Dottie, RN

At clinicals, I would only wear my plain wedding band, & leave the ring with the diamonds at home. I saw some girls wearing the whole thing, but I was always afraid of scratching the patients. Once I start working, I'll be doing the same...wear only the band.

Thank you all! This is my dream job & words can't express how excited I am to begin!

Just found out today that I'm in! Thank you, Jesus! :) I guess good things come to those who wait.

Congrats to you!! Isn't that a relief?

Thank you for the advice. I've checked online, but there is no update to my application at all. Also, I haven't received an email. Hoping to hear something this week, but also tempted to call & find out.

Hi all! I need to vent and get some opinions. I've been driving myself crazy, because I've been waiting over two weeks for an answer. I received my license in April, and went for my first interview last month for a residency program at a hospital that starts in July. I received an email from the HR recruiter last Tuesday, saying they were going to make their final selections the next day (which was this past Wednesday) and that the selection process has been difficult because each candidtate represented themselves well. (That's a good sign!) She also said all of the candidates will be contacted to inform them of their status, which tells me that even if it's a no, I'll still be contacted. Being patient is best, but I've been very anxious about this, because this is a residency program I wish so much to be in. I've applied at other hospitals in the meantime just in case, but been praying and hoping to get good news from this particular hospital, because this one is my first choice. Should I call the recruiter tomorrow if I don't hear anything by a certain time? I don't want to seem desperate, but not sure what to do, and don't want to do anything to jeopordize my chances of getting chosen. This weekend was the worst, because I kept dreaming about getting that email from the recruiter. Or should I continue to wait patiently?? -Anxiously Waiting

Hello everyone! Good luck to those of you who have interviews. I actually have an interview this week for an internship program in L&D, as I am a new grad. I'm not exactly sure what kind of questions I'm going to be asked by the directors and employees, but I would like to be prepared. From what I was told by the HR recruiter, it's going to be fast-paced and is going to take but only about 30 minutes. She advised me to tell them that I'm a new grad who just got my license, and looking forward to working in L&D, but that's about it. Also, this is my very first interview for a nursing position right out of nursing school, so I am pretty excited and nervous! L&D is what I've always wanted to go into. Any pointers? Thanks!

Congrats to you! I know that feeling when you walk out of that testing center not knowing if you passed or not, because I was in that same position three weeks ago, but was relieved to find out two days later that I passed! Congratulations to you once again...you are now an RN!! :yelclap:

Hello everyone! This thread has been very helpful, since I'm a new grad, just got my license, and now looking for a job. I've already sent several applications to Christus, Baptist, and University, and from what I understand, new RNs have to go through a residency program at Methodist, so I'm waiting until that date to apply there. Does anyone know if it's difficult to get in at Methodist? Also thought about applying to the other hospitals like the Nix, etc. I also posted my resume on Monster and Careerbuilder, and got one response from an agency, but not certain if I want to find a job through an agency. I would rather wait a few weeks to see if I hear from the hospitals first before getting help through an agency. What do ya'll know about agency nursing? What are your thoughts? This has been a little nerve-wracking because it seems like most places want nurses with experience. It's been a week since I got my license, so I'm very anxious and excited to begin my career! Thanks!!

IMO, I think care plans are helpful, but they are lengthy, and took forever for me to do them...very time consuiming. That was the only thing I didn't like about doing them, especially if we had a test that week...and this past flex, we had one due every week for each patient we took care of. At the hospital where I did my clinicals, they had care plans on the computerized charts, but they were short, and did not include rationales. But I do think they help in the long run...

Hi all! Just want to say congrats to all the students graduating, and to all the ones who finished and survived their first semester of nursing school!! I haven't been on here since January...haven't had any time since the spring semester started, and I'm glad we have a breather in between semesters. It was challenging (especially with working 32 hrs./week a family), but I survived. What I can say about this semester: I met quite a few people and it's been a enjoyable experience for the most part. The patients and most of the nurses I worked with at the nursing home and hospital were nice and willing to let me work with them. I've also seen some interesting stuff at the hospital, stuff that I've never seen before in my life and will never forget. The instructors have also been very helpful, and I can honestly say that they care about us passing! But, most important of all, I have a great husband and family who have been supportive and helpful to me through this journey. Congrats again!! Now we can relax for a little while during the summer...

It's doable, but not easy. If you're really dedicated and determined, you can do it. To be honest, if I didn't have to work, I wouldn't. I'm only in my first semester, but have been working full-time during the day and attend school in the evenings M-Th. I just started flex 2 and still work full-time, but I may have to cut down a bit on my work hours if I'm still struggling. It also depends on what kind of support system you have at home. I have a husband and two children, but my husband has been helping me a lot with the kids and with making dinner, cleaning, and laundry. Good luck!

First of all, I would like to say congrats to everyone who has completed nursing school, and to those who have just started. It actually all started last week at orientation, and when I got access to our online black board which has everything on there, from syllabus, to assignments, and quizzes, etc. There was already a reading assignment over 5 chapters that we had to complete before yesterday. Yesterday was the first day of class, and it flew by. The first two hours the instructors were going over the stuff on the web that we need access to, and how to get to the different resources that we'll be using, etc. Then the last two hours we divided up in teams and played a fun game, which tested our knowledge over the chapters we read...and the team I was in was 1st place! Last night, I stayed up late reading the chapters for today's lecture. Lots of interesting info, and looking forward to today! :) Today is lecture again, and we'll also begin learning how to take blood pressure and vitals, so I need to bring my stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to class. Wednesday we'll be going to the simulation lab (clinical). I'll find out what group I'll be in before Thursday, because that's when the class will divide up and 10 students will go to the nursing home for clinicals, and 5 will be in the sim lab for a couple weeks, then we switch. This is going to be hard work, but I'm looking forward to it, and I'm going to give it 150%. My husband jokingly started calling me a nerd last night...and I'm proud of it!

I too have evening classes. Lecture/lab MT from 4-7:50, and clinicals WR from 1-6:45 for the first half of the semester, and for the second half, lecture/lab MT 4-7:50, clinicals WR 3:45-9:45. I'm also very excited! Good luck to you!

Hi! First of all, I want to say congrats to everyone who is starting nursing school this coming semester, and good luck! Also, I need to vent. Back in November I found out I was accepted into nursing school for this coming spring semester (YAY!!) Even though I was extremely excited, I withheld from telling my parents (my mother in particular), until yesterday. I realize I'm an adult and don't need anyone's approval for anything, but I just want support! I believe that we all need some kind of support from our family and friends in order for it to be easier to achieve our goals. When I told them, my father seemed to be happy, and said that's good I'm going back to school, and if I want to achieve something, I should go for it. They actually knew before that I was interested in nursing school when I was taking my pre-reqs. My mother on the other hand wasn't as enthusiastic about the news. This is how she is, that's why it took me so long to tell them. She used to be an LVN and had to quit working about 15 years ago, due to a back and knee injury she got on the job. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with her negativity towards my choice of going into nursing or not. She did ask if I was going for RN or LVN, so I told her RN. And her response was "If it was LVN, it's not worth it. They work your a** off and don't pay enough. Nursing is just not what it used to be." I felt bad she made that comment, but hopefully she won't be so negative since I'm going for RN. I just wish she would have shown some kind of happiness. It tears me up that she is so negative and unsupportive. Everyone else in my life is happy, why can't she be? I didn't say anything to her, but if it continues, I'll be tempted to ask her what the problem is. Is anyone else out there in the same boat as I am?

Thanks, AngelsRN. I need to make sure I get good, comfortable shoes for clinicals, because I have issues with my feet as well. My heels hurt after being on my feet for long periods of time, and the ball of my left foot really hurts whenever pressure is applied (in the bone), I've noticed the pain especially when wearing heels. (Thank God nursing students and nurses don't wear heels! LOL) I saw a cute pair of white Dansko clogs online that I'm considering.

I'm starting school this coming January, and have been a little undecided with what kind of shoes to get. They have to be white too. This thread was very helpful. Now it's a choice between Dansko and Nike Shox. Thanks guys!

I took the CPR class this past Saturday, which was the last thing I needed. After the class, I purchased scrubs. Almost ready for the adventure! Just one question about the clinical uniform: Is the required color white (top and bottom)? From the student handbook, that's how I understood it. A few weeks ago, I purchased several nursing student patches for the uniform tops and labcoat, but haven't sewn them on yet, because I need to know for sure that I purchased the correct color scrubs! Thanks!

I applied this summer, and got the acceptance letter (via email) in the beginning of last month. Hope your friend gets in soon.

WOW...this is a very interesting thread, and I have learned a lot already! LOL Now I know what to expect on my first days of nursing school. I will be starting a two-year program in January at a community college. Thanks so much for all the valuable info, and congrats on completing this hectic semester!

Right after high school, I worked as a rep for American Airlines, taking inbound phone calls for reservations and did that for a year. After that, I worked for a non-profit research organization as a secretary for 11 years...now I'm at another facility working as an administrative assistant and will begin nursing school in the evenings in the spring! Wish I would have decided to go into nursing while I was still 18, but better late, than never!

Thanks so much for all of the valueable info, SolaireSolstice! How is it going for you, since you're already a student at SAC? I purchased the nursing student handbook, but going back for the rest of the items next week, and check out Medix for scrubs, etc. I have a dumb question though: How do you know what classes to register for? I noticed in the handbook it had a sample schedule with a list of classes for each semester, and you fill in the grades for each as you complete them. Is that what you go by? Then I heard for the first semester, an advisor is the one who registers you? Not sure how true that is. I asked someone when I should register for classes, and she said after Dec. 15th when I turn in the rest of the forms, but to me that is cutting it close! I haven't registered yet, but would like to very soon. Also, I know you said WHITE nursing shoes...so does the handbook. I have a pair of mostly white tennis shoes that I was hoping to use, but there is a little bit of navy blue on them. Are the instructors really picky about that, or do you think my shoes will be acceptable? If not, I'll need to buy some shoes...and white scrubs. Sorry for all the questions. I've waited way too long to go to nursing school...just want to stay on top of things and don't want anything falling through the cracks! Is anyone else getting excited/nervous???

Oh gosh, I'm with you on that...I've never been a math whiz, so that part scares me too. I'm nervous but trying to get myself prepared. I have not done the CPR course yet, but I'm also signed up for Dec. 5th. Maybe we'll see each other there.

Yeah, I'll be getting my TB test done Tuesday, and that's all I'll need. What is the difference between starting in March, than in January? So we are assigned an advisor? That wasn't stated in my packet, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow. I'm starting in January. Starting to get anxious...

Wow, this is good to know...thanks for the warning. I'll need to have a long talk with my boss about all this. She is flexible, so I'm hoping she will be okay with it if I have to be out for school. As far as the admission process, I've already gotten my drug screening and background check done. Tomorrow I turn in my acceptance paperwork and next month on the 15th, is when I'll turn in the rest of the paperwork like the immunization info. What about you?