rloh961

dtrmnd, that is a great link you posted. Thank you -- what a resource! I only looked at a few floors here and there, and it's hard to tell how busy it actually feels like to work these floors, based on the numbers. But it does seem like staffing ratios in Massachusetts are pretty good, at least at the hospitals. This is a nice surprise. :)

For those of you who are currently working in Massachusetts, how would you say your patient load is on a typical day? Do you feel you are given a manageable number of patients, so you can get your work done within your shift? Or do you feel you're constantly running behind, busy from the time you get there to the time you leave, rarely getting a break and always leaving late? Please don't say specifically where you work, but general information about where in Massachusetts, what type of setting/floor, what shift you work, etc., might be helpful. I'm just wondering what the working conditions are like around here.

Your nurse friend was really great to write all this out, and thanks for sharing it. I can think of a couple nurses who touched my life very deeply; I don't remember their names, and I'm sure I never thanked them adequately enough. Here's hoping I get the chance to pay it forward one day. :)

Thanks, Kenster, for the great and informative post. I did get my stethoscope after doing some research... Did you know Allnurses has a section specifically for discussing 'scopes? It's under the Nurses tab, somewhere down near the bottom. Great for getting info. I chose a Littmann Classic II SE because I couldn't afford a really great one (Littman Cardios), but the Classic is a nice solid workhorse, a little higher-end for the nursing student, but a good mid-pack 'scope for when I'm a real, working nurse. People have complained about stethoscopes.com... Instead, I highly recommend medisave.net. I found a color not listed under McGill's, and they do free engraving. I chose the cheapest delivery option (FedEx home delivery), ordered it Thursday morning, and got it FRIDAY morning. Yes, around 24 hours turn-around time, and it's engraved with my name! Very cool. (They shipped from Connecticut, which is why it was so fast; I did have to be home to sign for it, though.) The cost was lower, but including shipping, it was the same as McGill's.

Yes, a Facebook group sounds good to me as well. Thanks, Joe, for the idea and for setting it up!

Miss Mimi, thanks for the link to the student handbook. Clinical clearance isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. I don't know when the summer tuition payment is due. I can't seem to find my info session folder, but I don't remember that that information was included in there anyway. TLissell, that's exciting that you've made your decision. I'm sure it's a relief just to have decided. Good luck with the housing. If you do end up in Harber Point Apts, you'll have a nice, quick commute to school!

Hey, wow, that's really cool. I heard their CCER space was really new and awesome; can't wait to see it myself. I think they start us out learning basic skills there over the summer, before we start going to actual clinical sites starting in the fall. Ken, I think you're right that there'll be plenty to do before classes actually start. Like, I think we will need some kind of CPR or BLS training/certification. And uniforms/equipment -- I think I'll buy the uniforms through the people doing the fitting (since they know what they're supposed to embroider and all), but I'm gonna look elsewhere for my stethoscope, nursey shoes, watch, etc., because I think I may be able to find better prices. I wonder what 'clinical clearance' involves... For some reason, it sounds almost ominous to me! Anyway, I'm excited to be starting this all! Let's keep in touch; if not here, hopefully someone knows of an online space that will work. Sorry if I'm little miss eager beaver over here. I'm just excited!

Did you guys get the email today about orientation, etc.? Yay, this is starting to feel real! But I'm already feeling the financial bite looking at the costs for uniforms. And stethoscopes -- yikes! Does anyone have any insight about what kind of stethoscope it would be good to get for nursing school?

Can't believe how the number of applicants has jumped over the years. I guess people haven't heard how competitive it is not only to get into nursing school, but to get a job once you graduate.

This is an excellent post. Congrats, Skeen, on landing a great first job -- sounds like it is well deserved! I'm only beginning nursing school, but I've bookmarked this page because I intend to refer to it as I near the end of my program.

Yeah, what honeymist said. I've been reading these boards enough to know it's a tough job market around Boston, which has me anxious because I'm starting an accelerated BSN program and I really do need to get a job once I finish, because 1) I'm eager to start my career as a nurse and 2) I'm gonna need to be able to help support my family and pay off my loans. And though things look grim, it's encouraging to see that some new grads are able to find employment. I get that it's not the kind of market where jobs just fall in your lap. Those who succeed appear to me to be bright, hard working, and very proactive about seeking out those few positions that are out there. Your advice and info about your experiences are extremely helpful!

dtrmnd2sccd, if you don't mind my asking, had you worked as a CNA before starting school? If you only worked while in school, how did you get your CNA cert -- through your coursework/clinical training at school?

Oh yeah, and the woman I spoke to about financial aid said that we should be getting our financial aid award letters in the next 1-2 weeks, assuming we've already submitted our FAFSAs. And also, they will be contacting us about orientation for the program. We don't need to try to schedule one of those Beacon Beginnings orientations through the website or whatever it said in the packet they mailed us.

Congrats, TLissell! I came 'fashionably late' to the Welcome Day, arriving around 2:30 (the day was scheduled to end at 3pm). I figured I didn't need the whole dog and pony show they were rolling out for the high schoolers who will make up their incoming freshman class, but I did want to submit my new student deposit and speak in person with someone about financial aid. If I'd been able to get there earlier, I might have taken the campus tour, but I think those were wrapping up by the time I arrived. So anyway, I accomplished what I set out to accomplish, but can't speak as to the day as a whole, since I pretty much missed it. Interestingly, when I went to the admissions office to turn in my new student form and deposit check, the woman I spoke to was impressed that I was in for accelerated nursing. She actually said, "I thought your name sounded familiar", and went on to explain that they'd only accepted 40 students into the program. So I asked if she knew how many applicants they got, and she told me it was over 700! Holy crow, if I knew those were the odds, I would never have thought I could get in. Now I'm totally amazed that they accepted me!

Congrats, Mama!! I'm glad your wait is finally over -- and with good news!