2011GradRN

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time! I'm confused though...do you want ICU? Your certifications show that you are interested in ER. I would apply to as many residency programs as you can find (and that are still open). Where I am, that's the only way they hire new grads.

I work in the TMC and I watch my balloon pumps, if we have trouble...circ support, I start my own ivs, I turn my patients, I change my own central line dressings, draw my abgs, etc...I do everything you mentioned except my drips are premixed from the pharmacy so not every facility is the same in the TMC.

I just graduated in December and got hired into the CCU before graduation. I absolutely love it there. I know most people who got into the ICU did their final semester rotation or capstone course there. You need to make an impression on your preceptor, coworkers, manager, whatever and make sure they remember your name. Be really proactive and show you are motivated to learn and work and always ask others if they need any help. You will do great!

I work in the CCU at a large teaching hospital and everyone helps each other out. We work as a team throughout the shift. You will never feel like you are drowning because your coworkers will NOT let you drown. I agree with what MikeRNWI said...when we get a new admission, everyone pitches in to help print off paperwork, hook up the patient to monitors, draw labs, go over your orders, etc. I have friends who work on floors where they feel like they are a nuisance if they ask for help but I know I can ask anyone for help and they will do their best to help me. I love it :)

I think the classroom portion was a complete waste of time/money but the Qbank and Q Trainers were awesome. They really prepared me for the NCLEX and that's literally ALL I did to study. I passed with 75 questions and honestly felt like Kaplan's questions were more difficult. I did not do Hurst review, so I can't compare but I don't think you can go wrong with Kaplan's online materials. Hope this helps!

Thank you! I am in Houston in the TMC. It seems like a pretty good amount of new grads got hired into ICU positions from my nursing school.

Cindyrella- do you know if MDA is still having the GN program that starts in February as well? I know originally it was one internship starting in Nov and one starting in Feb for Dec graduates.

Hey everyone! I just found out yesterday that I got the job at the CCU at this amazing hospital in my hometown! I am beyond excited and now just looking forward to finishing school and passing boards I know it's a steep learning curve but I cannot wait to start! Just wanted wanted to share my excitement!

I think they are both well respected programs and both are in the TMC. Other than UTHSC going straight through (not having summers off), I think they are pretty equal. I will graduate from UTHSC in Dec. and I did all of my clinicals in the TMC which has been a huge benefit for applying to job, but TWU shares the same clinical sites. Don't forget about applying to some of the other nursing schools in Houston though like Prairie View, UTMB, HBU, maybe UH Victoria (if you already have a Bachelor's) and some of the ADN programs like HCC and Lonestar. All of these programs are extremely competitive so I would apply to as many programs as possible. Good luck!