Jammin' RN

Don't let others scare you. No time to wash your hair? Really? I worked full time and did the ADN full time. I still managed to have a social life. My grades may have suffered a little bit, but I was perfectly fine with just passing and getting a license. I decided I wanted a more balanced life instead of thriving to be a perfectionist and being miserable. That's just me though. The floor is where I REALLY learned how to be a nurse. I also did an accelerated BSN program while working full time as a nurse and serving on several committees and projects within the hospital. Did a 4.0 in that... Tied a lot of my program into my current work experience. I am glad that I went that route for my education.

Thanks for the update! HPMP can be a frustrating process. I have to remind myself often to be grateful for the opportunity to work again. Even if it sucks. :)

I have never worked peds a day in my life but I remember Hirschsprung's disease has a symptom of ribbon-like stool. I think I remember it because my nursing school BFF and I would say Hershey Hershey squirt Hirschsprung! Haha

odaat, I think you and I have the same case manager... ;-) I can really relate. To the OP- I've heard a lot about case managers not always calling back. Some case managers have assistants... It could be helpful to ask for an assistant. Best of luck to you!

My psych professor always said, "Every patient is a psych patint." LoL.. she was a real trip!

To my experienced nurses, I'm sorry that this new grad is giving us a bad name. We are not all like that! I'm a year into my career now, and without your experience to guide me I would be nothing! And I probably would have killed a few people by now if you hadn't come to my rescue. Thanks for sticking it out and showing me what nursing really is!

What a great idea! Obese patients are difficult to take care of and as nurses we need to think about possible solutions. I also like the post from someone else mentioning LTC facilities to meet the special needs of the obese patient. Any other hospitals implementing anything to help in the care of the obese patient? I'm interested in hearing.

I can't tell you if it's normal or not as I've never done home health... But just be weary of a place that wants to hire you so quickly! You need to speak to them about how you are going to be trained. Who will you call if you need help... Not only do you want to protect yourself, you want to protect your patients by not taking on assignments that you can't handle.

I have to agree with a previous poster that many employers are looking for a good fit. I had been out of school for almost two years before I finally got licensed (long story) and went on my job search. I knew my resume wasn't getting any bites because of this; so any opportunity I got to meet with people face to face I took (open house interviews!) This was the only reason I got a job! The interviewers liked my personality and answers. Your resume only goes so far. Employers want to know who you are! This is not to downplay a good resume. It's VERY important. But don't think everything is irrelevant! I put my 10 years of serving and bartending experience on my resume! Why? Because it gave me experience in customer service, taught me how to handle differing priorities, and most of all, taught me how to deal with all sorts of people! Think about how any past experience ties into your new profession! :)

Thank you for the info!

30K??? That's shameful! I used to make that at my serving gig! Nurses are horribly underpaid for what they do.

I had the same problem when I started school. I know they are expensive, but the electronic scopes are really the way to go if you are HOH. I actually contacted a few local programs to see if they had any grants available and to my surprise I was given a $150 grant towards my stethoscope. It's worth a shot! (I do remember that I did have to provide financial information... A few pay stubs.. I was 22 at the time and didn't make much!!!!) Don't hold off! And if you are having a hard time hearing through your stethoscope, I really suggest to get your hearing checked. I didn't have hearing aids when I entered NS but I knew my hearing was AWFUL (I had worn aids younger but never had money to purchase another pair.) My professor suggested to me that I should really get a set... She was worried that I may not hear my patients say something important. I listened to her advice and was able to finance a set of hearing aids. Hearing properly is breathtaking! You will be amazed at what you can hear with an electronic stethoscope!! Other students loved to borrow it!! The downside to them is you have to be very still because they will pick up a lot. I know finances are usually tight in NS, but don't be afraid to check into your local resources.

HAHAHAHAHA! Love the tune Gitano! To the OP, I don't think it's silly for you to ask this question. You want to look professional. :) That's admirable!

I'm glad there are others out there who have had the same experience as me. I read too many negative posts here sometimes! I think I should stay away from those and focus on the positive. :)

I had an international book for Anatomy and Phys. Like Rammstein's book, it was a paperback but exactly the same... but about $100 cheaper!

I have to be one of the most fortunate new grads. I have been blessed to start on a unit full of caring, compassionate, and willing nurses and staff who have helped me learn so much in only three weeks! Scanning through posts on AN, a new grad can become intimidated by what they may experience on the floor. I'm so glad to have those fears wiped away! Thank you to all you veteran nurses out there who dedicate your time (and I know it's a lot of it!) to help the new generation grow into seasoned professionals. We couldn't make it without you!!

Advice that I really needed today NorCalMimi! Thanks for brightening my day. :)

While I agree with the article, I think a lot of new grads steer away from LTC because they are taught to. NS really pushes the get your year or two on a med-surg unit thing.

Agree with everyone else to be careful what you put on a blog. There are past threads on allnurses about blogging and social media. They are worth taking a look at! I like the idea of a private journal so much better. When I was in NS, it was part of our clinical rotations to write a journal entry for each clinical day. I used to hate it so much! ("WHY do I have to do this extra BUSY work!" -- LOL) But I must say, I pulled out those old journals a month or two ago and I'm so glad I have them. It's amazing to see how far you come.

I'm glad you reported her and stuck to what you thought is right. Sure she COULD eventually be "weeded out." But what about the person whose place she took in the program? Congrats to you for rectifying your first ethical situation. So proud of you and happy to know that there are people out there who do not sit back watch. Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." I would also be inclined to report. I use to live in a very small town.. There was a very likely chance that if the cheater DID make it through school and NCLEX that she would have taken care of someone I knew. I wouldn't want that. Yay for you!!! :w00t:

Yes! The 20 lbs I gained in nursing school did not pan out so well. Now I'm on Weight Watchers and an exercise program.. Back to healthy living! I do notice a difference in what I retain since I've been eating better. It's also nice to not have gas 24/7.. I'm sure my coworkers are happy about that.

Thank you so much for your post this morning! I was having some anxiety after my first week of orientation (hit the floor next Sunday) and this helped to relieve me! It's really nice to see a positive post on here!

Just to clear up, I'm not saying don't be nice and professional... Just more bold! LoL

If I were to redo the career fair I went to, I would boldly go up to the recruiters and tell them "Hi my name is Jammin' RN and I'm going to tell you why you should hire me." Then list why. I made no headway by being nice and professional and asking questions. I think the boldness would stand out. What do the experienced nurses think of this? Luckily I don't have to attend any more career fairs anytime soon. :-D

I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer.. Because there ARE jobs out there. But... 36 applications is just a chink in the armor when it comes to obtaining a job. I made a list of every single position I applied to and came out with 152 applications before I got hired. Some I spoke to after NS put in many more than that. My suggestion to you is think outside of the box. Go to career fairs. Check hospitals websites for open house interviews. This was the only way I landed my gig. The difficult part is getting someone to talk to you. People at career fairs and open house interviews are there specifically for that. You have to remember for every job posting there is, there are hundreds of candidates. Also, many hospitals hire from within but are required to still post the job opening on the website. Above all, don't get down! Stay positive and focused... It may be a few months before you land your opportunity. Most people I have spoken with seems it has taken 5-6 months.