ChunkyMonkey21

Hi PDXnurse17, I came across your question and although there's a lot about the program I will not be able to answer (I start Fall 2017), I can speak a little as to the admissions process. I wouldn't say I am a new grad but as far as hospital experience goes I have absolutely none. I worked in clinics, labs, and the community setting, for the most part, none of which "count" for many people. One thing that helped me is that I actually applied at the tail end of finishing another MSN in administration... maybe they counted the additional education for something. I think you shouldn't have too much trouble getting in because as I said, I'm pretty inexperienced (and it was actually mentioned a few times in the interview lol) and I was accepted. I think what they're looking for is someone who is passionate about women's health. As long as that comes through you should be fine! Trust me, I did horribly on my interview! I did not feel like I was the best candidate by a long shot... and when I say I did horribly it isn't me just doubting myself, they butchered me! I literally left the interview in tears hahaha I truly believe that my passion came through and that's what got me in. The process overall was pretty standard: 3 short essays, resume, 5 (I think) recommendations (via email, it's basically just a survey that's emailed to the person), transcripts... then just wait for them to contact you and an interview will get set up in person or via video call. By chance I was in town when that email came in so mine was in person, I don't think that had any real effect but I made sure to go in an adorable Duke blue dress... never hurts to look nice, as it's the first impression you give. Um... I think that's about all I can really comment on for now. Aside from that, I'll tell you what my dad always tells me, "Never disqualify yourself from anything. You just take your best shot and let them be the ones to decide whether you're "good enough", you will be pleasantly surprised many times." Wish you all the best! Feel free to contact me, I'll try to answer as best I can. Sorry I couldn't give more info!

Hello! I don't know exactly what the process is as it varies from state to state but here's the link to the Ohio Board of Nursing webpage: State of Ohio Board of Nursing Main Page You should find a set of instructions for internationally educated applicants. If the webpage doesn't have the info you're looking for just call. My understanding is that the Ohio BON may require your credentials to be evaluated (usually through CGFNS) to see if your education and license are up to par with US standards. The rest of the process aside from that is similar to any other nurse applying for licensure. Whether you even qualify depends on the findings of the credential evaluation service, of course. You can actually take the NCLEX in Australia before even moving to the U.S. if there is a Pearson Vue test center there. I am not 100% sure of exactly what process so be sure to use the link provided and talk to someone from the BON. As far as whether you need to be married, I believe marrying a U.S. citizen can expedite the immigration process but overall that is up the the U.S. Dept. of Immigration. You'll have to look up their policy. I hoped this helps you! Good luck!

Agreed that only you can answer whether or not you will like it. But have you ever considered going back to school and obtaining a degree in Health Education? You have to study and have knowledge about illnesses, prevention, procedures, etc. without having the clinical aspect of it. In a lot of cases, health educators work for hospitals, the CDC, and state health departments and teach nurses too! I took a certification course for nurses to be able to administer PPD for the Tuberculin Skin Test, and was amazed to see that the woman giving the course was a health educator and not a nurse! You should research more since the only part about nursing that you're not sure about it the clinical part...

Shrek, I am not going to question you as to your reasons for quitting. What may be a legitimate reason for one person may not be for the next so as far as I'm concerned, you need to do what feels right for you. I understand exactly what you are going through, trust me. But many of these nurses advising you understand too. I know you're feeling discouraged and attacked and I can see why, some responses are harsh BUT it does not make the advice any less true just because you are not a fan of the delivery. Yes, job hopping may look bad and some employers will be critiquing just as harshly as some of your fellow nurses did. That's just a part of life! People do not know you or your situation personally we have to go based on the shallow information we have. In the case of future employment, that information will be your resume. It honestly does look suspicious, especially because they had to find out about your quitting through a background check. Put yourself in their shoes: a company (because, afterall, hospitals are corporations) has to choose between two competent RNs with fairly similar backgrounds. The only difference is that one has had steady employment and the other has had 2 jobs that lasted less than a year. Who would you honestly invest in for the betterment of your company? With that being said, do not quit if this is what you want to do!! You're young and have time to learn and bounce back from these things! But you need to be the driving force in dusting yourself off, growing rhino skin (meaning THICK), and hitting the ground running. I know that you are feeling a bit attacked; I want to apologize on behalf of myself and everyone that may have offended you, I assure you that was nobody's intention on this forum. I wish you well in your career, whatever you choose. I believe that everyone is capable of being extraordinary at anything they are willing to bust their little butts for, and you, Honey, are no exception to that. Hugs!

That paragraph just seemed a little out of place because it didn't necessarily draw a parallel between nursing and songwriting. If you just tweak it a little bit to show relevant similarities of the two the paragraph won't seem so out of place.

I agree with Esme12, the Taylor Swift part is awkward and honestly a bit of a turn off. Otherwise I think you did a great job!

Hi phosphorus, I'm sorry I have no information in the nurse-patient ratio. There are programs here for NP but the only place that I know of them practicing is in the VA. As far as the boards go, it can be taken in Spanish and English - no problem there. Puerto Rico does not endorse any other state's license so your nursing status anywhere else won't matter you still have to pass the PR "revalida". Just about anything official in PR (driver's license, taxes, ect.) will have an English and Spanish version so you should not have a problem there but the primary language is Spanish so it would be extremely helpful for an easier transition. Everyone is trying to get into VA. It's government so the benefits are great and the pay is to par with that of the states. Otherwise, working for a 'civilian' hospital you'd probably do much more work and get paid much less. You can definitely survive off of what you're getting paid because, in my opinion, many things in PR are cheaper. The one exception that I've found has been groceries; they're so expensive it's ridiculous! Also, it would be better to not live in San Juan because, as with any big city, it's more expensive. Living in the metro area would be cheaper and it's not a bad commute to SJ if that's where you work. Your options for work are not as limited as you would think. Yes, you need to speak Spanish to communicate with co-workers and patients but most people will not care if you speak "broken" Spanish so long as you can get your point across. I would suggest that if you cannot get a job at the VA that you do look for jobs in San Juan tourist areas. Your English skills could actually serve as an asset to the hospital as there are many tourists that do not speak spanish that need medical attention. Also, because hospitals in PR are JCAHO accredited all doctors must write their notes in English. There are no rules against nurses writing their notes in English so you can if you choose to. That may make nurse-nurse communication a little difficult if they cannot read English though. If you would like any more info don't hesitate to ask me! I am only a nursing student in PR at the moment but I will try to answer everything to the best of my knowledge and I could ask my mother about more nurse specific questions for you (she's an RN here). Also, if you have any non-nursing questions about PR I'd be happy to answer those too! I was raised in the states to PR parents and moved to PR after high school with really suck-ish Spanish so I understand the fear you may have of coming here with English as a dominant language. For more information the PR BON website or the 'Colegio de Profesionales de la Enfermeria de Puerto Rico' is http://www.cpepr.org For a list of hospitals in PR go to Asociación de Hospitales de PR

I understand the way you feel, sweetheart. I'm sure everyone has had their doubts no matter what career they are pursuing. I am not a nurse yet but I am in nursing school and my mother was a nurse so she's my "go-to gal" whenever I get unsure of myself. Nursing has a ton of great benefits but I've always like to think that you will do fine and love your job if you consider the greatest benefit to be the satisfaction you get when you help out a patient. Ever since I was a little girl I was around hospitals and loved it! Growing up I used to visit my mother at work and talk everyone, hold their hands, read with them... basically just be their for them. If you feel like this too I am sure you will do great! Don't doubt yourself or your abilities. As far as the nursing field being terrible, according to my mother, it's not. But of course you always have patients that will work your last nerve and families that expect preference for their loved one. But that's normal in ANY career to have customers that feel entitled to things. In a hospital setting, of course, it's completely understandable because of the serious nature and the emotions people have. Families and patients just don't know how to direct their frustrations sometimes. My advice: grow thicker skin if you don't have it because eventually you will encounter someone who will treat you like trash! It's happened to me a bunch and I'm only a volunteer! People who hate their job are most definitely more vocal about it! What you read on the internet is not necessarily a fair representation of how most nurses feel about their jobs. Overall, you gotta take the good with the bad. There will be days when you'll be wiping asses and cleaning vomit (which I've done) and days when you will have the extra time to really connect with you patients. Nursing is not a glamourous job by any means but it does has its rewards. Your personal satisfaction is the most important thing to consider when wondering if you will like it. Sounds like maybe you just need a stronger support system, in which case, we here at AN are here for you!! I'm rooting for you, honey! Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide is best for you.