JenRNCT

It does not help the matter when RNs that I graduated with have either 1) failed at their new RN job @ the hospital, or 2) quit their hospital job already b/c they don't like it. Both have already occurred with classmates of mine. I have one thing to tell all new grads -- give it at least 6 months before you quit!! (if you get fired, it cannot be helped) I used to work in Training & Development, and the one thing that I remember is that you can expect (yes, EXPECT) to HATE a new job for at least the first 6 months!! That is what happens to people when CHANGE occurs. It is unfortunate, but true, at least in my opinion. I honestly feel that this is why so many agencies are reluctant to hiring new grad RNs...

YES! Use the laptop! I was the only one in my class who had one and I loved how much easier my note taking was with it. My notes were always neat & organized, and I could go back & cut & paste pictures into my notes. At one point, someone in my class asked me if she could borrow my notes from a class that she missed, and I was just able to email her the notes as a Word document. That slowly evolved into the creation of a distribution list Outlook where I would send my typed notes to any (& mostly all) of my classmates who wanted them. The noise was not a problem at all--just find a seat near an outlet! The best tip I got was to take the tape recorder with me to class & record class as well. Re-listening to the lecture while following along with my notes (we did not have Power Points until the last 2 semesters) was an excellent study tool for me. GOOD LUCK! I miss my IBM Thinkpad--it died right after nursing school...RIP

1.What kind of floor are you working on? MED-SURG 2.Where are you from? MA-went to RN school in CT 3.HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?--Did you have connections?, Work there previously, application process, follow-up process, interview tips, anything at all would be helpful. I think it was my persistence & professionalism that paid off. I had NO connections. I started my job search EARLY (2 months prior to graduation) and interviewed with my current manager before I graduated. I was not a "sore loser" when I got my first rejection letter from her--I kept checking the website, and applied consistently and in a timely manner for each opening. I was flexible about scheduling (I told them I would take 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift, and agreed to work part-time). I also wrote a long letter thanking them for the interviews (I went on 2 subsequent ones after my 1st rejection. ) LASTLY, I built a rapport with the HR woman. I began calling her about 1-2 times a month to check on the status of my application. As more job postings came up, I began calling more often, just to check in. I left her brief but professional voice mails, and did not waste her time when she called me back. I would ask what my status was, where was I in the hiring process, and confirm that she knew how to reach me. She would ALWAYS return my calls in a timely manner, and was very helpful to me in targeting the floor & shift that I wanted. I feel that being polite, professional, and respectful of people's time paid off for me. I was able to get hired by my 1st choice--but it did take me 6+ months (HINT: START EARLY!) SOME ADVICE: I wish I had worked there as a CNA, student nurse intern, or something, b/c it is very hard to be a new grad and have no idea where to find a bedpan!!

I used "Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy" by Lippincott (found on Ebay for about $5) and Henke's Med-Math (5th ed.) also published by Lippincott (ISBN # 0-7817-6264-2). These 2 books made the math CLICK for me, and I was 20 years out of high school when I entered nursing school. Good luck! You are smart to prep early!

I am preparing to graduate in about 6 weeks , and will be taking the NCLEX in Jan. 2009 after my school's exit exam. (ADRN program) I am a good standardized test taker with consistently high (88-90) grades on NLN exams (5 or 6 to date). My question is, does anyone think the Kaplan class ($500 here in CT) is a good guarantee of an NCLEX pass on the 1st try? I am already interviewing for jobs and will probably take a position as a graduate before my NCLEX (Have to--need the $$$) I just am curious to see what people's experiences have been with Kaplan and if it is worth the money for the class. Plus, I like the 'safety net' feeling that a reveiw course will give me. Thanks!

From a fellow mom of a 2-year old and nursing student (2nd time around, age 38 now)...take care of your family first. Nursing schools will always be there. I think you need to try getting some experience in the field (PCA, nursing assistant, etc.) and then re-assess if you want to do the RN job. If you still do, then you should go back to school when your son is in school and you are not needed so much at home. Nursing school DOES entail a lot of sacrifice. My family & kids have put up with me in school for over 2 years, and yes, it is hard!! I study very hard to maintain my grades. However, if you are struggling academically, and with day care, and with being separated from your child, you are not giving your best to school and at clinical. This is not the best time for you to pursue this goal, but don't give up -- just postpone, until you have more support in place. Best wishes, and be kind to yourself!