my colleagues and wish I had invested, probably will soon. When I started I just bought white walking shoes from new balance and I hate them! They're so heavy, my feet just hurt. I usually wear Crocs and think they're great. not a whole lot of support but very light and comfortable.

it may depend on your school and how strict they are. one of my friends has her rook pierced (that's the little triangular part, right?) and has left it in all through school. i don't know about the nose ring though, sometimes people think those are more obvious. if you can i think i'd take that one out for clinical. but as someone pointed out before, any dangly piercings can be dangerous with grabby patients so make sure you're willing to take the risk of your ear getting pulled.

i'm in school now and we're also getting ready to do our preceptorships. we were given a list of all the units that were available at different area hospitals and then asked to rank our top three and write down what was most important to us. from there i don't know exactly how it works but somehow our prof divides it all up, then we get put with a nurse on the floor and work her schedule.

i'm also with you on that one, but the combination of vomit, blood and diarrhea has got to be the worst thing i've ever smelled. i haven't tried it, but some of my colleageus said that if you're wearing a mask, stick an alcoholo pad in it right under your nose and that helps a lot.

sorry, i don't know much about unions, are you saying that because of the union, ALL of the mpls area hospitals start at $27.27? and yes, i agree that where you get paid the most is not necessarily the best place to work, just trying to get an idea of MN pay since I want to move back there anyways. thanks for all the help and replies!

Anyone have any suggestions on good prep books to get (or ones that you didn't find helpful to stay away from?) I graduate in December but am looking to get a book soon to start preparing and with the huge array of books and materials out there just looking for some suggestions. Thanks!

from my experience it didn't matter a whole lot what you wore, most of us dressed kinda dress casual/professional though. you can do jeans, but i would personally suggest slacks and a cute top. WcBrinkerhoff-i think your plan sounds perfect, i think that's what the guys in my program wore as well. keep in mind that even though it's hot out the air conditioning could be REALLY high, ours always is and we all freeze.

well I'm originally a minnsotan from the minneapolis area but live out of state right now. looking forward to coming back though because i love MN! i love the seasons (ok, not so much winter, but you get used to it), the lakes, the people and the city, there's always so much to do!

i have a burgundy littman. mine also has an engraved name plate which i would highly recommend. i was able to get mine when i ordered the stethoscope but if you don't have that option you can buy them separately online or in stores

wow! thank you, that's great to hear, it's a lot more than the offer here which is $19/hour can i ask which hospital that recruiter was at?

I would ask your program specifically, we were told we did not need to get it (I think we're covered under our clinical instructors or the school gets it for us or something)