aismail3

How long after graduating from nursing school did it take you to get a job? What year was this? I'm graduating from nursing school in May. I'm leaving right after graduation for my wedding which will take place overseas. There is a possibility that I won't be back until sometime in August. I'm worried that this is going to make it impossible for me to land a job. I'm going to pay for the NCLEX and just take it when I get back. It's not offered in the countries that I'm going to. But, my concern is, when should I be applying for jobs? Many of my friends have already started applying. Should I do so? I'm confused because I'm not sure if I can apply for "graduate nurse" positions, but then the other positions require my RN license. Should I apply for jobs and just write that I can start on September 1? But what if I do that and I don't pass the NCLEX the first time, then I won't be able to work that date and they'll fire me? I'm so confused. I plan on speaking to one of my instructors later this week, but would REALLY like to hear from you all first? I'm lost and I don't know what to do!

Sunday was my last day. I can't believe it went by so fast. It was so funny to re-read my initial post. This was a great learning experience for me, but I felt that it needed to be longer. I feel like the last 2-3 days is when I really started to feel comfortable and more independent. I felt like I was just getting started. I wish it was longer because there is so much more that I need to learn. That last day we had a 3 patient assignment, and it was crazy! This clinical has motivated me to start studying for the NCLEX. I checked out a bunch of books from the library today. I also just started a patient care tech position. I will tell you though that on my last day one of the fellows came into my patient's room and upon finding out that I'm a nursing student began quizzing me about my patient's pacemaker... I don't know much about them, it was my first time having a patient with one. All of my answers were wrong and I felt like an idiot. When he asked me what year I'm in, and I told him, he gave me a strange look. So this also has motivated me to start studying and learning as much as I can. One last thing, I am really interested in working in the ICU now that I have had this clinical. I asked my preceptor what she thinks of new grads starting out in the ICU, she told me if it's a thorough orientation program then she's for it. One of the other nurses though strongly suggested that I get at least 6 months - 1 year experience on a floor and then move into the ICU. This makes sense because I feel like there are a lot of skills that I need to learn and fine tune before I start working with the critically ill.... but now I'm not sure. I know there might be other posts about this same question, but I'm curious ... what do you all think? Again thanks for all of the encouragement and support! I made it!

Since no one can help me with vents, maybe you guys can help me with IV pump machines. I'm definitely feeling more comfortable with using them except that I'm confused about secondary pumps. When do you use it and how do you know when to use a secondary IV? Also what does Keep Vein Open mean? And when do you do so?

Part of my patient charting has a section where I have to include the numbers from the ventilator screen. I am still struggling with this. I tried doing a Youtube and Google search but I have ended up even more confused. I would like to learn the basics... the different types and their differences: BiPAP, CPAP, AC... the settings Mean, Peak, FiO2, TV/STV.... If anyone has any documents, websites, videos, or books that would help me understand this, please share... or if you're willing to teach it to me... message me Oh, and I think we use Alaris.

I also get so nervous when someone asks me something. One of the patient's family member asked me something, I knew the answer but I think I just ended up confusing the patient. When the nurse came and answered her, I was like: why didn't I say that? Also one of the doctors asked me something, and I couldn't answer him because I completely FORGOT. Right when he left, I was like I know the answer, We did do that, why did my mind go blank the moment he asked... ugh...

Just to update everyone: It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The first day my preceptor only had one patient who was getting better and was eventually transferred to the floor by the end of our shift. My preceptor's personality is the opposite of mine; I'm more introverted. So our relationship is somewhat awkward, but hopefully it will get better. The first day I felt like a total idiot, not knowing what to do, feeling so confused. She was patient with me. The second day my preceptor's schedule was changed to on-call, so I got put with a different nurse, who was really nice. But, both of are patients weren't very complex. The first one got transferred to the floor, he was stable when I was there. There were talks that the second patient was going to get transferred. I felt stupid the second day, but I feel like I did do more and I was a bit more comfortable. I guess I was excepting more critical patients in the ICU. The patients I took care of were just like patients in my other clinicals. And every time I come across something new, I write it down and look it up when I get home. Now something I don't get is VENTILATORS. All the different types, the settings, ... I tried looking it up but get even more confused. So if anyone has any websites that are helpful, please let me know. Also I need help with IV pump machines, so I'll try to look that up on Youtube. I might try to get in 2-3 shifts this week. I must say 12 hours is tough. I am exhausted by the time I get home. But this is good practice.

Well, I start tomorrow. I am so nervous and scared to the point of crying. I'm going to review as much as I can. I'm also going to watch a couple of videos on youtube. But even then, I am sure that after studying I won't remember 85% of what I studied, so what's the point? I can only hope my preceptor is nice and understanding. I'm going to let her know about my lack of experience. I am truly hoping that the first day I'll get to do more shadowing just so I can get more comfortable. But, who knows, she might expect me to care for a patient. And if that's the case, we'll that patient's life is going to be even more at risk!

Um, because I was given HER name and phone number. I'm suppose to call her on Monday after lecture. The majority of us have female preceptors, only a handful have male preceptors.

Thank you very much for your response. I guess what's really affecting my nerves is that I still haven't met my preceptor. Once I actually meet her, I will either be relieved by her friendliness or terrified if she turns out to be a wtich! :) But, honestly, I have heard horror stories about crazy preceptors who expected the students to know everything. I'm going to make sure that I review as much as I can about the cardiac system before my first day. I'm currently in the process of looking up commonly used medications, can someone PLEASE provide me with a list of medications that I am very likely going to see and use in this ICU. Thanks again. And, I'm looking forward to more responses!

Amanda, Thank you so much for your lovely response. I can only hope that my preceptor is patient and caring or else I'm doomed. As for me feeling that I haven't learned much, I'm not very good with medications. I'm in my final semester and I can't remember any medications. (1) Can you list some medications and/or pathologies I should look up before clinical? (2) Also, I'm in the Cardiology ICU, but my friend is in the Cardiothoracic surgery ICU. What is the difference? What will I find in my ICU and not in hers? (3) I'm also in the process of watching some skills videos, like how to insert a catheter (which I've never done!) and start an IV. What else should I look up that is pertinent to the cardiology ICU? I would really appreciate it if you can help me again! Thank you and God bless!

Hello Everyone, On Monday I will begin my final semester of nursing school. This semester I will be completing a preceptorship. I am EXTREMELY nervous about next week. I am hoping some of you can share your preceptorship experiences with me or at least give me some advice! My first concern is that I asked to be put in a pediatric hospital (preferably a cardiac unit). Well, it turns out that only 6-7 students from my class got peds, and I got put in an adult cardiac ICU!!! First, I feel that this will ruin my chances of ever getting in peds. The two pediatric hospitals in my area hire students that either worked as techs for them and/or completed a pediatric preceptorship. I won't be getting to do either. I won't give up though, I'm still going to apply. My second concern is the fact that I will be in an ICU!!! I honestly feel like I haven't learned much the past 3 1/2 years. When we had group clinical rotations, I never got to do much. I mostly got tech experience with baths and changing linens. I gave medications a few times and started an IV once (which I sucked at). I am TERRIFIED about being put in a critical care setting. This is all final, so I can't change it or ask to switch with another student. What can I expect from my preceptor? I am wondering if I will be with her the whole time or if she will expect me to do things on my own. May God help me...

Thank you both for your lovely answers! I didn't get to start my new job this week. The HR person called me and said that there's a new orientation day on February 4th, so in two weeks. Apparently they hired a few more people during winter break and they're just going to train us all on the 4th. I was also told that it will now only be 1 day of orientation. I'm hoping that means 1 day of HR orientation/paperwork and then I'll have a few days of orientation on the actual unit. I'm still extremely nervous about this job. It is on a neuro unit. I will also be doing my senior preceptorship in this hospital, but in their Cardiac ICU (which I am terrified about). I feel like I can't remember anything I have learned. I feel so unprepared. May God help me!

Hello All, I am a senior nursing student graduating in May. After almost a year of searching and applying for Patient Care Technician/Nursing Assistant positions, I finally got an offer. My 3 day orientation begins this Monday! All I know is that the first day it will be held in a conference room from 7:30 to 4:30 p.m. The second day it's also in the conference room from 7:30 to 12:00 (Ethics) and then I report to my unit for the rest of the day. (?) And I don't know what the third day is. I guess I'm just really, really nervous. Will they let me know everything I need to that first day? It says to dress business casual. I'm worried about scrubs, do hospitals sell them? Or will I have to buy them on my own? Can some of you share your orientation experiences with me? Many thanks! :)

No, only obese. That's why I can't think of any diagnoses that relate to the baby's size (LGA). HELP!

I have to come up with a list of diagnoses for a baby that I cared for. Now I am working on my list and I have several diagnoses so far (Risk for Infection, Risk for Injury, Ineffective Airway Clearance, and so on). However, the infant that I cared for was large for his gestational age. My instructor told me that I have to come up with a few diagnoses that relate specifically to his LGA. However, when looking this up, I'm having trouble finding any appropriate diagnoses for my infant. He was born through a C-Section, but he didn't have any complications. His mother is obese, but I can think of anything diagnoses specifically for him about his LGA... HELP!

So you agree that I shouldn't take the nursing home position?

Hello All, I really need some advice, so I hope some of you can help me. I am a senior nursing student who is interested in pediatrics. I have spent several months applying to hundreds of Patient Care Technician/Assistant positions (not just for pediatrics). I got a call back from a nursing home. I had an "interview." But it wasn't really an interview, they seem really desperate. I am suppose to go in this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for orientation. I don't know how to describe it, but I didn't really feel that "comfortable" at this place. An actual hospital contacted me and I scheduled a phone interview with them on Friday (before I knew that I would be at the nursing home). Well, I was told when I scheduled the phone interview that I would need to get a CNA or EMT certification before work, if I was chosen. I applied to take the Challenge CNA Exam so I'm still waiting on that. I'm in a dilemma! What do you guys think I should do? Should I just go to the nursing home orientation and start working there? That would also mean having to contact the other hospital to reschedule my phone interview (That won't look good, right?). Or should I not take the nursing home position, due the phone interview and hope to get a position at the hospital. If I do get a position, great. If I don't, then I would probably consider looking for another basic job while volunteering at a Children's hospital. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello all, I am a senior nursing student. After months of searching for a tech position, I finally scheduled a phone interview for next Friday. However, I was told that I would need to obtain my CNA or EMT certification beforehand. Aren't these both lengthy certifications?! Which one would be faster to obtain? I live in St. Louis, MO. Thanks!

Well, before I do my interview, I need to get my EMT or CNA certified. Which one is faster? My phone interview is next Friday.

Hello all, I am a senior nursing student. After months of searching for a patient care technician position, I finally got an e-mail from a nurse recruiter stating that he was interested in speaking to me. He had me click on a link to schedule my phone interview. Now when I completed this link, it asked me a few basic questions, to upload my resume, and for my time zone. It didn't actually have me fill out a time and date for my phone interview. Is this normal? I have the number for the recruitment team. I was thinking of calling tomorrow once I get done to ask what the next step was. Thanks for any advice in advance!

Hi all, This semester I have to go to clinical three days a week. On Thursday and Friday I have adult/older adults where I get to do all of the nursing skills that I have learned so far. But, on Mondays, I have psych clinical. Today we had orientation for it. I'm a little more comfortable after orientation, but I'm still very nervous. During our psych clinical, they won't let us practice our main skills like passing medications, baths, etc. Instead it's basically all COMMUNICATION for 6+ hours! Basically we each get a patient and we are expected to spend the day with them communicating. Orientation was a shorter day so we only get to join a group to meet some of the patients. My problem is that communication is actually my weakest nursing skill. I'm dreading next Monday. I can't imagine having to spend 6+ hours TALKING to someone/following them around. Most students worry about saying the wrong thing (I do, too), but I worry more about... what the hell is there to say for several hours? Does anyone have any advice? I'm just really nervous. I can't wait until this semester is OVER! May where are thou? lol.

Hello everyone: I just came back from my Clinical Orientation. I thought orientation would help make me feel more comfortable about my first clinical that starts next Thursday, but instead I'm more nervous! Our instructor gave us so much information that there is no way I'll retain all of it for the weeks to come. I'm also nervous because I don't feel prepared. I'm currently a junior in a 4-year BSN program. We have to do head-to-toe assessments each day during clinicals (obviously), but we haven't done head-to-toe assessments for MONTHS at university. We also have to give IV's, but we only got to practice ONE time on a synthetic arm thing (lol). I just don't feel comfortable with giving people shots. I'm also nervous about doing a complete care plan. How often do nurses do care plans in the real world? (I've been told not often; is this true?) Does anyone have any words of encouragement? What was your first clinical like? I fear getting an unsatisfactory for doing something stupid, failing the class, and having to wait a year to start over. (God forbid). P.S. I was at this hospital once before shadowing an ICU nurse. I fainted! Till this day I get 'tired' or dizzy if I stand up for too long. I felt dizzy during orientation. What should I eat for breakfast? Thanks, and sorry for asking a bunch of unrelated questions in one post.

Hello, I'm currently a nursing major in St. Louis. One of the reasons I got into nursing was because I would love to work with babies. I think it would be a very good idea for me to get some kind of experience before I graduate. I'm only a junior right now in a 4-year BSN program. I do plan on getting a "Critical Care" certificate my senior year (a three course program). Does anyone know any hospitals or places where I can get this experience? The only NICU I know of are St. Louis Children's Hospital, Cardinal Glennon, and St. John's. But, it doesn't necessarily have to be an ICU. Some guidance/direction PLEASE. [i'd prefer working as an assistant; but I'll also do volunteer work].

Thanks everyone! I feel better now! My professor called me to make sure I was alright and she was actually laughing on the phone!!! She said not to worry about it, it happens.

I'm glad I could amuse you guys, even though I was looking more forward to words of support and encouragement. lol.