janda03

Hi UHRN, I applied via sending emails to the HR depts or filling out the online apps to the hospitals I was interested in. I heard back from almost every place, either to proceed with the application process or to be informed that they weren't hiring, etc. Each place is different in what they require of you. For instance, Queen's did not give me a med calc test, whereas Hawaii Pacific Health did... The last time I checked the Honolulu Advertiser online, Queen's was hiring for a lot of their depts. They also have a new grad class scheduled (don't know when the next one is but it usually coincides with nursing school graduations). I can only speak of Queen's orientation/new grad program since I went through it -- I thought highly of it and would say that it adequately prepares you to transition to the floor. You will be able to choose which dept you want to work in before you start the new grad program. Good luck with the job search and congrats on finishing school!

Try these: http://www.enw.org/IVStarts.htm http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=411426

I took the Kaplan prep course and thought it really helpful in getting me ready for the NCLEX as far as how to approach and pick apart questions. A friend and I also pitched in together to purchase the Kaplan online review. Kaplan is pricey but I got a discount for signing up early ($50 off thru my school), and figured it was a good investment. For content review I had the Saunders 2nd Ed and Nursing Made Incredibly Easy (just Content, not Q&A) books, although to be honest, I really did not crack these open. I mainly just used the coursebook, CD (with 7 exams) and online service -- all from Kaplan. I also had to go through a weeklong course mandated by my school and taught by ERI. It was a complete waste of time. Study now, do a lot of practice questions and visit the Graduate Nurse Forum here. Many a thread has been posted regarding how to study and what other people have done to prepare. Best of luck to you! :wink2:

Hi, I wanted to go to the ED but they weren't offering a class. I'm starting out on the Neuroscience unit. Let HR know what specialties/departments you're interested in and they'll try to match you as long as there are positions available and classes open. Any more ?s, feel free to ask!

Hi there. I'm starting out as a new RN next month. I looked into these hospitals: These three have programs: Queen's Medical Center Hawaii Pacific Health (various facilities like Straub, KMCWC) St. Francis (Liliha campus) I was told that Kaiser put a hold on hiring new grads (many positions filled); I don't recall whether they had a formal program in place (I inquired about a month and a half ago). Wahiawa also has a program but limited spots. Castle Medical Center does not have an official program, and the nurse recruiter said that most depts require 1+yr of experience. The application process for each place is different. I'll be starting out at Queen's. The next new grad class begins April 19... I'm excited and scared all at once! Good luck!

One of the nurses I used to work with in the ED carried a CheckMate Pocket Reference Guide from http://www.nnccusa.com/

I worked in a 10-bed Fast Track area in a NE Fla ED (in addition to FT, the ED also had critical and acute sides -- total of 40 beds). My title was Associate Care Provider (ACP) but the only difference between an ACP and a tech in our dept was an EMT license. The ACPs were not supposed to start IVs but I did a few anyway as I was in nursing school at the time. My duties included: phlebotomy, splints, EKGs, dressing lacs, vitals, transporting (the best exercise IMO), foleys, stocking, and sometimes unit clerk stuff since our secretary left at midnight. Was a great experience for me and as a new RN, I am sure to respect and appreciate the work that the techs/ACPs/PCTs etc do...

Just checked my mail and got the letter saying I passed. I can enjoy the weekend now! :rotfl: Thanks guys! Athena

Congrats Monica! :balloons: BTW, thank you for replying to my post. In my case, I hope you're right about 3/22 being a good day for all NCLEX-takers! Athena

Hi everyone, first-time poster here. I took the NCLEX this past Monday 3/22 and am in one of the states that doesn't offer quick results (HI). I've managed to stay pretty calm up until now, and am realizing how excruciating the waiting is... I called my BON this morning and asked how long the wait time was (between sitting for boards and issuance of license or letter of failure), and the lady proceeded to get my name. Apparently she looked me up, paused (seemed like an eternity), and then she says, "You'll have to wait to get your results in the mail." I didn't know how to take that. If you passed, wouldn't they typically give you your license # over the phone? Anyway, I was too flustered to ask if the results were in at all, and am too scared to call back. Maybe I'll gather up the courage tomorrow. Ugh. This is torture. Thanks for listening. Athena p.s. My test shut off at 75Q.