ironjohn31

While I agree that it might be a little harder for a new grad to get a job there are still a lot of places hiring new grad. Put your time in a LTC and work your way up. You can't expect to get the "dream" job when you are competing with an experienced nurse.

So I've finally heard from my recruiter this morning and got a "final" offer for a RN position at the MICU/CCU. My start date is July 1st. One week of general hospital orientation and then Nursing Orientation afterward. I started the hiring process late March and started Vetpro and Background/Physical back in April. All-in-all, it took approximately 2.5 months from interview to the job offer. I have been actively calling the recruiter and the person in charge of Vetpro on a weekly basis (if not more...). I felt like I was being annoying but I felt that if I didn't keep asking them where I was in the process, it would have taken even longer. I even asked them to give me the payscale for my particular hospital and they provided that to me without questions. They will not give you an idea your salary as a nurse since it's the "Board" that make that decision. Even if you have a ton of experience as a nurse but you have nothing to show for, your starting salary will suffer greatly. You need to provide the Board with as much information on your past work achievements. I am glad this is finally over so I move forward. I hope everyone will get what they want.

The physical was very informal and the doctor just had me bend down and touch my toes. Asked me some health questions. Also, if you had a recent shoulder surgery, I don't think they would hold it against you. The physical was the easy part, trust me. I wouldn't worry about it too much. The hiring process takes a couple of months so your shoulder should be better by then.

Personally I would probably keep your current offer. These jobs are hard to come by and once you are in the system, it would be easier for you to transfer.

okcool - so what's the difference with the two VA positions?

I think we need to have over 10 postings before PM will work. Weird. Give me your email and I can email you. I spoke with my recruiter again today and she reassured me that there was no hiring freeze at the VA where I am going to work. I did my physical, VetPro, background check, and all references have responded. So I am just waiting for the "official" offer sometime this week. It has been a long and frustrating process, I am thankful it's finally coming to an end (soon). Will update when I finally get the official letter of employment.

RN1253 - I am also in the process of getting hired by the VA in Dallas. I have a tentative offer also and most of my references have been checked. I spoke with the recruiter this afternoon and did not hear anything about a hiring freeze at the VA. (I hope not with all that I have been through...) I was also given my starting salary since I have submitted all my papers to the Nursing Board in Dallas. If you need more info on what paperwork you will need for the nursing board, you can PM me.

I am an experienced rn. I was just wondering about their benefits.

I just got an offer from Florida Hospital. Could someone tell me a little bit about the benefits they offer?PTO, tuition reimbursement, cost of healthcare...Thanks!

I just went through new hired orientation at UPMC and the majority of the nurses are GN's. Although they seem to be hiring mostly Pitt graduates... Good Luck on job hunting.

I also work full time and attend CCAC Nursing program (last semester, 4 more weeks to go...) YIKES! I suggest North Campus, South Campus, and Boyce. Stay away from Allegheny campus!

Hi, I am currently in my last semester at CCAC-Allegheny Campus. Like most people, I have a day time job (fulltime) so the Evening/Weekend program really fits my schedule. Class is usually 2 nights a week (lecture and lab) and then clinical is either 3pm-11pm Thurs & Fri, or 7am-3pm Sat & Sun. Well, first year students only have 1 day of clinical per week... It's hard work and the most of the faculty is clueless so be prepare to do a lot of self-study. You'll be fine if you are self disiplined.