Ginnym1981

OP: I could have written your post and very recently faced the same dilemma....Like you, I didn't want to be portrayed as a job hopper but after 7 months of dealing with my last facility I had had enough. I had a classmate and friend working at another facility, actually closer to home, who was happy with her current position. I saw a job posting on Craigslist for a part time position and called her up. I asked her questions regarding my biggest pet peeves with my current place to see how they handled them there and was happy with her responses so I applied, she gave me a reference and I was called in for an interview right away with the mindset that I could always turn it down. My hesitancy was knowing that all LTC facilities (and hospitals) will have downsides and I didn't want to trade one problem for another. I was also going from full time to part time so obviously money was a concern. I was looking for a place with less issues and more support, which I think is HUGE in your first few years of nursing. I got a great feeling when I interviewed/toured with them so I ended up taking the job and using the part time schedule as a sign that it was time to enroll into an RN-BSN program full time. It's only been a week but I've already received so much good feedback from my new DON, and coworkers. The residents our great and my workload is busy but manageable. I am so much happier and in turn so is my family (because man was I stressed and snappy before leaving!). Long story short, interview, get a tour and if you feel it, GO FOR IT!!!

Any ideas to make my resume/cover letter stand out to nurse managers? Background: Graduated June 2013 with my ADN, passed the boards July 2013 and started working at a LTC/SNF facility August 2013. I also began volunteering (purposely) on a busiest medsurg floor at my ideal hospital Sept 2013. Since I began working FT right of the bat, I haven't started my BSN yet but I took a new PT/on-call LTC position and am starting the new PT job and RN-BSN program FT on Monday (March 31st) so I'll be done by the end of the year, Lord willing. Let me say that the floor I volunteer on is amazing. I work my butt off when I go there each week and the nurses have taken notice. They are always asking me when I'm going to work with them and the assistant mngr told me yesterday that they have an opening coming up, she immediately thought of me and that I should talk to the unit mngr. I actually had a scheduled appt with her for an information interview that day so it seemed perfect! I was excited/nervous that this could be my chance to shine and get to where I want to be! Long story short. The meeting went well. She told me she really liked me and that all the nurses were rooting for me to come work with them but that she couldn't promise me anything, mostly because I lack the BSN. (In my area it is required by 2018) I know the hospital is still hiring ADNs bc I have a classmate who just got hired on a few weeks ago on another unit but it is rare. They are a magnet hospital. The mngr advised me to state in my cover letter WHY I want to be in medsurg and SHOW them what I'm doing get there. Basically PROVE it to them by showing evidence. Things like attending conferences and listing what articles I've recently read etc. I looked up conferences the minute I got home and couldn't find any upcoming in my area. (Portland, OR) Any ideas on what I can do besides conferences and maybe joining AMSN? (Obviously I'll continue volunteering too) And for the record, I'm not just trying to get a year of acute experience and leave medsurg. Medsurg IS my goal. I'm hoping to specialize in medsurg and become the super nurse I think ALL of you are! My main reason is the diversity of pts/their diagnoses, the challenge of dealing with comorbidities, the teaching opportunities etc. There is nothing better that moment when things "click" together and you understand why A is r/t B and caused XYZ. I truly love it!

I too could have written this post. Just once, I would love to follow around the administrator, DON and RCMs around to see what they do. I mean they always look very busy at their desks or in the long, all day meetings they have daily. I sometimes feel like those meetings are about, "what else can we give for the staff to do?" My hall is ridiculously busy with treatments right now (comes in waves, doesn't it?), which is difficult because I also have to pass medications and do the txs myself. I really wish we could use our oncall nurse as a tx nurse when it's busy like this but alas, gotta save those $$. Forget it if the res isn't getting the best possible care. I'm stretched thin and I hate to see it affecting the res quality of care. Here in my state, they are increasing the aides-res ratio, I believe on April 1st. I cannot WAIT!! Of course, it doesn't help me because they can't do tx's or meds but it will be much better for my residents! Keep your chin up, you are not alone and your res need you! Go in there, do what you can and don't be afraid to write your aides up if they aren't doing their jobs. You can do that even if you aren't charge, right? Give them a warning the 1st time and say, "if it happens again, I'll have to write you up. This is your warning." I promise, once you follow through, they will know you mean business and comply. It worked for me. I also bring in cookies or something every now and again and thank them nightly for their hard work so they realize I do appreciate them too. It goes both ways. Good luck and sorry for the rambling! haha

I've been starting a lot of topics bc I'm about to start my first nursing job as a charge nurse for a LTC/Rehab facility and I just want to be prepared as possible. I will have another nurse on the floor with me to turn to, which I am grateful for but this is my first time in a managerial position. (other than being a mother and wife) :) The truth is, I have my CNA license (got it in 2010) but I never worked as a CNA so I fully acknowledge that I lack the skills they are often responsible for. (ambulating, dressing, bed baths, making an occupied bed, using a bed pan etc.) I WANT to be able to do these things too, so that I can become more efficient/confident in these "simple" tasks and be a better nurse but how do I approach it w/o seemingly looking like a moron and potentially losing my credibility as an RN (in the eyes of the CNAs)? I'm humble, admit when I can't do something/don't know something, and I'm not afraid to ask for help.... Are most CNA's receptive to an RN asking for tips/pointers and teaching an RN how to master these things or is this going to bite me the butt now that I'm in the real world of nursing? Obviously, everyones opinion is going to be different but I'm looking for ideas on YOU would feel about a new RN coming in to your facility with this and any suggestions on how I should approach the CNAs. I really want to be an RN that has a good rapport with the CNAs bc I am grateful to all of their hard work. I want them to know that I have as much to learn from them as they may from me and be approachable, receptive to their concerns and for them to feel appreciated. *****And I should say I "know" how to do these things. I'm just not as confident, quick and "smooth" at it.

Thank you both! These are some great suggestions :)

Like many nurses, I'm a total type-A, need a list to keep me sane and in the hospital setting, I LIVED for my Brain. I'm starting my first RN job next wednesday at a LTC/Rehab facility, 2-10:30pm shift and I'm guessing 15-25 pts that I will be passing meds/doing treatments for. (There is another RN/LPN on the floor handling the other 15-25 pts) How can I organize having so many pts? Also, this facility still uses paper charting. I'm not sure what days I'll be working yet, or whether or not I will be on the same hall or switching back and forth. Can you describe or share what type of brain/list you use to stay organized? If your facility uses paper charting, do you have a checklist type document you use for charting your assessments or do you solely write nurses notes to describe your pts condition? THANKS!!

New grad here. Just received a job offer for my first job! (YAY!) I am now a charge nurse at a rehab/long term care facility. I'm working evenings (2-10:30) and there will be one other nurse on the floor with me. They average 50 patients (63 beds total). The nurses are responsible for passing meds and doing treatments. They still do paper charting still. I know I will eventually get my own routine and everyone is different but I'd love to hear some tips on how you stay organized and prioritize your care, when do you write your notes etc. Oh and are you responsible for writing nurses notes on ALL of your pts everyday or just if something is out of the norm? Thanks!!

Thanks Bloomgirl! I'm okay with being just a tad annoying/persistent BUT not so bad that they don't want to hire me The floor I really want to work on has a position that is on "hold" and I don't want to miss out on. I want her to remember me when she finally posts it. I was kind of hoping to set up an information interview with her to get to know more about the hospital, her unit and her advice on getting hired there. I left a message last week (wed) asking for a 10-15 min appt with her (so I'm not just walking in) and haven't heard from her yet. I know she's a busy lady but it would be nice to know if she was just too busy or what. I'm not sure when I should follow up with my request (or how, email or phone again) I guess I can get my preceptors advice since she knows her manager's preferences. (unfortunately, my preceptor JUST had her baby so she is out on leave and can't investigate this for me)

One of the NM I met with was where I did my senior practicum. I had introduced myself once to her during my practicum, left her a thank you card on my last day as well as sent her an email telling her that I would like to follow up post graduation/NCLEX re: positions because I really enjoyed my time on her floor. (she never emailed me back) My preceptor, whom I'm still in contact with, and she encouraged me to walk-in on the NM because she has an open door policy. (not sure if this is all the of the managers at this hospital). I was SUPER nervous. I made sure I kept it short and sweet. Knocked on her door, called her Ms. X, and asked if I could speak with her for just a moment before walking in. I re-introduced myself, told her exactly what I wanted, handed her my resume and she told me that she did have a position but that it was on "hold" due to census issues. I asked if I could keep in contact with her and if she had a business card. She told me "Sure!" and gave me a card. The other nurse manager, I did NOT know but my preceptor told me that she gave her my name (recommending me) after our time together on her floor (they had just hired 4 new nurses on her floor so no openings). This manager was extremely nice, though she had no openings for me. Again, I gave her my resume and asked if it would be okay for me to follow up with her from time to time and she agreed. So, I've been lucky thus far just walking into their office. Just make sure you keep it super short and sweet and let them know what you want up front. I was basically looking to put my face/name out there and get the okay to follow up. I'm going tomorrow to another hospital (same organization, just a smaller hospital) and doing the same thing, only this time, I KNOW they have an opening because I've applied and my status says "under consideration." Hoping it will show my excitement and I plan on saying something like "Hi, my name is X. I wanted to come in today to introduce myself, put a face to my resume and say how excited I am for the opportunity to apply for X position. I've applied online but may I leave a copy of my resume with you as well? Well, I don't want to keep you from your work, thank you so much for allowing me to drop in on you, I really hope to hear from you soon. Have a good day!" Hopefully, it works. If not, well, at least I tried!

So I went into the hospital where I'd like to work. Introduced (or reintroduced) myself, gave them my resume, asked if it would be okay for me to check in with them periodically, in which they agreed and gave me their cards. How often should I follow up? Weekly? Biweekly?

@Cicadarn My ideal job is on a med/surg floor. I've been applying in Washington also even though I haven't applied for my WA license yet. Figured I could get it after I get an interview or a job offer....money is a bit of an issue right now so I would hate to spend the extra money and then not need to use it. I have a few of my applications "under consideration" so I'm hoping to hear something in the next few weeks. *crossing fingers*

Hello, New grad here (obviously) I just received my license last week and am busily looking for openings and attempting networking. I've perfected my resume (I think), talked to all my references, and continue to tailor my cover letter/letter of interests to the job I'm seeking. -Tomorrow I am going to my ideal hospital to sign up for a volunteer opportunity because I figure I can continue to volunteer after I find a position (at least 6 months, if not longer) and quite possibly get noticed by someone who can offer or refer me for a position. -I've also signed myself up to be a subcontractor for a flu clinic but the season doesn't start until September 1st. -Lastly, my CPR and TB vaccine is up this Aug. so I've made appts to keep these things current. Can you think of anything else can I do? I live in the Portland, Oregon area.... Thank you!

Cover Letter: My name (DO I PUT "RN" AFTER MY NAME HERE??) Address phone email Hospital Info Dear Ms. XX, I am applying for the Registered Nurse-Medical Surgical Float Pool position advertised on your companies website. I had the opportunity to work with several of your float nurses during my senior practicum on unit X, whom recommended that I apply to your department post graduation. My preceptor, X also encouraged me to seek a float position so I was pleased to learn of this opening and feel that I am an excellent candidate. It would be an honor to begin my nursing career at a hospital that is recognized by U.S. News Health as the #3 best hospitals in the state of (blah). As a nurse in your facility, I will bring my experience of leadership, working with diverse communities, a passion for health promotion, and my education that has focused on providing excellence and safe patient care to those in the community. I have gained a wealth of knowledge during my practicum on a med/surg floor, resulting in a stronger ability to stay organized, communicate and collaborate with my patients, as well as with other healthcare members to ensure efficient continuity of care. I am a recent graduate of (some school) where I obtained my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). I passed my nursing boards on July 8, 2013 and I am registered to begin my RN-BSN program at (some school) this fall. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss how my qualifications may align with your medical surgical position. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ginnym1981, RN (PUT RN AFTER MY NAME HERE?!?) **Note: I really was referred to this position by numerous float nurses AND my preceptor went and talked to her (gave her my name) on my last day after I left. I thought it would catch the nurse managers attn if I mentioned it BUT, I do not like how I have it written. Any suggestions are much appreciated! Resume: (I wish I could have it formatted like I actually have it) Objective Obtain a position as a registered nurse on a medical-surgical unit, requiring a professional with relevant clinical exposure, excellent patient relations skills and the ability to work effectively in a team setting. Education Some School. Somewhere in the US Enrolled September 2013 RN to BSN Program for Registered Nurses Some School. Somewhere in the US June 2013 Associates of Applied Science Degree Program (ADN), GPA: 3.78 Senior Practicum: 156 hours, Surgical Unit. Hospital name. City/St Acute Care: 110 hours, Cardiac med/surg floor. 90 hours, Respiratory med/surg floor. Hospital. City/St Acute Care: 56 hours, general med/surg floor. Hospital. City/St Pediatrics: 32 hours. Hospital. City/St Mental Health: 30 hours. City/St Long Term Care: 99 hours. Facility. City/St Head Start: 20 hours. City/St Professional Experience Administrative Assistant. Business name. City/st 2001-2005 & 2005-2012 Book Keeper. Business name. City/st April 2005-September 2005 Shift Manager. Business name. City/st 1997-2002 Certifications (sorry, not sure why this is in a box) [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Registered Nurse. X State Board of Nursing. License # blah blah Current Certified Nurse Assistant 2. X State Board of Nursing. License # blah blah Current BLS for Healthcare Providers. American Heart Association. Current[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Affiliations and Activities Student Nurses Association. Treasurer. Fall 2012-Spring 2013 American Nurses Association. Member. Current X Festival of Trees. Volunteer, Teddy Bear Hospital December 2011 & 2012 I plan on personally hand delivering a packet containing my cover letter/resume/references/letter of recommendation/copy of my license & BLS/and immunization records. I really appreciate any advice I can get. I've read many posts and have tried to apply what I've read but I'm afraid I've missed something. THANKS SO MUCH!!

Hello everyone! I'm graduating in 49 days (yep, I'm counting! ) and I've just started my practicum on a surgical med surg floor (I've only done two 12 hour night shifts), but I LOVE it! The team I've worked with have been so helpful and patient with my questions, the floor is super organized and everyone works together to get things done etc. (I could go on and on)... Bottom line: I can really see myself working here and I want to approach this with my preceptor (she is the charge nurse) as well as the nurse manager but I'm afraid to come off as a "kiss_a$$" or something. I mean yes, it's obvious that I want a job, who doesn't? But, I honestly see the hard work and dedication these nurses have and want to be a part of it as soon as I graduate. I do know that they have 4 pregnant nurses currently, due in May, June, July and December and I've had different nurses tell me that the hospital is hiring float nurses for their med surg departments (I would love to say they told me this because they see my potential?). So, the advice I need...how would you go about networking yourself to the nurse manager? Right now, I've only said hello to her when she's gotten in the mornings. I was thinking that I should first introduce myself on my next shift and tell her how much I enjoy working with her team and then wait another week or so before asking to meet with her privately to see if they are hiring because I would love the opportunity to be apart of the team. OR I should I only talk to my preceptor and get her input first about approaching the nursing manager? Also, what things, as seasoned nurses do you like/look for/get impressed with in new students? I try to answer call lights, the phone, ask lots of questions to clarify things (not because I don't know them because in that instance I try to look them up myself first), volunteer to perform skills even though I haven't done them before like NG tubes, catheters etc. Thank you so much for any input! I'm just so eager to begin my career and I WANT this floor so bad!! :)

I am also wondering what it is about interacting with pts that you do not enjoy? I LOVE talking with my pts but pt teaching not so much. Why? Because I don't feel qualified enough yet to be teaching. I feel like I'm still learning all this myself and that I'm just blowing smoke and afraid that I will teach them something WRONG and look stupid. Which by the way, I constantly feel stupid in clinical. I cried on my instructor last week after I failed to put in a catheter. (TWICE) Nursing school is really testing my self confidence and I'm in the "what the hell am I doing?" phase. BUT I will keep trucking along because I know this is a phase and I can't wait for it to get better! You can do this too and eventually, you will find a place that works for you. Keep jumping through those hoops NS throws at us!

Really?! I'm kind of shocked to hear you think this way. Our instructors tell us to start as soon as possible because it helps us learn how to read and answer NCLEX style questions. I also feel like it helps me pick out info from the readings that are important for tests. Just goes to show everyone learns differently! I have about 5 different NCLEX book and the Saunders is by far my favorite! Just make sure you write our answers down on notebook paper and don't circle your answers in your book so you can retest yourself later down the road. (totally learned this from experience! ) Good luck!!

I agree with this but I have a different way I do it! A nurse taught me to remove the lid of the saline flush, pull BACK on the syringe a tiny bit to break the suction and then remove the air before flushing. Then you don't have to remove any fluid, it's easier to push and you don't get saline on the floor, yourself or your pt

I graduate in June but I recently volunteered to help our another cohort at their pinning. Now, I HATE to have any extra attention so I was mostly against pinning in the beginning but after volunteering, I'm really excited to go. What I want to also mention is that we (as a cohort) are responsible for paying for our pinning (the place, drinks, programs, pins etc.) So we have the power to make it what we want. This is great but also another added expense which was another reason I didn't want to do it. The one I attended was held at our main campus in a large theatre ($400 to rent), just bottled water for guests to drink during and handmade programs with a photo of the cohort glued on the front. They also read the nightingale prayer and had a fun slide show to music. Several teachers got up and spoke, congratulating the cohort and adding in several jokes to make it fun for everyone. They awarded a few students with honors and then called each student up one by one, where while they were walking across the stage to get pinned by a loved one, the teacher read a speech that the student wrote themselves, thanking their supporters personally. (THIS IS THE PART THAT SOLD ME!) Being able to publicly thank my friends, family, cohort and instructors is really something I want to do. To me, this portion alone is worth the extra costs, uncomfortable feeling of having everyones eyes on me and in a sense, makes the pinning about THEM and not just me anymore. Without them, I would have NEVER been in the position to graduate so its really special to show them just how important they were (and still are) to me in my journey. Also, the pinning lasted about an hour or so (a full cohort is 32 students but not everyone makes it or attends pinning), whereas a full school graduation at my school could be about 4 hours and less personable so I'm sure my family would much rather watch the pinning vs. commencement. (But this argument only works if you're wanting to do one or the other and not both) **Hopefully this post makes sense. I'm too lazy to reread it for grammatical errors **

First of all congratulations for being accepted even if they are now "forcing you out." I'm VERY, VERY impressed that you've come so far at such a young age! Truly inspiring! Do you need clinical hours to graduate in your state? If you do, then you may have no choice but to wait until you are 18. It's definitely the schools fault for not paying attention to your age but if the law bit is true then there is very little they can do to get you in to clinical. I would get all their promises in writing (about you starting as soon as your 18) and maybe see about getting reimbursed for your books. (never hurts to ask!) As far as the financial aid goes, is it too late to sign up for other classes? Good luck to you!! You have a bright future ahead of you...I can just tell! :)

I'm also shy when it comes to making small talk with those I really don't know. (once I know someone, I'm kinda loud, sarcastic and opinionated ) Getting there takes time though and just now, going into my fourth term, I'm finding myself comfortable around MOST of my classmates but still uncomfortable with most of my teachers. Whenever I try to talk I can feel myself getting tongue tied, mostly because I talk too fast (nerves). And public speaking? Forget about it! It doesn't matter if I know everyone....I shake all over, my knees literally shake so much it looks like I'm tapping my foot, my face turns as red as a tomato and I get so hot. It sucks. What I've done to try to overcome this is join my schools SNA. I'm treasurer and we are the voices of the students. If problems arise, it's us who have to take it to the instructors or the dean. We have to make announcements to other cohorts of things we are doing like fundraisers, volunteer opportunities as well as call organizations to set up these things. I'm really hoping this will help with the public speaking thing and speaking my instructors. Anyways, you are definitely not alone. Just keep challenging yourself to get out there and people will take notice. Try setting up a study group, make a facebook page/group thing and let your cohort know about it so you guys have a place to ask questions and vent (I did this also), if you guys have a place to hold them you can bring in plastic silverware, napkins etc to get noticed (we have a big file cabinet drawer in our commons area and we take turns bringing them in). We also do potlucks every now and again. After class is out or during a break we all gather and eat and visit with each other. Maybe you could suggest something like that? Good luck!!

I started my second term but I SHOULD have started during my first. Saunders (mentioned above) is a great book. It's broken up into sections and you also get a CD with more questions. But really, I'm a firm believer in having multiple books because I don't really know which one is the best for the actual NCLEX test and I feel like this will open me up to differently worded questions. Another tip, don't circle the answers IN your book. Use a sheet of notebook paper so you can go back and take the tests again later down the road. Maybe I'm the only dumb-y that didn't think of this right off the bat but I wanted to mention it. :)

Wow, this post makes me realize how lucky I am to have my fiance because he's been picking up all the slack and financial responsibilities since I started nursing school and I don't think I've been showing my appreciation enough lately. In your situation, I think it's good that your recognizing that a change may be needed for both parties. What I would suggest is for you both to make a list of what your spouse does that you are thankful for, your current stressors/issues (using the word "I" and not the "You" so the other person doesn't feel attacked) and how the other person can HELP with those stressors and what you guys each need from each other to get by. If it's time alone. Sit down with a calendar and write it down and KEEP it. Plan your studying knowing that this night is a NO study night and enjoy your spouse. The reason I suggest writing it down before sitting down to discuss it is to keep the conversation on track and prevent one another from wording something in a way that causes the other to get defensive. As far as childcare, do you have anyone that you could possibly trade daycare with a few days a week so in turn both families benefit from some time off (and won't cost either of you money?) Look into childcare grants. I live in Oregon and I found a childcare grant that I applied for and received during most of my schooling (my son is now old enough to stay home a few hours a day by himself if need be) I just found it by googling. If you guys can't come up with a solution then I would try to talk to your school counselor or dean about taking a leave of absence until your 4 year old is in school or until you can save up some money for childcare so your husband can work regular hours (if it's an option) Good luck!

My school uses pharm made easy 2.0 so it may be different for you if you're using "pharm made easy"...BUT you should see 3 tabs, to the right, just slightly above your tutorial list (not the very, very top of the page) The tabs say tutorials (which is where you find your "pharm made easy" tutorial), another that says "proctored assessments" (this is where you go to take your actual test and it is password protected like the above poster mentioned) and the last tab says "practice assessments" This is the one you want to use to take any practice tests. We had 2 practice tests that said "RN Pharmacology practice tests," one A and one B test. I also practiced retaking each separate tutorial test again just for more practice. Good luck!!

I also just got PERLA. They have a 30 day free trial so you can try it before you buy it. It is also possible to split the cost if you know others who want it. (up to 3 people) It's awesome!

Here is what my instructor just sent me a week or so ago and told us to hold on to it. Hope this helps (although, it may be different than your program) ATI target scores.pdf