tmartin83

I took the exam (through AMSN) a while back, and I can definitely say with confidence that their exam is Level 10 in comparison with NCLEX. It was a bit harder IMO. I believe using floor experience would be more valuable. Good luck!

Answering your last question, yes. It was one of the biggest changes I've made as far as rearranging my time management skills. I also worked 3-11, and usually with that shift your 1700 and 2100 medpass are your biggest. Well, with 7-3, you have to get your assessments done by your 0900 meds, and make time for the MDs/residents who like to come in anytime between 0700-1100... Oh, and if you get d/c orders before then, then you gotta factor that in as well. Not trying to scare you; just want to have you prepared for what to expect; because I kinda had to just jump into it. My best advice is to know your pt. as much as possible, as early as possible. Know what tests have to be done that morning; see if they were prepped prior to change of shift (if needed). Get the bulk of your assessments into the computer early, so that you can spread yourself better throughout the shift. You'll be busy, but your shift will be over in the blink of an eye. Good luck :-)!

This recently happened to me (choice between med-surg and endoscopy), and I had to go with the med-surg position. I'm sure some folks would say that I was crazy for that, but given the fact that I've been a med-surg nurse my entire career (only 3 years), and got certified last year, I can truly say that med-surg has grown on me. It's definitely a love-hate relationship, but as the pp said, it'a all about time management. You have your slow days, and you definitely have your fast-paced days. With both paths, you'll be able to venture into other fields easily, but I have noticed that some employers like nurses from corrections. Just my observations, but you'll be fine with either path you choose. Good luck!

Thanks BlueChocolateCat :-) It was painfully obvious, unfortunately. Being on the floor, seeing and hearing nurses bad-mouth the floor, severe staffing issues (on my third day of orientation, THIRD DAY, I was actually pulled to be a CNA with 13 pts on a different floor from where I was orienting, and had no idea where things were, was locked out of their supply/linen room), oh I could go on and on, hahhahah! Having said that, do you think it was a good idea to resign? I just totally felt as if my orientation time was pooped on and there was no lack of concern for it. I mean... it was the worst feeling ever having to constantly ask another nurse I've never met to open the door to the supply room and just overall relying on everyone to do things because I didn't have the access/capabilities to do so. I was totally prepared to burn that bridge, unfortunately. I just never expected to get asked to come back and give it another try. They actually want me to continue orientation tomorrow, so Im prepared to give it another chance. Perhaps this is some test??? Oh yeah, I'm definitely not gonna bring this up at my interview... I'm just hoping and praying they don't ask about it at all...

Hi All; Just wanted to get some insight. I recently sent a resignation letter to my supervisor of my fairly new job (I was only a week into orientation before I decided to quit). I ended up leaving for a large number of reasons, which mainly encompassed "half-a**ed" patient care, compromise of safety, and just an overall negative work environment. I checked my email about a few hours after sending the resignation notice, and I got a response from my manager, basically asking me to stay and give them a chance to work it out and offer any suggestions to make it better (believe me, it's a whooooole lot that needs to be done here). What would you all do? Would you give it a second chance, or just leave? I also have two interviews set up at a more established facilities (which is Magnet), but the only issue is that they are about an hour away from home. The job mentioned above is only 2 miles from my home. Would you go to a better facility that's further out, or try to work it out at a hospital that's close, but has major issues? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I second M/S :-).

This makes me thank sweet baby Jesus that I dont have crappy MDs or residents like this.... Id leave quick, fast, and in a hurry! As first poster stated, you are your patient's advocate, not the doc's butt kisser.

Hi; Im not 100% sure about Kona, but here in Oahu it's highly suggested that you are here and have a physical address before even considering applying (I'm military, so I applied to hospitals here when we were in OK, and never got a call back, lol). The market is so saturated here on the island, but with the new hospital opening up (Queens), I'm assuming that will help, but not much. The nursing programs here, IMHO, are pumping out more new grad RNs than the island needs. I have noticed that a lot of folks from where I work applied there; however, only 1 person even got an offer. It's extremely competitive... I believe on the last job fair some 3k people showed up for only 300 job postings/openings... Good luck!

I really think it varies on the state you're in. When I was in Virginia, it took 2 weeks for me to get my ATT to register to sit for NCLEX. I've heard of people getting their ATTs weeks after, and even 1-2 months. Did you just graduate? Has your degree been conferred?

Residency is not required in order to obtain a license in the state of HI (I know this from experience). I actually graduated from school in VA, but sat for NCLEX in OK. You can sit for NCLEX anywhere in the US. I hope that makes sense :-) Good Luck.

We actually carry workplace iPhones and we are able to call/text interpersonal staff (CNAs, RT, SW, etc.) when we need them, and it's so convenient when you're tied up in a pt room and don't wanna walk around the unit to find help. The system is called Volate. Has all of the standard features a typical iPhone has as well (calculator, medical apps). I guess this is the hospital's method of preventing us from carrying our own cell phones???

My school made us use it. Passed on the first try with 75 ?s.

When I applied for a job here in 2011, it took me 4 months to get a position (however, it wasn't the position I really wanted). Have you gone to sign up for military spouse preference with CPAC? If not, go ahead and do that. Yes, it does take a while, and sometimes, they will even refer you for lower-level positions even if you do have your license (which is a complete bummer :-/). How much experience do you have? The only way I believe you can apply for gov't positions is to go through USAjobs. I actually work for a civilian hospital, and they actually pay more in my opinion than Tripler. If you would like, Tripler does have an American Red cross that you can volunteer with. Check into that.

I don't think you asked too much... Very touchy subject indeed. Although I've only been working for a little less than 2 years now, I can definitely say to stay clear from giving out or hinting at diagnostic results for things like CTs, XRs, and all that good stuff... The only time I'll bring up a lab value is if I go in the room to give blood, hang a K-phos drip or give insulin, or a corrective med, and the family's around. I explain why I'm giving the medication then (usually family will ask what and why I'm giving something anyway...). By that time, the doc has already made rounds and talked to the family in regards to his plan.

I agree with pp in regards to trying to get as much experience as you can on the mainland before you decide to come here. I know it's a hard decision, and I was actually going to stay behind myself where I had a great job, but at the end of the day I couldn't imagine being separated from my husband unless it was for deployment reasons. RNHALL11, I was in the exact same boat as you, and I even worked as a MSA at TAMC for some time. With the closing of St. Francis, it has made the RN job market here a total beast. You either have to have a ton of experience, or know the nurses/nurse managers on the floor who facilitate the hiring. If you want to wait it out here, you can participate in Tripler's Red Cross Volunteer Program. I've also heard that St. Francis will reopen again later on this year or early '14, but under QMC (they are going to place their in-house new-grads in those RN slots first. Those new grads have been waiting at least a year, and have worked as CNAs or have volunteered). Good luck to you as well.