fmiller007

I thought about ANA, but have recently heard very disheartening stuff about how they supposedly "arent the organization they used to be". what gives?

Perfect

In general, how many years of experience does one need as an RN, to get out of that dreadful designation of "New Grad", and into a level of comfortably being considered a good prospect as a competitive candidate?

I am having the hardest time trying to get the hospital nomenclature and just general outline of the different hospital units and what they all entail. Every single place has different and/or multiple names for the same area, and some are merged with others. Does someone have a link for THE most comprehensive and best definitive way for breaking these areas down so a newb like me to better understand the proper functions of the hospital and who goes where? Even Wikipedia has done a very half-orificed way of showcasing and discussing the different hospital departments.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hospital_departments

Thanks Do-Over. And apparently a step-down unit is an area of the ICU where patients whom dont need as much care, but more than others areas of the hospital-- typically go. So why not just call it a special area of the ICU? All of this hospital nomenclature is absolutely confusing and thoroughly unnecessary. Matter of fact-- I think that will be my next post.

You have to work two years before gaining a certification in any type of nursing specialty? I've never heard of this before. Can anyone confirm if this is really true? According to a large number of posters here whom were once new grads-- they completed their certifications right out of RN school!

Just now trying to familiarize myself with all the areas of a hospital and ran across this term. Meaning? And when people say "work the floor", what are they referring to? Thanks

FOUND IT!: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing_credentials_and_certifications Yes-- I know it is Wikipedia, but at least the list is EXTREMELY comprehensive. One of the most comprehensive I've seen online anywhere.

thank you for your post.

Thank you ErinS! Excellent post. About the highlighted portion, what suppose do you think would look better if someone were a newly graduate but due to the market being tight-- couldnt grab hold of a RN job as soon as they liked. Is there something a step up from a CNA that would fare just a BIT better on a resume? Thanks

Well, i was just wondering how anyone new to nursing would find out about the different things they can do with being a RN. The general category of what these things even are, would be just as helpful. (For instance-- are they called specializations, or courses or what?)

Everytime I take a gander at a post in this forum, every post is filled with acronyms: ALS BLS ACLS etc etc etc And while a simple google search reveals what each one is-- where can I find more information on these different specialization/courses, and which one would be the most prospective to me as a future nurse. Sorry-- I just got into the Nursing program at my school, and dont know much.

Hi, I plan on relocating as soon as I graduate with my BSN from St. Louis, MO. Just wanted to know what are some tips on those stand-out "WOW" factors that would at the very least put you in the running for a potential candidate? I realize that while being a new RN grad, you wont be able to command much from anyone, so at the very least would signing up for a CNA or PCT job at any pay, and pretty much at any place (nursing home) whatsoever be one of the best options to consider? I figure that with me already beginning to work as a CNA/PCT for 3 years until I graduate as an RN, and still being willing to work the humble minimum-wage entry-level jobs would be the best tactic for someone for someone whom already went through the schooling and has the experience on top of it.

Hi. I currently am completing my Gen Ed's for admission into the nursing program in order to complete my BSN (Bachelors of Science Nursing). My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA-- and was told that 2 years of work in the ICU was required ontop of the BSN in order to get admission into your Master's for this. I was wondering if there was a way I could complete my two years BEFORE my BSN-- so that way-- when I graduate I wont have to wait two years just to be admitted, and can go straight into obtaining my Masters. Is this possible? Do the two years need to be two years of EMPLOYED work or can it just be volunteer? I have signed up for jobs at my local hospitals going on 2 years for every entry-level position IMAGINABLE, and hadnt recieved a SINGLE CALL BACK! What's a good way of entering in this job industry?

bump!