JoI8815

HAHA I hear you. I know that there will be moments where I will be under some stress. The CM position is a lot of work, but its all telephonic and its a different beast compared to the bedside in my opinion. I think the culture of the environment makes a BIG difference. I'm just concerned about where would I be if this company decides not to take me on full-time. I think it would make my chances of landing another job in the clinical setting more difficult, since most CM jobs require at least two years of clinical experience. sigghhh...I guess I'll just have to do refresher courses if it comes to that.

I thought about that but I was also thinking you need a lot more experience for PD jobs? Were I live, you need 2 years experience for almost every job that's out there. I was actually surprised when I landed this one with limited experience.

I really really would like some advice from my fellow nurses! I will try to keep this short. Thanks in advance. I was recently terminated (February) from a LTC facility after being assaulted by a patient. That was not the first time. However, I already felt unsafe working at that facility (actually for various reasons) and was planning to leave in a month when this happened. After the incident, I was back on the hunt looking for jobs. Now, I absolutely LOVE nursing, but feel somewhat turned off by bedside nursing (mostly just LTC). So, I started applying for RN case management jobs as well as for ER positions outside of my city, since where I live is almost impossible to land a hospital position without experience. I ran in to a temp agency where I was able to land a TEMP position as an RN case manager with a very reputable company in my city. At the same time, I also interviewed for an ER position 2 hours away from where I live. The interview went very well and I feel pretty good about my chances of landing that position as well. So here is my dilemma. I only have 11 months of experience as a nurse, so essentially, I'm still very new. Though I love the case management position so far (not just the work but the culture of the environment, no weekends or holidays and they pay well), I keep thinking that I need more clinical experience, because at the end of the day, I think its going to make me not just more marketable, but a better nurse (and case manager if I choose to go back to that specialty). I just don't know what to do because I already started the assignment with this company (while falling more and more in love with it every day), and I don't know what I would do if I'm called for the ER position . While I don't want to burn bridges with this company, I also do not want to miss out on an amazing opportunity (though the transition will be a sacrifice) to gain more clinical experience in an area that I've always been fascinated by (the ER). So my question is, should I stay with the CM (where I am happy and stress fee) and see if they would hire me permanently at the end of the assignment, or should I move to another town to pursue more clinical experience?

Hi Nurses!! I'm reaching out to all of you for some advice concerning which path is wisest to take. However, a brief background. I'm a new nurse with only 11 months of experience in the LTC setting. I thrived at the bedside and was very good at what I did. I even got promoted to nursing supervisor 9 months into working there. However, I did not love it. I always wanted to be an ER nurse, but felt like that opportunity was way beyond me, especially as a new nurse in a large city where the competition is fierce. I was fired at 11 months after being physically assaulted by a patient. It wasn't the first time it happened, but I must admit, I did not handle it well at that particular time and deserved to at least be suspended. So here I am again looking for jobs. I noticed that almost every position requires at least 2 years clinical experience. So I become desperate (I gotta pay bills), and I reach out to an agency who sent me to an extremely reputable insurance company to interview for a case management position. One week later, I hear that I got the job, BUT I also have an interview for an ER position later on this week, AND a friend of mine who works at another hospital, her supervisor said she was going to pull my application. I also got a few calls for positions from other hospitals outside of my city. So you can say my job hunt is coming along well. The problem is, I'm afraid to accept the case management position because my job hunting experience has showed me that it is very difficult to land a job in nursing without the clinical experience. Also, this is a contract position, and I keep thinking that when this contract is over, where would I be? I'm not sure if I can apply to other case management positions, even with the experience, because most case management positions also require years of clinical experience that I don't have. I'm not crazy about going back to the bedside, but I know that bedside experience is just necessary in the world of nursing. What would you do if you were me? What if the ER miraculously offers me the position (this hospital is 2 hours away so I would have to move). I feel very conflicted, but I want to make the most beneficial career move for my future . Would my nursing career be doomed without clinical experience?

Hey I know I am super late with this threat. I was looking through similar threads to see how other nurses get past HR after putting they were fired on online applications. I was recently terminated after being physically assaulted by a patient. Wasn't the first time I was assaulted, but that particular time, I handled it unprofessionally by talking about the incident openly with the supervisor, and I said that the patient was ungrateful and had no right to put his hands on me. Well, the patient heard me and reported me to administration who then fired me (patient is always right) Although I learned from this, I would hate to go on a job interview and tell this messy story. I feel terrible. I've been putting "resigned" on my apps and I think a few recruiters wrote me off because of it. No clue what to do. How did putting you were fired work out for you?

I def realize that now. I didn't tell on her because I was trying to snitch her out...like I said, its a long story. I was talking to the supervisor about why I was upset and that was part of it. That conversation was supposed to be in confidence...but regardless of the reason I did it, I truly regret doing it because like you said, people cut corners at these places and I understand that. I also suspect that she's gathering her army. The other day she was in the office with a bunch of CNAs gathered and when my new mentor walked in, she said everyone stopped talking. I assured her it wasnt her, it was me. Afterward, some of those same CNAs who were not even there were being passive aggressive toward me now. I really don't think its worth it to stay if im going to be on that unit.

Thanks guys. Awesome advice. I'll try to answer all the questions because somehow my phone is not allowing me to use the quotes.1.why she did it? Because the patient refuses his meds so they usually have to crush them and disguise them in the food. Still does not make it right.2. I'm currently working on going to another unit but when I spoke to the supervisor at work yesterday, she assured me that when I got off orientation, I will be going to that unit. That particular unit do not have any permanent nurses (only part time and agency, hence the reason why the med cart was so crazy and disorganized) and since I'm a permanent nurse...3. The reason I wanted to avoid going to the DON was because I wanted to respect the supervisor and her work. Going to him would say I'm not satisfied with how she dealt with the situation so I'm going over her head. What do you guys think?4. Yes its a LTC skilled nursing facility.Other than that I think you all are right. I will write things down. I thought I was continuing orientation on that unit yesterday so I went there at the beginning of my shift. The nurse wasn't there but I could still feel the tension with the CNAs as they stood there looking and whispering lol. I dont want to be paranoid, but like someone else said who wants to work on a unit where some people's goals will be to throw me under the bus? I feel like anything, and I mean any little thing I do will be reported. I was willing to stay on the unit and orient regardless of it all but the supervisor said she told the DON that I didn't like how the nurse trains, so he said I should finish my orientation with the mentor I started with.I also want to point out that that nurse was technically not a mentor. Somehow, because there were no permanent nurses, they just kind of use the most experienced person to train me. Obviously that didn't work out. Sigh...I will keep you all up to date with what's going on. I really would like to reconcile because it would at least provide a healthy start, but thats def a two way st and she also has to be willing to do so. I understand her pain. I mean the new girl reported you for doing something wrong so you're angry. Thats a natural consequence for doing the wrong thing. But can she put her emotions to the side and work in harmony? Not sure. We'll see.

The thing is, I didn't see or experience any of that on other units. Everyone so far has been so awesome. I would hate to leave because of one person but it kind of looks like I may have to if things continue down an ugly road Not what I wanted to hear but you're probably right.

Hey guys. So today was a rough day. It was one of those I dont want to go back to work days. A seasoned nurse got in my face to the point two people had to hold her back and escort her out the room. Sigh...I absolutely hate conflict. I need some advice though. But first, let me try to make a long story very short: I've been orienting as a new nurse with a certain nursing home for a couple of weeks. I was told that this is rare, but I love the job so far. Every person who have trained me, and every unit i've worked on has been rewarding in some way, until today. I began orientation today on the unit im supposed to be working on permanently. Orienting on a new unit always feels like starting fresh because i dont know the patients, the med cart is different and each mentor has their own way of doing things. Well this mentor literally just gave me the cart, told me to go do the med pass, as she retreated to the nurses station. So here I am, 1st day, by myself with a cart I've never worked on and patients I'm not familiar with. Not only that, but the cart was in a hot mess! There were all kinds of hippaa violations on the cart etc. So while I'm slowly passing meds, one of the CNAs came to me and told me that I need to give a certain pt all his meds...including his 6, 8 and 10pm meds all crushed in one...and put it in his chocolate milk at 4pm. I told her that its not safe to do so and that I will give him the meds that's due at this time. She goes and gets my mentor who came, crushed all the meds including the ones due at 10pm, and put it in his milk. Now the CNA is looking at me like im stupid lol. Fast forward... I'm in the managers office crying because I'm so overwhelmed by everything that's happening on the floor and I felt like I was alone. I had no intention of bringing up the med incident to the supervisor but I did. The supervisor then insists on bringing it up to the nurse because we all know that you need an order from a Dr to do something like that. She goes upstairs then 5 mins later, I hear the nurse/mentor, angrily page me over head to come to the floor...that's where she got in my face, saying how dare I call her actions unsafe...she has 30 years of experience etc etc. I kindly and calmly asked her to move her hand out of my face, and that's when two people grabbed her and took her out of the room. As she is leaving, she says that she was going to bring this up to someone and write a report on me. Now I don't know what she's going to say, but the only thing she can do is lie, or throw herself under the bus. As I was leaving the floor with the supervisor, I see her at the end of the hallway with the other nurses talking. Problem is, I now feel like an enemy, because nurses/women/people tend to form bonds at work that no one can get through, no matter how wrong the person is. I have to go back on that floor and train with a different nurse. I do feel intimidated and afraid of what's going to happen. I dont want to work in a hostile environment. I do not want to be that nurse on the floor no one likes because one person in the clique has an issue with them. Its just not healthy. Im wondering if I should go to the DON and ask for a transfer to a different floor, or what should I do. Im so clueless right now. And I'm honestly afraid. Help!

I see. I got the two recommendations but I was denied the position anyway. Was really really looking forward to working with this organization. Guess its back to the drawing board (not that I left lol).

Got a rejection letter today. So sad

Thanks so much for this information! I'm more than willing to move (although moving from a place like Philadelphia to Arkansas sounds really intimidating especially alone and without a vehicle). I will do some research to see what that process would look like. Philadelphia is def not a good place for new grads. Its the total opposite of what's going on in AK. There are at least 6 nursing schools/schools with nursing programs in the city, so its extremely competitive. Most of my graduating class had to move. But thanks a bunch for the info. Its good to know there are still places that actually need nurses.

I'm an old new grad who is currently out of work...my situation looks really gloom because not only am I an old new grad (graduated over a year ago, recently passed the NCLEX on Oct 25th), but I have absolutely NO experience in the medical field. I often feel like there is nothing on my resume that would jump out at employers to make them want to hire me. Currently I work on an on-call basis with a catering company, and when I'm not working, I'm looking for work ...you can only imagine, or maybe identify with, how difficult it is some days. How do I cope? Well, I'm not sure how many people on here are "religious" or what their beliefs are, but I continue to trust in the Lord. I find my rest, peace and comfort in Him. When I want to vent, I run to Him and I find peace. I know that although my hands are empty, His hands are full and He is able to open doors for me. Yes some days are hard, but I walk in peace regardless of my situation thanks to God. I'm going to keep looking, and praying, and serving where ever I can since I have the time to do so. Volunteering to help others out have a way of taking your mind off of your situation or being thankful by realizing that it could be much worse. I don't intend to get out of the field because I believe whole-heartedly that I was called for this. So quitting is not an option. Be encouraged everyone :)

Hey, I applied for the Medical residency program. I turned everything in on 25th but have not heard back from them as of today. I'm really nervous because I reaaally think this is an awesome opportunity for me. Will try to keep you posted.

How long did the entire process take? I recently applied to the Medical Residency program that begins in February 2014. I also wanted to call to confirm that they got my packet but no phone number is available.

I practiced a lot of questions from the Saunders and Mary-ann Hogan CDs. The areas that I was weaker in (lower scores), I practiced more questions in those areas until those scores got higher. I also went over basic lab values during the week. Someone on here posted a list of them and I just went over them again and again. While I was taking the NCLEX, there was a question that I had to answer and because I looked at the list so much, I actually saw it in my mind lol. Best of luck

Ok. I definitely understand that. For me its been a year and 7 months. I completely understand if someone wants to ask "so what have you been doing during that time" etc. I'm also expecting to have a hard time with jobs...that's why I'm looking for residency programs since they look for new nurses with no experience and you get that classroom experience again...just in case you forgot some stuff. I just never thought I'd be asked questions about failing the NCLEX because like the first poster said, it only matters if you have your license.

I have a question for current RNs who have failed the NCLEX before passing. However, some background first... While I attended school, I volunteered with an instructor doing some community outreach over a period of time. While working with her, she liked me so much, that she told me if I ever needed a recommendation or anything, just give her a call.... [Fast forward to one year later] While looking for jobs as a new grad RN (or I should say old grad), I found an awesome opportunity for a residency program in Delaware. Anyone who've ever applied to a residency program knows the process...One of their requirements were two recommendations from clinical instructors. These recommendations are also unique because its really a pre-filled form the instructors have to fill out...kind of like a survey. They just have to check off whether they agree or disagree to the statements about the new RN. Mostly questions about professionalism and such . Anywayz I contacted the instructor I volunteered with who begun to ask questions like "so did you past the NCLEX on your first try?" This question threw me off a bit because I thought "why does that even matter?" I mean, does failing the NCLEX mean I'm going to fail as a nurse? Am I (suddenly) not good enough for your recommendation because I failed in the past? After she found out that I did (I really suck at lying so I don't even bother), she became hesitant to give me the recommendation. I remained confident and told her that I think this is an amazing teaching and training opportunity that I really think I can benefit from. Her response was "yeah, especially that you failed the NCLEX" What? I'm so confused. I've never heard of anyone running into any problems from not passing the NCLEX. Her final question was "what is your GPA?" When I told her what it was, she responded surprisingly because the school that I went to (which I will leave anonymous), is a "tough" program. I guess you can't have a good GPA and fail the NCLEX? . She told me to email her the form but I haven't heard back from her yet and the deadline is steadily approaching. Clinical instructors are very difficult to reach because with my school, they are not listed online with the rest of the faculty, so if you don't have their personal information, you're screwed . But my question is, has anyone who've failed the NCLEX run into any problems from employers? Did it hinder your chances from landing a job? Is this a question that often comes up? Does it really matter? Are people allowed to discriminate against you because of your NCLEX history? I'm really just curious to see if anyone had similar experiences.

Yes I meant 3.5 years sorry, its 7 semesters Let me know if you get it!!! I will keep my fingers crossed for you! BTW call them to check on things they are really niuce, melissa is the Nursing admissions advisor she went out of her way to personally call me and keep me updated. O waw are you serious? That's sooo not part of my plan! I didn't even know that waw. I mean if I wanted to do that I'd go to Eastern University or something...sigggghhhhh...it doesn't even make sense to take that long if you already completed all your pre-reqs and you're going full-time (I have an AA degree in Culture Science and Technology so I took most of the pre-reqs that most schools require)....I'm not too sure about that...we'll see.

My application was in before the closing date so I was told its okay if my things take some time to come. But yeah...its probably closed for the year. Most programs in Philly are closed right now...until next year.

Yes the only thing I'm waiting for is my letter of recommendation. That's why my application was late in the first place with the other schools. CCP teachers take FOREVER to give you a letter of recommendation. Anywayz, you said it takes 3.5 semesters. Do you mean 3.5 years? Because 3.5 semesters adds up to 2 years or 1 year and 1/2 if you include the summer session - Fall (1), Spring (2), Fall (3) and Spring (4) - right? I know I questioned Holy Family at first because of the location and plus I've never heard much about it except its a private school. Do you know what's their NCLEX pass rate? They might be my only hope left as far as getting the financial help I'll need. So I'm just waiting patiently...other than my letter of rec. they already have all my other stuff. So we'll see.

OMGosh I just want to thank you all for ALL the great advice. I'm a very open-minded person and I accept that I do not know everything so thanks again for all the advice. I recently applied to LaSalle University 16K per year as well as Holy Family University 21K per year and I'm still keeping my eyes open for cheaper schools, especially since I am on my own. To the poster that mentioned other State schools in PA - Yes I've looked into them but nursing in PA is soooo competitive its not even funny. Most programs were literally filled by January. I guess I was a little foolish for keeping my eyes on Three schools - Jefferson, Drexel and Temple U - two of which I ended up on a waiting list again because I didn't get my application in in a timely manner - my fault. So the search will def continue esp after reading that some of you went to nursing school for next to nothing. I wanna be that person too. I only have two years of school left, which means I will be 24 years old when I get my BSN if I begin this fall. I def DO NOT WANT TO BE A 24 YEAR OLD WITH A LARGE LUMP-SUM OF LOANS ON MY CREDIT:bluecry1:. So good looking out to all those who gave great advice:) Thx. P.S. I also want to add that there are programs that pay your student loans for you AFTER you receive your nursing degree. Of course there is a little catch - you have to work for certain hospitals for 2 years but that's doable. Can't think of the website right now but will def try to remember to post it when I find it for those of you who need help or are interested.

O definitely...To be honest, the very first program I tried was the one at my local community college. Even though its a community college, they are in the top 10 ranking for their nursing program. So to all those who think its just about going to an expensive school for me, its really not. Its about getting the best education for me and yes I am picky about the school I go to. Community College's program is EXTREMELTY hard to get into tho. They go by points. You lose points for things like withdrawing from a class which is indicated on your transcript and I withdrew from two classes before so I didn't make the 7 point mark that is needed to get into the program. I applied to other schools like Temple University a little late and ended up on their waiting list. I'm now considering Holy Family University which is also a private school but is waaaaaaayyyy cheaper...However, I'm not crazy about their program so I guess I'm just settling:scrying:. I'll def check out that scholarship program you mentioned. Thanks;)

i know that wasn't the discussion but someone brought it up. you are absolutely right - the logic is that an expensive education often times does not give you a huge advantage in the career world and i do understand that. that's why i asked for advice and i'm def. thinking twice about it. but i was really referring to the people/persons who turned the discussion into a bsn vs adn discussion. to state that a [bsn] degree from a really good school - which will most likely be expensive - is in no way beneficial is absolutely untrue. i'm not talking about the cost, because the logic is, the payments/debt that i will be in after school will indeed be very painful especially if i want to go to graduate school. but i considered it and is still considering it because i do want a top education. sorry if that's so....stupid to some of you all but its just me. i'm not rich like the other rich folks who send their children to expensive schools, but i'm here to say that they do it for a reason, and its not just because they have the funds to do it but because there are considerable advantages in going to a good school whether some of you like it or not...but i def get what you're saying...