SFRN225

I didn't make the final cut for the January group, so am reapplying this week. Has anyone heard if it's a good or bad idea to say in the cover letter that I'm applying again? On one hand it could show I'm determined and really interested in this program, or could it be a liability to admit I didn't make it the first time around? Are there any seasoned nurses reading this with advice for us new grads? Thanks!

On Friday I got the email asking for 2 letters of recommendation and my transcript. I called to ask about the transcript, since trying to order transcripts Thanksgiving week can be problematic. I was told that an unofficial transcript print out would do. After all, they want it mailed all in one packet. Has anyone heard this about an unofficial transcript too? The official transcript has my birthday stamped across the top (potential for age discrimination in my case), while the online one doesn't. Sounds like a no-brainer, but it's hard to believe that this competitive program would be OK with an unofficial transcript. What do y'all think? Or I may just be a bundle of nerves over this and worry about any possible cause for rejection... Good luck to all you new grad nurses in this arduous hunt!

Since you were last a nurse, the internet has sprung up big time with many excellent nursing websites where you can read about all the different specialties. Try these sites for a start: http://www.nursingcenter.com/home/index.asp http://www.discovernursing.com/home YouTube.com has a lot of nursing videos about RN's experiences, and instructional videos, too. It might help to write about what drew you to nursing back then, and what your interests/goals are now. May your new direction become clearer...Good Luck!

I graduated last May from a masters entry program (now with RN/MSN), and am looking for my first RN bedside job (ideally acute adult care). Meanwhile I volunteer in 4 community health settings. But I worry about my inpatient nursing skills getting really rusty, since what I'm able to do as a volunteer with outpatients (vitals, blood sugars, health ed, occasional flu shots) is pretty limited compared with what I'll be expected to do once I finally land a new grad hospital job. Who knows when this market is going to improve! Besides reviewing my nursing skills and med surg books, do you working nurses out there have any advice or encouragement? Thanks!