lilkuz06

Hi everyone! I am a new grad (May '13). Right out of school, I began working at a LTAC facility. It was not safe, but I did learn a lot. I stayed there for about 5 months when I applied, and was hired for a hospital-clinic job (Pain Clinic). I have been at the clinic for 2 months. However, I was just called from another hospital for a position there. The clinic is a M-F 8-5 job, no holidays, no weekends. The hours are wonderful (especially because I have young children). The doctors are so great, very down to earth. However, I feel I have not learned how to be a "nurse" before specializing. Because there are not many nurses, they are a tough group to crack, lol. They have known each other for years. Although I have learned a lot from the LTAC, the training was ridiculously short. I'm also missing bedside nursing. I worry though, if I were to leave this job for the hospital position, I will regret my decision. The hospital is offering 9 weeks of training on a med-surge floor, then I am able to bid on a floor I would like to work on. They have a L&D/OB floor which IS my dream job. They also pay $3/hr more than the clinic. But, I would be on an off-shift (seeing that I'm so new), and obviously have weekends and holidays to work, while also being on call. I'm concerned if I stay at the clinic, I will lose all of my skills and will have "boxed myself in" for the future. The clinic is not my dream job (minus the hours), but I feel selfish if I were to leave because it works so well for my family. HELP!!!

Hi there. I am currently a Unit Secretary and had no medical experience. I also did not know ANYONE in the hospital. I literally applied to everything I could and finally had an interview. The interview was actually for a Unit Assistant position, but it went to someone else. However, things went so well in the interview, they called me 1-2 months later with the secretary position. I think being a nursing student helped tremendously. Just keep applying, applying, applying and call HR to let them know you are extremely interested!

violin, please, please don't take what I said the wrong way. You should DEFINITELY apply and with your creds, you should have no problem getting in. What I meant was that your odds at CCRI are better vs BCC because of the number of applicants vs spots available. That, and you can probably start sooner (Jan) vs BCC (next fall). I will write more later, just arrived to work. Hang in there, you WILL get in. I know it's frustrating, but it will happen!!!!

Hi violin, I think I can help with a few of your questions. Please don't mind if I have a few spelling mistakes, I am replying from my phone because my comp is acting up. anyway, I applied and was accepted to both BCC and CCRI. From my experience, I think BCC is a bit more cometitive. They have approx 1200 applicants for only 72 spots. Those 72 spots are full-time, only at the FR campus and the classes start in Sept. CCRI has multiple campuses, a Sept and Jan start date and offers part time. From the people I have talked to, most that have been accepted into the BCC program have a 3.8 or better gpa. As for getting in, your gpa, teas, etc look good, however, have you taken ALL of the pre-reqs? They love to look at your science scores (micro, a&p) which campus at ccri are you applying? As for the bridge, the number of spots vary each year. You will get in, I know how stressfull and discouraging it is. :-(

My nurse delivered my 3rd baby... in almost the same way (except no epidural - not by choice, lol). The midwife on call (after I told her repeatedly that I have fast labors), broke my water and started pitocin. Then LEFT THE HOSPITAL! That was at 9:10am, my lil' munchkin was born at approximately 10:45am, because no one looked at the clock to be sure of the time. ;-) As the patient, my main and only thought at the time was having a healthy baby. I'm sure your patient felt the same way :redbeathe

I'm not sure. I only know the small details that were given from the questions asked to the jurors. I know that it involved a fall which led to other complications, then death. There were many other nurses and 2-3 doctors on the witness list. Also asked was if anyone worked or knew of anyone that worked in a hospital group here in Mass. There were 2 nurses that were defendents, both named individually. So, if you have liability insurance, could you still be held individually and personally responsible if, God forbid, something happens?

I am a pre-nursing student (starting the program in the fall ) . Anyway, I had jury duty this morning. Oddly enough, the case was a civil suit filed against two nurses for the wrongful death of a patient. My question is, if they were to lose the case, who pays? Is it the two nurses or their insurance company (liability ins)? I ask because both of the nurses were there, but the judge did not mention on the witness list or in the courtroom anyone from their insurance company. I was not picked as a juror, although would have loved to hear the case.

I'm not a nurse (yet), I start the program in the fall. However, I have 3 young children. My youngest is 16 months and I gave birth to her med-free (not by choice). The nurse actually delivered her. So, I remember all too well, what it's like to be the "laboring mom" :) That said, cheering was the last thing *I* wanted to hear while pushing through some intense pain. What I really would've preferred were some positive comments, "You're doing great", or reassuring comments, "Everything is going great, baby is almost here". I say that because with my baby, I was SO nervous and scared. Yes, she was my 3rd, but I went from 5-10 in a matter of minutes and the nurses were all running around the room hitting buttons, paging "OB Stat" to my room, setting up the table, etc, etc.. I really just wanted someone to turn to me and tell me everything was fine! I also think that after a mother has her first, it's assumed she knows what she's doing or what to expect. NOT THE CASE! Every labor/delivery is different... completely different. As I'm sure you know, but as the mother, it's an anxious time.

I haven't received your email? I even checked my spam, but there's nothing there either?

Just email me your name so I know who to look for. :-)

Awesome! I just emailed 3 others that I found in the threads too :)

I've created the group on FB. So far, we have mcb, cmac, me and redpanda Labrat, Krisfon and Nikki (go create an account,.. even if it's under an "assumed" name, lol). Am I forgetting anyone? I'm going to go back a few pages to see who else has been on here. My email is (so that you don't have to go back to look for it) : [email protected] After everyone is on, I'll delete these posts (with my email in them)

Sounds good to me. I just have to be out of there by 12:45. Hubby leaves for work at 1. I'm sure that's plenty of time though

Absolutely! Is everyone going to be there at 9am for the uniforms? We could meet up before then?

I could create it. I just need the names to add. My email is " [email protected] " Email me your name and I'll add you in. This Saturday is fine with me :-)

I normally don't like random friend requests, but are any of you on Facebook? We could create a "group" between us so that we could post to each other there? Just an idea... it'd also give us an idea of what each other look like?

How about weekend morning?

The physical exam doesn't say anything about a time frame, so if I were you, I'd call. It seems ridiculous to have to pay for a second exam when you've just had one.

On the first page, it says, "Thursday, April 28th, 2011 @ 10am.... this is a required orientation for admitted new students...." , however, on the second page with the itinerary, it has everything for the 28th, then ... Friday, April 29, 2011 7:45a - 3:00pm Room tba "Other nursing requirement" I'm not sure if that's the make-up day or if we have to attend both days??? You will see it when you get the packet. Hopefully you can get the 28th off.

Absolutely! I am pretty much free anytime. Mornings are better, but if nights work for everyone else, I can arrange a babysitter. Let's definitely get together!!!

Received the info packet today!!!!!!!!!!! Orientation is definitely April 28th. It's an all-day thing. From 9am-3pm. The itinerary is included. We will be ordering uniforms ($40 deposit), advisement, orientation and "other nursing requirements". Call your doctors and make an appointment. They've included a physical exam sheet that needs to be completed and brought with you on April 28th. Also, bring photo id and $50 for CORI check. It also talks about the 'nurse pack' we'll need. It costs $100, but won't be available in the bookstore until August. Hopefully you all receive them today!

Thanks for all of the info! My mail arrives early in the morning (9-10am). I will post as soon as I see anything. Waiting patiently (again, lol).

I'm in Swansea, where are you?

I asked a few nurses which stethoscope was a decent one. I was/am clueless too. With the watch, I knew we needed one for taking pulse,etc and figured that it would be good to get a cheap one just in case anything happens to it. I can't wait to start shopping (even though my bank account disagrees lol) I am so nervous too, but definitely excited. It's going to go by so fast!

Has anyone looked into stethoscopes yet? I've been looking at the Littmann Classic II SE? I found a decent price on it here: http://www.medisave.net/catalog/product/view/id/3268/s/littmann-classic-iise-stethoscope-baby-pink-breast-cancer-edt-2815p/category/26/ I'm probably going to get a cheap-o watch from Target or Kohls. I'm sure it's going to get some *stuff* on it, so I want it to be cheap enough that I don't care about tossing it, lol. This site is great! I'd be walking in absolutely clueless if it weren't for you ladies!!!! Thank you for all of this info, I can't wait to meet all of you!