abigrace

Thank you!

I'm thinking of relocating to Austin, TX for my husband to attend grad school at UT. I'm an RN and will have 2 years critical care experience. What are the best (and/or worst) hospitals to work for in Austin? Is the job market in Austin pretty tough?

Does anybody know what the job market is like for new grads in NO? Would a new grad who did not do clinicals in the area (and therefore does not already have a foot in the door) stand any chance in getting a decent job? What are the best and worst hospitals to work in? Thanks for any input you have!

I was a float as a CNA at a hospital, and I really liked it. It was great for me because I was going to start nursing school soon, so it was a wonderful way to get a lot of different experience. The only bad part about it for me was that it took longer for me to feel like I knew what I was doing b/c every floor did things a little differently. So, if I didn't go back to a certain floor for a while, I would forget how they did things. But I was able to make friends with nurses/aides on every floor and it was good to see different ways of doing things. Also, I don't know if this is how it would work for you, but I was able to set my own schedule since as a floater it wasn't like a certain rotation was counting on me to be there. I just got sent to whatever floor needed extra staff. And, as a float, people are always glad to see you because you are saving the day by providing the help they need. So, for me it was a great experience. I hope it works out well for you, too!

What are some good questions that I would need to ask when looking at hospitals to work at? Things like nurse/patient ratio, scheduling, benefits, etc. Is it okay to ask about salary? What are other questions that would give me a good idea of the type of atmosphere I'd be working in? Are there certain questions interviewers like to hear? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

- You're watching a medical show like Grey's and explain to everyone around you why something like that could never happen, or when you get excited b/c they're talking about something you just learned. - You're talking to your significant other over dinner about something completely disgusting (to them) and don't even realize it's not polite dinner conversation. - You think you might have every new disease you learn about...until you get to the next one. - And, like others have already said, your family and friends expect you to know more than their doctor, asking you to verify if what their doctor told them sounds right!

Bumping this, because I have the same question. Any more opinions out there on where to work as an RN living in Bloomington?

I know it stinks to start on pre-reqs without knowing whether you'll get in to a program or not, but, that may be the best way to improve your chances. Accelerated programs with pre-reqs tend to look at the grades from those courses more heavily than the grades from your previous degree (not to say that doesn't matter at all, though). If it's possible to plug away at some of those classes while still working at your current job, you might want to go ahead and get started. As far as the job market, who knows what the economy will do by the time you're ready to start job hunting? Good luck in whatever you decide!

What are the good hospitals in Austin to work at? Are any hiring new grads?

I was just about to post this exact same question! Any other opinions out there on these two? There is only about a 20-30 dollar price difference, but no need to pay extra if Master is not noticeably better.

Does anyone wear compression hose/socks. It was recommended to me to help alleviate foot and leg fatigue and prevent varicose veins. But just a quick look at options was a bit overwhelming. There are different strengths (12-30mmHg), different lengths (knee-highs, thigh-highs, and full pantyhose). Any suggestions from those of you who have tried them? Thanks!

I've heard a lot of hospitals are only hiring (or it's easier to get a job for) experienced nurses, as opposed to new grads. Are you only considered a new grad for your very first nursing job? How much experience do you have to have to move from the "new grad" category to the "experienced" category? For example...after nursing school I'm planning to move to a city that is apparently not hiring many new grads. So, I'm thinking I may try to stay where I am long enough to get some experience in a hospital that I know is hiring new grads. So, the question is, how long is long enough to be considered "experienced" by hospitals that aren't hiring new grads?

When in the nursing school process do you start studying for the NCLEX-RN...buying the study books, doing practice questions, etc.? I know early is good, but if you don't know anything yet, it probably wouldn't do much good to get started. I start nursing school in August, but it's only a year long program (accelerated BSN). Any suggestions? Thanks!

Can I take the NCLEX-RN in a state other than the state from which I received my BSN? Would it be better to take the test in the same state, and then transfer the license to the other state? What is involved in transferring the license, if that is even the correct terminology? Is the test the same in every state? Thanks in advance for your help!

Iguanamed has become my favorite brand. Very, very comfy, and lots of pockets!

Yes, just apply anyway. I'm sure some people who apply there are already certified, but the majority of the people who work as CNA's there also get trained there. When someone from human resources calls (which took a long time for me, hopefully it will be quicker for you) just tell them you want to take the class with them. You just won't be able to start working until it's finished. The class is for 2.5 weeks 8:00am-4:30pm. Mine starts Sept 9., so the next one should be around that same time in Oct, and again in Nov.

Welcome to Abilene (soon)! I live in Abilene and will start my CNA class in a couple weeks at Hendrick Medical Center. The way it works there is they hire you as a CNA, then put you through the 2.5 week class there at the hospital. So, the first step would be to apply as a CNA at Hendrick. They have a website with job listings here: http://www.ehendrick.org/employment/career.htm. The class is offered once every month, excluding a few months like December, August...for school reasons, I think. The only other place in Abilene that offers CNA classes that I'm aware of is the Sears-Methodists nursing home network, and they do it the same way...hire you as a CNA, then put you through the class. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info. I really appreciate it!

I'm applying to an accelerated BSN that does not require Chemistry (even though I had it in my first undergrad degree-ugh!), but I'm not sure if you're looking all over or just in your area. Are you available to relocate, or are you looking in a particular state?

Or maybe I can help...I see you said you've tried Nike. Have you tried the Shox? I know they make all white ones, and the shox I have are very comfy. They are squishy in both the heel and ball of foot area. I've tried many shoes that have great heel cushioning, but very few that are also comfy on the ball of my foot. If you haven't tried them, I'd highly recommend them!

Sorry...I'm no help, just wondering what style Mizuno's you have found most comfortable? I think the ones I tried were Wave Rider (Wave Runner??), but I know they have lots of different kinds. I need something that won't require me to go straight to my foot bath/massager as soon as I get home! Thanks!!

I'm starting a CNA class at a hospital next month (yay!), and I'm wondering if I need to/should buy a stethoscope before the class starts. I realize if I was required to, they would have told me, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it just so I could practice BP at home on my hubby (haven't told him yet he'll be my guinea pig!). I've heard manual BP is one of the harder skills to learn, and the better the stethoscope, the easier it would be. So, before I drop a bunch of money, I wanted to get some advice from other CNA's, especially on what kind would be good if I do get one. And does the type of cuff matter, or are those all pretty much the same? Thanks for your advice!!

I'm applying to a second-degree accelerated program for those who have a previous bachelor's in another field. I'm so excited to have finally discovered what I want to do when I grow up! Where are you applying? Texas Tech Health Sciences Center What is your GPA and/or points for your school of choice? 3.9 in previous BS (Child Development), and 4.0 (so far:specs:) in pre-req's. Requirement for TTUHSC is 3.0, I think. When is your schools deadline? June 1 When does the acceptance letters go out? Hopefully very soon after June 1...seems kind of late for a fall admission. Applications open March 1, so I'll be sure to get mine in early! What is your plan A, B, C...? Ooops...am I supposed to have one of those? Plan B is to cry if I don't get in! Good luck to all of us! I'm glad we have a community here so we can all go through this together!