Mustang84

I would definitly focus on studying rather than working if you want to pass. I studied for almost 8 hrs a day. I took the Kaplan online course, did every single thing on that website, and passed the first time. You could always work as a nursing asst at a hospital you want to work at, then you will be internal and might have first crack at an RN position when you pass.

Thanks for the replys! About the "strong personalities", we currently just hired some ST's for ceseareans on our floor and what is up the attitudes? I don't mean to offend anyone, but it's like they're socially awkward or somthing. Does the OR attract certain personalities that can't deal with awake people? I was shocked when I heard that some nurses try to "sabotage" one another. I have always had great relationships with my coworkers because we all help eachother out and work together to make a great experience for the patients. Just because its a differant area of nursing, doesn't mean its ok to be rude or bring someone down so you can try to get ahead! Please tell me thats not what I have to look forward too...yikes!

I'm confused when it comes to what I want to do with my nursing career. My first position was in med/surg pediatrics, now I'm doing postpartum/well newborn. I love the patient care aspect, but I'm getting sick of the hospital hours. What kind of hours would I expect to work in the OR? There is a perioperative training program coming up, but they are asking for a two yr commitment after orientation. I'm a little nervous about taking on that commitment if I end up not liking it. I guess I"m looking for some inside advice, whether it be positive or negetive. Thanks:confused:

I was in pediatric med/surg before I just switched over to postpartum/nursery. It was by default, this unit needed people so I stepped in to help. The hardest part of switching is feeling "out of your element". I have yet to find my routine in this new position, but I found that the shifts actually go by faster because everything is so new and it takes me alittle longer to do things. Its fun to learn new skills, but its stressful at the same time. You will have all new coworkers to meet too :-)

I just moved up to the cities from Rochester to work at the new Maple Grove Hospital. I worked on Pediatrics at the Mayo, and I know in the spring they are going to hire 5-10 more RN's. They hire new grads, and have a wonderful orientation program. The level III NICU only hires new grads if you have at least 150 preceptored hours in the NICU during your senior year. I have to say that the market is not all that great for new grads though!