jdubs99

Thank you all for the responses so far. My follow-up question is, aside from what your unit may offer you, what made/makes you want to get your certification? I got mine after 3 years of NICU nursing because that was my goal when I became a new grad; I wanted to prove to myself that I was competent in my discipline and I wanted to commit to the specialty. What about you?

No other incentive, I agree. I'm trying to figure out a solution that would make more people want to get it (other than their own intrinsic motivation to). Thanks for replying!

Thank you, prmenrs. Was the $100 per pay period, per month, etc.? I think our differential is union negotiated as well, but I'm not 100% sure.

Hi all! I am curious how different units incentivize their nurses to obtain a certification in their specialty. Posting in NICU because that is my own specialty, but really curious to hear from all units. My former unit would increase your annual allowance from $500 to $1000 to spend on CEUs, whereas my current unit gives us a small raise once you pass your exam (about $40/pay period or approx 50cents per hour). What does your unit do? How does your staff respond to it? Do many nurses on your floor have their RNC? Thanks in advance! :)

Here is an updated list and link to the NANNP page: Graduate Programs | NANN

Based on my experience/a lot if the new NICU nurses I have worked with, this is totally normal!! I felt super overwhelmed after orientation for six months, and after a year I wasn't terrified of coming to work anymore. It really does get better with time! And don't be afraidto ask questions, your coworkers knkw that you are a new grad and would be more concerned if you WEREN'T asking questions! Hang in there!

"Missing education history" is just a placeholder that they use on the website until your application is actually looked at. "No license information available" just means that you don't have a license yet and they still are processing your application. It took me just over nine weeks to receive my license, from the day my cash was checked (April 10) to the day it appeared on BreEZe (June 15). I called several times and eventually filed a complaint too (on week nine), but I wouldn't advise doing that until you have been able to get someone on the phone and it has been at least 8 weeks. (They say their timeline is "6-8 weeks" after your check is cashed.) I have also read on some BRN documents that April-July is their busiest time of year so that is why they are probably taking an extra long time. Hope this helps... try to be patient!

I finally got my license just now!!! So happy!!!!!!!!! Here is the final breakdown of my licensing timeline: March 3- Requested fingerprint cards from BON. March 25- Received cards March 27- Mailed all application materials, including transcripts/Nursys verification April 10- File noted as open/check cashed on BreEZe system, status "Pending" with "Missing Education History" May 29- BON voice messaging system still notes that they are processing March applications June 3- BON voice system still says they are processing March applications, but noticed "Missing education history" is gone on BreEZe and now status just says "Open". June 5- Called BON to check on status, told that she couldn't tell whether my transcripts were received and that it could be another 4 weeks. June 10- Called BON and was told that they DID have my transcripts, but that it could still take another 3 weeks for the evaluator to get to my file. June 11- Filed complaint with DCA about how long this was taking. Made sure to mention that everyone I spoke with was polite and professional, but that I was still frustrated. June 15h- License processed and posted on BreEZe website!! This was all done using paper fingerprint cards/mailing everything in. Patience is a virtue, and mine sure was tested with this!

Nine weeks now since check cashed. Two calls to BON in the last week- first call (6/5) said they couldn't tell if my transcripts were there, but that it would be "about another 4 weeks" until I get my license. Second call (6/10) said they had everything (including all transcripts) and that I have an assigned evaluator, but that she has "so many applications, it will probably be a few more weeks." I filed a complaint with the DCA yesterday because this timeframe is unacceptable. We'll see what happens. Mostly using this thread to vent my frustrations at this point! Not sure that this info is very helpful to anyone!

Just got through on the phone with the BON. They said that my FBI background check cleared on May 3 but that no one has looked at my transcripts yet. She also said that they are "currently processing applications from Mid-March". However, a girl I know endorsing from Maryland was issued her permanent license yesterday (June 3) and the date that BreEZe has recorded as the day they opened her file is April 2. Fingers crossed I get it soon!!

My timeline so far... endorsing from MD using paper fingerprint cards, no temporary license requested. March 3- Requested fingerprint cards from BON. March 25- Received cards March 27- Mailed all application materials, including transcripts/Nursys verification April 10- File noted as open/check cashed on BreEZe system, status "Pending" with "Missing Education History" May 29- BON voice messaging system still notes that they are processing March applications June 3- BON voice system still says they are processing March applications, but noticed "Missing education history" is gone on BreEZe and now status just says "Open". Lilypad, if you can wait until July 2nd and do the LiveScan fingerprints, you may save yourself a few weeks processing time. That's just my opinion though based on what I've read here.

Based on some things I've read on this website, I know that I'm not, but I just cannot STAND how 12 hour work days consume my life! There is no time to do anything besides work on those days and prepare for the next work day. I would be so much happier if I could switch to 8s or 10s or even some combo of 8 and 12s... I need to be able to exercise and take care of myself in order to be happy at work! Mostly I just needed to rant because I know I can't address this yet as a new grad, but has anyone else felt this way and taken action to get a better schedule? Better hours would make work a billion times better!

Well that's good to know! Thank you!

Thank you for the feedback! Any thoughts about appropriate MSN programs for a CM position?

Hi everyone, I just graduated from a BSN program and passed NCLEX last week (yippee!) and will begin working in a Level III NICU at a large university hospital in mid-July. I am interested in one day becoming a Case Manager, but I feel lost when trying to formulate a plan to get to that point. It seems like all of the positions I've seen require "case management experience", or the case management certification, but how do you get that experience as a new bedside nurse? Especially the CM-certification... don't you need 1-2 years of case management experience before that can happen? How did you get your start in case management? I have been accepted into an MSN program for Leadership and Management... will that be helpful for this position, or should I look into other areas? Any advice is appreciated :)