rjosborn

I'm Rebecca from Chicago, IL. I worked day shift Med/surg until recently. Topics: How do you stay in shape/healthy? Running around on the unit. No need for a gym membership, just pick up an extra shift! Also, I always pack my lunch so I can plan for healthy food the night before and not order out. Do you use a fanny pack to carry supplies? No, just big pockets Working nights? What are the best ways to get good sleep during the day? Work hard, and there won't be any problem falling asleep. Or Benadryl.

North east part of the city is the best. If you are ok with being an hour away from the city, Naperville is nice. The coast of apartments vary GREATLY on location. Check out http://www.domu.com as they will provide you with descriptions of neighborhoods and average prices of apartments in those neighborhoods.

Yeah, take the NCLEX, but then be prepared to wait. Most new grads have to wait approx 6-12 months for a job.

I've floated a little in a detox floor in a hospital. They get paid the same as other nurses in the hospital. And it's not too bad, but I could see how it gets discouraging after a while.

I thought they weren't hiring LPNs there anymore?

Thorek Memorial in Chicago accepts associates degrees

It really depends on your experience and the amount you ask for. At my hospital, starting nurses usually make $26/hr after their 90-day probation period. I started at $28/hr because I came in with experience.

You should be ok, just start applying early.

To jpolramos: try http://www.nurse.com . They have a lot of CEUs you can complete online. Many are free.

I've been talking with nurses from several different hospitals in the Chicago area, and it seems like the average time is around 6-12 months. Many of the recent grads I work with needed to get a job in hospice or a nursing home while they were waiting for a job in the hospital setting. So, you might want to keep all of your options open.