eyoliver

Well I am a new grad and nursing is not treating me very well so far!! (Things would be a lot better if I could find a job!!). My someday plan is to open up a coffee shop/playland for young kids & moms. Just need the financing!

Wow, I wish I had some good advice for you, but I dont. Let me just tell you my situation. I graduated in April 2010 and immediately packed up and moved to Houston TX (where my family wanted to live). After MONTHS of job searching, I finally found a LVN position working for a new weight loss clinic. I also hold a RN degree. Sure, there are tons of open positions listed on hospital websites, but they are NOT for new graduates, EVERYONE wanted 1 year of experience (including home health care and LTC). Now I will be working 27hrs a week making $14.50/hour. That sucks. I cant pay my bills/childcare/rent with that, but its better than no money. And when I entered nursing school I thought that having a RN would be my golden ticket into the job force. Nope. By the grace of God I have an interview on Friday for a FT nights position in L&D in a small community hospital outside of town. I am PRAYING I get this job (not only because L&D is my dream job, but because I need the RN pay and I dont want to lose all my skills working in a clinic.) I am happy to be employed, but seriously upset that it took 5 months and I didnt even get an RN position. If I were you, I would pay off those current debts and wait a couple years before doing nursing school, maybe the job market will be better for new grads! edit to add: Oh, and I have no benefits either. So my husband and I still dont have any health insurance, and our kids are on medicaid.

I feel silly asking this, but I honestly do not know... What is the difference between BLS and CPR/AED for the healthcare professional? I am a new graduate, and my nursing school required us to have CPR/AED, so that is what I have. However, I see most job descriptions looking for a BLS. When I went to register for a BLS course, it was listed as BLS/CPR for healthcare professional. So do I need to take a BLS course, or is my CPR/AED enough? If employers are specifically looking for BLS, should I just go ahead and get it?

I have a job offer in home health care (pediatric intensive) to start at $28/hour with overtime. I am desperate to start, but waiting on my references. I'll believe it when I see a paycheck! (I have an LPN license, an RN license, and my associates of applied science)

I found 2 positions in home health care, but I havent been able to start either one. I am waiting (desperately) on references from my professors - who seem to have taken the summer off - and the other job seems flakey and doesnt want to pay for my training. I am really scared, worried I wont be able to pay August rent. So things are not happy in my world, even with the job offers. I need a PAYCHECK!!!

I decided to do Kaplan to review and now I am doubting my decision. I all doing all of the question trainer tests to make sure I have the money back guarantee if I dont pass NCLEX. But I have only been scoring around 60 on the tests, and they suggest you be at 65 before taking NCLEX. so that worries me!

The review course was a total waste of time and money. They did not cover any information that is on the test, only information on how to navigate the BON website. When you're taking the test, just open a 2nd browser window and search the BON website for keywords related to the question. Its a very easy test. One thing that took me by surprise though, is that I thought it would shut off after a minimum amount of questions for passing (like the NCLEX), but it does not, you take all 50 questions.

Sorry you're having a rotten time right now.... but the way I see it, it is only the beginning. Trust me, nursing school is not going to get easier. Plus, when life gets harder down the line: when you have serious jobs, when you have kids, when you have big commitments, you are going to need his support. It really comes down to that. Is he choosing to support you or choosing to enjoy the carefree life? Sadly, people change over time, part of that is just growing up. To me, it sounds like you are growing up and he is kinda dragging his heels. I think its time to have a serious conversation with him about where you see your future together going.

I just bought a iPhone this weekend for that exact reason and it is like cellphone crack!! SO addicting!! You have to pay if you want Pepid, but I can download apps for med calculations, pharmacology, drip rates, all that good stuff. I even got a Spanish to English translator for assessments. The only thing I worry about is not being able to use it in the hospital because of cellphone restrictions Anybody know the rules about that, or does it depend on the facility? Perhaps I could use it on 'airplane' mode?

Mersa America

In my understanding, the NCLEX is a national test, so what you need to do is apply for a license in the state you want to work in. Then take the test (anywhere) and when you pass, you will get a license for the state that you applied with. Example, I am in Alaska and graduating from an Alaska university. I am moving to Texas immediately. My plan is to apply for a Texas license, take the NCLEX in Texas, and then work in Texas. However, if I wanted to, I could take the NCLEX in Alaska before I moved. btw, if I am wrong, somebody please tell me so I can change my plans!! :)

New Grad in May (RN).... will be moving to Houston and I have applied lots of places. No luck yet though Hopefully after I pass the NCLEX and get my license :)

Are you set on living downtown? There are hospitals all over the city, my husband and I are moving to the North/Northwest (Tomball, Spring, Woodlands) area

show up on time (or early!), dress appropriately (either scrubs or professional dress), look people in the eye when you talk to them, smile a lot, be friendly, ask questions when necessary

I jumped from LPN straight into the RN program and it made me more confidant than my peers in clinicals, but I dont think it will help me at all when I go job hunting. Its kinda a pain when I meet people and tell them I am a 'nurse', when I have never worked as a nurse, even though I have a license