Kitsha88

So I'm kinda late to this topic, but was wondering what decision you ended up making SA Girl? I actually worked at Southwest General for awhile but not on the Med/Surg floor. Hope things are going well

The pay for sure is a definite perk, also more quiet and slightly less hectic. Being able to focus on pts without EVERYONE coming to disrupt you (doctors, nurse managers, visitors, dietary, PT, OT, administration, radiology, case management, representatives from various companies, etc)..... Oh and I would go to the grocery store at about midnight, because that was during my wakeful hours and there would be no one there so that's kinda cool lol. Just make sure to get yourself some blackout curtains (they helped me tons with adjusting when I did nights) :)

I worked at Southwest General as a new grad; when I was working per diem (without benefits) my rate was $25 without any shift differential. When I became full time by hourly rate went down to $21 due to the addition of benefits. That seems to be close to what most in the San Antonio area pay new grads

I applied to the Seton Residency, but it was in 2011; ended up getting a couple interviews but I didn't land a position (seems to be a good amount of competition), although I know several girls from my school that did. My advice would be to apply early if able, be proactive, go to the open house event and speak with nurse managers/recruiters; get your face and resume out there. Good luck

It happens... No one can remember every little regulation/policy/process of a facility. I kept a tiny notebook (small enough to fit in pocket) with me to work everyday and try to put as many notes in it as possible to help me remember (and refer to) in the beginning

I took ACLS as a new grad, because I figured it might make me more attractive as a job applicant. Many employers will train you in ACLS upon hiring (then you don't have to pay for it out of pocket). However, if you would like to take the class now try the American Heart Association website (heart.org) I believe you can search for ACLS classes in your area that way. Good luck

Pt visitors and family members who seem to think that their needs and desires are just as important as those of my other pts. As if their friend or family member being admitted automatically makes them an add-on to the pt and entitles them to extra perks. I can't believe I have to tell people "No, I cannot give your father his insulin even if he forgot his at home because he is not a patient". Or the family member who seems to think I'm not busy enough and also should play the role of their personal waitress/servant, because they cannot be bothered to leave their family member for 1 minute in order to get their own cup of coffee. I definitely do not mind trying to make pts and visitors comfortable when time permits, but it can be quite frustrating when I'm really being stretched and attending to important needs and people make ridiculous demands.

Thank you snrsxvx, I actually ended up accepting a position with them, but ended up with a full time position instead of being in the new grad float pool (which is hopefully better). I hope things turn out okay but I'll be observant. mwirawanRN: I think me and you are in the same boat... they told me the same thing, but I ended up starting on the Nov 14 after getting some issues clarified. Perhaps we will work on the same floor?

I will be interviewing with them for a new grad position. If someone who has started working at this facility (as a new grad or RN) can post about how it is going thus far that would be great. I'm interested in this hospital, but there isn't a lot of information about their new grad program on their website. Is it good or bad thus far? Thanks!