SCgirl22

Six weeks for a new grad, particularly in a high risk/specialty area like L&D, is definitely not enough in my opinion...I got 3 months on orientation (and this was not even specialty- i worked gen med). Even after I was alone, I was still schedul...

Do what you feel will make you happy. I did the so-called mandatory med-surg and I've spent a lot of time regretting it. I wasted 2 years going to a job that I don't really enjoy and sometimes even dread. I've learned a lot, but looking back wish...

I have definitely seen corners cut on my floor. I am one of the few nurses who carries a stethescope. I have always wondered how they know bowel sounds are present or lungs are clear/ diminished w/o auscultating them. Are they sticking their ears ...

Why not apply for the position? At the very least, you go to the interview, find out more about what would be involved, and then say no if it doesn't seem like a good fit! I know how you feel, I've been burned out for a while and will be starting a ...

I would be wary of a job that did not offer extensive orientation for a new grad. Not only will it be "overwhelming" but letting you go on your own too soon could put your newly earned license on the line. Will you have an option to extend orientat...

I'm contemplating accepting a job offer in an outpatient surgery center. I got the offer today, less $$$ by about $3 per hour- but 8 hours more per pay period. Benefits are similar, but not quite as many perks as my current facility (like free CEs,...

Thanks for the advice guys. I have accepted the job offer. I pray that this is where I am supposed to be and that I will fit in. Even if it doesn't work out long term, I'm sure the experience will make me more well rounded as a nurse. While I'm ...

I just accepted a new job and I had a similar situation. I committed a year ago to be in a friend's wedding which is about 2 months from now. I did not mention it in the interview. Post offer, and after reviewing their PTO/vacation policies, I let...

oh yes, and I forgot to mention, I hate when patients call you to their room to "show you" some gigantic treasure that they hacked up or blew out of their nose. the site of it sitting there in the tissue i find really disgusting. Really, you don't ...

OMG this thread is fantastic. I laughed so hard I literally cried!!! Emptying bedpans and puke buckets definitely gets me as well...something about that kerplunk in the toilet, and I'm always afraid it might splash up and get me! I had two nursing ...

Go for what you want to do! There are plenty of hospitals that take new grads into specialty areas and train extensively. Positions are competitive but they are out there. I made the mistake of taking a med-surg job and guess what, I'm still ther...

I found it to be very helpful when I worked nights. Took it when I got home from work, ate/showered, then off to bed! I would not start with the whole tablet! I had the 3mg tabs and I would oversleep. I slept for 14 hours once after taking it!!! Half...

I have 2 years in med surg and the anxiety is still overwhelming at times. I know how to do my job, and I have certainly learned a lot but if I had to start over again I would not have settled for this job. I feel trapped! That said, definitely D...

Just a heads up that some of the larger hospitals here in Houston are only wanting to hire BSNs now as new grads for their residency programs. I think due to magnet status. I personally don't understand it because I know many amazing ADN nurses, bu...

Well I don't know about Hawaii, but I have many co-workers who were educated in the Philippines and are now RNs here in the states (I am in Texas). They are all excellent nurses and they say it is much cheaper to complete your education there as oppo...

I've been on nights for almost two years and still not really used to it. I am usually awake most of the night when I'm off. All of my friends and family are day people so I sometimes feel a bit isolated. The money is fantastic but lately I'm thin...

I work in the medical center. I am still seeing jobs for new grads posted at multiple hospitals in the area (Methodist, St Lukes, MD Anderson, etc). Good luck with your search!

My mom is unable to take them as well. She had severe muscle cramping particularly in her legs while on these medications. MD told her to discontinue the lipitor.

Maybe look for a "new grad" position. I know you graduated last year but if you have no hospital experience this might be the way to go. Almost all the hospitals in the medical center have these programs.

I have a BS in Biology and then went to nursing school. The accelerated BSN is the way to go, if you can find one in your area. I was only missing one pre-req and I took it at a community college prior to applying. Find a school that has this type o...

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling this way! I'm still in my 20s and often feel like my body is twice its age (stress of working nights is not doing good things for me) Perhaps it's time to think of switching to another area of nursing. I am not an ...

Yep you won't know your clinical schedule until they assign you to a group at the start of each semester. I started in 2006 so I don't know what's changed but they had an information/orientation session prior to the start of the semester where you fi...

I moved to Houston as a new graduate in July 2007. The hospital I work for was very flexible on start dates. They gave me several different start date options based on the new employee orientations that were scheduled and I was allowed to choose wh...

I was "fired" for the first time recently by a patient, about 3 hours into my night shift. I am considered one of the most "patient" nurses on my floor, and have received compliments on how well I deal with "difficult" patients/family members...but ...

Hi! I read your questions about using CARTA to get downtown for classes. Unfortunately this is not something I know very much about. When I was in school there I lived on James Island so I was just a hop over the bridge to class. With that in mind I...