missrisa77

Ha! :chuckle I had that mentality before you gave me the talk about where to apply. Although I haven't applied to any companies besides Banner.....yet. And as for intelligent, what was your score on the last test again? Just kidding.

LOL. Just reality checking in. :chuckle As much as I'd like to, I can't put all my eggs in one basket.

I graduate in March and am fervently applying for all kinds of positions. I've talked to a recruiter or two and the have told me to contact them in February when it is closer to graduation. There isn't much out there, at least with Banner, for new grads - all the postings are asking for experienced nurses. I am a fellowship student, so ideally there will a job for me. But yes, it is a little stressful because of the slim pickings out there. I could go to another hospital such as CHW or John C., but then I would have to pay back my tuition. I like Banner and hope to stay there. So only time will tell. I just think the main thing is not to be picky, and if someone offers you a position, take it, because then you can always transfer later on.

The border differentiates your badge from others and lets people know you are a student Royal blue- volunteers Green- students Yellow- Residents Pink- Physicians Orange - contract service providers I am not too sure about the expiration date. My badge has 3/12/09, my graduation date.

A big TV, XBOX 360, a Dyson vaccuum, and start saving for a baby and a trip to Europe!

I think it may be because of how the curriculum will be taught and more spread out over the 4 blocks, instead of distinctly dividing it into 1-2 LPN, 3-4 RN. I know they just reorganized the whole nursing program.

ICU, then maybe on to PACU or possibly being a clinical instructor

I am in the BNFP at Estrella. I started last October. For Block 1, class was 8hrs Mon. and Tues. with 8hr labs Wed. and Thurs. Once lab was done, clinicals were 8hrs for Wed. and Thurs. Block 2 was better, class was 8hrs Mon. and 2hrs. Tuesday. Clinicals were down to one 12hr shift on either Wed. or Thurs., depending on your site. Now, in Block 3, class is only 2 hrs both Mon and Tues, and clinicals are still one 12hr shift. Don't count on your schedule being set, things always change. Buy a good stethoscope, it makes a huge difference. It doesn't need to be a littman cardiology, but I have the classic ($80) and it works great. I keep reading that you need a rollie cart or wheeled backpack, but I don't take all my books and I do just fine. You'll find that instructors say "bring all your books" and then you never use them, carrying them for nothing. Some in our class have PDA's and love them. What I would do first is buy an NCLEX book. I have 2 and am working on a third. Since I'm in the Banner program, all clinicals are at Banner sites: Thunderbird, Estrella, and Good Sam. Before nursing school starts, brush up on your A&P and micro. You'll need it. Good luck. Sorry the post is long, but I'm at work and kind of bored :)

Ohhhh yeah, I can't wait until March!!! RN here I come!

Where I extern, a person can only work one 12hr shift a pay period (which is 2 weeks). It comes out to twice a month. A person can extern more if they are off of school (i.e. the 2 week break between blocks or during Christmas break). Then it can be full time. But during school? Only twice a month.

Funny you say that, there are only about 5 in my class who want ICU...the rest are kind of mixed (peds, ER, tele), with some who aren't sure yet. Me? I'm ICU all the way!!!! Some ICU's will hire new grads, especially if you decide to extern on a unit. The ICU where I am externing just hired a new grad in June...probably others as well. Estrella Mountain is a nice school, you'll like it!

I love your name MrZassi!

1. I don't mean to do things out of your scope..... I meant if you can get an externship position, go for it! 2. Also, yes, externs are paid employees of the hospital.

At Banner Health, a nursing student can become an extern if they are within one year of graduating nursing school. You are basically a nurses (your preceptor) shadow. You get to perform basic nursing skills, learn about drips/meds, and learn all about charting, time management, and overall how the unit works. I find it's a really great experience. The only downside is that you can't perform venipuncture or do anything with medications or IV lines/pumps. But if you can do it, go for it!

I have the NCLEX made easy book. I really like it. The questions are good and the rationales really make sense.