nsgstudentjen

I don't have a story per se, but I think it is getting better. I received my BSN in Dec 2005, RN in March 2006, and been working 6 months now (4 off preceptorship) on a progressive care unit. We titrate gtts, have vented pts, etc. As well as post-op, etc. I like the variety, but have many days I feel dumb. I think it is getting better, baby steps... I have had many nice comments from families on how I helped them through a tough dx, or gave support to their family. I feel good about myself knowing that although I am still a newbie in the skills department, my ability to deal with tough emotional situations and talk to almost anyone is something that many other RN's or MD's can't.

lip balm (it is sooo dry on our unit) sharpie yellow highlighter red pen (noting orders) black pen pen light calipers other pocket: steth (around your neck actually breaksdown the steth over time) alcohol wipes saline and syringes to flush IV's.

Thank you for this post. I too graduated in Dec from an accelerated BSN (first degree in Psych). I am on a step-down/Tele floor and my orientation is wrapping up (started last week in March). Do I feel ready to be on my own? No way. However, I told my manager recently I don't think I will ever feel "ready". It's my own low confidence as well as the acuity of our patients. I still get knots in my stomach when I go to work but usually once I greet my patients and see why I am there, I feel better. I know it will get worse before it gets better, but I know I am not alone!

I had 75 and passed. Several of my classmates had 75 and passed, HOWEVER, several had 80, 90, 115 and passed.

Honestly, we can all sit here and guess, but it is just that - a guess. Myself and two of my classmates took the exam in CA on March 1. On March 3, my license and one of my friend's were posted. My other classmate's license number was not posted until March 9. I don't know the full story - her transcripts may not have made it to the BON yet, etc. I just wanted you to know that it doesn't mean you failed, you just have to keep checking the website and make sure all your paperwork and offical transcripts have been sent.

Hi there Suzanne answered your question pretty well. I just wanted to add that myself and most of my classmates took our exam about 6-8 weeks after graduation. We graduated in Dec, and many of us didn't study over the holidays, so that was part of it. I also did an accel BSN in CA - at CSULB. Where are you going, if you don't mind me asking?

I think new grads can work just fine in the ICU. Many of my classmates went to work in these settings. I, on the other hand, prefer to work in a step down unit because I don't feel 100% comfortable yet. I also did an accclerated BSN, and have to say although SOME of my classmates are truly not ready to take on a fast paced environment, I think, my previous degree and years of work experience make me a better RN than a 21 year old with little to no real world experience. I know how to work as a team with my co-workers, and take iniative, where many younger nurses do not (I am 29) Ok, off my soap box, sorry, carry on...:offtopic:

Although I can't help you on how to handle this situation, I wanted to add my 2 cents from my view point. I am a new grad, and I am shocked to see someone behave like this! I don't think the situation was that hard to figure out, honestly. You sound like you clearly explained what had transpired in the time she was gone, and she at that point should have sprung into action. If you can't think quickly, you don't belong in the ICU (just my honest opinion). It wasn't a overly technical and complicated thing she needed to do at that point in time, I don't see why she couldn't handle it.

Hi there, I do not work in either place, but my nursing school classmates did clinicals at both places, and LOVEd CHOC. Pay will vary from hospital to hospital. I think CHOC is lower than other hospitals, about $22.00/hr I think. Word of advice, start the licensure process sooner than later for CA. You have to apply for an "interim permit" in CA to work. Just FYI. Best of luck!

I took NCLEX on March 1 and my license were posted March 3. However, not seeing it means nothing - yet. Are you sure they have your official transcripts? My classmate took it March 1 and it was not posted until March 9, due to paperwork issues. If you haven't heard by now, call the BRN. I am assuming you meant you took it this year, 2006, right?

Hi There, I live in Hermosa Beach. I did a preceptorship at Torrance Memorial Hospital. If you live in Torrance or North Redondo Beach, you will certainly save money in rent! Our one bedroom here right near the beach is $1350/mo. I was going to work at TMMC - new grad pay is $27.00/hr. Great hospital, I am moving north due to my significant other's job, so that is why I did not accept a position. Good Luck

I recommend www.craigslist.com for roomates. I have found apts and roomates that way. As for CA, well, it's beautiful, but not forever. I want a yard and I don't want to spend my life in the car getting to work, you know? Good Luck to you

Hello, I just completed an accelerated BSN program this past Dec. My class of 36 students (32 by graduation) were only the second group to go through my universities program, so we were sort of "guinea pigs" so to speak. My best words of advice, that were always said to us - "be flexible!". Our classes were in 6 week blocks. So it seemed that things changed rapidly, and sometimes a new class would begin, and they didn't have an instructor yet :uhoh21:. We would be freaking out, but it would always work out. Are you going to be working? I would strongly advise against it. We were not really allowed to work, and I felt badly for those that had children. I don't know how they did it. I think you just have to get a good nights sleep when you can, organize your paperwork/notes the best you are able to, attend all classes, and form a study group ASAP. Since these programs are small, I made friends quickly - we were all a family by the end. I found two women that I carpooled to class and clinical with and then I studied with them about once a week. You have to read EVERY day. It is impossible to do all your reading, but just stay on top of it the best you can. Then you won't feel like you are drowning. I don't know if this helps, but it's hard to say w/o knowing your program. We just expected the worst, but hoped for the best. Good friends and Starbucks got me through! Good Luck, Jen

Hi, I took my exam in CA, no doseage calcs here. Oh, and It took me three business days to get my results posted online.

Congratulations! I just found out this morning as well! Whooo-Hooo :balloons: