Andi777

How may I exceed your expectations today??? If I called the hospital that my mother was staying in, and heard THAT, I would immediately wonder what was being compensated for -- something pi$$ poor -- by some over-educated buffoon, probably in risk management.

Check with your unit. A lot of times there are pre-printed, tried and true handouts or presentations already available. Steer away from anything online that could possibly have a copyright on it. The last thing you want to do is THAT! But to get a starting point for your OWN material, try the standard Mental Health websites, magazines, professional journals, etc. Get your ideas, balance it out w/ evidence-based/ unit-specific and go from there. Make your own handouts. Nothing difficult. One idea our RN's came up with was Seasonal Affective Disorder. We found free copyright-free coloring pages on line of the Sun. We researched what SAD was -- made sure it reflected the general population of our unit (it did) and made some teaching points: what it was, symptoms, & positive coping mechanisms, then open discussion, Q & , and arts and crafts. The whole set up took maybe 15 minutes, on the fly, right before group started.

Wow, there are so many comments here!!! The funny thing is that I can relate to almost every single one except that CNA work is "beneath" an RN. I'm a brand new nurse -- just passed my NCLEX THIS week and have been working as a GN. I have been trained in both the Tech's job and my own job as an RN. I will also be training as the Unit Secretary as well as being floated to several other floors to learned various other jobs and roles. I have no problem with any of this-- I HAVE a scope of practice, which I accepted when I filled out the application for licensure. . The CNA does NOT have a scope of practice. We would all do well to remember this. We, as the RN, no matter what, have the responsibility when we clock in for the day to the scope of our practice, including reporting to the Charge nurse and supervision of unlicensed staff.. It is a huge responsibility -- so earning your $25/ hr (or whatever your RN wage is) and doing CNA/Tech work -- is really the financial duty (mistake?) of your nurse manager, and your sole responsibility is to either accept or not accept the assignment for the shift.

I think the answer is "it depends". I just took my nclex today and had maybe 3 questions w/ pharm questions. Of course the questions do not have Brand names and the meds were "odd ball" meds. There was no way I could have studied every med -- I new the generics basic classes, etc. But the odd balls... well, guess I just got unlucky. Best bet is to just know the basic ones and keep taking practice quizzes w/ pharm questions and hope you hit on the most common odd balls.

I also try to look as young as possible -- as I am new graduate but am 40-something years old. I do not necessarily look my age and I do have botox on a regular basis because I do not want to be aged-out of a job. So-- maybe it would be better if instead of attaching "race" to an issue, instead to use the word "prejudice" There are many kinds of prejudice!! My daughter and I had our hair corn-rowed one summer -- we have long blonde hair and it was fun to have that look and to match. I sure would not wear that to a job interview though.

-- Thanks for the clarification. Here's my wordy reply: Going back to the OP: if it is a question in the applicants mind of having a successful interview, then next the question to pose to the self: is having this job the priority? Expression of self? Income? I have NO idea what the importance or needs are of the OP, but from the sounds of it, the mention of race & hair style were stressed. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be included in the post. We are interviewing for NOT just a job but a professional career. The assumption is not personal expression! it is fitting in with the defined Code of Ethics in nursing that we are taught are OUR code of ethics. Is that not what we all studied? So... given this, it is reasonable to believe that one's attire, appearance and mannerisms would be conservative, professional, respectful and appropriate. What place is there for the outrage of: don't step on MY rights for personal expression? This is a client centered profession. If in anyway I could change something (much like a client would make modifiable lifestyle changes to avoid a negative future health problem) that would give me the advantage of attaining a job, then I would do it. I love nursing, I need a job and I cannot wait to be in a community of others who care about similar things. What did that mean to me during my interviews? I removed religious-oriented jewelry, wore appropriate interview clothing, shoes, covered any tattoos and removed piercings. Perhaps when I am working for a few weeks or months, it will become more clear what the expectations are. What is or is not accepted. And even then, I want to advance in my career and plan to model the actions of those positions. So go with your gut: if it feels like an uncomfortable decision that needs the opinion of many many others ... then you already know the answer. Finally: if you do not want to work for an organization that you feel is not a good fit (for any reason YOU deem important) then you should not work there. Going back to nursing 101, if the job is not in line with your values/ethics, then it would reasonable to move on with your search.

May I ask a question -- and forgive me if this comes off sounding ignorant, but I really do not know. How are "box braids" racism?

I have not taken the NCLEX, so take me with a grain of salt: SAFETY & SAVING LIFE are the biggest priorit. I have found over and over in my practice tests that if I pick ABC's and the safest options -- they are almost always right. NCLEX is it's own little world of where you have an order for everything and everything is headed for the worst possible scenario. Any change from baseline, no matter how small is going to crash in 5 minutes and your patient will die. Delegation & UAP & mental health questions: there's changes from the last NCLEX -- so be sure you have updated info. Nurses have 100% responsibility/Supervision for everything delegated or assigned (make sure you completely understand "responsibility/supervision/delegation/assigned) -- and also think about $$$ -- how best is the staff being utilized in the safest way possible? Good luck on the next try!! You'll do it!!

I had another interview today -- this time at a state facility. Much more structured interview questions but the panel interviewing me were long time co-workers and obviously liked each other a lot -- good bantering and a sense of family. That really impressed me! One tough question: "What if I told you right now that this interview wasn't go well at all. (pause pause pause.... I held my breath..) What do you say about that?" I'm not going to tell you my response -- I just want to put that out there for folks to think about. An impressively good question -- an out-of-the-box question.

Hey all! Here's a question for you about BUN values. Hurst Review states normal as 6-23, School told me 7-22 and HESI (2014) states 10-20!!! Those are some big discrepancies when the NCLEX practice question I just did asked what a NORMAL value was and gave me the following two RIGHT answers. Answer 1: 7 Answer 2: 22 The rationale for the NCLEX app stated the norm was 8-21 The option of 15 was also given -- which I probably should have picked because it's right smack dab in the middle (I now know this is the smartest option)! In a real NCLEX question, is it your understanding that the values are going to be so widely varied in 'norms' and the questions also so close to one norm or another? In the working world, I know that I will go by my organization's policy, but we're talking about NCLEX land.... so is there an NCLEX land of correct lab values that we should know? Thanks, Andi

Yes, that is clearly stated. :)

Hi!! I am pretty excited ... just finished nursing school on Monday and had my first interview today (just a couple hours ago, actually) on the behavioral health unit at a local hospital system. That is my DREAM JOB!! Where I have wanted to work since I was 8 years old! I put applications in despite being told there were not openings. By the way, this is the first job interview I have ever had in my life (I was self-employed previously) I was well prepared for the interview -- I was on here for the last week reading up on good interview skills, how to prepare, etc. Also I went to the college career counseling center (which was really not very helpful -- as it was geared towards business/ technical degree jobs) One thing: in my small community.... as students we did all of our clinical rotations at the hospitals where most of the school graduates work at once school is done. There are not a whole lot of the tough questions like "tell me about the biggest mistake you ever made" or even the traditional "what are your strengths/weaknesses" What DEFINITELY came up: 1. Why do you want to work here? 2. Tell me about how you handle conflict (and the answer is 'approach it right away') 3. What would you do if a patient refused his medication? 4. What shift(s) do you prefer? The many questions I had to ask were fairly well answered during the hour-long interview. I met with the hiring manager, the floor manager and one of the nurses. The nurse was a nurse that I had shadowed during my clinical experience --AND SHE REMEMBERED me!! Anyway... I should hear in a couple weeks!! I also have an interview NEXT Friday at a state institution that may be a good fit... we'll see!! Andi

What a great idea!! As long as it's nursing or at least health-care related... This type of service IS offered at my school. However it is geared more towards the business technical portion of the school. The representatives came to our 2nd to last nursing lecture and did a terrible presentation. I DID make an appointment to review my resume and cover letter and go through a mock interview. It ended up being more of a brainstorming session for both me (who has NEVER EVER interviewed for a job) and for the career counselor who admitted not once did a nursing student come to see him. He actually had to google nursing interview process!! I've gotten a lot more helpful advice right here on AN!!

I agree about acute care 1st. However, addressing the other issue: where do you want to move.... are you provided the opportunity to spend some time in each locale? Have you family or friends in either place? At the very least, during interview process, spend a few hours walking the halls of local hospitals to get a feel for the atmosphere, perhaps? I speak from an experience: I had decided to move to Maryland with my boyfriend a couple years ago-- we had been together 5 years (long distance with every other week weekend visits, holidays, etc together) I loved the area, the weather. The opportunity arose where taking a semester off from the nursing program was mandatory so I stayed from December through September with my boyfriend. I subleted my apartment in NY. At a winter party that year, I met a woman who was the hiring manager at Johns Hopkins -- I had her business card and her cell phone number! So a job may have been close at hand. Seemed really promising! It was awful. NO friends. NO family of my own. His family sort of "adopted" me but I was the 3rd wheel. I tried places to go, library, church, boat club. Nothing. I didn't fit in! The nursing school there also didn't want to accept my educational background and would have wanted 2 semesters worth of other pre-req's. So I def needed to return to NY to finish up. Upon return, I felt "HOME"...I knew I wasn't leaving again. Hopefully I didn't come off as a know-it-all here. I just wanted to relay that it was such GOOD experience of what was really not in the cards for me. Your experience may vary! I have no idea what it is like to be from another culture. I have lived in a white community all of my life. Our major University (Binghamton University) does attract a diverse population. The graduate nurses work the minimum 2 years and then move on. Since I have seen only a handful of diverse nurses after the 2 year point in the hospital setting, it could be assumed that our community is not conducive to diversity. I am not young: I am in my early 40's and worked in Real Estate for 12 years -- VERY involved in the community. Wishing you the best in your decision. The salaries seem similar based on the apartment prices you quoted.

It is specific in NY -- I remember our Dept Head telling us that NY has an exception... which I finally found on the op.nysd.gov site about the 90 days working WITHOUT a permit at all (under the supervising RN): New graduates of New York State nursing education programs registered by the New York State Education Department as licensure qualifying may be employed for 90 days immediately following graduation without holding a limited permit. To be eligible to practice within those 90 days, you must have graduated from your nursing program, submitted the Application for Licensure (Form 1), the Application for Limited Permit (Form 5), and paid the required fees. While practicing during those 90 days, you must be supervised by a registered professional nurse who is currently licensed and registered to practice in New York State. It is possible you may not receive the limited permit before your license is issued but submitting the Form 5 and permit fee allows you to practice during the 90 days. If you do receive the permit, give your employer the employer's copy for their records

In New York State, nursing grads have a 2 part application process. I will be filling out an application for limited licensure, and sending them a bucket of money. My institution sends in a form stating I have completed the educational requirements. I can work on a limited license as a GRADUATE NURSE (not an RN) for a period of time. I cannot for the life of me remember how long that is-- 6 months maybe? In that time, I need to take and pass the NCLEX -- I have as many chances as I want but there is a required time wait between tries, so there really are only 2 opportunities to pass, IF I am lucky enough to get hired right away on my limited license. The salary is the same whether limited for full license. Also, I am pretty sure that I can only practice in my home state of NY.

I am surprised that your nursing school didn't bring in a local hospital system or have a meeting with your class to get your excited and ready for the next step of applying for a graduate nurse position. Anyway: this is a GREAT time to apply for nursing positions!! You'll be starting in late January or early February -- the beginning of the year. You'll have a great chance of getting into your specialty right away as the units are dealing with a new budget. Apply online for graduate nurse positions -- all hospitals know the drill for new nurses. Give your nursing department head a call, too. Ask to use her for a reference -- or contact your favorite clinical instructors -- you want to have references set up and you' should ask permission before writing them down. I had my resume / cover letters professionally done -- not sure anyone else did that, but I don't have time to create one. It cost about $125. While you are waiting for call backs and setting up interviews, you can start setting up a study schedule for the NCLEX. This is what I am doing right now as I just finished on Monday the 22nd. I applied 2 weeks ago to two institutions and have interviews at each one. Our school gave us the guidance and the institutions let us know the time schedule for things. Good luck and CONGRATS!! Andi

You are to be commended for your willingness to fulfill your civic duty. Community oriented people like you are going to be great nurses! One thing: you may NOT be chosen for jury duty even though you have been summoned to come forth. That said, at this time, you are being a help to your community by becoming that great nurse. It has been my experience that post-ponement is granted easily enough for good reason -- enrollment in a program that has definite requirements should be a good reason, yes? I am no lawyer but I've certainly been summoned -- the first time, I was self-employed and had all the time in the world, but I was not chosen. Not sure why but certainly either the prosecuting or defending attorney didn't like something I had said! (That's the reason both are present!) The second time, I was in school (not in nursing school) and the judge asked immediately upon arrival, for a show of hands of people who felt they could not put forth the time for whatever reason. A line formed, one by one individuals approached the judge and gave their reason. It was quietly and quite quickly done. My reason was immediately accepted and I was released. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, also. So if you believe you are being called to serve on this jury -- then school will most likely take the back burner for awhile. Good luck! Andi

Congrats to you!! I also JUST finished up yesterday -- found out today that I passed the final and am sitting here NOT studying for the first time in a long time! Enjoy the holidays ... Studying for NCLEX will probably be MORE time consuming than school studying! Andi

THANK YOU so much for sharing this!! You are such an inspiration!! I also have ADHD -- undiagnosed until I was much older. The diagnosis really held me back from a lot of things, especially going back to school. Your wonderful post just made my day -- I am almost done with school and now feel a lot more confident!

Hi! Do students normally join professional nursing organizations? I would like to join an organization or group (either National or State) and am wondering which organization will allow me to join. I have not graduated yet, but will be graduating this December with an ADN. If there is more than one organization -- how would I discern the best one? I plan to join the ANA and the NOADN upon receiving licensure but would like to get into the gist and feel of being in the profession. Thank you!

Seasoned nurses do things in ways that differ from students. I'm not sure how far into nursing school you are yet, but I bet you would be surprised at the amount of careful time management that most nurses possess. You head to the bathroom, an interesting experience down the hall or are checking the computer for the most recent labs -- and your preceptor nurse has done a full head to toe assessment! While you say that your instructor is friendly with a lot of nurses on the floor -- that make come back to bite you the ASS, sorry to say. Friendship in nursing goes pretty deep and you may develop a bad reputation as being a whistleblower--- especially if you have no facts to base allegations on. Maybe a better idea would be to say "Is it true that you grow extra arms and legs as a seasoned nurse? I've noticed my preceptor nurse does things that I've not seen her do!" This can open up a conversation and give you some insight.

I have the same sort of issue and started applying to schools in the state I will be living -- and like someone else said, the likelihood of the new school accepting your credit hours is slim to none. They liked NONE of my pre-requis' and run a nursing program completely differently. And your grades have to be TOP notch before they will even LOOK at your transcript. So send your transcript and begin the process asap. And expect to repeat almost everything. Weigh the pro's and con's and in my case, I'm a lonely lady without my husband because I have three more semesters to go in NY and would have FIVE in another state!!!

Besides wearing BUTTERCUP yellow to clinical, I also have one other class that require a 'uniform' of one sort or another. My Pathogenic Microbiology lab requires sneakers and labcoats that DO NOT LEAVE the lab (I guess: S. Aureus, which is about the most dangerous pathogen I've run across so far, is really going to wreak havok in the cold Upstate NY that I live.....) My nursing clinical requires all white sneakers or nursing shoes (just can't quite bring myself to buy those yet.... all the ones I have seen are Hideous....) and we are not allowed to wear them outside Clinical. In fact, it's highly recommended that we wear other shoes to the clinical site and change INTO clinical shoes in the parking lot.