naturalome

2nd to marcus uniforms- the store location. Its not in the safest neighborhood but lots of selection for a great price. I'll let out my secret...Biddles scrub shop. Best prices on grey's anatomy sets (& other barco brands). Take an extra 10% for using a code, & free shipping for spending over $75.

I also have harrington rods, almost 3/4 of spine is fused. Im a recent graduate RN, and it has not caused any issues with the hiring process. My spinal fusion hasnt caused any issues in my life but I know that lifting/pushing/pulling 50lbs could hurt my hardware--and that could result in lifechanging consequences. That being said, even when I was a cna, I learned that if I told a potential employeer that I couldn't lift 50lbs, they would ask why, I would state my answer and they would tell me that it was a requirement to be employed- hence no employment. So, I accepted the fact, that it was in my best interest to elimate any extra details of my personal health to employers, and I accepted cna work that didnt require back breaking work. Now, this is also applies to my RN degree. I had no issues with the health screening for nursing school--Dr.s know someone with a fusion should be careful with their back & so should you. Almost, all RN jobs will state that you are able to do the required physical work..but how often does an RN have to do that?--its a technicalalty& if a situation were to come up in the work place, I have said, "yeah I can help, but Im not very strong"--im 5'1 and &110 lbs, so most people assume I cant really carry that kind of weight, weather I had a spinal fusion or not. Please, be very careful with your back--I know a RN who messed up her back(with rods) and it has changed her life forever--very sad story. PM- if youd like.

I know a lot of nurses may perfer a hospital setting, and it does provide " a well rounded experience". Although, I would take a clinic job, in a heart beat. Thats my dream job, I just like the office enviroment more. I think you should apply everywhere in this economy & be very thankful if you can land a job somewhere. & When you do get a job, you can always keep your eyes open for something better.

toydemon- that was nicely worded. I have figured it out, I really need to look out for myself & be my own advocate. To top it off, cooprate office told me which location to go to for full time hours. Then when I was filling out paperwork at orientation, I was told "your not fulltime" --more failure to commuinicate. So no benifits right now, & they told me to "hang in there, hours will come up, we have a girl whos leaving us". I wish I could run but I need the money. Hera- no they dont offer a uniform allowance. Although that would be nice.

Thanx...tiffanygn. I wanted to know if a specific scrub color was neccessary but you answered it--color of our choice.

This is random, & maybe I'll get a reply... After, over 50 applications, and 3 interviews( different places), I finally got 1 job offer to a LTC facility--Extendicare. I know it's a national company...So does anyone know what the dress code is for RNs?? The reason Im asking is so I can pull a few things together before I start. I dont the info. yet because so far its been kinda mess with the company. Now, I cant "complain" because Im very lucky to have a job offer but If the economy wasnt so bad, there have been signs that have told me to run. 1- the day of the interview, they tried to sell me the job -not trying to sell myself, & was unoffically offered the job on the spot--"heres your paperwork for the drug test. 2- 2 weeks later no offical word yet & when I called, they said"oh sorry, there was a failure to commuicate, do you offically want the job? 3- I was suppose to start orientation but some1 had the flu so it was cancelled..now I have to wait untill the 30th of nov.--so thats why Im not calling to asking about this, they probualy dont even know who I am...lol Thanx guys!!

So, is LTC stress more about time management stress with meds and charting? Heres more about myself: Bad with time management I cant make critical/acute care decisions on my own, I still need to bounce ideas of other nurses... Slow learner/not fast thinker I like routine& repeative duties&stable patients. Some of these qualities are " just me" & im sure some if its due to lack of experience. Since all RN jobs are stressful, i was just looking for adivse on my niche...thanx for the comments thus far.

I wasnt sure where to post this ( career advise, 1st year rn,ltc etc.) but anyways... Im a RN new grad who has some job offers & Im not sure what career direction I should go, any advise? I had an interview at a LTC place & was offered a job...I also have another interview this week for a new grad program on a Oncology unit. ( which I might not even get but Im preparing my self) Ok, I tried to the pros & cons and my Head tells me to take the hospital job because of the" first year experience" & its almost impossible to get a job as a new grad right now & I like oncology. But I dont think the hospital is right for me...clinicals were very stressful& i didnt like the "acuity" factor since I become scattered brained under pressure and Im not a fast thinker.(I know this & its been pointed out to me) So, is LTC right for me, instead? I like to pass meds, I like routine & repeative work. But my head tells me that I can never get back my first year of "acute care experience/new grad program at the hospital". And, I have a gut feeling that Im not cut out for that kind of stress....would I do better with LTC stress? I dont know because my clinicals were only in a hospital setting, Please Help! Thanx you guys!

Wow, it sounds like you have an advantage to work there ( since you know them). This is so funny, I also had an interview at peds office as a new grad. Did they tell you home much a rn at the office makes? Im debating clinc,ltc or hospital....hmmm.

New grad positions? Times have changed. I just talked to nurse recruiter and she said since it was a competive market that I should only apply for med surg positions that dont require any experience...i asked if there was any and she told me to keep checking ( not at this time) but the kicker was...i cant even work as a CNA to get my foot in the door at that hospital--its too much liablity for the hospital for me to work as a cna with a RN license. Talk about a double-edge sword. So, hospital new grad jobs are far and few. Other avenues are the only opertoonites.

Aubrey...I just talked to a nurse recruiter and she told me that she cant hire a RN as a CNA for liablity reasons...so theres goes that idea for us....but Im not sure if thats applies to a RN working as a LPN--Im still going to apply to those jobs. I agree with the volunteer opertoonities..this is what a hospital volunteer basicly said" you can volunteer to improve your interpersonal skills, but it wont actually count as RN experince for your resume ( cant perform skills) & she actually suggested I make sure to gain experience through paid work and not waste my time.....im sure you knew that, like you stated. The only volunteer work that might be a good idea is if working side by side a nurse ( like 1 time oppertoonity & make small talk to gain an "in") but I wouldnt waste too much of your time. Im glad we have this forum to support each other!

Aubrey, Im in the same boat..Ive applied to about 40 positions so far, and no luck...yet. I also live in a very competive city. Basicly, I still apply at hospital oppertoonities--but lets face it, there not hiring new grads. I know you said you applied at LTC& prisons etc, which opens up more oppertoonites but you might want to try what Im doing...opt for a lower position. Even though I have an RN degree, Im now applying for LPN and MA positions.--try to take what you can get in the medical field. Hopefully, Ill hear something back by trying that approach but if that doesnt work...I'll apply for CNA jobs---I need some kind of income, & thats always a for sure thing that lets you stay in the medical field. Its a hard pill to swallow & im bitter about it, but any job is a job, right now!

This is random but if any current or soon to be MATC students want my used scrub tops, you can have them for free. I remember them not being cheap& you have to pay for the patch etc. I have 2, size small.

Thankyou for posting this, Im very desperate. To those that contacted the recruiters....did you write them a message & send them your cover letter? I want to make sure I approach them the correct way & make the right impression.

Response to the NCLEX pass rate....I think its 85% ( thats what an instructor told me, but my memory could be wrong). The nursing instuctors know what % pass nclex and average # of ?s a student gets on the exam( about 135 or so...it can range 75-250)...I know my numbers may be a little off. I passed with 75?s on the first try & it not as hard as people hype it up. That being said....the number of people that passed in my graduation class, was small. Considering who we started out with, a lot of people get weeded out. I would recommend some classes are great online & some should never be offered online....and some teachers are great & some are really bad. Talk to others!