Sfrazilus

Contrary to common sense, there are no hours requirements for CEN. Like PPs mentioned, having certification without experience in the area shows that you can study. But, I'd see it more as a sign of dedication to the field than a sign of cockiness. Most likely, most managers will see it on your resume, think "so you don't need hours to sit for the cert" and move on to asking you real questions.

At my ER, they occasionally (couple times a month) have EMS on the floor or in triage as support staff. Not certain if they were piloting it or just filling in spots when we had tech shortages. They're pretty used to having a lot of tasks to accomplish with minimal supervision. But we've been very fortunate that instead of looking at it as a "vacation day", they are always looking for something to do. We don't have them stock just because they don't have access to our omnicells, but vitals, transports, cleaning beds...you name it, they'll do it!

Welcome to the ER! I'm also new to the ER as an RN. Been here awhile as a Tech, so they decided to give me a chance when I got licensed. Agree with all of your nuances about the ER versus floor except one. Caring for lady partsl bleeds. Both my current hospital and the one I did my clinicals at weren't just fine with males providing care for females, but expected it from us. My first cath was a postpartum woman who hadn't gone all day and was in pain from the distension. Believe me, she was VERY happy that I got the job done. If the woman has reservations about a male providing care, we have to address it. But just think of all the male patients who are not happy about a female they don't know handling their genitalia or disimpacting them...it's not personal, it's just business. And if your ER gets swamped like mine, finding an RN to chaperone can significantly delay patient care for either your or their patients if there are several patients who need to be triaged/stabilized/medicated. Stepping down from the soapbox.

So I've got a good problem. Right now, I'm working full-time as an aide at a subacute facility and getting $14.25/hr. Good environment, they've shown flexibility with my hours so I can finish school and I'm finally vested in tuition reimbursement. Unfortunately, it's a looong commute and I'm getting limited med-surg exposure b/c it's subacute, but the nurses and doctors are more than happy to share knowledge about anything that does come in. Because of my interest in wound care, I've apply to PCT positions at Wound care centers. This led to me being offered a job at a major hospital much closer to home. But it's an aide position in the ER, not the wound care center. The pay is $12/hr and no tuition reimbursement. It's part-time so more flexibility with hours and I'll get a lot more exposure to critical care, but less exposure to management of wounds than I do in current job. The last 2 semesters of full-time with school have been physically draining and hurt my GPA, and there's 1 semester to go. Any thoughts?

I'm in NJ. With a year experience, one major hospital offered me $11.90. The place I'm working at actually pays a few dollars more, but it's not acute care.

I'm with you about being excited to see what's under the dressing. Fortunately, the hospital where I do my clinical rotation (as well as others in driving distance) has a wound care center. But getting in will be a challenge for a nurse with no experience.

That's very impressive. But make sure you have time for the books. A lot of hard-working people in my class ended up failing because they didn't have enough time to study. Failing a class sets you back at least a few months and a few thousand dollars.

HR sometimes gets their wires crossed. Sometimes they get poor information. Did you confirm with the Nurse Manager that it was Oncology/rotating shift/etc? You should still use the HR rep as your point of contact and bug her about the status of the position (unless the Manager or charge nurses said it was okay to contact them with questions). You should definitely be positive. And you should absolutely keep looking. Even if they love you and want to hire you, things happen with budgets and current employees shifting their availability. Congrats on the NCLEX!!!

Expanding your search, revising your search methods and volunteering are probably your best bets. Especially in the time you have left before your license lapses.

I agree with checking your state's BON and facilities policy. At my facility, the minute you pass, you either get hired as an RN or find a new place to work. Additionally, I'd start applying/interviewing with any facility that would consider talking to me before the exam. This could help minimize time spent unemployed if you really don't want to work for your current facility as an RN.

Not sure the best way to handle the application. But during most interviews, the potential hiring manager will ask why you left that job. At that point, you have the opportunity to state your case. Some managers won't give you the time of day once they hear you've been fired regardless of the reason. Others will think about what this says regarding you as an employee. Either way, it's the manager's call. If you put being fired on your resume, then you put the power into the resume screeners' hands. They may not have a clue what is and isn't acceptable to the manager.

Not all programs have a 5-year period. In some schools, it's as long as 10-years. If you're not dead set on the RN program you were trying for, look at other schools that accept older classes.

About bed 4...the good news is it's not C Diff. The bad news is that you'll wish it was.

Try private messaging nurse62889, k9kabs and Determine2b. Think they tested there previously:unsure:. Good luck!

You can also consider other avenues in nursing outside of the hospital setting which may offer a more rewarding experience for you. Doctor's offices, public health education and SANE are just a scratch on the surface of options open to you. Obviously, wages will vary. But when you're miserable, money isn't the most important thing.