mfr69

Don't give up! Change the way you study! Look back and figure out what was a common thing you did when you were studying for all these tests. Did you study by yourself? Did you read and re-read all the books? By the time I got out of nursing school, I felt that I shouldn't study from the books again. I got all the study CDs I could get from my peers.... I copied them and on a daily basis, every morning, I sat down and forced myself to do the test questions. Then, for every question-whether I got it right or wrong- I read the rationale. I make sure I understand it. If not, I go back to the books, for reference only, to look up that particular topic. Remember now, the questions are going to be on the computer then you might as well study that way. I also made a point of doing these computer questions every morning as soon as I wake up because my test was scheduled in the morning so I wanted to condition myself. Every time I practiced at home, I pretend it is the real test- I turned off any noise around me, I have already had a light breakfast, etc... By the time I took the real test, I felt relaxed and was already used to it. I hope my pointers help. Don't give... you've already done 99% of it.

hi jan_angel, it's my second career as well-- i was earning around $22/hr while sitting in an office all day. i decided to scrap it and start from scratch to go into nursing. i know i made the right decision. good luck to you and i hope you do well in whatever you decide to do. thanks!

hi jan_angel, most of my schoolmates/friends started with $25-26/hr at nursing homes in chicago area, hospitals start at $26-27, i heard. my nursing home started me on $23/hr w/ benefits (7 paid vacation days per yr, paid holidays, option for health and life insurance). as i work at the nursing home, i found out that some of the nurses there actually have not received a raise in 2 yrs, their rates are higher than mine (because of their experience, i bet), and if you work nights, you won't get night differential, if you work past your designated time- you won't get paid for that either. so, if you get an admission 10 mins before you punch out, you're basically working for free. they won't assign that admission to another nurse because you are the only nurse on the floor. this new job, starts with $27/hr w/benefits (28!!!! paid vacation days per year, tuition for school, options for a variety of insurances you can have, PLUS night differential of $3-6/hr depending on the hour, PLUS $2/hr if you are working on a weekend). it sounds great...but it's really not ALL ABOUT the money, i think the best value is the fact that i have great potential to learn more and experience more in this hospital. i was feeling so dejected working at that nursing home coz i spent most of my time giving meds and not enough assessment and and of course, it didn't help to know that i was getting paid a lot less than my friends that i graduated with. this new job is a dream-- i can't wait to start orientation next week. i'm sure it won't be perfect but i'm sure it's a lot better than what i have now. good luck with your schooling. i hope my reply to your q helps a little :) i am a new RN and i'm still in a very awkward state, learning the ropes and all-- but so far, i have to say that i am glad i went into nursing. i get this wonderful feeling whenever i see my patients feeling better today than yesterday.

thank you all for the comments/advice/response to my question. i did ask my schoolmates that i graduated with (last MAY)-- they are now getting jobs too. there was a hiring freeze in chicago and it was very difficult to find jobs a couple months ago. now, i see a lot more openings. anyway, from what i gather, $23/hr is indeed lower than most pay rates in this area. the nursing home where i work at is in the northside of chicago. anyway, i stuck it out, bought a good pair of shoes, compression socks and all. it helped a little and i got to know the residents in the nursing home so i've been working a little faster. here comes the good news: i got a job offer at a hospital. better pay, better benefits, better hours and better potential for experience. i've accepted it and will be starting in 2 weeks. i have a lot of guilt for leaving my current job since i feel that they have trusted me and given me the opportunity to start my career as a new RN but i have to think of what is best for me in the end. again, thanks to all!

Thank you all for the responses. Although a nursing job is not my first choice, I appreciate the fact that I do have a job. I will look at it as a stepping stone to a better job someday. As far as the pay rate goes, I have a friend who just got a job at a hospital for $26/hr with benefits. She's a new grad as well. $3 more per hour would be great for me but I will get there, I will get there :)

So after 3 months, 50+ applications to hospitals, doc offices, agencies, nursing homes.... I finally got my first job as a Registered Nurse at a nursing home and rehabilitation center in Chicago. The pay is $23 per hour with benefits or $25 per hour without benefits. I have heard from other people that the starting salary for RNs in Chicago is usually $25-27 per hour. I was so desperate to get a job so I accepted the offer but of course, I asked the DON why it's so low compared to other places. She tells me that I am new with no experience. OK, I just graduated so fine, I understand. I started the job 3 days ago. I am appalled to see how they practice nursing!! I know that clinical theory is very different from actual practice but my gosh (!!) I see so many things screaming lawsuits and citations. Also, I come in at 7am and I am on my feet (NO KIDDING!!) non-stop until 1230pm. At 1pm, I'm back on my feet until 3. Basically, I give, give, give medications. They don't even take vitals. They told me that if they stop and take them, they'd be there all day and they don't pay overtime. For the past 3 days, on my way home, I feel so dejected and depressed. As soon as I get home, I put my feet up and nurse my achy feet. As much as I would love to keep on applying for hospital jobs, I have no energy left in me to do so. It's only been 3 days---- and I'm already complaining. WOW. It's soooo not like me. Anyway, I just wanted to vent. And I guess, I'd like to ask around... is $23 per hour for RN job too low? I know there's recession and all and I'm so desperate for a job. I am beginning to think that it's not even worth it. Before nursing school, I made the same amount per hour and I was sitting. Am I giving up so quickly?