HappyDay

id badge on retractable clip with mini sharpie attached at neck of scrub left pocket ("clean pocket") - iphone - lipstick - chapstick right pocket ("dirty pocket") - mini trauma scissors - black pen - flushes - alcohol wipes stethoscope (neck always) - pen light that clips to bell.

Just an FYI to all RN, LPN, CNA in Maryland whose licenses expire in June... It does NOT matter when you were issued your license, all June birthday nurses MUST be fingerprinted. How is it possible that the MBON is so incompetent that they no longer have records of the original criminal background checks. Unfortunately, I had to go to the board in person to receive the 2nd letter with clarification. And just be prepared to hand over an additional $57.25.

ENPC is a course offered by the Emergency Nursing Assoc that deals with peds assessment (usually in emergency situations). PALS is a course offered by the American Heart Association that is only about cardiac/resp resuscitation for peds. (This is obviously the simplest definition of both). They are 2 different courses, they are NOT interchangeable. Take both.

Iguana Med Scrubs are a Cotton, Poly, spandex blend. They don't wrinkle. They move with you, not against you like other scrubs. I wear them in the ER and love them. They have plenty of pockets. They have "drawlastic" waist bands (elastic and drawstring). I have tried all brands, but hands down, Iguana Med are the best.

I am off orientation and have completed one year of employment. No raises! Hospital sts it is d/t too many unpaid pt bills. Hmmm...

I had to sign a contract for a position at a community hosp in MD. It is 2 years or pay back $5000 for orientation. There is no sign on bonus, no extras. Just commitment. I am not sure I like this practice for new grads... who is to say you are going to be a perfect fit for your first job out of school.

They can not eat you. Some may try. Just remember, you are in charge of your day. If you find you have a preceptor that is less than professional in their mentoring ability, you CAN ask for another. It is your time to learn. While a question may seem stupid to an experienced RN/ Employee, it may be just so basic to the task they they have forgotten to teach you. Try to find someone who was recently a new grad and who knows what you are going through. Call them when things get hard. And remember, you can always get encouragement here on Allnurses.

the hourly wage is generally the base rate, no taxes taken out, and that does not include differential pay for evenings, nights, and/or weekends. for example, working evening hours will add $3.20 onto the base rate/hour.

I make $25.90 as a new grad. This is at a community hospital in MD. I am told the yearly cloa increase is 2%. This year is was about .40.

Just call the MBON and they can send you a packet with the application. I am not sure of the phone number.

I had one hospital in MD tell me that they only hire BSN, not ADN into ED positions.

Make sure you list your clinical sites and the rotation you did there -- even if you only spent one day at a place. Also, list your CPR-BLS as a liscensure. Most hospitals are looking for experience. Go heavy on that if you have it, and lighter on other areas. Never list hobbies unless they are directly related to nursing/healthcare. Always put the same header (name, address, phone, email) at the top of each page you give them (including a referance page or cover letter). Try your hardest to keep it to a 1 page resume. Decrease margins, decrease font size/type face if you need. In my experience, the resume was hardly even looked at. HR only looks at the hospital specific applications. If you are lucky, there is a place you can cut and past your resume into - however, you loose ALL formating. Remember for an interview, bring transcripts, copy of your CPR card, RN liscense number/print out from your BON, letters of recomendation, etc.

Check out INOVA in Virgina (I know, clear across the US). VERY nice area!!! Great hospital. Also look at University of Maryland (it is in Baltimore). There are also some community hospitals that are still hiring new grads. PM me for those names if you like.

Resume stock costs so much! If you have it, or the money, use it. However, an alternative... Go to Target, and purchase for $3-4 a pack of varigated speckled paper (usually gray, blue, tan, peach or so) and use the gray or blue. I did that and did not have one person question my choice. Just make sure that your resume and referances match. Also, when you choose Print, make sure under your options you pick the best or optimal copy. (No fast print, no every day).

First, keep in mind that 'peers' or potential coworkers, were once (possibly recently) in your same position. Find out what was the most helpful information to them when they made their choice. Ask them what the schedule is like, how they balance work and life, what is the most refreshing aspect of the position, what does the hospital do for nurses to better their education/job/day? You can also ask about continuing education, uniform options (all white, color coded, or free choice), realistic patient load, best shifts for a newbie, etc. Hope this helps. Just remember, you can ask the same questions of mgrs as of the peer nurse. They may just have 2 different points of view. This is a great opportunity to see what the unit/nursing culture is really like. Good luck.