Annachu512

I'm currently a float pool nurse and while I've enjoyed the working on many units, I'm missing having a home. I have been interested in the ER for awhile so I took the plunge and applied today! I got a call from an ANM within an hour for an interview. While I'm excited, this makes me nervous. They're hurting that bad for help and I'm heading for a war zone (which I'm sure ERs are anyway!).. What are others experiences making the leap to ER from acute care? Constantly short staffed??

I did the assessment Friday Dec 30th and still waiting for a call :/ I did apply for another position in the area and got that assessment request today. I only had to log on and not retake the assessment since I had already passed one. Now hopefully I just get some kind of call soon. I have never had contact with a recruiter or anything. Anyone that got called for an interview - how long after your assessment did you receive a call??

The wait is excruciating...anyone hear anything yet?

I've applied to 155! The wait is going to be horrible and I know I don't shine compared to some...I can only hope my passion was felt in my essay!

I am in the process of applying to a few FNP programs. I'm worried though; are there too many being processed out into the market? It seems like so many nurses are seeking those advanced degrees.. I'm worried about finding a job after I obtain that degree. Is is there a speciality route I should work while obtaining the FNP? I'm on year two and have worked progressive care/ tele since becoming a nurse. Should I consider a move to ER or ICU? Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

Did you ever take the job? I was offered an interview at Northside as well however it comes right after I will be starting at L&D at Kennestone. While Northside would be a fantastic opportunity, I just don't know if I could make such a nasty move right after starting elsewhere.

Both of my interviews were very different. One was pretty formal with all of the typical interview questions (strengths, weaknesses, etc.) while the other ones was a little more informal. I treated both the same though. Presented myself as professional and sat up straight while I answered. Always be ready for the strenths and weaknesses question..these managers LOOOVE that question. Overall be presentable, confident, and appreciate the opportunity to be interviewing there. You'll do great!

Yes, please keep us updated, I'd love to know! I just accepted a L&D position myself and was fortunate for it to be in the same system. That does make it easier to get hired; less paperwork! Our system just aquired 5 more local hospitals in the Atlanta area so there will be even more opportunity if I want to become a charge nurse in a few years.

I did it! I got the job! I was offered both positions and accepted the one at the larger hospital. I cannot believe I will finally be starting into the world of OB nursing! I look forward to starting my orientation and soaking up everything like a sponge. I'm not sure what the schedule will be like at first though. Anxious to find out

OMG you absolutely nuts...chocolate mint is soooooooooo yummo!

I have wanted to become a l&d nurse since I first thought of applying to nursing school. I had spent almost every year of my working career as a pharmacy technician and while I did love the job and the fact that I had loads of experience, I was so ready for more. I had considered nursing way back when but I never thought I could manage...then I delivered my first born. All the nurses were so awesome and wonderful that I thought "Wow, I could do this! I so want to do this!" Fast forward nearly 5 years (my first baby will be 5!! ) and after graduating nursing school in 2014, working med-surg/tele in two facilities, I am finally going to interview for labor and delivery! I actually was called twice by different facilities in my health system on the same day for interviews. I am so ready but nervous at the same time! I know the one facility is extremely short handed and I am already being considered for their 12 week class. The other facility is the one I want more though but I will accept where I am offered. Any advice on what I could be catching up on as far as info or reading? My OB class is long forgotten in my world of cardiology training. I am planning on this to be my lifelong specialty so I really want to hit the ground running! TIA!

Don't be afraid to call back the place that said you had a great interview. It took my workplace more than 3 weeks to get back to me after my second interview. We are fortunate around here and most if not all new grads get hired. I had two job invites before the NCLEX. I think that everyone needs to be open to the idea of moving. Some areas are just better than others.

Let me say, do NOT expect to make nearly what you would be making in NYC. Some hospitals in the Pitt area start out around 18 an hour. Most of the areas you want to get into do require some experience so look for a solid med surg position.

...and I already had to switch Sunday for Tuesday so I could be off for my sonogram. I am 20 weeks pregnant (yes, great way to start my nursing career..). My first sonogram showed some possible complication (low fluid) and now I have to ask to get off of work by 2:45p instead of the usual 3:30p on Friday. I am aware that the baby comes first but I am so afraid on what this is going to look like to the managers. Let's face it, some people just do not care about such personal issues. I am also worried about the low fluid; my first pregnancy I had this problem too and was put on bed rest for the last half of my pregnancy. But I had a job I had been at and had short term disability.. I have 85 more days until I qualify for short term here. And I am loving this job and want to make a good impression and I'm worried about my little one.. what a mess.

Starting my first RN job this week at 23.75, central PA. I will be on night shift after my orientation and diff is $1.50 which I think is low personally. But its my first job and they help us get lots of certifications on the floor I'll be working on. Hard to put a price on free education.

Nursing school will be the hardest thing you have ever dealt with. I had tears, blood, and sweat all through my nursing school experience. Remind yourself often why you are going through all of that and you should do just fine! I wish you luck and feel free to friend me. I'm happy to help anyone with questions or concerns :)

I also passed in 75 questions. All I did was about 500 questions and a quick flip through a NCLEX review book. I heard from someone that if you start to get a lot of SATA, you are doing well. Several from my class passed in 75 questions and so far, everyone has passed period. Our school has a 98% pass rate. Thankful for that, even if there were administration issues that ticked me off. Good luck to everyone and remember, the most important tip is to relax!!

I'm in central Pennsylvania and had two job offers before even taking the NCLEX. We have lots of competition around here, at least 3 or 4 nursing schools that graduate 40+ new grads into the area. That includes Penn State Altoona. I graduated from Mount Aloysius and the floor I got hired on has at least 5 new grads from my class. Mount students are preferred over PSU ones from what hiring managers have said. The hiring issue depends on the area. This is not a big city but most of the grads here do not have any issues finding jobs, LPN or RN. Also, I am only an ADN. I'll be going for my Bachelor's this Fall. Good luck to everyone! I suggest being willing to move out of the area. Atlanta is hiring RNs big time. I'll be moving there in a few years.

I took my NCLEX on Thursday and got the "good pop up" that evening. I paid for the quick results today and confirmed I passed! 75 questions! I wanted to give some tips that I have heard and experienced. Someone told me just before I took my test that if you start to get a lot of SATA, that you are doing well. The computer is throwing some harder questions at you and let's face it...they tend to be the hardest. Well I did in fact get lots of them, 5 in a row at one point. I must have done decent at them. Relax and have confidence in yourself. Doubt makes your nervous and you will not be able to rationalize as well. There were several questions on topics that we hadn't touched in nursing school. It is impossible to cover everything that may be on that test after all. But if you calm yourself and let what you learn in school work for you, then working out questions will be easier. I am very excited to finally start my nursing career. I was offered a position at the local hospital just the day before my NCLEX. I am in central PA and almost all of our class has jobs already. I wish everyone else luck!

I am a new grad and just got hired at a long term care facility. It's not my first choice but as a new grad, experience is important. I am fortunate to land a job before I even took my NCLEX (still not scheduled!). It may not be where you want, apply to every opportunity available. Good luck!

This is pretty common actually. There has been complaining among our group since the very first semester that different clinical instructors require different paperwork. It seems unfair but it happens. It does little to complain about it. Chalk it up to life experiences and move past it. Someday you might be in the lucky group with a lot less to do.

I graduate in May and I am really starting to get excited/nervous! It has been a long time coming and still feels crazy to be this far. Our pinning ceremony is is May 9th I already have an employer asking for my graduate summary and will be interviewing soon. Too much going on! Who else is graduating this semester? Do you feel ready? I do but I don't, if you know what I mean.

I graduate in May and I have been applying since earlier in the month. The area hospitals tell our dean to encourage us to apply early. I had an inquiry for my graduate summary within a week. I'm thankful for this considering I see some many others having such a hard time find that allusive first hospital job.

It totally depends on location. I will graduate in May and have already heard back from applying to an area hospital. Once they have my graduate summary, I'll be going in for an interview. The area hospital here only requires experience for their ER, OR, and Stroke unit. Good luck!

I totally understand, I'm pretty nervous about that too. I think the first time is getting that license and just doing the best we can to learn. The one thing that makes me shudder is the thought of a bullying nurse on the floor I may end up on.