mernah

I just started Kaplan ON Demand today and took the Diagnostic Test and scored 69%. I was really feeling lousy about it thinking it was a horrible score. Thanks everyone for posting your scores. I feel totally better knowing that 60s are good. Deep breathing everyone. We survived nursing school we can do this too!

I didn't get an interview last week but got a notice my resume was being reviewed by the hiring manager.

Agreed. I just couldn't make it happen because of my clinical schedule I had already committed to for that week. They also gave us less than four days to get there. Not ideal. But I thanked everyone profusely for the opportunity etc. I plan on flying down this time if they decide to offer an interview. Fingers crossed. I don't plan on giving up but I do have two boys to feed so I'm hesitant to leave IL without a job lined up.

I live out of state as well. Unfortunately for the ER residency I requested a phone interview because the I had clinical days around every interview day and I just couldn't make it to Dallas on short notice like that. I'm pretty sure that contributed to me being passed over so if you really want the opportunity to materialize, I'd suggest flying in.

Finally got the email that I've been moved up to the hiring manager. Glad I still have a shot at an interview....

I also could probably get a job at Mt. Sinai as well. Just finished my capstone there in the ED.

Northwest community in Arlington Heights....

Who is the recruiter? Was it the same as the ER residency? I haven't gotten an email yet but it looks like I might be getting a job here in IL but I really want to move TX and work for Parkland. Oh well.

No. Still waiting.

Thanks MissRN.BSN- staffing is so important on any unit and I know all too well on my current unit what it is like to be the only tech available for the night. Not so pleasant for every member of the team. I like when physicians are available to clarify issues quickly. Not sure if I would fully trust a 1st or 2nd year resident completely but it is good that someone is at least available. :)

missRN.BSN - how well staffed is the support team i.e. techs and unit secretaries? Does the unit have designated RTs and pharmacists on the floor at all times? How many ICU physicians and residents are available? Did you go through the residency program at parkland when you started on SICU?

Thank so much TWU80 for all your encouragement and knowledge about parkland. I'm from out of state so I know really nothing other than what I can get from the web. I still feel that working SICU for several years will be a good avenue to work trauma someday. Just got to be patient. :)

Sorry....thank you TWU80 not 89 :)

Thank TWU89. I was trying to figure out the structure at parkland. The current hospital I am precepting at has two ICUs: medical and surgical. Our trauma patients go to surgical. I am now going to assume that parkland is privileged enough to have a MICU SICU CVICU Trauma ICU Burn ICU and probably even a pulmonary ICU. Whew. New parkland looks like it will be awesome. I remember from my ER interview that after I mentioned the trauma patients I've worked such as gunshot and stabbing victims, people vs car and even a train that the unit manager made sure to let me know that the trauma patients are taken to the other side if the ER and only worked on by the trauma nurse clinicians etc and that the main ER only goes over to help occasionally. She also mentioned that the trauma nurse clinicals actually go up to the ICUs and help direct care of the patients.

TWU80- I've been trying to find out more about SICU at parkland and I haven't been able to locate numbers or typical patient loads...are you privy to that info? Am I also to assume that SICU at parkland also handles the trauma cases? If so would it be a good idea to mention how motivated I am to become TNCC certified and eventually become a trauma nurse clinician?

I don't mind you going on....I really want to get a residency bad. I don't want to be a new grad and get a useless "orientation" and then get thrown to the wolves. I want to be a great nurse and safe nurse from day one on my own. Thank you so much any more insights would be greatly appreciated.

I have no problem working SICU for three years or more. I think it would make me a really well rounded nurse especially if I can realize my dream of being a trauma nurse. I have taken care of ICU boarders plus three more patients where I am precepting right now in the ER so I'm very comfortable and excited about the possibility to get a job in SICU. What sort of things do you think they want to here from us in an interview? I remember stating in my ER interview that I was teachable, welcomed constructive criticism and actually frequently ask for it, I enjoy teaching myself and look forward to working at a teaching facility, I have a laid back personality but don't hesitate to speak up when necessary etc....any pointers are so very welcome....

I wonder how many positions they will have.

Thanks I applied. Hopefully I will get the job but my goal is to eventually get down to the ER.

I got the rejection letter as well. Bummer but I will go for the SICU and try again in August.

I heard back from the recruiter and she said they are still interviewing and that they should have decisions by Friday an that we need check our emails....which we are all no doubt obsessively checking anyhow :)

I'm just finishing up a 170 hour ER practicum at a Level I Trauma center in a major urban area. I was hoping that would get me a decent bump in qualification but you never know. There are so many people for so few slots and I guarantee most of us had great resumes and worked hard in school. Sometimes it is hard to set yourself apart.

I was thinking to apply for an ER tech position and work that angle for a bit. I did email the recruiter so hopefully I will hear back from her today sometime.

I didn't get any email. Sounds ominous for me. I got rejected by THR already so it is a bit of a bummer.

TWU80- was the email you got this morning about decisions being made by the end of this week in reply to an inquiry you made? I haven't heard anything myself but was considering sending an email this afternoon....