MrsW1109

I agree with the previous poster about combining some of the functions. Also, in regards to your statement about including the triage section. I would write it as "Triage, admit, assess and provide care for clients in labor, for induction, cesarean section, and antipartum monitoring; including high risk obstetrical populations." I would think that would all fall under the same category, since generally you triage the patient before admitting them. Good luck!

What areas are you looking for? Hospital work only? Or certain shifts? As a parent and wife, I know how you must be feeling. It's very difficult when you feel like you can't provide for your family. I'm a new grad and was recently hired into a new grad program at a skilled nursing facility. If you're interested, I'd be happy to give you more information. Best of luck!!

HopeNurse- Unfortunately I'm still new to using allnurses.com and cannot figure out how to send messages. I'd be happy to give you information regarding our new grad program... I know someone sent me a message through here, so if you know how to do that, please do. If not, just let me know through here.. I dont want to steal this post though. Best of luck to you all. I know it's rough out there... Trust me!

It has been my experience, as well, that LTC/SNFs actually pay the same, if not better, than some hospitals. I am a new grad (graduated in May 09) and am currently working in a SNF (Skilled nursing facility). If you are looking for that "perfect" job and are able to hold out for it, then great. If you need to start working asap.. I know of a company hiring new grads. But it is Skilled nursing/LTC. They have a new grad program (next class starts March 29th), and some of the facilities have a VERY high acuity of patients (Vent, etc). Let me know if you're interested. I'd love to help out :)

Have you tried Shepart Pratt yet? A friend of mine (new grad) applied a few weeks ago and had an interview yesterday. She said there were a few other positions

Look up Genesis Healthcare. They have LTC/SNF centers throughout the state and are having a new grad program starting in October. Also, I'm not sure how far away this is from you, but Howard County General Hospital is posting New Grad positions in October to start in Feb. Good luck and congrats on the RN :)

I would agree, and say take the job. I gave up on trying to work in a hospital about 2 months ago. I am being hired at a skilled nursing home, but my dream job is maternity. L&D, mother/baby, NICU, any of it! My thoughts was, 1) it's a paying job, 2) it's experience, and 3) you never know what skills and experiences you may have that will transfer well to L&D. I have to get IV certified. In the hospitals I did clinicals at, most nurses on the floors did not do IVs, but that's a skill you NEED in L&D. Good luck and congrats on the job!

I live in MD, I was quoted a job for 25.50/hour ($25/hour if in the Baltimore area), and was offered another job at 28.20 an hour to start, shortly after I will get bumped up to 29/hour, and on weekend evenings I get an extra 4+ an hour. These were both at skilled nursing facilities, however they are in different cities. The lower paying one was closer to the DC area, and the higher pay was closer to Annapolis.

Thanks!! I'll re-word that :)

I am a new grad (Graduated in May, licensed since July) and recently found a position listed for a local NICU. I desparately want to work somewhere in the maternity field, L&D, Maternal/Newborn, or NICU so I'm very excited to have found a position I actually qualify for. Since I have written so many cover letters they are all starting to blur together, so I was hoping one of you NICU nurses would be able to give me some advice on the cover letter. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! "I am writing to express my interest in the RN position in the Neonatal ICU/IMC unit. I am a recent cum laude graduate of [insert college here], with a passion for maternal, neonatal, and infant care. I was inspired to become a nurse after the delivery of my daughter, and have since found my calling caring for neonates and their families. As a previous customer service representative, I have strong interpersonal skills with a strong determination to provide the best for my patients. As a member of your nursing team, I offer my compassion, patience, and eagerness to grow as a professional nurse. I am a fast learner with a hunger to challenge my knowledge and skills. I am a team player and always do my best to help co-workers when needed. I am highly motivated and dedicated to any and all work I do. As you will find, I take great pride in the care I give. Nursing is not just a career choice for me. It is my passion. My training has taught me that excellence in patient care requires a strong foundation in knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to grow, adapt and change as a caregiver. After all, our patients are constantly changing. I would be honored and excited to be a part of your team and contribute my skills to your staff and patients. I can be reached at 000-000-0000. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you and discussing any available opportunities." --Just a side note, in their job description they posted that the candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, and have a willingness to learn and work independantly

To be honest, I didn't really use the book. It did have a GREAT cheat sheet that you could tear out, for things that most people forget (had drugs and lab values and a couple of other things). I brought it with me to the test center and looked it over in the car before I went in. I mainly used the CD because I wanted to focus on one question at a time. I had the Kaplan book, the Lippincott Q&A book, and 2 Exam Cram books.. One with content and one with just questions. I didn't end up looking at Exam Cram until the week before my test, so I can't help much with what is in the book, sorry!

I used the Exam Cram book and CD. The CD was great for drilling questions, and it does have a simulated Exam mode that will cut you off after you have "passed" I did not complete all of the tests that it tells you to before taking the simulated exam, and it cut me off at 45 questions stating I passed. So unfortunately the number of questions doesn't really add up to the NCLEX. Very helpful study tool though.. I passed the NCLEX with 75 questions after about an hour and 15 mins