Sweetpea1301

Hi all, I have been stalking this thread and others on the forum trying to gather info regarding traveling, or maybe just something to push me to take the leap! Dankat says they'd likely take the stipend and try to find housing in/around the bay area, but I have a question about that. My research has shown that finding housing in SF and the Bay is very competetive, with apartments filling very quickly and there not being a lot to choose from. I have read "horror-stories" that say you should come prepared to rent with a background check, credit report, and deposit check in hand, and that there would be MANY other people vying for that same apartment. This has made me think that it might be better to take offered housing if I was on assignment in that area. Does anyone have experience with temporary housing in SF? Will it be easier to take the stipend and find a temp. place as compared to finding a place for permanent relocation? Thanks!

That's where I will be!

Well it looks like I will be joining everyone at orientation- received my offer today for PICU! The job posting was taken down shortly after initial listing because they had several hundred applicants. If it reappeared, it may have been to expand the applicant pool. Here is what was available: General Medical, Surgical/Bariatric, Orthopedic, Neuroscience, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, Telemetry, Progressive Care, CVICU, NVICU, SICU, Emergency Department, Clinical Decision Unit, General Pediatrics, Pediatric Specialty & Hem/Onc, PICU, NICU, Postpartum, OR. I am thrilled to be starting in the PICU at this hospital! Everyone who was hired should pat themselves on the back because very few positions were available! I bet they will be looking for interns for spring, too.

A few weeks ago, and the recruiter said they were still interviewing last week. Congrats on the job, and thanks for the well wishes! I was in a SICU for my final clinical rotation and loved it :) There's not a lot of info on Med. City internships on here...

Yes, but which unit/specialty? I interviewed for their PICU internship but have not heard back yet, and am wondering if they have made all their selections.

Which internship?

SugarMagnolia, I sure hope you got something of substance from this post- I haven't seen much to answer your initial question. I believe we have communicated on other posts, but I don't recall- have you graduated yet? If you haven't found answers to you months-old-post, here ya go. BTW, Parkland is very open about the progress of the Corrective Action Suit: Parkland Hospital - Corrective Action Progress Reports In their "Graduate Nurse FAQ's" link, they state: GN and Nurse Resident salaries start at $24.52/hr. Shift differentials are $2.75/hr for evening shift, $3.50/hr for night shift, and $6.00/hr for weekend shift. Our weekend shifts that are eligible for weekend differential are any shifts worked beginning at 3pm Friday - 7am Monday. If you work an evening or night shift on the weekend, you will be paid both the shift and the weekend differentials. Graduate RN at Parkland Health & Hospital System They are one of the largest hiring forces of Associate Degree Nurses, which has become a major issue in DFW. They have a well-respected residency program to develop new grads into competent nurses. There are classes to attend in addition to being precepted, and the client population gives amazing experience. A new grad internship comes with a price though- a 2 year commitment after your 2-6 months of training, with a $10,000 penalty if you break the contract. Something you want to be sure of before you sign. I don't personally know anything about the benefits, but when I did clinical there the employees seemed to like their insurance and education benefits. Here is Parkland's link to their benefit package: http://www.parklandhospital.com/gme/documents/2012BenefitsBrochure.pdf. They offer tuition reimbursement, NCLEX reimbursement, and paid training for certifications. Parkland was recently authorized to hire 1400 new employees for their expansion, and are giving $3000 sign on bonuses for new grads.

Not.Done.Yet, do you have an idea of what it is?

Thank you both; Houston is too far at this time- I cannot relocate and that is DEFINITELY not a good commute I have actually done pedi private duty, but realized that I am not comfortable in some people's homes, and with some parents breathing down my neck...too many unsafe situations. I have tried the google links and searches but haven't found any definitive answers. I will keep trying!

Hello, I am wondering if anyone knows of any pediatric Acute Care hospitals/centers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex? I am a new RN who is having a hard time getting an internship/job at the few pediatric hospitals here, and am interested in the ICU type environment. Thanks in advance.

Whoa Nelly, GET YOUR BSN, especially in a metropolitan city of Texas. I just graduated in may with my ADN from a college in Dallas, and midway through our program the hospitals started trying to gain MAGNET status, which requires "X" number of advanced degrees, so the theme for employment these days is "BSN required" or BSN strongly preferred. I debated this also and am kicking myself in the teeth because I have now graduated, will become an RN this summer, and have applied to 65 positions with no interviews. You are in a good boat because you have more options than most people. Schools like TWU have options for people who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in other fields to bridge to nursing: Weekend Program - TWU College of Nursing - Texas Woman's University You could also apply to their BSN program, and skip the majority of the curriculum because you have already taken it. Not sure about other schools- I am familiar with TWU. The difference in pay between an ADN and BSN is measley, but ADN vs MSN may be substantial as mentioned. BSNs in Dallas literally make 25cents to $1 more an hour only. The two nurses do the same thing and take the same licensing exam, and receive the same license. Essentially my advice is that if you don't expect to work right away after becoming an ADN while you finish the last year of your BSN, then that does make financial sense. Tuition and fees at community colleges are much less than the university. If you aim to work right away while getting an advanced degree, just go straight into it. Good luck!

As a Navy veteran (and new nurse), please heed this advice: Don't settle for anything. If they say no for now, and you are not in desperate need to join (and have your heat set on Navy nursing), tell them you will wait for it to become available, if there are no spots open now. Ironically, the Navy takes "super qualified" nurses, but also has a quota they have to fill for "minority" candidates, whether it be race or gender. I was told that there were no current positions for females when I tried to enter enlisted nursing a few years ago. When at MEPS completing your enlistment packet they will tell you that you have to pick something then, but it is not true. Navy nursing is competitive. At this time the military is hiring civilians to fill many positions (including nursing), which has taken many enlistment spots away. You can join a delayed entry program, which will keep you on a waiting list for a position to open. Good luck, and thanks for your interest in serving! I had a great time when I was in. Would probably still be, had I been a corpsman!

Volunteering "keeps your mind refreshed"- I didn't say you would be able to perform skills. I do know that it is not allowed, but being in that environment and seeing those things, being able to stay educated on current technology and being able to ask questions of the nurses about procedures is IMO more beneficial than not being in the environment at all, for many months. I guess it's all how you look at it, and what you make of it.

I felt this way about med-surg at first too, but you really want to have a nursing job and gain experience, right?? The it looks like you REALLY DO want to work med-surg! I have considered working a different type of job altogether, and just trying again when the new residencies open up. I realized that my pining for a nursing job was not bringing in money, so I can't afford to wait anymore. Also, check craigslist for RN positions.

Jamie, I too just graduated from an ADN program May 11th, and am enrolled in a BSN program. I am still waiting on my ATT (congrats on your RN!). I have applied to 65 residencies/entry-level RN positions since February and not had one interview. I'd like to share some wisdom and information learned along the way, from may creditable people. As you are aware, the "season for GN internships" is over, but the next round will be starting up soon, for Sept-Oct entrance. What it boils down to (and you have probably heard this) is that you have the best chance of interviewing if you know someone within a system, and they recommend you. I have heard from hiring managers and HR and recruiters that many hospitals are not even looking at ADN applicants at this time, because they have a slew of BSN apps and that helps them obtain their magnet status. Although some places like Parkland and Methodist are very ADN friendly, we are competing against several hundred other apps. Parkland had an open house in March that I attended, and it was like a cattle call of several hundred new grads foaming at the mouth to get their resume in the hands of hiring managers. Upon checking the status of my applications, I was informed that many residencies only had 10-40 spots open, but had 400 or more applicants. A friend in HR at Children's Med. told me that the ER residency I applied to had 438 applicants, and only 18 spots. There is a nursing shortage, but not for new grads, and we are the bottom of the totem pole being ADN's. That being said, it confirms that knowing someone, and meeting face to face is definitely a help, which can be hard if you don't have a good network (which is my problem). I have discussed this predicament with many people in the profession and they have all suggested volunteering. Your cynicism regarding volunteerism suggests that you may not be desperate or wise enough to do what it takes. I do understand that child care is an issue, but here are the benefits of volunteering: It keeps you in the clinical setting where you can keep you mind refreshed on those skills that we won't be performing anymore because we have passed all our clinicals. It also gets you on the INSIDE, where you will meet other nurses/hiring managers/even parents who will recommend you when they see that you are smart, passionate, arrive on time, interact well with patients and staff, etc. If you can "afford" 4 hours a week, that is all some hospitals require, and it may be what gets you noticed. It's free advertisement of yourself! Some companies like the VA will consider volunteer experience as your own, so if you were present for procedures in the ICU or ER or whatever (even if you just held the pt's hand), that counts! A classmate has a very similar situation as you- her husband divorced her mid-program, left her with no income or insurance,no car, and a 4 year old. She moved back in with her parents thankfully, and because of her networking (like you did at your CPR class), she is one of the few people who just received a job offer. With regard to your cover letter issue: I also suggest removing the intent to be a Midwife. I had a mock interview with a professional at my school and she confirmed this idea, for many reasons that your SO stated. It also shows that you intend to move away from the company that is investing much time and money to "grow you into a great nurse", which is not a good idea for them. The interviewer suggested that when they ask you where you see yourself in a year or five years, that you tell them "at this company', hopefully in an advanced position. You can say this, even if you don't expect it. Do tell them that you intend to further your education and gain additional advanced certifications. On a side note, Parkland hospital employs midwives to deliver the low-risk mothers :) I have been so stressed out with the job search and market that I have started an anti-anxiolytic, lol! I know it doesn't really help to hear that "it will get better", "something will open up", "All in it's right time", etc. It's been REALLY frustrating when people ask "well isn't there a nursing shortage?" and "Well why don't you try this"? I am posting to encourage you to try different avenues and to confirm that IT IS HARD to find a job, and I DO KNOW what you are feeling, minus the stress of your family situation. I have heard from the few classmates that have a job that the more certifications you have, and if you have your RN, that it makes it much easier to land an interview and job, but you still have to personally get someone to see or hear it. It is so important these days. It wasn't until 3 weeks ago that I became the "resume whore" (I coined myself) who talks to anyone about a connection and has a resume in the car to give to someone. I also made business cards and intend on carrying them with me. A volunteer at my company is actually a nurse, and I gave her my card to pass onto her manager, just in case! I am begging for connections, and I don't feel bad about it anymore. I never knew finding a job would be so hard, and so much work! Keep up the good work- obviously you are committed to your education and to joining the profession- you may just have to start looking in different places, and consider commuting. You are in Tarrant county, so can you take the TRE and DART system? Good luck, but remember that we do still have to work hard for this, just like we did to graduate. Once it happens for us I'm hoping that we will look back and appreciate what we went through, and cherish our jobs even more.

The first time I applied I did not get in. I was on the cusp, but didn't have enough points from extra classes. I also could have done better on my HESI (89.5). After Evolve released my HESI score and breakdown for me to view online, I took advantage of their free study packet, which he can put together under his login information. Basically, for everything that he missed a link will show up with review info, and you can save it all into your own personalized study guide. This way you are only reviewing what you struggled with. The second time I took the test after reviewing that I made a 96! That with a combination of support courses nailed it for me. Encourage him to take advantage of Summer and May term to squeeze those support courses in, but also have him seriously consider a BSN.

Congrats Briterz, I know we've been talking on this forum for quite some time about you trying to get in! I'm excited for you!

Sorry for the late reply- been busy with pre-graduation stuff! It is difficult to find jobs in hospitals because so many people are competing for that spot. Not sure about other medical facilities. Home health is half and half on requiring experience. As far as BHC getting kicked out of hospitals for clincals, that has come straight from BHC staff and students. A second semester student told me that they cannot go to Children's anymore and the school is seeking an alternative. Staff told me 6 months ago that some of the Baylor facilities ar not letting them in anymore ( I think Irving and possibly Garland).

Sure: Be flexible. Let work and family know ahead of time that you will need them to be flexible too. There are quite a few extra days you will need to come in throughout the program to the lab, because there just isnt enough time in the academic schedule to get everything in. most of the labs are between 4-8 hours. Sometimes there will be clinical makeups for various reasons. Your clinical assignment and class schedule could say "every Monday", but some instructors like to add extra days in to get done early, so you would go "every Monday and Tuesday", and not find out until you get your clinical assignment. Clinical evaluations (mid-term and final) are between you and your instructor to assess your clinical skill and progress. At least HALF of mine have been scheduled on days other than class or clinical. There will be some days when lecture is held on a different weekday than normal due to holiday makeup, instructor conflict, etc. Your HESI tests (each semester) will be held on off days. Your curriculum tests are on off days in the testing center(no tests are given in class, though this may be changing), but you usually have a few days of flexibility to go in at your convenience. You will not be given much direction about graduation (and there is a lot to do and pay for to prepare). You have some time before you worry about that though Money will be an issue- there will be new text books and skills kits to buy with each semester. Other things come up like testing fees (your HESI tests) added onto your tuition, then the whopping $250 your last semester for HESI/NCLEX review and HESI test. Yikes! there has been a turnover of staff/faculty, and people have not been on the same page about schedules and who teaches what, and how. Different clinical instructors will grade differently, and teach differently. I have had to call out of work numerous times, or find coverage. Very frustrating.

First of all, please forgive any typos- I am exhausted and figure you all won't judge me too harshly Most BSN programs after you earn your RN license are aprx 12 months, and many are completely online! Some incorporate a few campus-based classes, and some offer a hybrid of both. The key to completing your BSN in a timely manner is applying early. Stay on top of your application deadlines- some schools will allow you to apply for their program before you have passed NCLEX, assuming that you will have your license before you begin their program, and some will not. Also, some schools require different pre-requisites, and you can be working on those now. Lets say you are going to graduate from BHC in May like I am; Some schools have early application deadlines like February or March, others are May-July. I missed some deadlines so I will have to wait to apply for next Spring, if I choose to. I definitely want to get my BSN, though I am in more of a rush now than I would like to be. Initially I wanted to get my ADN, work for 6 months to a year, then start my BSN. The local economy and hospital demands are pushing me to start my BSN right after the summer is over. I do not have a job lined up right now. In your final semester of school you will be able to apply for "Graduate Nurse Internships/Residencies/etc"- these are positions SPECIFICALLY for brand new nurses to be guided and precepted after being hired at a hospital. The positions are also for current RNs who are looking to change specialties. These spots are coveted, and highly competetive. Without a graduate nurse internship like this, it is VERY rare to be hired straight out of school. Each GN Internship at any given hospital receives between 200-600 applications, depending on the position and hospital. For example, a friend of mine who works at Children's Medical Center said that 438 people applied for their internship in the ER. Parkland's ER has around 600 applicants. The NICU and Labor/Delivery programs are very highly sought after also. Each department only has a handful of spots open, between 2-25 ish, depending on the place.Even the dreaded med-surg is a dream job to some. Aprx 5 of my classmates have secured jobs, and all of them are currently techs in the hospital. 4/5 were hired at their own hospital, and the last was hired at the hospital she is doing clinical at. Obviously, it helps to know people, and it helps to work in the hospital during school to get experience. Out of the hundreds of applications, some hiring managers have admitted to me that they flat out disregard ADN applicants, then only pull from them if they don't find quality BSNs. This is the reality of the market today. DFW hospitals are all trying to gain and maintain Magnet Status, which is an elite certification that makes the hospitals "better and more desirable to patients". One of the requirements to earn Magnet Status is that they have to have a certain percentage of RNs employed with a BSN or higher. I have applied to 26 internships, been turned down for half, and not had one interview. I am a licensed EMT, do home health, have good grades, and have had great clinical experiences. I'm sure that if I can network a bit more, I would have a fighting chance. Otherwise, I am one of 400 resumes. I am not trying to depress, deter, or bother anyone- I am just being realistic and the staff will tell you once you get into the program that it is HARD to get a job as an ADN these days. In fact, hospitals are kicking BHC out of their clinical facilities because they want to focus on training BSN students. I fear that you who are excepted will suffer through this. It is not impossible to get a job as an ADN. In fact, one of my classmates who DOES have a job lined up interviewed with the hospital she is a tech at, and was hired for a job that is NOT an internship! They like her as an employee and have agreed to take her on and train and guide her. AND most shocking of all, this hospital was the first to say the wouldn't hire ADNs anymore! My advice in a nutshell is this: 1.Expect to get your BSN very quickly after ADN 2.Start working in a hospital ASAP as a patient care tech, secretary, whatever. You should qualify for "nurse externships" in second semester. 3. NETWORK: Get to know people who work in the hospital and always be on your best behavior at clinical. You can make or break that "foot in the door". Always be gracious, even if you have a crappy clinical assignment. (Here's another story for ya: When I started at BHC I had no interest in adult care. I wanted and still want to do pediatric nursing. I was gracious at my adult med-surg clinicals, but didn't make myself stand out because I didn't think I would be applying for adult jobs. I figured that there would be plentiful pedi jobs, and I would be competetive. I now wish I had stood out more and networked more, because I am BEGGING for a job just about ANYWHERE). If I don't get accepted to a BSN program for fall, I will continue my paramedic degree, then try again for spring, and hopefully work in the mean time. Hospice, home health, and nursing homes are hiring ADNs- it's not desirable to me, but a job is a job when it comes down to it.

Good luck to everyone- I am graduating next month from BHC and it has been one heck of a ride! A word of advice- if you don't get in, don't be hard on yourself. Focus on getting into a BSN program, because if you intend to work in DFW, you will need it. My class is having a VERY hard time finding jobs with our ADN, and Brookhaven isn't even allowed at many of the hospitals for clinical now, including Children's! The market is rough right now for the ADN, and though you may not have a hard time in the end, you will almost certainly be required to have a BSN to maintain employment. And for those who do get in to BHC, prepare yourself for disorganization and scheduling nightmares. Otherwise, it's a great program!

Actually, Texas Health Resources (THR) is NON-profit.

Looks like Parkland's ER spots have been filled, and I know for a fact that THR has been interviewing for their NICU. Baylor's website says that we can expect to hear back sometime in April, though some may hear about interviews beforehand.

SugarMagnolia, we meet again! I will be graduating before you join BHC's program, bummer. We did just find out last month that Texas Health resources hospitals are not hiring ADN's- that means no Presby. Like VitalSmiles suggessted, your best option for getting into one of those facilities (or any for that matter) is to get some experience as a tech, or even a volunteer in a hospital. Many hospitals hire techs, and a few offer nurse externships (like an internship during school). Baylor is starting to get pretty picky and they "say" they won't hire ADN's, but a friend of mine just graduated in May and was hired by them on the condition that she have her bachelors degree within 18 months. The issue with the ADN is that DFW hospitals are trying to gain magnet status. Magnet status is basically an elite status that hospitals acquire by meeting certain standards that go "above and beyond". One of those standards is having a ratio of advanced degree nurses, in this case Bachelor's and above. Magnet status means they get more federal money, and usually more patients, because they want to go to the best facilities. The debate of ADN vs BSN will continue, and in this economy either route will be just fine. You will be able to find a job as an ADN, though you may have to search outside of your desired specialty or radius. Experience, including grades in school is ultimately what gets you the job in DFW nowdays. And you live in Rowlett, right? You should look into TWU's online one year bachelor's program. The curriculum is strictly online, though you can opt for a partial-campus based program. There are two options for this: CCCCD (Collin County) has a new Higher Education Center and they host TWU classes, or you can attend TWU's nursing campus downtown adjacent to UTSouthwestern/parkland/Children's. I went there last summer for Patho and it was great! TWU is the least expensive university in north Texas for Nursing. I made the choice to go ADN so I can work and get experience for a year while I complete my bachelor's, then get a raise after a year of experience and completion of my degree. Also, most hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for you continuing your education. As far as El Centro getting clinicals at big hospitals, their campus is closer to many big hospitals. Schools tend to rotate in their area so they are not fighting each other for space. This semester BHC rotates through Methodist downtown, and in the fall we will have spots at Parkland for OB and psych. Like VitalSmiles said, network with the nurses that you learn from, and make all your clinicals a working interview. You never know who will remember you when you need them most...

If you see the school nurse at Brookhaven, she can give you a referral to Neighborhood Medical Clinic at Preston/Belt Line in Dallas (http://www.neighborhoodmedicalcenter.com/). If you just show up at the clinic, they will send you back to her to get the referral. I don't know if you have to be a student for the referral, but nurse Kelly is very nice. You might also look into MetroCrest Family Medical Clinic (http://mfmclinic.com/index.htm) in Farmer's Branch- they are a clinic for people without insurance, and are staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses. Office visit costs are donations, and there is no set price- they just suggest a donation of $10 (at the minimum). I don't know if they provide titers, but you can ask. The clinic is also a partner for BHC's service learning (student volunteerism). Even at a discount, titers are expensive. Make sure that you get QUANTITATIVE titers, that is results with numerical lab values, not just a "IgG Positive/Negative" result. Certain immunities are required to be within a certain range, which I don't know of.