JessicaRN2008

I was wondering if anyone here has kids or husbands that travel with you? I am married and have a three year old. I would love to do travel nursing one day, but feel that because of my husband and child, that career choice may not be an option. I know the issue of where my child would attend school is the biggest concern I have. I am a new RN with only 7 months experience, so I know I have a little time to think about this. Just trying to plan for the future and look at options that may (or may not) be available:) Thanks in advance everyone!:wink2:

Congrats to you! It is always a little uncomfortable to start something new and meet new people, but I'm sure you will do fine! Just remember everyone that you will be working with already has a lot in common with you in that they all share the same passion for psych/addictions. Most all psych nurses have similar personalities anyway :) Unfortunately, I heard back from 2 psych facilities and they both still have no openings for RNs right now. I decided to apply for a nursing position at the state prison and federal prison near my hometown. Strange maybe, but I thought that may be the closest thing I can get to a psych position right now. I went for interview #1 and actually really thought I may like it. Now for interview #2 next wk before making my decision. I am also excited but nervous in general about starting my nursing career. As you know, it's a big change to go from having an instructor over your head to being ON YOUR OWN! The pay and benefits will be pretty good though at the prison, so we'll see! Best of wishes to you!

I am a new grad and have gone for an interview at the state prison near my hometown. My love has always been psychology, and I thought corrections would be somewhat similar, since there are no psych openings at the other hospitals right now. I was offered the job (4pm-12am) and accepted (now am just awaiting background check etc. to begin work). The supervisor that I interviewed with stated that I would have "a few weeks" of orientation and then would be on my own. Safety on the unit seemed great, so I am not concerned with that. I guess as any new grad, I am just nervous about starting this new career. Plus, I want to know I will have a GOOD orientation (and hopefully will). I'm sure I will be oriented to my duties, protocols and such during orientation. I am just curious on what "typical" duties and most common patients you all see at different facilities? What is a typical shift like for a correctional nurse? and what advice would you give me from your own experience that I could use as a new nurse? I am excited, even though I am a little nervous! :)

I have really been considering that. My facility does not offer paid leave either. I really had not thought about that until the past few days. I was in a dream world i guess, and "assuming" most places offered paid maternity leave. HA! Anyway, I think we will be holding off a little while because of that very reason. My husband can "cover" us but still doesn't make great money,so I like to have a little cushion, ya know? Thanks for the advice! :)

I need advice from fellow nurses! I am a new graduate RN and am just about to be starting my new job! I have a 2 and a half year old son and am beginning to get a "baby itch" again! I started nursing school when my son was 15 weeks old. It was difficult to make it through a challenging nursing program and clinicals with a small baby. But, I made it all the way through school, without every repeating a semester. I am so proud of this accomplishment and right after May graduation, my fiance of 3 years and I got married! So, now I am about to start to work as a new RN and wondering if it would be TOO much on me right now to start trying to get pregnant? My shift will be a 4pm-12midnight M-F which I really think is a good shift for me. What do you think?? Good time, or bad?

I actually did go to AHA website and found just what I was looking for! Thank you all for your help and for welcoming me!:)

I know this is a silly question, but where do you sign up for a ACLS class (or any other certification classes)? I am a new grad and am about to start in correctional nursing (psych/corrections are my thing!) I wasn't sure that the prison healthcare system just offer classes like many hospitals do. Any advice?

Hello all! I am new to the forums and am also a new grad RN. Originally a psych major, I changed to nursing for several reasons. I, like most of you have said, knew from the start that I did not want to do Med/Surg, and really didn't particularly LOVE any other rotation but psych! I have also had many instructors and other nurses tell me to start in med/surg to keep up my skills. I just don't think I can do it! I COULD and will have to for money reasons though, if I can't find anything else :) I worked on a psych unit in between semesters at school (externship) and LOVED IT! I just passed boards last week and am looking for a psych job. I am just having a tough time finding one! We have several great psych facilities here, but most of them RARELY have openings. The nurses there have been there for YEARS and the turn-over is not very often! So, bad for me, there are rarely any openings. I too have put in a couple applications at different units and hope to get a call soon!! CONGRATS TO ALL NEW GRADS!