luv2bakeRN

I agree, bring the card to the interview. If you still can't find the card by the time you interview and/or are hired, the hospital usually offers a BLS course. You could always take one of their classes before you actually start working on the unit.

I love coffee and can't imagine if I'd have to go without it. I love Dunkin Donuts coffee.

I have tried nurse mates and danskos and they both hurt my feet. I prefer running shoes. I love Saucony or New Balance. I feel like I am walking on clouds with Saucony; my feet never hurt after 12 hour shifts.

love the song! Long time lurker, but just recently joined! :)

Yes, every employer that I have worked for in the health care field offered health insurance.

Interesting... thanks for the information. I remember in college, at the health center, the sign in sheets requested "reason for visit" and didn't cover up the previous names.

I worked in a clinic type setting and we also called out the patients name in the waiting area. And as a patient, they have always used names in any doctor's office I have been to. I am curious to know the same. Also, are sign in sheets a HIPPA violation? I have been to doctor's offices where you have to sign in your full name with the doctor you are seeing, and they don't cover up the previous names. Where I work now in a hospital, we have a visitors log with patients names in it.

Yes, I got a hospital job as a new grad and had no connections to the hospital.

I agree with sending a thank-you letter 1-2 days after the interview (as soon as you can); and then follow up with a phone call 1-2 weeks later if you haven't heard anything. Good luck with your job search! :)

I had to take HESI's in nursing school, and had to take an exit HESI exam with a minimum passing score in order to graduate. It is supposed to be a predictor if you will pass NCLEX on the first try. I found NCLEX to be easier than HESI. There is a HESI book to help you study. However, I found Saunders to be the best study guide, for HESI and NCLEX.

Send the thank-you note before the peer review :) Good luck!

what field of nursing do you work in? neonatal intensive care unit what best prepared you for your transition to new grad? having a supportive nursing educator and preceptor. did you participate in a preceptor program designed for new grads? no, i didn't. however, i was paired with excellent preceptors. what did you feel most prepared for? calculating medications. what did you struggle most with during your transition from student to nurse? time management, drawing blood, and starting iv's. what is the most important thing you think i should know before entering the field? that your future employer offers a training program that is supportive to a new grad.