tlj1cookie

Hey! I've been a nurse for 2 years now & I miss school I want 2 start taking some cont edu coorifices in the fall, but I don't want 2 waste my time or $$$ on useless/unnecessary classes... So I thought I'd post this thread 2 see if I'll get any suggestions/ideas on where to go from here. My next goal is a master's degree, but in the future I'm not looking 2 go into acute/intesive care, pediatrics, or geriatrics specifically so... what's left for me to specialize in?! I was thinking informatics, but what can I do with that type of credential when I don't have any other IT expertise? I was also debating about an NP program vs a PA program... their roles are fairly the same, but IDK?! Any thoughts/suggestions/personal experience stories... Care to share!!! Thanx! Cookie

Hello! I just wanted to post my current dilemma so I can get some feedback from the people who are already where I want to be. Here goes... I've always been intrigued by what goes on inside the operating room, so a few years ago I applied to some sugical tech & nursing programs. I was accepted to both, but after weighing my options I decided to go to nursing school. I just thought it would give me a better chance of getting an OR job with a BSN as opposed to a CST... and I've heard that the OR can be kind of exclusive, so just incase that didn't work out for me I figured I'd still have the option of going into another area of nursing. Now that school is done, I feel like I have the "new grad curse". I can't get a nursing job to save my life- especially in the OR. I was lucky enough to get an interview for the OR a couple of months ago, and although the nurse manager loved my enthusiasm- she basically laughed in my face (but not in a mean way), because I was in nooo way qualified for the position (HR set me up man! :imbar) The problem seems to be that- a) I didn't have a perioperative rotation in my nursing program, b) I asked for but couldn't get an OR senior preceptorship (I was told that my program didn't have enough pull in the local hospitals), & c) I couldn't work as an aid/tech in the OR during school (did I mention my program was a 3-yr accelerated BSN). So now what? I've done some research... here's what I've come up with: * I found a perioperative program that I could do- however its expensive (for me w/ this new grad curse), it's kind of far from where I live (not worth relocating for a few weeks of classes), & all of the jobs I see are strictly for EXPERIENCED OR NURSES... * I found a surgical tech program that is both local & affordable; I've also seen a lot of jobs that don't necessarily require experience... but I'M AN RN!!! (I worked hard for those credentials; how can I be working as a tech- no offense to techs)... What am I going to do; is there hope for me yet? If any of the OR nurses out there could help me out with some advice, words of wisdom, or personal stories I'd appreciate it. Thanx!

I will thanx!

Haha- I haven't found a job yet... I want to get these certifications so that I can increase my chances of getting a job. But I'll keep you posted.

Hey! I'm a struggling new grad like sooo many others, but I'm trying to stay positive I want to beef up my resume w/ an ekg class, acls, & phlebotomy training. Does anyone know where I could go in massachusetts to get this training. I've tried searching the internet, but I've only come up with- AHA (just ACLS though), hospitals that give classes to their employees & an EMT training place that kinda looks like a scam... HELP w/ ur

thanx so much for replying and ur advice its very helpful.

thanx for replying! I hope to get my plan together as well as u have.:)

hi- I want to get into the nursing college at my school... its so competative that I only get one chance to apply. I have the minimum GPA to get in but I am competing with 3.0-4.0. I am considering waiting until next year to apply so that i can raise my GPA but then i'll be wasting yet another year of college taking unnecessary classes. I thought i would get a degree in something else and go back to school for an accelerated degree? are these degree hard to get? i was also thinking about using my spare time to pick up a minor, which minor would be beneficial? please someone help me with some guidence i'm feeling really lost and depressed. thanx!!!!!!