mjick

California. I took mines on Thursday 12th and just found out my results today. California does not have quick results where you can look it up within I think 48 hours unlike other states. I'm not sure if Florida has quick results. Also, keep in mind that Monday was a holiday. Good luck and sending you positive karma.

What state are you in?

Nursing is my second career. During the time I was taking the last two prerequisites, I became pregnant unexpectedly. I was almost done with my last prereqs when I had my child at 26 weeks. He was born 1 lb. 12 oz. He spent about 3 months in the NICU. He had lung problems, rop, jaundice but no bleeds nor difficulty feeding. When I was accepted in Nursing school, I knew that my experience as a NICU mom has made me passionate about starting my career in NICU. I will be graduating in December. I started to apply for jobs sometime in August and I'm happy to say that I will become a NICU nurse in early 2009!

YES....start researching and calling hospitals you are interested in. In fact, you might even be able to schedule a unit tour through the Nurse Recruiters. Some hospitals start their application process months in advance. In my case, I started calling hospitals during the summer. I graduate in December 2008. One hospital started taking applications in August for their Winter 2009 New Grad Program. I started interview process in September and still going...Go out there and attend open houses. Eventhough there is a nursing shortage, I feel that it has been very competitive. One hospital interview process appear similar to "speed dating". There are tables set up where each manager is interviewing applicants. I say start looking, researching, attending open houses and applying NOW!

Started with 120, left with 70....lost majority during the 1st and 2nd semester.

Congratulations for completing the accelerated program. I have been applying and attending hospital open houses since September. I will not be graduating until December but I get the feeling that "nursing shortage" is not so true nowadays. One hospital is only taking 20 new grads and there were over 150 new grads that attended the open house. That does not include everyone that will apply. What are you doing to prepare for NCLEX? Self study or review course? Also, when did you apply for your licensure? Have you received your ATT? How long is the processing from the time you sent your application to receiving the ATT? I am in the ADN program and I thought that the last semester will not be as stressful as other semesters. Oh, did I think wrong! It is much stressful with the added pressure of job hunting and NCLEX.

When did you graduate? I know our school also does not give us enough exposure in Pediatrics. Most of our clinical rotations are spent in the Med Surg unit. Is UCLA comparable to Cedars? Or is it better? I'm also thinking of Cedars as a place to start. Not familiar with their training program, though. I got mixed reviews on UCLA. Some say its a good place to start because its a teaching hospital but others say that some management do not treat their staff well. So confused, job hunting stresses me out especially because the last time I had a job interview was 10 years ago.

You said that you worked for Cedars before. How did you find the working environment there? Is their new grad training program a great program? How do staff and preceptors treat newbies? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

Did you get a job offer at Cedars? If so, did you accept, which unit and how is their training program?

How is the New Grad Training Program at Cedars? I just received a job offer in NICU and wanted to hear feedback. Any comment will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi jennyhyunh, You already had an interview and got a job offer from UCLA? When did you apply?

emptybee, I applied sometime in September and the nurse recruiter contacted me the next day but the next interview session is not until November so I have an interview appointment in Nov.

I'm graduating in December and I, too have an interview in November with UCLA. I hope to get a job offer as well. Good Luck! Congratulations in passing the NCLEX. Did you take in course review class (Kaplan, Hurst)?

Yay! CONGRATULATIONS!

It's basically a training/preceptorship for new nursing graduates. It includes class time reviewing important concepts you learned in school. Also, you are with another nurse called a preceptor who will guide you in your learning as a new nurse. The hospitals that have these programs really want you to succeed and will help you transition to becoming an independent nurse. Programs range from 2months to 1 year. It depends on the hospital.

I'm in California. I'm a Type A Personality and really have the urge to work in ICU. I want the mental, physical challenge and technical gadgets that go with it.

Go camping and just kick back. Try to get your mind off the test. I was told by my sister in law that after she took the NCLEX, she went camping and stayed busy to keep her mind off the results. Being away from the norm kept her sane.

Great suggestions. I am debating whether to start in ICU or Med Surg. I have had mixed reviews on where to start as a New Grad. Some say start in Med Surg and others say ICU.

I remember my first clinical day...my professor had to literally push me to get me to step inside the door, wake up my patient and do my assessment. I am now in my last semester and I walk in the patient's room without a problem (make sure I knock first). No matter how early it is, I tell myself that I have to walk in there and check my patient. It is part of being a good nurse. Assessment!

I also have three little boys when I started Nursing school (will be graduating in December). Remember that there is only so many hours in the day. The house does not have to be sparkly clean on some days. Things can be postponed for later. Communicate, communicate! If you have a big exam and need time to study, let your spouse know. Learn how to say no to events. Relax when you can. Clear your mind before studying.

Try the website aftercollege.com You will have the option of selecting New Grad Program on the drop down selections.

I graduate in December and started researching for hospitals that offer new grad programs. I applied in September and have interviews scheduled in November.

I am not a NICU nurse (yet) but have experienced the NICU world for 3 months (my son was born at 26 weeks). I always heard from the nurses that they love seeing "their preemies" when the parents bring them back for a visit (2 years, 5 years, 20 years) later.... I think its such a rewarding feeling when they see them reach milestones eventhough the babies had the most difficult first days of life. Its a great feeling to know that even the lightest touch or cuddle may have contributed to the babies' survival. NICU nurses are my heroes ! I will forever be thankful for the care they have given to my child. I hope to give back to other families what the NICU nurses have given my family someday....chance for a great life for my son.

How do I know how many postings I have so far? Is there a way to find out?

Amazing! I am nursing student graduating in December. I am a parent of a 26 weeker, 1 lb 13 ounces. My son is now 2 1/2. Since I have been on the other side of the realm of NICU environment, I was much interested to read all the technical stuffs that go on. I have experienced first hand what its like to be around the NICU staff since my son was in the NICU for three months. Ever since I started nursing school, I have this passion and determination to start my career in NICU. I have a job interview next month and so excited about it. Thanks for sharing what its like to work in NICU. That's a new perspective I sure hope I can experience once I start my career in nursing.