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If I remember correctly, w/o looking back at the posts, someone posted that comment regarding "smaller people." I hope I didn't imply that anyone beneath an RN is considered a "smaller person." I appreciate anyone with or without education/degree in this field. Having someones life in your hands is a major responsibility and one that I take extreme pride in. Thank you though for your post.

I sincerely thank you all for your input. It gives me hope! I will keep you posted on my journey. Again, thanks!

Yes there are. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and UPMC owns just about everything here and I've applied there too. The hospital that I would like to work at always has ads in the local ppr and I guess that's where my confusion comes in. One post recommended that I follow up with HR and even go as far as to say that I've put apps in but continue to see ads posted. I think I may follow that lead!

I live in Pittsburgh, PA

I believe that too Molly. I can't believe that this "recession" will last forever...at least I hope not!

Yes, actually we have but on that note, my husband has been with a company for 25+ years and to ask him to up and quit his job for me is something I would never ask him to do, even though he probably would do it for me. But, if that's what it takes...scary though with me being 47 and him turning 50 in December...hmmm

You are right. I am thankful for the job I currently have. My husband tells me that all the time. When I to feeling sorry for myself, I always try to look at the bright side and think to myself, listen self, lol, there are a lot of ppl out of work. So, with that being said, I am very thankful that I have a job...just feeling disgusted with having gone to school, having worked so hard to get my RN but can't get a job in that actual environment. I will continue to think positive. Thank you!

I too would like to work in the ICU/CCU but I'm willing to work on Med/Surg and welcome the experience. I live in Pittsburgh.

Thank you for your reply. I think this is a great idea and one that I haven't thought of. Again, thank you.

What is the going rate for new grads (RN with an AD)?

Unfortunately, there is no negotiating, not here anyway. Part of the problem is that they don't require an RN at the place I'm currently working and have been for five years.

would love to move on...but read the original post...that's the problem...I can't seem to get a job as an RN.

I don't disagree with you but then again I don't know what recent RN grads are making. Believe me, going from $8/hr to $16/hr was a big deal. Here's another tid bit of info....My DON asked me if I knew anyone that I graduated with who might want to pick up hours....ready for this??? but please let them know that I won't be able to pay them RN wages because we don't really need an RN in this unit....oh that made me feel just great! Just not understanding why no one is hiring????

I'm going to apologize now for the rant I'm going to go on, but I need to vent! I cannot get a job!!!! Okay, let me back up here a bit...I have been working in a LTC Dementia unit for 5 years. I started out as an aide after having been a medical transcriptionist for 25 years. I've always wanted to be a nurse but I put my family first and put my education on hold until everyone had either passed on or moved on. After 3 mos of being an aide, I was offered to become a med tech. I started back to school, took all my prereqs, started nursing school, worked full time and graduated with my AD in May of this year and passed my boards in August of this year. I did it...I became an RN! Here's where the "disgusted" part comes in....I've applied to every hospital in the city. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, the residents, their families, my DON, my coworkers, etc but I'm not using my skills. I've been promoted to the 3 to 11 supervisor and yes, I have RN after my name but I'm doing the exact same job that I did when I was a med tech. Pay, you ask? Okay, I went from making $8/hr to $16/hr and quite honestly, it's not about the money for me. I want to utilize my skills! I want to hang blood, I want to start IVs, etc. I want to do what I've been trained to do! Here's where the really "disgusted, disgusted" comes in....every week I see ads in the local paper for one particular hospital that I've applied to multiple times since passing my boards but I hear nothing? Does anyone have any advice? Am I doing something wrong? Has the fact that I've worked in LTC hurting me? I just don't get it! I'm half tempted to go back to medical transcription! Please someone offer me something positive and thanks for listening!

So Katie, did things go better tonight? I said a prayer for you and "him" actually!

all i keep hearing is...hang in....things will open up....ugh!

walk in there with your head held high! Good Luck! Remember...you are in control!

LPNs, RNs, BSNs, MSNs are ALL REAL NURSES!!!!!

honestly, the way the economy is right now...take what you can get!

Look into a mirror and say to yourself...I AM A NURSE! This person...note I did not say gentleman or even man, is an *&% and an ignorant one at that! As hard as it is, stay calm and focused! You are there for the residents/patients. Yes, it is important to be respectful to the families, but you owe them nothing more than common courtesy that you would give anyone on the street. I deal with families all the time and they can be and are at times extremely demanding, rude and inconsiderate. You can't control ppl but you can control you! Unfortunately, you are going to have to deal with this "person" on a regular basis. Be polite and courteous. If he continues to verbally abuse you or your staff, speak to your superiors immediately and document such behavior! When I encounter rude families, I can't help but to think to myself...my gosh, if this is how he/she treats ppl they don't even know, imagine how they must treat their loved ones....scary! You are a professional! You are respected! Now wipe those tears away and go be the NURSE you've been trained to be!:redbeathe

The South campus is in West Mifflin. I too live in Pittsburgh (South Hills). I don't know how true this is but rumor has it that the South campus has an overall better passing rate of students, both for the course and for passing state boards. I can tell you with 100% knowledge that the graduating class of 2009 (May), which is the class I just graduated from, has a 100% pass rate for boards. There are good and bad teachers everywhere but I have to say that personally I only had a few that were not so hot as far as teaching went but I had some that were excellent and the skills lab teachers are incredible and so extremely helpful. I used them a lot for practicing skills and tutoring. As far as clinicals go from the South campus...I did my clinicals at Jefferson, St. Clair, Mercy and McKeesport. I don't know if that is convenient for you or not. I'm not sure where clinical are held for those who attend the Allegheny campus...I think AGH but I'm not sure about any others.

From what I've found, which is more than 2 yrs old, the only pre-reqs required to have done is the basic biologies, math and english. You can take anything else during nursing school, however again my personal recommendation is to get as much as possible out of the way. My suggestion would be to meet with an advisor ASAP at the campus. Have you decided which campus you would like to attend? I went to South. On the wall in the advisors office there is a paper that outlines the pre-reqs required and then detailed semester info for the nursing program.

I'm looking now for the paperwork that outlines the pre-reqs required...hang on

I honestly can't remember what pre-reqs i needed before applying but i will check my paperwork and c what i can find. I'm 99% sure you need to have eng 101 and some type of math out of the way. Personally, for me anyway, I found it much easier to have all my pre-reqs out of the way before I applied to the nursing program because the actual nursing program was soooo demanding. Please let me know if I can offer any further advice in order to make your journey easier. Good Luck!