sarabear44

Thank you very much for your replies, for taking the time to write! It really helps me put things in perspective. I switched to PRN, so I could go down to one shift a week. As opposed to other PRNs, I committed to one shift per week, so that's probably why I feel entitled to that, but there isn't a PT contract available for that, so I had to take. PRN contract... The reason was my second child was born and we didn't want to hire out child care. So I pick up hours on weekends and evenings when my spouse is home. I only earn $4 more per hour, so it doesn't make up for the lost PTO and benefits... The he thing I this is unfair is that FT staff can use their PTO to make up for lost income while on call and I don't have any PTO, so my family goes without...... I think I'll make a meeting with my mgr to talk about PT.

I am feeling really down about my job. I've worked four years and recently changed my contract to PRN, and anytime the census is down, they put me on call, and I don't get paid. I'm losing so much money and also skills, and not feeling like part of the team anymore. Does anyone have some words of encouragement or kind words to help me understand from a different perspective? I am so sick of signing up for shifts and offering to work for people and then getting out on call and not getting to work and not earning money. I am an ER nurse...

Preface I am 38 weeks pregnant and still being a CHAMP as an ED RN. I work the busy busy swing shift and have neither asked for nor expected any job modifications. However, most of my co-workers will gladly switch tasks with me if I have a patient that needs to go upstairs. For example, "I'll watch your patients and do your meds if you can push this patient upstairs for me and transfer them to the bed." I only ask co-workers to help me out with this when: a: my back is hurting/injured b: the patient is heavy or requires total lift assistance. Situation Last night while it was NOT busy, (charge nurse--who is male--was doing a computer game), I had a 200 pound man that needed to go upstairs. The pt had a sacral decubitus and couldn't help transfer himself. I asked my charge nurse to take the pt upstairs for me while I watched triage and his rooms. His response: "No, if you can't do the work then you shouldn't be at work. There's no such thing as light duty in the ER." So I took the patient up by myself. Please weigh in. Who is right? And what should I have done/do?

Thanks Strider. I have written about the application process in a couple other posts. If you go to my "view public profile" and look up my past posts, you might find some other helpful threads about applying to PDX nursing programs. In short, the average pre-req gpa of my class was 3.8. Mine was about that... I had all A's, one B+ in psychology... I only applied to ABSN programs--all over the country. If you apply to UP, make sure you don't miss the "Providence Scholars" deadline!! At the end of our program, they passed our essays back out to us and I read a couple peoples' essays. So some advice: Don't worry about being creative or witty!! Don't write in a style that isn't yours. Be yourself in your essay--that is what I noticed. I was expecting some funny or amazing high-level writing from my classmates, but people just poured their hearts out about the questions. One of the best advice I've heard is ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. So many people get caught up in the essay-writing or copy an essay from another application that they don't accurately address the question.... And try to tie in what your future goals are, to show that you've thought through why you want to be a nurse. I talked about how I eventually want to be an educator (I used to be a teacher)... Others want to do international work, homebirth midwifery, smoking cessation, or comfort the dying because of a personal experience. OHSU only accepts people who are serious about nursing, not just looking for a decent-paying job. That's my advice and I wish you all the best!! :-)

Thanks Strider :-) Yep graduated (technically) 3 days ago and waiting for my NCLEX. I'm taking it 9/15. Several of my classmates got hired on their practicum units. This is definitely a possibility and something to consider when choosing practicum. Many others are on the job hunt now. PDX isn't necessarily in dire need of new grad nurses; there are plenty of them. However, I will say that us ABSN students seem to be very desirable because we are : second-career nurses with prior experience and we are at the top of our game professionally and academically. I, personally, and moving back to where I'm from--east coast--with my husband and am kind of thankful I don't have to compete with all my classmates for the limited jobs around here... Final thoughts on the program. Loved it and SOOOO ready to be a nurse. I feel very well prepared for an entry-level job! Our completion ceremony and final party were very good ways to culminate the end of a highly energetic, rigorous academic program.

Definitely. Any students who are reading this post should def join ENA while a student--only $38. ENA makes it easy to keep developing professionally. Join their list serv, go to the conference, take CEN. If ED nursing is your passion, there's no reason not to join!! And, congrats on finding a new grad ED job. I'm looking for a job right now! Did you apply for med/surg jobs, too, or did you just follow your passion and apply only for ED jobs?? Any tips??

Wow, "never more than a couple of days"! I should have mentioned that I have talked to BOTH faculty in person over a month ago. Both have confirmed by e-mail and in person that they are willing to write me a letter. I chose the two faculty who know me the best--who spent the most hours with me and I have developed a relationship with each of them over the course of my program. Two weeks ago, I e-mailed both of them my resume and list of activities and asked for a letter. Today, I e-mailed them a 2-page document in which I wrote examples of how I met certain new grad competencies... I feel frustrated and disappointed that my hard work, perseverance, preparation, and professionalism is not being reciprocated. There isn't much that faculty can physically provide to students to help them get hired except for a reference letter and willingness to be called for references.... When I was a teacher and was asked to write letters, I took it as an honor that students trusted me and saw me as someone they wanted backing them up... I don't understand... But, thank you for your reply!

Dear Nursing faculty, What is the best way for students to approach you to ask for recommendation/reference letters for jobs? How long does it take you to write a letter? And, how much advance notice do you need? Don't you automatically expect that you're going to be writing a letter for your clinical students?? I am going to be a new grad RN and am extremely concerned about finding a job, as I am looking for a job out-of-state. I want to start working as soon as possible and have started applying for new grad residencies and jobs 8 weeks in advance of graduation. I emailed my faculty 2 weeks ago to ask for reference letters. I emailed them again today to remind them. I sent my resume, list of SON activities, and a competency review in which I wrote examples of how I meet certain new grad competencies. I spend several hours at the end of each term writing faculty reviews. I also spend countless hours doing assignments that faculty expect to be turned in on time. Can anyone who is a faculty help me to understand why my faculty aren't writing my recommendation letter? I don't want to be too pushy, but I want to be persistent. I want to be professional, too.

Several people in my class of 63 were alternates. Sometimes people back out at the very last minute. One girl was notified 1 day before classes started that she was accepted and immediately moved to Portland. She even missed the orientation..... So, don't give up hope if you're an alternate. I suppose they have a ranked list of alternates, but I don't know if they will tell you what number you are. You can always call/e-mail and ask and make sure to let them know why you need to know (i.e. having to put a deposit at another school...) At this point, the ABSN summer cohort is filled, though. Are you an alternate for the fall ABSN cohort?? That's all I know. Hope things work out for you!!

JD-- You might be overthinking it a little bit but you will try your plan and then adjust as necessary. It's important to be flexible in nursing AND nursing school!!! While it's good to set routines, remember to also allow time to stay late or come early to hang out with new friends or work on projects, etc... Aerial tram runs q5minutes and I've never been in such a long line that I have to wait for the next one. They squish in up to 78 folks at a time and FYI, it's not climate controlled :-) They let you take bikes up in it which is what I do... You'll see how to walk from the tram to the SON during your orientation tour! Don't worry--it is very simple. Hwy 43 is unsafe in some parts, but if you can get up to Barbur, that is much safer. But if you take bus 35 to CHH, that works great. Working out in the morning is a great way to take care of yourself while in this rigorous program :-) ADP costs $11/day to park. I don't remember, but I think we started at 7 or maybe 8 on the days in summer when we were there. But, it's funny, I've totally forgotten! Some days you only need to be there for 4 hours in which case it only costs $7 to park. I have never parked there, I always ride my bike there. Bus #43 goes there, too. Glad I can answer your questions and ease some of your anxieties. Remember to enjoy each day and take it one day at a time. If you try to overplan now, it can be very stressful. Are you in the summer cohort of Acc-Bacc's or the fall cohort?? I hear the nickname for the fall cohort is "The FABS" :-)

Yes I mean at OHSU. You can pay $7 for 4 hours or $11 for all day and park in several lots. That is what people who car-pool tend to do, especially at the ADP building for days when we have simulation or skills lab. When I drive up to the hill, here is what I do: you can park in residential parking for up to 2 hours, so I find a free 2-hour spot. Then I go move my car to a metered spot, which is $1.80/hour. That's what I do when I need to be dressed up or too lazy to bike or if I'm going for 2 hours or less, I know it will be free. I've never not been able to find a free spot... You're right, you have to get on a waiting list for an actual parking pass, but a few people have one because they were previous OHSU employees (research, CNA, etc.) and had already been on the waiting list. I'm really not sure much about the waiting lists because I have never looked into it, but you can always call OHSU Parking office and talk to them.

Yes there is one classmate who commutes from Salem. We all think he's crazy, but he makes it work while still maintaining family and school responsibilities.

JDnurse2be, Congratulations! This is the first year that they are having an ABSN cohort begin in the summer AND in the fall! It would help a lot if you said approximately where you live. Most people in my class either: 1) bought a parking pass, 2) bought a Trimet pass, or 3) bike or walk to campus The decision about how to get to campus depends on: 1) where you live, 2) whether you are a biker, 3) your preference If you are going to use Trimet, buy the pass--definitely worth it. You can buy a whole year pass in September and then a prorated one for your last 3 months. Those in my class who take Trimet just take the closest thing to where they live, but most people take the bus or the streetcar. You'll have to try your routes to see which you like best and which is fastest/most convenient for you. Never heard of a bus being full. Most people like riding the bus because they can sit and study, read, chill out, etc. The bus lines are: 8, 61, 64, 65, 66, 68 that stop up on the hill. Bus # 35 stops at the bottom of the tram. Line #8 is the most consistent; it comes every 15 minutes. Also there is a shuttle that I don't know much about. I ride my bike to the bottom of the tram and then take the tram up, which a lot of people do. Tram gets REALLY crowded about 8-9am... :-) The other thing for transportation is that you spend at least 1 day a week your first term at the "ADP Building", which has expensive parking. Everyone figured out how to take the bus or bike there and some people car-pooled. There are plenty of empty lockers if you feel like you need a locker. I use bike panniers or a backpack. One lady in my class has a rolling back-pack... Again, this comes down to personal preference. There is no one way that works for everyone... BUT, I can say that you usually don't need to bring any books to class, so you can leave those at home.

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped someone :-) Yes, "free" March Wellness membership (~$60 extra for a spouse, tho') plus there's a pool up on the hill at the student center. There are a lot of need-based scholarships at OHSU and a lot of diversity scholarships. Most everyone gets the $12,500 federal loans and then a letter to show a bank if they need more private loans. The tuition bill comes to about $6,500 (approximate) per term. Plus a little extra for books and scrubs and etc., which isn't that much extra. I don't qualify for any scholarships, so I'm not much help. I know there's a Red Cross one if you've volunteered there, and a Johnson & Johnson one. And then if you qualify for HRSA (http://www.hrsa.gov) that is an option. Military branches also help with $$ if you enlist... To prepare: spend a lot of time this spring with your family and make some memories! Some other things I did was I volunteered at the VA hospital and a few other things to get more exposure and comfort in the medical setting. I also got a stethoscope and learned how to use it and a blood pressure cuff. Spend some time up on the hill if you live in the area, like just go up there and wander around and eat lunch in the cafeteria--just to get a sense of the culture and kind of learn your way around. And start thinking about whether you need a bus pass, parking pass, or bike gear. Transportation and parking is the biggest pain in the butt. Congrats on the acceptance! I hope you love OHSU as much as I do :)

*What do you feel are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the program? I think the professors and instructors generally as a whole (there's always a few exceptions) are wonderful. They have varied backgrounds/experience and are leaders in the field of pioneering a new way of educating nurses. We get to do a lot of interactive learning. Plus, the instructor for pathophys & pharmacology (the 2 hardest classes which you take for two terms each) is, some say, the best teacher ever. There are a lot of other great things: teachers are very understanding that this program is rigorous and while there are strict deadlines and expectations of students, they are very helpful and accommodating: i.e. if you are sick and need a new deadline, if you live far away and need a clinical placement near there, if we have an exam in one class, the other deadlines are staggered... As far as weaknesses, it is hard for me to compare because I don't know a lot of people in other programs. I think whoever said that clinical placements are somewhat limited might be accurate--but I bet that's the case for all Portland nursing schools. I have LOVED all my clinical placements. There are a few instructors who get under your skin, but I expected that, too. And another weakness that I think you could generalize to ALL accelerated programs is that you get taught the hands-on skills ONCE and may or may not have a chance to use them while you're in school. I.e. I have learned at the simulation how to insert a catheter, but I haven't actually gotten to do it yet. *What "side benefits" come with being a student at OHSU? (ex: access to fitness center, type of student insurance, accesses or privileges you wouldn't get if you attended another school). Aetna student insurance which you can opt out of if you have another coverage. It is good as far as I know. For ALL primary care needs, the student health center is well equipped, though. When I banged up my knee, I went there for wound care. Female annual exams--free. When I had a sore throat, free rapid strep test. Free dental floss, condoms, urinalysis. Any blood work costs a small fee, but they get the lowest fees for health care and they bill insurance. Fitness center is March Wellness. It is beautiful. Four-lane 25yd pool with a hot tub and a therapy pool, plus tons of cardio equipment and weightlifting equipment plus amazing classes and free 2.5-hr parking. That is free to you. $60 for spouse. Ride the streetcar for free and of course the aerial tram for free... The BSN program is the only undergraduate program at OHSU, so that makes an interesting student dynamic. There aren't really any sports teams to root for or lots of random clubs. But, there is an active student presence and LOTS of opportunities to get involved with research, ski trips, student council, cover the uninsured week, you name it (healthcare-related). There are a lot of electives you can take through the Global Health center (and even though you're in the Acc Bacc program, you can take advantage of those!) *What advice would you give someone just entering the program? Don't sign up for too much stuff, but get involved. Meet people and make relationships with professors and classmates--don't be a loner. Get involved with at least one thing at the school. Attend as many of the amazing lectures as possible. Move within 1 bus ride, a do-able bike ride, or even walking distance from the school if you can. If you don't have a car, that is okay but your clinical placements will be somewhat more limited. Don't obsess about buying every single book and uniform and piece of equipment. Wait and see what you need and what you think you'll use. *How does clinical site selection work? You will have 5 terms, each that is 10 weeks long. Each term, you will take 1 nursing theory class. Clinicals correspond with those. You also have to take other classes in addition to the theory class (pathophys 2 terms, pharm 2 terms, epidemiology, nursing leadership 2 terms) Term 1=Health Promotion (clinical is at the simulation center 1 day per week for 8 hours + a few community activities like health fairs) Term 2=Chronic Illnesses (clinical is a random hospital placement, focus is on chronic illnesses. 1 day per week for 7 hours) Term 3/4=Acute Illnesses OR Population Health (the class is divided in two) For Acute, you rank your choices between: Cardiology, Peds, Oncology, Mother/Baby; then you will have TWO of those choices for five weeks each. You go 3 days a week, about 25 hours a week. For Populations, you have a LOT of choices; most people get their first or second choice. You go 2 days a week, about 15 hours a week. Term 5=Integrated Practicum (or "IP") For this, we just got the email yesterday to mark our top 6 choices. You can choose from about 75 placements and there are only 64 students so I was impressed by the choices. This is a 10-week, 40 hour/week clinical in which you basically work your preceptor's schedule and eventually take over his/her job. There is every floor imaginable in many different hospitals plus many community placements as well! I am going to choose Emergency Dept, Critical Care, or ICU. *and finally, everyone's favorite question, what is a typical classroom/clinical day like? A typical clinical day. You wear dark green scrubs. You get up at 5 or 6am and make your way to your clinical site. You get your patient assignment (or you might have gotten it the night before) and you look up your patient. You get report from night shift about your patient and then you take care of your patient for the day. Sometimes you might have two patients. It's awesome and you learn a lot. Your clinical instructor is there to help you. The population care clinicals are out in the community. During that term you might be at a refugee housing, alcohol rehab center, elementary school, etc..... I am in Hospice. We dress business casual and we do patient visits and charting. I love it. A typical classroom day. You wear whatever. You go to class. You get a break every hour. We have lots of potlucks and sit outside on the grassy knoll when it's nice weather for lunch. There are lectures, guest speakers, LOTS of power points but also interactive group discussions, student presentations. You try to make it into the computer lab at some point to print out the articles/assignments you need for the next week. Everyone gets coffee at the "Nurse's Station", the cafe in the nursing school. Simulation is also part of nursing school. There is a room with myriad patient scenarios. They hire live actors whenever possible. You get the patient's chart and you go into the room, which has a one way mirror and cameras so the rest of your small group is observing you and the instructors are behind the glass directing the scene. There are also just a lot of fake patients at the sim center that you practice wound care, lifting, head-to-toe assessment, etc. Plus you practice on each other a lot at first--brushing each other's teeth, washing each other's feet, taking blood glucose... :-) I really love it. Of course there are people in the program who love to complain about everything. It's not all roses and rainbows.