NMW8809

Started at $30.10 in a small, basic (no traumas) ER in Los Angeles.

I started applying a couple months before I even took the NCLEX, then called the hospitals to let them know when I passed it. Like previous posters said, they'll verify with the BON anyways, so as long as you have your number, go for it! And good luck :)

I live in Los Angeles. Graduated May 2011, passed NCLEX the week before Memorial Day. I got very lucky and started in a full time position (Versant program with a 3 year contract) in September.

I say go for it! You sound like you're genuinely interested in the field and you want to be a nurse. That's huge. Change is scary - especially when you have two little ones to think about. I think the risk is worth it though. Nursing school is intense enough that you'll know within a semester or two if it's for you or not. If you love it, great! Keep going. If not, then you'll only have spent a few months on it, and you won't have to wonder for the rest of your life whether you made the right decision or not. I haven't been in the exact same boat as you. No kids, and only 24. But my husband and I moved across the country so I could attend a school I was interested in. It was a huge change - from the midwest to California, he had to quit his job, we had no family/job prospects/contacts - but it turned out to be the best thing for us. I love nursing and California has become home for both of us. Follow your heart. You know what's right for you :) Good luck :)

I included mine as well. A heading that says "Clinical Experience." Then I listed my rotations by discipline, the number of hours, and the hospital and city in which the clinical rotation took place. Example (with hospital name changed...): Medical/Surgical: 128 hours, ABC Community Hospital, ABC City, CA This is especially helpful if you apply at a hospital where you had a clinical rotation. Good luck! :)

I agree with the above poster. I had a really bad interview too, and was scheduled for another one at a different hospital a few days later. I looked up common interview questions and had my husband ask them to me. It helped 1) practicing saying my answers out loud and 2) having his feedback on whether it was a good answer or not and what else I should add. After a few days of practicing (he even texted questions to me while he was at work and expected me to answer!), my next interview ROCKED and I got the job! Interviewing is just like any other skill. The only way you'll get good at it is to practice practice practice. Good luck!! :)

I just finished a second-degree, accelerated RN-BSN program. It was originally designed that we would earn our master's and bachelor's degree at the same time, finishing the BSN plus NP or CNS program in 3-4 years. When I started it was understood that we would move directly into the master's program after finishing the BSN. Now that I've finished the BSN and will be starting work as a new grad soon, it is very surprising to me that my nursing school actually encouraged (required even) that we begin working on an NP or CNS certification immediately. I informed my school a couple weeks ago that I wouldn't be returning this semester (and may not for at least a year or two) - there's no way I'd be able to be an effective advance practice nurse with no actual nursing experience!

Mine is a Versant program which lasts 18 weeks. 2 classroom days and 2 clinical days with a preceptor each week.

Haha! I love it! Good luck, and congrats on the little one :)

Most hospitals expect you to stick around for a while. I had to sign a contract to do mine. It's very expensive for hospitals to train nurses - especially in a new grad program. I imagine they would see it as a "slap in the face" if you just trained and left. Maybe instead, train and work for a little while, then ask for an extended leave of absence.

I agree with the previous poster. Apply now! It can take that long to just get through the screening phase. Also, there are TONS of new grad programs that start in January, but are accepting applications now. Don't wait. If it comes down to it, and a hospital doesn't offer you a job because of this one-time commitment that was in place before you were hired, and is an extremely important day for your family member - do you really want to work for a place like that anyways??

Nursing classes aren't as tedious, in my opinion. They're far more interesting. however, they are not any easier. You'll still have a lot to memorize - diseases, pathology, medications, treatments, etc. Don't be too overwhelmed though, it comes together eventually. And yeah, you'll have to remember your A&P - - at least to get you through nursing school. Also don't forget that psych patients often have physical problems (diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on) that you'll have to take care of too! Good luck! :)

New grad, starting September 12. Excited!! :)

Congratulations Bella!! That's great to hear! Good luck tomorrow! I see you live in Covina....I live in Azusa, so I understand the commute issue. However, I'd rather have a long commute than no job at all...and I'm very excited about starting at Lakewood. Yay for both of us! And the best of luck to usRNs, and all the other new grads :)

I was hoping the new post in this thread was you reporting that you got a position, Bella!! I hope you hear something soon. For me, I was offered a position at Lakewood! I signed all the new hire paperwork on Thursday. The HR rep said she wanted to go ahead and get my paperwork out of the way early, so I don't think they've hired all the positions yet. Good luck to everyone else in the running! I hope to hear that we'll be coworkers soon :)