XYnurse2B

Yah Fiona, to my understanding, the term is now more affiliated to a "man purse" than a "male nurse". I really think the stigma / preconcieved notions / level of ignorance among the general public about men in nursing is fading away.

Thanks for the good wishes! We will be moving from W.V. We've been looking primarily in Texas, though have options in Virginia and Georgia as well. Things are still playing out. As far as D&E, we chose the school for the instant admission and rapid entry into nursing... not for it's stellar academic record. We are satisfied with the preparation we have received to become nurses, though wouldn't say we're in awe of the program. Bottom line, it's a very personal education which prepares you fairly well for the NCLEX. Lot's of $$$$$, but the extra 2 years of working instead of being on a wait list somewhere else offsets the extra dough. Elkins has been rough for us, not exactly our cup of tea... but we know in the long run, it'll have been worth it.

I'm the original poster on the thread. And I'm now happy to say that we'll be graduating in 5 weeks!!!!! I'd be happy to give you any info/lowdown/inside scoop you need to know. Unfortunately, we have a test tomorrow in MedSurg and I'll be studying all day. I think I'd prefer to send it to your personal inbox too, so that I can just be totally open without worrying about stepping on any toes. Congratulations on your acceptance. Bottom line is if you APPLY yourself and don't expect things to be "handed over" to you, D&E's program will prepare to become a nurse. I look forward to answering your questions.

NO reason to apologize. We new grads need and appreciate the sage advise of you experienced RN's. Regardless of the fact that I have a good amount of work experience prior to nursing, this is a whole new world! Lots of things of course carry over from any profession/industry, but there are some aspects of the medical field that this newbie is in the dark about. Bring on the advice...I have my salt shaker here:wink2:

Dude, you're GOLDEN! You have the power to negotiate because of your ample experience. Us new grad peons just get to take what they offer and deal with it....not that it's really all that horrible.

Yes it can. Sad but true. Why take the chance, Right??

So, I started the post...And since then have stopped asking about the dough. However, there have been a few places that have just laid it right out there. "We offer $:twocents:/hr, with A, B, and C differentials." It SEEMS, those places are usually the ones who are "proud" of what they're offering. Like, they know it's better than other places and they want you to know it's better. BUT, I just interviewed with a smaller hospital, expect to get an offer, and actually expect it to be fairly decent... they didn't want to talk $$ one bit! Their HR will be calling with an offer tomorrow, which can then be accepted, negotiated, or denied. Bottom line is this... It's just a safe play to not ask about the $$. Not because it's some hard and fast rule, which it isn't. Otherwise hospitals wouldn't be laying it out there in an interview. You don't ask because you just might step on some "old school" toes, get their panties in a bunch, and make things uncomfortable. Really, you should be able to get a pretty good idea about your areas' new grad starting wage just by spending enough time on AN.com. There really shouldn't be anything wrong with asking, but it just isn't the best move.

RONSO, I am up to my eyeballs in HESI B.S. right now!! I'm in a 2 year program and they are trying to introduce HESI to us in our FINAL SEMESTER!! Nothing but drama and frustration. I have researched and found multiple articles in the Journal of Nursing Education if you feel like fighting this instead of wasting more money and additional months of your life, which you can NEVER get back! The HESI is great at predicting who will pass the NCLEX, but doesn't predict who is going to fail it with NEARLY the same accuracy. These research articles speak strongly to this point. PM me your e-mail if you'd like them. Never give up!

Any suggestions how to make a recovery with a place I REAALLLLLYYY want to work at? I've only spoken with the RN recruiter, no nurse managers.

OK, OK I give... I may not necessarily agree, but I clearly see the point being made. No more asking about pay. :trc:

I know it's "proper" not to ask, but it just doesn't make much sense. I'm interviewing over the phone with these people and some of them are very difficult to get ahold of. When you finally have someone on the phone who can answer all your questions, you just want to get them answered. I guess like I feel as though the hospitals are being interviewed just as much as I am, and I have every right to want to know how much they value their employees as reflected in their pay...

So, why especially in this economy? Why do the tough time make it a more sensitive issue?

Yah....Good ol' D&E. They're not really on my good side right now... Hopefully, issues are being resolved as I type. We'll see this week. Is the Middle Fork out out by Dry Fork? Great fishing there if so. I'm not really to familiar with the whole area. I just want to do my time and fly this coop. I'm too much of a city kid to stick around after school.

I externed this summer in the OR and it was awesome. The nurse manager/charge/staff are FANTASTIC. I'll be preceptoring in the ICU this semester, starting very soon, and will be happy to share when I do. I think most all of what Rob was saying is right on.

Let the frustration continue!! Sure I know of Morgantown. I'm in Elkins, aka "Hell-kins". We have to get somewhere warm. We're not from here and miss the sunshine.....