Each1Teach1

There are about 230 students in my K-2. I see about 20-30 students per day. I get so backed up with the documentation. For every student, I have to write a quick summary in a log book, then in their permanent health record (written not electronic), I have to write: time in, time out, full vitals (for everything except cuts and bruises....so yes, full vitals for headaches, stomachaches, earaches, vomiting, sore throat), child's complaint, my assessment, treatment, response, which parent I contacted, what their response was if any, where the child went afterwards. Our supervisor gives write-ups if she scans over files and something is missing. I hardly have enough time! I get the frequent flyers, so much so that I know some parents' phone numbers by heart. I get frustrated with the smiling, laughing or skipping children who come in with complaints. I have to call home for EVERY visit....including PAPER CUTS!!! I suspect that the teachers are not screening the kids. Child: Can I go to the nurse? Teacher: Yep.

For public schools here in NYC, the nurse's task is to assess the student, clean off any bites and apply an ice pack for comfort (swelling, itching). We have bed bug info sheets that we could send to the child's parent that includes what they are, where they hide, etc. If a bed bug is found, it must be placed in a sandwich bag and sent to Pest Control so they could determine if it is indeed a bed bug. (The custodial staff is usually in charge of that.) If it is, they'll schedule a date where exterminators can come in. There was a bug found on a child in my school recently. The staff wanted me to send the child home but the policy states that a child cannot be sent home as bed begs don't transfer disease. If the teacher or principal wants to send the child home, THEY can. Not me. We're here to assess and care for the child. Not do strip searches and inspect possessions. A teacher bagged all of the child's possessions and everything in her cubby and dropped it off in my office when I turned my back. She came by at dismissal asking me if I searched everything...including the teddy bear! No...have several seats. Follow your guidelines and don't let unlicensed personnel try to bully you. Everyone thinks they're experts and will push on you the tasks that they don't want to do. Cheers!

Hi! Any progress? Did you take the examination? I'm a school nurse and I've purchased a review DVD from Nurse Builders. I'm planning on purchasing a review book with practice questions as well.

Hi! Did you get a start date?

You know....A teacher stopped by the other day with a kindergartener who peed his pants. He left a trail of urine from his class to my office. I asked the child where is spare pants were....turned out...he had it on. He was wearing two pairs of jeans....both sopping wet. You can't make this stuff up. Oh. And I feel bad when students run to me, asking for me to unbuttoned their pants so they could use the restroom!

How is it going, Amber? I'm starting next week. School nurse switching to dispensing methadone at a clinic.

Hi everyone! I thought I'd post this for our BSN students entering their senior year with a 3.0 GPA or higher. I was searching for jobs when I ran across this on indeed.com. They're taking 13 students and the application ends March 15th. Good luck!!! http://careers.nyp.org/new-york-jobs/Summer-Nurse-Externship-Program-Weill-Cornell-Medical-Center/707844

Thank you so much, estrellaCR! You're the best!! You've given me a fresh outlook. I'll definitely look into those places. Let me know how the KCH thing goes!! All the best!!!

With the exception of socialservice.com, I've been checking those other sites multiple times per day. I'll give this one a try. That's awesome that you have those certificates. I only have BLS. I've been searching for the best IV program. Any suggestions? I've been looking at CPR123 in Manhattan. It's $225. I live in Brooklyn. I hope you get the KCH job. You deserve it! And thanks for all this info! I appreciate it!!

Oh, thanks. I had to chase down the person who interviewed me. It was such a run around. I kept getting disconnected or voice mail. Finally, the interviewer calls me back saying, 'Um, no. You didn't pass'. I asked her my grade and she wouldn't tell me. I asked her if I could re-take the exam (because she offered 2 chances in the first place), she says 'Um well, I'm looking for someone with more experience'. ARE YOU SERIOUS? EstrellaCR, I was so heartbroken because she had led me to believe that I was going to get a job and I had foolishly stopped applying elsewhere because of this. I saw that KCH posted like 10 jobs but most of them require experience. I'm still going to give them a try. I have so many loans and I need something stable. I don't know what to do.

O come on. It's just like 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey'. It's fun.

Come back! I need to do this in order to pass clinicals this semester!!! I've got the right needle this time!

Hi estrellaCR. What department of nursing were you taking the exam for? Mine was for psych. I took the exam late January.

Lol. All the best! Do what your username says 'justchill'. You'll be alright. With a resume like yours, who wouldn't want to hire you? Now, go kick some butt!!!

I agree with everyone else above. If asked whether you've worked there previously, answer 'yes'. It's the truth. Then take it from there. If asked to elaborate on the topic, then you can explain what went wrong. That was 2005. Depending on your reasoning behind leaving without notice, coupled with the fact that this occurred over 5 years ago, it may work in your favor. If it's meant to be, nothing can stop you from getting this job. One of two things will happen. 1. They see your name on the Do Not Rehire list or whatever way they use to indicate candidates who left abruptly. 2. They call you back and you plead your case. You don't have to put all your guts out there, but be as detailed as possible. Appeal to their human side! lol. Wishing you the best!

Hi Radiant91. I just obtained my BSN last October. I know two of my former classmates from my ASN program who got jobs at KCH last year and aren't enrolled in any BSN programs. I only see head nurse jobs on their site but try mailing them your resume, including your BSN expected graduation date. Perhaps, you can also send them an email. nurserecruit.kings @nychhc.org (without the space). All the best!:)

I like your resume. I went to a fair once, as a new grad, and was told that because I do not have any RN experience outside of clinicals, my resume should not go over to a second page. I ended up hacking up my resume and felt that I excluded pertinent information needed to help me land a job. I believe your preceptorship is strong, so yea, don't mess with that part. To help shorten it, you could perhaps omit the line about the remaining hours. Anyway, I like the profile statement idea over objective because everyone pretty much as the same objective: to land a job. LOL. But of course we make it sound much nicer than that. Keep up the good work. You'll find something soon!

Don't give up! I've been looking for a job since August 2011. I was contemplating on giving up as well and applied to this patient coordinator job, with the pay of $13/hr and no benefits. I made it to the interview and guess what? Got rejected! Why? Because I over qualify. I know the feeling of being seen as useless to almost every employer out there. I live in Brooklyn, NY. I've sent out hundreds of resumes, attended numerous job fairs and filled out tons of resumes. I probably got only ten rejection letters, if that. Most places don't even respond. I understand your frustration. I always want to know: Is it because I'm a new grad? Is it because I didn't have a BSN? (I have it now.) Is it because I completed my BSN online?! Why didn't you hire me? Is there a blatant typo on my resume or cover letter?!!! SOMEBODY SAY SOMETHING!!! It's rough, I know. Try to stay positive. We worked our butts of to get to where we are now. We can't quit now. We won't waste all that time we spent studying, cramming, crying, whining. Things will turn around! Stay positive and make sure to use any connections that you have. Keep attending job fairs. Keep applying online. Check Craigslist in your area. All the best!

Don't sweat it! You were very nervous when you took the NCLEX, and look! You passed! That nervousness is gone. In a couple days from now, you'll look back and laugh at how nervous you were to make this call. In fact, you'll probably get over it seconds after the call is over with. You'll be alright. You were strong enough to overcome huge obstacles to become a nurse. You're strong enough to make this call! I'm supposed to take a pharm exam for Kings County this week or next week. I was very nervous, but I always think back and remember all the times that I've been nervous and how that anxiety never really does me any good. You'll be alright, NS81!

I would go with the clinic that's closer to home. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices in order to be happy. I'd take the (hourly) pay cut. In the long run, you'll be making more money (don't worry about pay per hour) and the commute will be smoother which equals a happy and healthy you! Stress stinks. Do what you must to stay on top of it. All the best!!

Hey! I called the hospital and got their fax number so I could fax them my resume. I also applied online and mailed a resume. Heard they're hiring now. I'm concerned about the exam

Hi!!! I know this thread is super late, but I'll be taking this exam sometime next week. Could you give me an idea of how to study for it? There's way too much info to cram Thanks! :)

I agree. Most of us don't want to share a room with a stranger and if in the event another family member needs care as well, why not share a room with them? We can't make assumptions like that.

Thank you, maybe4, you made me smile. I guess all these ailments happen for a reason? For me, Lupus gives me a better understanding of what kind of pain my potential patients and even just the people around me may experience. It helps me to be compassionate and empathy is always better than sympathy.

I totally understand your frustration. I am a Nursing student and I have Lupus and Raynaud's syndrome. At work, at school, at clinicals...and sometimes even at home, it feels as though the people around me think I'm exagerrating my feelings. I try not to complain despite all the pain I go through (sometimes my joints lock or get really stiff), but I end of being forced to voice how I feel when I'm given a task that I know I can't do. I feel as though sometimes the people around me feel that I'm making up excuses. To be completely honest, I just failed my 3rd semester of nursing school by 1 point. Why? Because I'm so tired and I'm on so many medications. Sometimes I just couldn't get up to study or my migraines prevented me from opening my textbook. And now the sadness from not being able to graduate with my classmates on time has caused my body to flare up. I wish people would understand but I can't force them to. People see what they want I'm not asking for pity. I'm asking for understanding. Maybe4, you sound like a strong woman! You'll make it through. You're definitely in my prayers :)