troop949

Yes, it is. Congratulations to you!

So much of the exam is based on your ability to prioritize, so I HIGHLY recommend going through the questions in the Prioritization, Delegation, and Assessment book. This is a hard copy, and I'm not sure if the questions have been transferred to an electronic format, so my apologies. However, I did almost every single question in the book before I took NCLEX and I feel it helped me to get a better sense of how to prioritize in nursing situations. The content in some of the questions was informative, too....they dealt with situations I hadn't really come across in school or in clinical situations. Good luck! NCLEX is challenging, but it's honestly far less scary than we make it out to be. Don't psych yourself out, be confident, you CAN do this!

LOL klone, good strategy! I'm really looking forward to my role in administering immunizations - that's one of my public health passions. I'm a huge advocate for immunizations and primary prevention of diseases. The STI role will be a bit new for me, but it will be so fulfilling to be able to have an influence on the reduction of STI rates in Georgia. We kind of scrape the bottom of the barrel in that area. *sigh* *And forgive me, I really should have said "STIs" and not "STDs" in my previous post. I know better!

I've been hired on for a county PHN position, but I haven't actually started yet, scoope23. However, I am excited about the opportunity! I will be starting out as the immunization nurse for this particular clinic, then I will be cross-trained on STD treatment/management. As far as other opportunities for an RN/MPH, during my job search, I've found it to be hit-or-miss. I really think it depends on the area of the country you're living/working in, though. I'm in the metro Atlanta area, and the only RN/MPH positions I've seen are for hospital infection prevention - which would be great, but you need at least 2 years of infection control experience for the positions. Even at the state PH department or Federal (CDC) level, I haven't seen many opportunities in my geographic region; the ones I *have* seen require extensive nursing experience (which I can understand). However, I've seen more job postings for RN/MPHs in the Northeast/New England regions. Honestly, I think most employers aren't quite sure what to do with someone who is a nurse with an MPH....they either want you to JUST be a nurse, or JUST be an epidemiologist! PH nursing is, I think, the best specialty to make use of both of your skillsets.

Interviewed for a position as a county public health nurse last week, which went well. I have decided that public/community health nursing is, in fact, what I want to do. Hospital nursing is great, but it's not the best fit for me.

Original poster here...I received an email that I was not selected (for a med-surg position), but such is life. I'm more interested in public health nursing anyway. I did find it amusing that I was apparently good enough to get into grad school at Emory back in 2000, but not good enough for the nurse residency program. I wish the best to those of you still in the running, so to speak!

Thanks for the update itrust, and good luck to you!

I'm hoping to start as a PHN fresh out of school. Public health is my passion, and I just don't think I'd be as fulfilled in an acute care position. I learned to ignore those few discouraging voices, and am pushing toward my goal. Good luck!

Nothing for me, either.

Yes, I do. I hope you are able to get your GA license in time, but I would think that Emory would try to accommodate you since this type of thing probably happens frequently. Good luck!

I will be a December graduate.

I am in my final few months of nursing school (2nd degree/career changer/"oldie but goodie" here). While there are a few of my classmates who are dead-set on one of the common new grad "glamour" specialties, most of us will take whatever we can get. Making a broad statement that new grads are only seeking work in the acute care setting is painting us with quite a broad brush. And, I don't know how it works at other schools, but all of my instructors have been practically ordering us to get "one or two years of acute care/med-surg experience" right after graduation, before seeking out specialties or other work in non-acute settings. So, even those students (like myself) who would rather start their careers in a non-acute setting are being strongly discouraged from applying to positions outside of the hospital. Also, as I'm sure many of you have encountered, the pickings are slim for new grads anyway....many non-hospital jobs here in Atlanta won't even sniff at a new grad without some hospital experience under their belt. I swear, the question of how a new nurse can get a job is even more of a riddle than whether the chicken or the egg came first, LOL.

I don't have any advice, but I wish you the best! Which CHOA facility are you interested in?

I did, the first time I tried to search for it. It took me a couple of tries, but it actually does exist under that Job ID#. I apologize that I can't remember exactly what I tried to get to the posting...if it helps, though, the Job Title is " Resident Nurse, 2014 New Grad Residency Program".

Yup, I don't expect much action for awhile, but please post back here if you find out any news!

Anyone? Anyone?? Bueller? LOL

Not to sound snarky, but wouldn't everybody like to work less, make more, and feel more valued in the workplace? While I understand what point you're getting at, I don't think there's a magic specialty that will pay big bucks with minimal hours. I think if you're skilled enough, no matter what your profession, you can earn more income. But you may have to be creative/an innovator, and show your employer that you are worth the $. Or, just bypass all that red tape and go into business on your own!

bumping for replies

Hi all, Emory's New Grad Residency Program has begun accepting applications for their March 2014 cohort. Use this topic to post any updates or information about your experience with the application process. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks Hoozdo! I will definitely consider applying to some positions. And I don't mind the fact that research nursing isn't exactly fast paced, but thanks for the warning, LOL.

I'm glad you were offered a position, but it is a tough decision you have to make. However, keep in mind that it could be a wonderful learning experience, and that there may be many positives to the position that you aren't aware of. However, you have to do what's best for you and your situation. If you do decline, I think it would be best to call the director to give her your answer. I think it is more personable. And, it sounds like she would be very understanding.

Another OWL checking in! I'm in a similar situation, but what's keeping me motivated is FINISHING what I started! I'm excited to finally be done with school (LOL), but also excited about the "next step". Yes, that first year after licensure is allegedly no picnic, but us OWLs have clearly already seen tough times before, right? Like others have said, my student loan debt is looming, and my husband is probably tired of me not working (accelerated program + two preschoolers = no time to work during school), and I'm nervous about finding that first job, but these are the moments that define who we are. It is truly a leap of faith, and by maintaining a belief in a higher power, and with the support of family and friends cheering you along the way, you WILL do this. We all will finish this. And I'm biased, I think we OWLs will be fantastic nurses. Life experience is our best asset!

Like you, I spent several years in a previous career. I did add those previous work experiences to my resume, but tried to focus on my organizational skills, leadership, and attention to detail in those jobs. Those can be thought of as transferable skills, IMO. BTW, I also added very brief notations of my clinicals: specialty, facility, total clinical hours, and month/date. Some don't add it to their resume, but I did. I haven't yet had my practicum, but I plan to focus on that on my resume when it's completed.

My "advice" may not be very useful, as I'm still a student, but I think the peds home health position sounds like a great opportunity. I agree with the PP about the restrictions of the residency program; it would be worth it to get clarification on that issue. Then you would be able to make a more informed decision. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide!

I agree with klone, I think any concentration would be applicable. I have an MPH with an epidemiology concentration (infectious disease), and although I'm finishing up nursing school, I can already see how elements of that degree apply to renursing. Even biostatistics can apply to nursing, especially if one is interested in nursing research! One question, though; did you have any choice as to where you were "placed" in your MPH program, or were you able to choose your area of concentration? Back when I was in my master's program, we had to specify our area of concentration. Just curious.