little2one

I had an interview with a home health agency. I am a new grad and they want to hire me. They not only want me as an RN though, but because of my background with sales and marketing they want me to help with that as well. Also, since their DON is leaving to start her residency at the end of this month the owner asked if I would be interested in being trained to become the RN Supervisor over the next six months. First question, does this seem like an okay thing for a new grad (I have my doubts, although I know I could do it, nursing was not my first career). Second, what do you think would be a good salary to ask for? She is paying on an hourly basis? Thanks!!!

Thank you all for your comments so far, please keep them coming. I have revamped my cover letter. Here is the latest version, let me know what you think. Thanks! To Whom It May Concern: Please accept my application for the position of XXX at XXX Hospital. I graduated in December 2011 and received my license in February 2012. I believe my educational background and work experiences can be of benefit to your organization. During my clinical rotations, I learned various nursing skills while also developing the ability to think on my feet and problem-solve. I have several years of experience in sales and marketing that have helped me to develop excellent communication skills and attention to detail. I continuously received feedback from patients, nurses and clinical instructors regarding my ability to give personalized and professional care to all patients. As my enclosed resume indicates, I pursued excellence in nursing studies as demonstrated by my academic honors. I also have outstanding references available from my clinical instructors upon request. I feel my clinical experience and volunteer work with XXX XXX Clinic, a clinic for uninsured and underinsured in Dallas, have effectively prepared me to begin employment as a nurse. My application can only tell you a little regarding my inspiration and qualifications for a position as a new graduate RN. I would be grateful for the chance to meet you so that I can further discuss my background, qualifications, and interest in this position with you. I can be reached at XXX or at XXXX. Thank you for your consideration in this exciting opportunity. Sincerely

I graduated in December 2011 and passed my boards last month. I have applied for well over 150 GN positions and only received 1 interview. Not sure if it's because I lack experience in the medical field other than my clinicals or if it's because my resume doesn't stand out. Can someone please help and let me know if there is anything I can do to make it better. I'm also including the typical cover letter I send out as well. Thanks for any help!! Education: XXX College - Dallas, TX Associate's Degree, Nursing Graduation: December 2011 Nursing GPA: 4.0/4.0 Overall GPA: 3.8/4.0 Clinical Rotations: Worked under the supervision of an RN providing bedside care, treatment and clinical documentation for patients at the following hospitals: XX Hospital - Medical/Surgical including Telemetry and GI XX Hospital - L&D, Nursery, and Cardiac Unit XX Hospital - Pediatrics XX Hospital - Medical/Surgical Nursing Skills and Experience: Charting and documentation Medication administration (oral and parenteral) Inserting and maintaining IV fluids Injections Enteral and Parental Nutrition Catheterization and catheter care Ostomy and wound care Artificial airway care CPR Certified, American Red Cross, Expires 07/2012 Work Experience: XXXXX, Dallas, 2010 HPRS Tutor Tutored students in the Health Professions class. This is a class that teaches catheterization, sterile dressing changes, and vital signs and must be taken by any student wishing to apply to a health professions degree program.. XXXX , Arlington, 2007-2009 Administrative Assistant, Community Health Supported Community Health Directors in day to day activities and oversaw the Family Violence Prevention and Community Hand Hygiene Programs. XXXX, Arlington, TX 1998-2005 Regional Account Manager (2001-2005) Managed sales and circulation for a television and entertainment magazine for multiple cable markets in the central US.Responsible for designing and implementing training programs and incentives for customer service representatives in all markets in order to maintain and grow magazine circulation. Sales and Marketing Assistant (1998-2001) Provided executive level administrative support to the EVP Sales and Marketing with a demonstrated ability to improvise, improve procedures, and meet demanding deadlines. Professional Organizations: American Nurses Association Texas Nurses Association Volunteer Work: XXXX Family Medical Clinic - Dallas, TX Here is my standard cover letter: To Whom It May Concern, In December 2011 I graduated from XXX College with an Associate's Degree in Nursing and received my RN license in February 2012. As my enclosed resume indicates, I pursued excellence in nursing studies as demonstrated by my academic honors. I also have outstanding references available from my clinical instructors upon request. I feel my clinical experience and volunteer work with XXXX Family Medical Clinic, a clinic for uninsured and underinsured in Dallas, have effectively prepared me to begin employment as a nurse. I approach this opportunity with great excitement as I know XXX Hospital, because of its wonderful reputation in the community and its teaching environment, would be a wonderful place to begin my career and help me to advance and build a successful nursing career. Thank you for giving my resume careful consideration. I am eager to meet with you to discuss possible employment with XX Hospital. I may be reached by phone at XXX, or by way of email at XXXXX. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,

As someone already mentioned it is a degree, not just a course. You are taking multiple courses. For an Associates you will take Fundamentals, OB/Pedi, Med/Surg, and Psych. You will have both clinicals and lecture. You will also have skills labs. They are not difficult per se, but they do take up an abundance of time. Be prepared to study and if you are not already a high B or an A student, especially in your sciences, I would not recommend going into nursing. You must also be very compassionate and a people person since you will be dealing with them all day long (because even if you think "Well I can work with babies", you still have to work with the parents).

I can usually memorize stuff pretty easily, but for some reason I am having tremondous trouble with Erikson's theory of development. Does anyone have any tips on how to remember the different stages? Thanks!!