maiday

I used the Janet Brown book and CPHQ secrets.

Hi! I just passed my CPHQ today. I'm already in quality so career wise, I have yet to see if it makes a difference. I did think it was a little difficult. I think it depends on how long you've been in quality. Quite a bit was application so you'd have to study more if you were new and it would be more difficult.

I would bring a little notebook that you can fit in your scrubs that you can write things you learn. You may not be able to write things down right away but later. You may want to write anything from pertinent info to where you find certain paperwork to how to get ahold of different docs. It's just too much information to remember everything.

Hi brae82, I know this is late, but I just saw this post... or possibly I forgot to respond, not sure which one. Anyway, Yes I worked as a CNA while in nursing school. However, I worked per diem which in my hospital meant I chose my schedule, I just had to work 4 shifts a month. That is totally doable. Also, I could cancel my shift and reschedule as long as it was 24 hours before the shift started (or something like that). I would not recommend full time CNA or even part-time CNA simply because usually even part time is 2 days a week and it's not really flexible. You are part of a unit and you need to be a team player. I was just float so I filled in wherever. Good luck!

We have a ratio of 3:1 both days and nights. We have a secretary most days, unless we have a low census. Depending on census, we will have a CNA or a resource RN, sometimes both (rarely). We do vital signs q2, urine output q4. Full assessment, we're actually in the process of figuring out policy, but at least twice a shift, however it's only charted once.

Hi brae82, Yes, I graduated May 2011 and I got a job right away. I actually started in August but that was because that was when the new grad program started. I work in a progressive care unit which is a step down from ICU and I love it. National has a good reputation in the hospitals as far as I can tell. But honestly most of the schools in San Diego are good and I don't think I've heard bad things about any schools in particular just bad students individually. I think honestly in this economy the school matters less than who you know. I started working as a CNA per diem in the hospital I wanted to work at a year before I graduated. They interviewed all internal candidates first and hired most of the people who already worked in the hospital when they did their new grad RN program. So it definitely gave me a head start. You will hear some bad and some good things about NU, but I would personally recommend the program and I have to friends or friends of friends. In the end, I graduated in 2 years with my BSN and I got a job as an RN. That was my goal and that's what happened. Could it have been a better school in some ways... yes. But I, like you was 30 and I already had a child. I did not have 3-4 years to sit on a wait list AFTER finishing prereqs. Hope that helps! Good luck!

I am not a man so can't give you personal experience. But have a few thoughts. First... nursing is not recession proof and depending on where you live, new grads are having a heck of a time finding work. You may have to start somewhere you don't really like to gain experience. Of course there are still jobs out there, it's just not like it used to be. If you want to get your foot in the door somewhere you may need to find work in a hospital before graduating. Most of the people I know who got jobs right out of nursing school had jobs in that hospital (including myself). 2nd. Men in nursing is fine, not only fine, it's great. I think most places will be happy to have you. Just know you will be asked ALL THE TIME to help with boosts, lifts, etc. Especially being a big guy. 3rd. My manager has a law degree. He's a man, I have no idea why he didn't continue with law but I'm sure his law degree helps him in his management position. However, he is now going back for his MBA because the hospital will give more money for an MBA rather than his law degree... crazy. Hope that helps some. The big thing is really think about nursing and how you will set yourself up for a job right out of school. It's rough out there right now. Of course, may change in a few years, who knows?

Hmmm... that's an idea. Right now, it's just a blanket statement ICU or med/surg. Maybe adding in those exceptions (or something along those lines) could be a way to go. Thanks for the response.

Hi guys! I am doing some research and I was wondering if you all could help me. I currently work in a PCU (progressive care unit), it's a step-down from ICU and when we receive pts from ED, they come with holding orders. Our holding orders state the Dr. needs to see the pt in 2 hours for ICU and 12 hours for a floor pt. The problem is PCU is not listed so some Dr.'s come see the pt quickly but sometimes we will have very sick pt's with multiple drips that do not see a Dr. for 12 hours. We are working to change our ED holding orders/policy but of course it's a huge process. I am wondering if it would be possible to either get information or a copy of your holding orders if possible (blank of course). My questions are: 1. How long are your holding orders good for? 2. Is PCU/step-down/intermediate care listed on your holding orders at all? If anybody knows of any research regarding safe times for a pt to be on a floor with only holding orders, that would be great also. Also, before I get flamed, I am doing more research than just posting on allnurses, but I figured it can't hurt to ask. Thank you for any help/feedback.

Nursing Central was included in my nursing schools orientation so I've had it for awhile. I also had to buy a drug book and the tabers for one of my classes. I never opened either one. Nursing Central has both plus you can look up all kinds of info on diseases and labs. I love this app. To be honest though, I didnt' use it much during nursing school, although now I realize I could have used it much more, I just would forget I had it. We usually weren't allowed our cell phones during clinicals and nursing students on cell phones looks bad (people don't know you are actually using for something useful). I actually use it now as a nurse more. I'm a new nurse and I still have to look up drugs sometimes or somebody might come in with something I'm not very familiar with. Yes, we have drug books and you can look it up in the computer, but nursing central lets you put the generic drug name or the trade name, the book only has one and sometimes will direct you to an appendix. I just need the info quick! (I still don't use my phone in plain site though, I use it in the med room) Although I did pull out my phone once with a pt who had some questions about the drug I was giving her. I knew the basics, but she had tons of questions. I looked it up and read her the info she wanted. She was happy I could answer her question so thoroughly. Probably too much info for you, but I think nursing central is pretty awesome and I will renew it when my subscription is up.

I know this thread is a little old but for anybody still interested... I'm sure it varies from hospital to hospital but this is from mine: The RN will perform stress tests and Cardiology procedures to include treadmills, Dobutamine stress echos, Nuclear studies, Transesophogeal Echos and Tilt table tests.

I'm in CA and the job market for new grads is very tough. One particular hospital offered an unpaid "nurse extern" position for students. It was basically like a preceptorship except you worked for the hospital, not the school. The current hospital I work at offers this also, except it's paid (at a little more than a CNA rate). The point as the OP stated was to get your foot in the door and gain some experience to be more marketable. I had a few classmates who did this. They worked 1 or 2 12 hour shifts every week unpaid. They gained experience but at the end when they graduated... not 1 person was hired. It seemed like a good idea but in the end, if they couldn't afford to pay interns, they probably couldn't afford to hire new grads. My opinion, I used to think this was a good idea (like the OP) for new grads but I am now more of the opinion that it is setting a bad precedent for nursing. Now that I'm working I realize we do WAY to much to not get paid!

I think I'd do the 12s... but 4 in a row is tough and the last 2 on nights... Have a good plan in case you're too tired (stop for coffee or even a 15 min nap). I work nights (or did) and live 60 min away from work. I would sometimes stop half way and sleep a little. It's too easy to think you're ok and start falling asleep. Plus, like others have said, doing the 12s you shouldn't hit traffic. My 60 min commute turns into an hour and 20 min if I need to come in at 8 or leave between 3-6pm.

I think it depends on the hospital. My hospital only gives 3 months orientation with a preceptor and that seems to be the norm. However, I am technically in a new grad program for a year. All that means though is during my 3 months orientation I go to a 4 hour class once a week and then after 3 months I think we have a class once a month but no preceptor. So I think 3 months sounds fine!

Well, you may have already had your interview. If so, hope it went well! If not, here's my 2 cents. Research (if you haven't already) the companies mission and values and try to find a way to work it into the interview. Say something like, "I love that one of this company's values is xyz. That fits with my values so well. As an example, during clinical... blah blah." And I wouldn't gush, but definitely tell them you love this hospital/company, had a great experience with the nurses or whatever. Especially if you're interviewing for a floor you had clinicals at. You can mention how everybody was so helpful/friendly/seemed happy, this reflects well on management so you're complementing them also. Good luck!

I agree with trying to call, but I think you should be fine checking ADN and stating on your resume your grad date. HOWEVER, the big thing is when does the program start? Most programs will require you to have passed NCLEX by the time the program starts and if you will then no problem. If the program starts Dec/Jan you may have an issue with this and not be eligible to apply anyway.

Wow! I feel for you. Move to CA :) Our max pt load is 5...

I think schedule varies from program to program. Scripps (as far as I know, haven't started yet) has 1 week of just orientation (classes, learning the computer) which is 8am-4pm. After that I think every Monday for 2 months you go to a class which is probably about 8 hours and you work 2 12 hour shifts per week with a preceptor. Your schedule will depend on your preceptor. Again, I think this varies from place to place though.

Oh, sorry, let me clarify. I meant Kaplan for the review course. No, I would not personally recommend Kaplan as a school (due to the accreditation issues). NU uses ATI for their review course for NCLEX. Some schools use Kaplan, some just do their own. Some of my classmates paid $500 for the Kaplan review course and they really liked it.

Hmm... Well I imagine if people answer, you'll have many different viewpoints. I graduated May 2011 from NU and I just got a job offer for Scripps Memorial Hospital for the PCU (progressive care). I'll start next month. I actually really liked NU. Good: the classes go quick, some teachers are awesome, you really get to know your classmates, lots of clinical hours, good reputation in the hospital Bad: classes go quick, some teachers are horrible, no preceptorship, no opportunity to work as a student nurse, expensive Yes, classes go quick is good and bad. It's good because things move and you don't get bored. It can be bad though because in a semester long class you may find it easier to learn the material better. At NU, sometimes you feel as though you're learning for a test, not for life... does that make sense? But it's up to you what you learn to a certain extent. Having a preceptorship or possibility for externship would be a benefit because I feel students learn so much from those experiences. But in the end, I knew I would not have an opportunity like that so I got a job as a CNA and that helped me have my foot in the door at Scripps. Some teachers at NU are amazing!! Really great. But on the other hand, some it's hard to believe they're allowed to teach. But again, classes are only 2 months :) No advice about TEAS or essay because things have changed since I got accepted. NU does the ATI... Not very fond of it, the program is okay, but Kaplan would have been better. The ATI is a program that is "included" in NU's program (you actually pay for it with your orientation fee). It's supposed to help you pass NCLEX and I passed NCLEX on the 1st try so I guess it worked. However, for that money, I would've rather just taken Kaplan. So, overall, I liked NU. I graduated in only 2 years with my BSN from an accredited college and already found a job in my first choice hospital with my first choice specialty. I have said this before, but it bears repeating. NU is not a state school, it's more like a University of Phoenix. This was perfect for me. If you are young, have the time and money to wait, go to a 4 year or wait for Palomar or something. That was simply not the best option for me. Good luck!!

I received mine on Friday. Maybe email Toni?

Most states you can challenge the test. Find the people who do the CNA testing for your state and ask. CA you had to send in some paperwork and wait for an approval and then you could test. Of course you still pay for the test but you don't have to take the course. Usually they require only a first semester of nursing school.

It depends on the state but also the hospital. Most hospitals will not hire an RN for a CNA position (at least in CA). My hospital allows you to work for 3 months as a CNA after you pass NCLEX, I know of another that allows 6 months. After that you cannot work in patient care. So really depends. Volunteer if you can though, my hospital considers volunteers internal applicants.

When I started nursing school, my son was about 6 months. There is no way I would have wanted to be pregnant during nursing school and I'm now starting a new job so I want to work for at least a year before I take out for maternity leave (if I do). Being a new grad RN is hard enough without being pregnant. We may not have another one because my son would be around 5 by the time we did. I wish I would've had both kids before starting. Is it hard? Yes. But so is starting a new job and then having to take off for maternity leave or worse, interviewing pregnant. As others have said, you need to have reliable childcare and back up plans but it can be done. I mainly studied during naptime and after my son went to sleep. Good luck either way. I don't think there is a wrong choice here, whatever works best for you and your family.

That's awesome!! I thought your screen name looked familiar!! Congrats and I'll see you in August!!