Bre90

Hello, I'm a graduate of the U of C and currently working in NICU. The U of C's program has changed significantly since I graduated so I can't say for sure what it is like anymore. I have heard that Mount Royal offers some specific classes in neonatal nursing. I believe you can take them as options during your undergrad.

Hello, I am an RN in Canada, and over the summer while on vacation in northern Canada, I started thinking about nursing up north. I became aware that a number of small towns and villages in the north lack easy access, often only by plane. Here is my question. Do you think an RN (or possibly an NP) with a pilot's licence would be a valuable asset in the north? For example the nurse could fly into the communities and provide care, such as immunizations etc. How likely would getting this sort of position be? I would like to hear from nurses with experience in the north (not necessarily just the Canadian north), but any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

As a very biased native Calgarian, I would definitely say Calgary is the better city.

I interviewed with the manager of the unit where I did my final placement while I was still a student and was offered a position there starting after my graduation. I brought a hard copy of my resume and spoke to the manager. We did an informal interview during one of my clinical days and he spoke to my preceptor.

Hello, I'm a recent grad of the nursing program at the U of C. To answer some of your questions: I've heard this as well. All I can say is that I did find myself frustrated with some aspects of the U of C's program, specifically the lack of organization and a number of the classes offered. That being said, the program has changed drastically since the year I began and may be improved. I believe, however, that class sizes are generally smaller at the university (A colleague told me her year had about 300 students at MRU, we had only about 170). If I was to start all over again, I would probably seriously consider the MRU program. I really can't tell you for sure why this belief exists. I think part of it may be because MRU only became a university within the last couple of years, previously it was Mount Royal College. It also offers different programs, a number of which, I think, are more trade/profession based and less "academic". Personally I think this comes more from the attitudes of some U of C students, and I haven't heard anything substantial or concrete to account for this. I don't know about MRU students having a higher chance of being hired, but I have heard that more MRU students pass the CRNE (Canadian Registered Nurse Exam) on the first try than U of C students. I was hired on the unit where I did my final focus immediately after graduation. (I did my interview with the manager prior to finishing my final focus). However, I was hired into a casual position, not a part time or full time position. This is quite common, and you can continue to apply for a "line" (either part time or full time) while working as a casual. Of course, it is difficult to predict what the job market will be like in 2018, it can change so quickly. Who knows what will happen between now and 2018? Generally, nurses are always needed and I have heard that a great deal are expected to be retiring in the next few years. Interestingly, I have not heard a single thing about the midwifery program. I think you will have to decide where your interests lie in order to decide which route would best suit you. I suggest you visit both websites and campuses and learn about what each can offer. Attend the open houses (U of C is having one Nov. 3rd I believe) and talk to staff and current students. Create a list of questions that you would like to ask in order to help you make your decision. It also may help to learn about other services/supports each school provides, as well as what social activities are available, such as clubs. Good luck with your applications and making your decision!

Thank you for the advice Linda! The manager is checking my references and he said he'll pull me from the floor during a shift in two weeks to have an interview. I'm so nervous and excited!

Hello all, I've been a member of Allnurses for a while now, but this is my first post. I'm a nursing student in my final year, only three weeks left! I'm currently doing my final placement in a level 3 NICU in a large city, and I am applying to work there as an RN. I was just wondering, what types of questions might I be asked during an interview? I want to be as prepared as possible because I really want this job. Thanks in advance, Bre

During one of my rotations (a vascular surgery unit) I was partnered with one of the RNs and she was doing meds for my patient. I can't remember the exact dose, but he was on a beta blocker and it came in a prefilled syringe from pharmacy. I noticed that it was 10 times the prescribed dose. She hadn't noticed, just assumed it was right because it was prefilled. I pointed it out and she called the pharmacy. They asked her to write out a report and send it down to them, so, no harm done.