NurseKitty2013

Yes I need an RN for this particular practicum. To augment my lack of critical care experience, my program is requiring me to do extra clinical hours (120) but it has to be with an RN. Your concerns about programs such as mine that do not secure clinical placement for their students are understandable. While I knew what type of program I signed up for, I did not expect it to be this difficult. At the time, I had to choose between a traditional program with much higher tuition rates and my program with lower rates. Thus far with clinical issues aside, I have been content with my decision. Thank you for responding.

Hello to my fellow colleagues. I am in desperate need of an icu rn preceptor. I am in my second year of an online dual FNP/AGAC NP prgram and now require an icu rn to meet my acute care experience requirement. I have been a nurse for 5 years, all of which has been in the operating room. As such, I do not have the acute care experience and need additional clinical hours to meet that requirement, I have tried everything to find a preceptor with no avail. I come here in hopes that my story may appeal to someone who is willing to help. Please, if you or anyone you know may be interested in precepting me in the South Florida or Miami area please inbox me. If I cannot find clinical placement, I risk losing out on the money spent for this semester and possibly delaying my degree. Thank you all for reading and/or sharing my story.

I still find myself in disbelief at times even now. Its natural. I think we wont really shake that feeling until we are settled and comfortable in our role as "the" nurse which is going to take some time. Good luck!

Onboarding is basically your orientation to the system. Its a 1-2 weeks process where they get all your paperwork and system training together. You will be in a classroom like atmosphere for that time where different speakers will go over the policies and procedures, benefits, history of the system, and any computer training needed. Plan for 8 hours a day of lectures and presentations with breakfast, lunch and breaks in between. I know it sounds intimidating but its really not as bad as it sounds. I Hope that helps. I have been working for the system since July 2013 at Lee and I love it! Congrats!!!!

Thanks. That's awesome! KIDNEYS RULE EVERYTHING! LOL.

Congrats girl!!!!! I'm so glad things are going well for you. What kind of unit is it? By the way I ended up at Lee in the OR.

Hello to everyone. Congratulations to you all on getting accepted. I am interested in applying to USA's Emergency NP dual Fnp-Agacnp track and wanted to know about the application process. A little background about myself.: I graduated December of last year with my Bachelors and started in the OR at a level 2 trauma center July of this year. I would like to begin my DNP process sometime next year; hopefully Fall. I absolutley love being in the OR and hope to someday be a NP-RNFA. I know its early in my career but I really want to get a head start on it now before tuition prices go any higher than they are now. Question: What is the application process like and what are the requirements? Any information will be greatly appreciated

Hey nursingfem07. Did you get my pm or text?

Congrats!!!!!!

Oh wow!!!! Sounds like good news. I hope you get it too. What unit were you interviewed for?

Some of the that was asked were like the one about tell me a time: dealth with a difficult physician and what did you do, witnessed unethical behavior, went above and beyond, and your experiences in the OR...etc. Some of the basic interview questions were: why nursing, what is your 5 year plan, tell us about yourself, will you be relocating to the area....etc. They also asked me some OR specific questions like: what is a circulator, are you prepared to handle the challenges of this specialty, and can you handle the limited patient interaction. The interview at Lee was a panel interview. Each of the systems 4 locations had one or two representatives, either an educator or nurse manager. It was not as bad as I expected it to be. The best tip I can give anyone is to make sure they find someone in that room and make a connection with them; either through consistent eye contact or just a smile here or there. But don't forget to also make eye contact with the rest of the panel. The process at Lee Memorial was different than any of the other interview I attended mainly because this was a specialty and the others were not. Lee Memorial has two internship programs: the OR internship and the Main or MedSurge internship. The OR is only for the OR while the Main internship have other units. I dont know too much about the Main one cuz I was never called back for it. Good luck!

I don't know if your interview will be the same but this is how mine went. First I was interviewed by the recruiter. She started by asking some basic background questions: why nursing, what was your clinical experiences; which clinical was your favorite and why, etc... She then asked some "tell me about a time" sort of questions: when you went above and beyond, witness unethical practice and what did you do, dealt with difficult coworker and how you handled it...etc.Then I was taken to the floor I am interviewing for where the nurse manager and the educator started interviewing me. Same type of questions were asked followed by a clinical scenario...yikes! It wasn't as bad as it sounds. They know I was a new grad so they were only looking to see that I have a basic understanding of prioritization, delegation, time management, following md orders, and how to respond when patient status begins to change. The clinical scenario was read then I was given a copy with some very basic information along with the scenario. The educator then read outload some questions pertaining to the scenario and I was to give an answer. This was all done verbally, nothing was graded or scored. Following that the nurse manager asked me some questions about my educational background: how was your study habits during school, did you study with a group, did you belong to any clubs during school...etc. I applied to the new graduate program that was suppose to start in July and interviewed for a surgical progressive care unit in Winter Park. I did not get that position but ended up getting a perioperative nurse internship with Lee Memorial. Best thing you can do is to remain positive and be courteous. I hope that helps and please excuse me if I have any typos. Lol. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I sent you a pm.

A little about myself: I graduated in December with my Bachelors, got my license in February, and after hundreds of applications and tears I finally landed my first nursing job! Whohoo! I got accepted to a perioperative internship program with Lee Memorial Health System in Ft-Myers. My dilemma: I currently live in Miami and have never been to the Ft-Myers/Cape Coral area and now have to find an apartment in order to be closer to my new job. Questions: Is anyone familiar with the area and can recommend an area that is safe? Any suggestions as to what to do up there to keep my self entertained? If you are familiar with both areas, which do you prefer and why (Ft-Myers vs. Cape Coral)? Thanks in advance!