preppyrn

Hey Raqnader82, It has been 9 years - whew! This post took me way back in time. I’m currently a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner, but I loved being a NICU nurse! I did follow up daily via voicemails and professional/kind emails. I got hired and I worked in NICU for 2.5 years before going back to school. I found out at the time that the NICU managers were extremely busy running the 92 bed unit and preferred nurses who “really wanted it.” I think reaching a 2nd phone interview portion is a huge accomplishment. NICU requires an insane amount of attention to detail and team work as these are probably the most fragile patients you can take care of. Best of luck with your interview! You got this!

Currently, I just finished my first semester through Online@Simmons and I can't say enough good things about it. Everyone is nice and accessible - including the teachers. The online platform (Skype-like, real time classes) are amazing. The class times vary throughout the week - Mon-Sun, morning-evening. The teachers are knowledgable, the student advisor support is great. Best of luck to anyone applying, I'm very happy I did!

I actually just finished the Biology Fundamentals Course this past fall. It actually was a wonderful "refresher" course to get you back into school-mode. I believe students that *just* met the requirements were asked to take this class. You must get a B or higher to be accepted fully into the FNP program. Personally, I absolutely love it. ----- was extremely knowledgable and an exceptional educator. She wrote the course and makes it directly applicable to nursing case scenarios, further preparing you for Patho, which you begin the following semester. All courses are based on the $/credit. Currently it's $1198/credit, the course is 2 credits. Ultimately, I think it was an exceptional class the gives you a good taste of how wonderful their online program is (Skype-based, real-time classroom setting), without the intense overload of two courses right off the bat. Best of luck!

I agree with shermrn. I know it's hard, especially as nurses we are "people pleasers" in a way. You were doing an excellent job in your new unit and you will continue to do so. Mistakes happen, everyone makes them. The important thing is to learn how big of a mistake it was, if there are adverse effects, and who it is important to inform. There is probably not a single nurse who can honesty say they've never made a mistake in their job. Each day in nursing is a learning experience. Be honest, know what you did wrong, and take that into the next situation better prepared.

Hey Patti_RN, Just wanted to thank you for your helpful information. I'm thinking of applying to the August or November cohort, but still trying to do some careful introspection to ensure that it is the right route I need to be taking now. I did have a few questions. Have you heard of others doing part time school while doing part time work? What does your friend who is currently enrolled do? Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury to leave my job and my desire to start my advanced education hasn't gone away, so I'm hoping I can compromise by doing both part time. Have you heard of anyone taking one class at a time? As you said, the goal isn't to finish asap, so I was wondering if for the classes with clinicals, if it would be possible to take one class at a time. My second issue is indeed finding ways to finance it. Does Georgetown offer many scholarships? I'm still in the process of paying back my BSN loans (ah!) and I'm scared of biting off more than I can chew. I'm hoping to reach an admissions advisor some time soon, but your advice helps. Thanks again!

I was hoping to find advice from anyone here first hand. I'm hoping the 70K is worth it, since my BSN was around $200k and currently I work in a very low-paying state. Regardless of monitary issues, I believe if you want to continue your career, quality over price has to rein.

Hi Nick, I've heard good and bad. From my understanding, obtaining a full time position as a new grad at CHOP at the moment is very difficult. At most they are doing part time/per diem with orientation positions. I also know CHOP is known for having the lowest pay in Philly. Approx $25-26/hr, however, each floor varies, as I have been told from HR. It is expected that you work both day and night shifts. However, with CHOP's reputation and hopefully strong ties you'll be able to suceed with a good pediatric career.

iheartcali, You sound exactly like me one year ago! It had been months since I was actually in a hospital when I recieved my new grad RN job offer. First off, if you got the job, you certainly have the personality, skills, and resume to shine naturally. If you've got some down time before you start, I'd flip through your old nursing text books about the particular area of nursing you will begin doing just as a refresher. But remember: you were hired under the pretense of being a new grad. As much as textbook nursing teaches you, REAL nursing begins the second you're on the floor. You learn about which doctors to call, where the syringes are kept, what the protocol for xyz procedure is, which nurses are good resources, how to handle scheduling, how to deal with patient/co-worker conflicts. So, my best advice is to stay optimistic, show that you are willing to learn, accept that you don't know it all, and be open to learning everyday. You are going to be a wonderful nurse and I hope that you will be offering this same advice to the next new grad who needs it. Best of luck!

Hi Jenmesh, All residency programs in all areas of the country vary their acceptance rates and difficulty to get into. However, I would look into finding information through allnurses for previous Residency programs and their rates of acceptance. If there is a nurse recruiter, you can actually ask them this information. "What are my chances? How many have applied so far? Is there anything I can do to make myself a better candidate?" If you are fortunate enough to get an interview - SELL YOURSELF and always FOLLOW UP. "The squeeky wheel gets the oil." I was lucky enough to remain persistant and I got a residency position and eventually my dream job. Best of luck to you!

There are several posts about this very topic. I studied in Delaware County as well, did all my clinicals there. Graduated with my BSN. I ended up moving out of state to get a great job. My senior year our professors told us the states that would have job openings. My friend who graduated over a year and half ago just got hired in Philly. My best advice? Stay tenacious. 1 out of the 100 applications or calls you make will lead you to a job eventually. Unfortunately, the market is overwhelmed with new grads. But it only takes one job "to have experience." Also, be willing to look outside the box. Any and everything medical that may need a nurse - schools, LTCs, surgery centers, rehabs - may just be the ticket. Good luck!

Hey guys, I work at TGH and honestly, just apply to any non-icu RN position. If they've been available for more than a month, they need nurses. Keep following up. I have nurse managers trying to get me to stay on their floor (I float). Stay positive! Good luck!

Ha I actually stopped by the Nurse Regcruitment office she said she didn't know the exact number of positions they had, "a couple." And I had heard through the grapevine that one girl's friend had gotten a position as a new grad. The Nurse Recruiter was like "all you can do is wait." But I'm definitely going to do a follow-up call on Monday. I'm just so anxious because I want it so badly! Thanks!

So following up with this post. My interview was the end of October, have yet to hear from the managers. I did a follow-up thank you email the day after and a phone call with left voicemails the next day. They said it could take 1-2 weeks. It's been about a week and a half. Is there anything else I could do? I keep beating myself up thinking that I could have sold myself more. Any advice?

54 miles, 1 1/2 hours into Tampa, FL. Figured it was worth it because I am 1. a new RN who needs a job 2. consider it a short term arrangement. Parking isn't an issue as the facility charges $20/month to use their garage. I'd definitely speak with the NM and other nurses in the hospital to find out the best deals around. If they've been doing it, they'll know. Good luck!

Like any interview, you've got to bring your best to the table. What do you have to offer? Sure you may not have nursing management experience, but you probably have management experience somewhere else. School? Past jobs? Even just delgating tasks in your current floor nursing position. Think about the leadership qualities you believe they need and see yourself having those qualities. Think about situations where you possessed and demonstrated leadership qualities - being able to delegate, fair, trustworthy, etc. You don't need experience to be the right person for the job, you just need to show why you are the right person for the job.

Hey Brand New BSN, My interview was nerve-wracking. The manager that I met with was extremely nice, I just think they might need someone with more experience. Regardless, I wanted to let you know my questions so it can aid you in case you haven't had your interview yet! 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Why did you choose nursing? 3. What qualities will you bring to this unit? 4. What would previous employers say about you? 5. What kind of babies or diagnoses have you worked with in your past? 6. Why NICU? 7. What do you like least about your current position and what have you done to improve the situation? 8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 9. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Best of luck! Keep me updated :)

Hi jsjkim, I'll be honest: nursing school is tough. I remember being a student only a few short years ago and busting my bottom to get through Bio, Orgo, Chem, Stat, Nursing... I had a lot of challenges and moments when I thought I couldn't go on. You need to evaluate 1. Why you want to be a nurse 2. If you are doing everything in your power to pass these classes I would suggest getting a tutor and seeing how your grades are affected from there. If you need to take the class again and are financially able to do so, I would do it. Nursing is incredibly rewarding and worth the challenges. Best of luck!

Hello Brand New BSN, I feel like I wrote this post. Too funny. I've got a NICU interview tomorrow and I came on allnurses to get some help! Good luck with yours :)

I'm currently in the Acute Care Rotation Program at TGH. It is a wonderful program. I have been able to explore very different floors, gain vast experience in a various specialties, and meet many kind nurses. It is a great program. You are on a floor, trained for 1-2 weeks, in addition to classroom education, and begin your nursing career obtaining specialized nursing care. You stay on the floor anywhere between 2-4 months. Although you can request, you are usually placed depending on the need, but as a new grad, anything is good for gaining experience! Good luck!

Hey EbonyRN, Thanks for getting back to me. In terms of the scenario questions, do they pertain specifically to the unit/floor you're applying for or are they more generalized/generic nursing questions? I applied to a specialty, but I have more experience with acute care. Thanks in advance! Clarissa

Hey guys, I recently signed up for my first phone screening/interview. Any advice on what to expect? I'm really nervous! Thanks :)