aquarius04

Thank you for the insight! Your career is definitely what you make of it.

My understanding, from the research I have done is that if you wanted to be an RNFA, as an RN you need to have OR experience. However, if you are a NP, you do not need the OR experience. You would just need to be a licensed NP and complete the RNFA training and pass the certification exam. I think more NPs should strive for this, so it can become more common and familiar, instead of "oh become a PA if you want to be in the OR." I think we should have more opportunities. But everything is dependent on where you live, I guess.

MassRN2008 I'm glad you posted this question. I was wondering the exact same thing. I contacted a local hospital in my area, and I was told it was okay to submit your information prior to certification, due to the credentialing process taking a long time. Good luck!

Your time and knowledge is very much appreciated!

You literally took the words out of my mouth. I am currently going through the transition from student to actual nurse. It really is a shock. I knew passing NCLEX would be a challenge, and finding a job would be difficult. However, I never really calculated the transition of becoming a nurse. Thank you for posting this, it will serve as a reminder that all these uncertainties you have during transition are normal.

I have had days where I feel like I am not thanked, and then I have some moments where patients are genuinely thanking me, but I'm so busy with work that I cannot take it in. It sounds like your job is very difficult. Seeing as your locked into a 2 year contract, I would try to see the silver lining. You have a job, (not saying you do not appreciate that) and though this job is difficult you will come out stronger than when you went in. I agree with The Commuter that you need to keep a professional relationship with the patient. However, I see what you are saying that you want to have somewhat of a connection with your patient beyond, "I will be brining your medication in a one hour". I think this is one of those skills we as new grads will develop with time as we perfect our craft. Good luck, and try to hang in there!

Soo I'm not sure what part of the country you live in, but that could play a part. Do you have a bachelors, associates or diploma? I'm not sure if your trying primarily get a job in the hospital or if you don't mind what facility your in. One of the issues I ran into was either I didn't have my bachelors or I didn't already have a year of nursing experience. I did eventually find a job in a hospital, but it was through a nurse residency program, which I think may be your best bet to get into a hospital. But I'm not exactly sure what your goals are. If I hadn't gotten a job offer for my job, I was going to look at boosting up my application by getting my ACLS and PALS. Also I thought about getting my license in another state (which I am not a fan of). Maybe try some volunteering or like someone else suggested work as an aide or unit secretary to get your foot in the door.

I honestly don't remember how long it took. But I finished August 16thish and got it back a week or two after, b/c I remember I could've taken my boards the first week of Sept. My school had a really good turn around, they put the info into the BON the day we took our finals. So make sure your school put their part of the paperwork in, other wise the BON might just be moving slowly. Also I finished in the summer and I dont think there is that much activity going on for the BON. Hope this helps some

I believe they have their cohort for January already. But you should call to double check if they are taking any more people or when their doing it again.

Not sure if you're still looking for the answer, but LPNs cannot give medication via IV push, give blood products, do initial assessments or teaching. I think that is the main difference between the two.

Just wanted to keep the support going for the Pearson Vue Trick. I took my NCLEX yesterday (9/19). Received the good pop up and verified by calling my boards this morning. I believe in the trick!

I would say try to hit all the major topics and points. If you received a syllabus with the topics I would definitely know the general aspects and depending on how in depth your professor went into in class spend more time on that. Hope this helps. Good luck!

here is a video i found...hopefully it helps

There is always doctors offices, which I think may be a little rare now with medical assistance becoming more popular. You could get a higher degree and become a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner but I do believe you will need floor experience for those programs. I also think nurses can work in lawyer offices, insurance companies and there is home health care which is still patient contact but probably not as overwhelming because its one patient at a time. I just found this list from a college, maybe this can be beneficial http://www.brookhavencollege.edu/pdf/careerctr/Places%20Where%20Nurses%20Can%20Work.pdf

1. Organization is key!! especially when your bouncing from class notes, to lab notes to clinical (and we have a seminar class) 2. Get help as and ask questions no matter how small you think the topic may be 3. Always take initiative to do more and go a further step (see as much as you can during clinical) 4. Try your hardest to review your notes everyday, maybe not all of them, but as much as you can 5. Study groups are good as long as you get something out of it, other wise don't waste your time 6. make time for yourself and family or significant other 7. Follow directs (I really think thats what nursing school is about) 8. Learn to take a nursing test/think critically 9. manage your time wisely, especially fitting in paper work for clinical that needs to be filled out or any research papers 10. Enjoy yourself this is something you have been working for hope this helps! good luck!