BwayDani

Does anyone know of any websites that offer free CEU credits/contact hrs? I found http://www.rn.org, but not sure if NJ will accept the credits. Thanks for the help!!!

I graduated last December actually. Woo Hoo! :) The schedule was always different each semester, but it was usually one day of clinical, 3 days of classroom. Clinical days were 8am-3pm. One classroom day would be all day long, like 10-5, but the other two were only a couple of hours each. That leaves you plenty of time to study and even have a part-time job! The hardest semester is always the first (because you're just getting used to it), and the last (because you have 2 clinical days and you're freaking out about graduating!). I went to a CUNY 2-yr school in New York City. Hope that helps! BEST OF LUCK. If I did it, YOU CAN DO IT!!! Don't let anyone scare you! :) Nursing school can be tons of fun, if you make it fun!!! I actually miss it!

I did choose a regular 2 yr program. I still felt the pace was fast, but I liked having a more spaced out schedule so I had plenty of time to study and do papers, etc... I knew myself and the pace I needed to learn. Another thing to always keep in mind- when you sit for your RN boards, you will be taking the same test as the guy with an accelerated Bachelors in nursing, the guy with the BSN and the guy with the ADN.

I got the schedule about 2 weeks after being accepted into the program. I think it was sometime in mid-June. It was pretty much classroom all day everyday until 4pm. it was a while ago so that's all I remember. All I know was the schedule, along with the thought of living with my parents again, sort of made me want to vomit a little. Your situation might be different. Sorry I couldn't be of more help! Best of luck.

Uniform Advantage has the largest selection, cheap prices and super soft scrubs! They fit right and feel better than anything I bought in the store. http://www.uniformadvantage.com/:D

CHASE bank has a great student loan- up to 20,000 per year for any type of expenses, not just tuition. I took out two of them during my course of study.

Yes, the Grey's Anatomy are ready right out of the dryer. they are so soft, they barely wrinkle! Just don't do what I did and leave your notepad in your pocket when you throw them into the washer! haha. Not only did I lose all my notes, but all my scrubs were covered in little white confetti Ah, nothin like first week on the job......

"Grey's Anatomy" Brand! By far the softest I've ever worn! Worth the extra bucks. I feel like I'm in my PJ's!!!

You are my inspiration! I am a new nurse, excited but scared to start my 1st job, afraid that it won't be my "niche". You have just given me hope! Thanks for getting me all teary-eyed and hopeful! :) God Bless You.

Thank you guys SO much! After much consideration, I've decided on days. This is what the nurse manager recommended as well. Also, sleep is PRECIOUS to my health and happiness! I am not a night owl whatsoever, and I think it would really screw with my body. I know days will be hectic, but I am prepared for a great learning experience and I'm not afraid to ask questions. Thanks again!!! :redbeathe

hi guys, i'm a new grad and i just got hired on a tele floor. (yey!) i have my choice of day or night shift (12hrs). any thoughts? i'd really appreciate it. i need to decide by 5/27/08. th:mad:nks!!!

No union at this hospital. They told me in the interview that this is a good thing......is it really good not to have a union???

Thanks everyone! Your advice really helped. I'm back to applying to hospitals. I want to be the best nurse I can be! Interview today in my specialty- wish me luck

I am a new grad, wondering if anyone else has signed a 2 year contract. I understand they invest money and time in you and do not want to lose people, but 2 years seems like a long time if you are unhappy. What are the consequenses of breaking one of these contracts? :uhoh21: The job is in a specialty I love, so i'm very tempted..... They also start new grads on 5 days, which I'm not too thrilled about because it's nights. Should I just suck it up and pay my dues?

Any night nurses out there? I'm interviewing for a hospital today that starts new grads on 8 hr shifts, 5 nights a week. It's the specialty area that I really want, but I was sort of looking forward to only working 3 days! On the other hand, I think 5 nights might be better for my body, because it's a more regular sleep/wake cycle. Thoughts? Advice??? :)

Anyone work or heard anything about Somerset? I don't know what to think about signing a 2 year contract. I understand they want to retain people, but what if you're miserable? They also start new grads on 5 days a week. Seems like I'll have no life if I work nights. Any advice? Thanks!

SCHEDULE your time!!! Don't listen to people who say you'll have no life in nursing school. Make time for everything. Set aside certain hours for study, then make sure you STOP when it's done. Set aside other hours for PLAY, WORK, SIGNIFICANT OTHER, SOCIALIZING, whatever. The key is to stay well rounded. Do PRACTICE QUESTIONS!!!! That was the single best advice someone gave me going into nursing school. See if anyone you know has CD's full of questions, and burn yourself a copy. Mosby is great, and Saunders. You can break the questions down by category. DO get a tech job or Nurses aid at a hospital. The experience is invaluable, and will look impressive on a resume. Search hospital websites for openings. And remember, there is no reality, only perception.

I'm an actress-turned-nurse, with a talent for improv/sketch comedy, who looks nothing like Rosanne Barr. Count me IN baby!

Broadway performer :)

:nurse:Hey- New grad here. I have an interview coming up at a Dr office and not sure what to do if i'm offered the job. Hospital jobs have been slim pickins in my area (NJ).......... How does the salary usually compare with hospitals? Any advice? Thanks! Dani

Check out "Craigslist.com" for ideas on rent for different areas. You can often find an apt. on there without having to go through a realtor, and you can search specific areas. Astoria has up-and-coming areas, as well as already trendy areas. It has a huge population of actors, singers, dancers, artists (which keeps it hip), as well as it being very family oriented. I lived there for about 6 years, in 4 different apartments, and never had the desire to leave. My nursing school was 15 min away which was SWEET! Parking is a pain, because of alternate side rules, and you certainly don't need a car. I never had one. I hope this helps.

Try Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, if you are in the NYC area. They have an excellent summer externship program, and they are still accepting applications in April. If not, don't worry. Get ANY job in a hospital, or volunteer in the area where you would like to specialize. I am currently looking for jobs, and believe me, ANY hospital experience is helpful and shows that you are passionate about nursing. Looks way better than working at Starbucks. :) Good luck!

Check out Astoria- it's a huge area with affordable rent (depending on what you consider affordable) It's not too far from the city (30-40 min to midtown) and everythings within walking distance to the subway. It's super safe, highly diverse, and actually pretty trendy with lots of bars, restaurants, shopping, etc. Great areas of Astoria are: Astoria Blvd, Ditmars Blvd, 30th Ave.......Good Luck!

I believe the military has a loan forgiveness program. Any military nurses here?

Hi, I'm a recent grad with a NJ license, thinking about applying to NY hospitals...... Can you be certified in more than one state? Will they let me renew my NJ license in 2 years if I haven't worked there? Do I apply for NY jobs first, or apply for NY license first? Thanks!