kelsn

It's a tough call, but here are a few things to consider. 1. Consider applying to RN jobs that might require you to move from where you are located. 2. Look at the opportunities available. Usually the best initial decision would be to go for the job with more money or more responsibility. Most likely, that will be an RN in a nursing home -- a job that will likely give you great skill in working with people, managing and delegating, and time/organization. 3. I don't know how well it works to tech once you are an RN. BUT, you may be able to get the hospital to pay for your RN to BSN, thus increasing their investment in you and your job opportunities there. It is probably worth talking to hospital nurse recruiters about your options.

Well, you definitely need to keep the insurance, though as an alternative you might check to see if your school offers insurance for students at a lower rate. It's usually not comprehensive, but covers some things. With respect to working, the people that worked during nursing school had the best job offers on graduation. Most people I know worked part time. If your school program would allow you to go part-time while working full-time that might be a great option for you. It would maintain your insurance and income and still put you on the path in nursing. I can't imagine working full-time and going to school full-time. I think it would be hard to be successful at either one. Whatever you decide -- good luck!

Hang in there. These things happen and they may slow you down, but you can deal with it and still get through. Test taking nerves cause a lot of problems in nursing school, so you are not alone. It sounds like this is what you really want to do, so take a deep breath and figure out what to do next. From a personal standpoint, I can tell you that meditation and relaxation tapes in the evenings plus a few deep breaths throughout the day really helped me to calm down. Good luck to you!

The two choices you present are RN vs PA. On that basis I would choose the PA because out of the gate you will have a higher pay and responsibility. If your choices are NP vs PA then it's a little more complicated. In most states NP's have more autonomy, and for example, could open their own clinic. If that's important to you, then get your NP. On the other hand, PA's are controlled by physicians and for that reason they are often preferred in hiring by physicians. Just look at the evolution of the anesthesiologist assistant (PA) vs CNA (NP) and you will see what I mean.

I guess it sounds to me like a bit of bullying, but I think the best advice is just keep doing your best. If at all possible, pretend not to notice that she is hard on you. She will eventually quit doing it or else you will move on. You can talk to her about it, but that can be really hard to do successfully. One thing to try is to ask her for specific advice, like, "I'm really trying to get better at ......... do you have any suggestions." If she feels she is helping you, then that can help the relationship sometimes. Also, avoid listening to other nurses who bring up that she is hard on you. It just adds to the churn and angst on the floor. If it reaches the point of putting your license in danger or your patients safety, then you have to speak up.

Thanks to each of you for your feedback! I appreciate your insights. I'll likely take the oncology job on that basis. Thanks!:)

Hi all. I'm a new grad with an offer from ICU and one from Oncology at different hospitals. I am interested in oncology but I still have a lot to learn and am not positive if I will like it. I loved ICU during my clinical rotations, but I did not do ICU at the hospital where I have an offer. I feel like ICU offers me a better start because I think I can then transfer to other areas more easily. My long-term interests are to go into advance practice. One further note is that I have heard there are 'problems' in the ICU I'm about to enter and that they are having high turnover. Pay and benefits are similar though the ICU requires working every third weekend and on call once every 6 weeks, whereas the oncology position does not. The oncology unit offers slightly better pay and bonuses initially. Plus the offer from the hospital for the oncology unit is highly rated for nurses. Your thoughts?

Our program requires HESI tests after each major subject area and as an exit exam. While it may be difficult it is considered to be the only thing you do in nursing school that actually predicts performance on the NCLEX, so studying and passing it is worthwhile.

More great ideas and thoughts. Thanks for sharing!!

It's really helpful to know how other nurses handle everything. Great ideas! Thanks for your thoughts!

I am in my final semester of nursing school, soon to start 7P to 7A shifts. My question for you (any shift!) is what is your routine for after work? How do you clean-up after a shift (full shower, wipe down, just hands/arms/face? nothing?), how do you decompress or de-stress? THANKS!