lwright54

First of all, congratulations! Obviously, everyone is a little different, but I would highly recommend: 1) Familiarizing yourself with some common pathophysiological processes and health history terms: Hypertension (HTN), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Myocardial Infarction (MI), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Atrial Fibrilation, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Type I and II Diabetes Mellitus (DBM), Hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis... just to name a few. 2) Studying some type of drug list, whether found online or purchased at a book store, of common pharmacology facts and nursing considerations. Then try and apply those medicines and concepts to the disease processes you studied. Focus on drugs that are quite common. (i.e. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's) such as Prilosec, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) such as Lisinopril and medicines like Lasix, Digoxin and Coumadin that have to really be monitored closely). Be sure and pay attention to the generic names. 3) Finding a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA) job. If you are strictly opposed to working while in school, I would suggest completing as many shadowing experiences you can prior to nursing school. 4) Tie these things together--your knowledge of disease processes, basic treatments and personal experience--and you'll have a tremendous head start on your fellow class mates. If you do choose this route, type all of your research and info into the computer and save it, because you'll likely be able to use it on nursing packets or in presentations for your classes. Cut and paste! Just by your interest level alone, I am sure that you'll do great. Keep up the good work and have some fun along the way. Only, remember that while getting good grades is important (even if it sometimes requires sucking up to the instructors), the overarching goal is passing the NCLEX and obtaining your license to practice. Ultimately, that's what'll put food on the table!

Short Version: Staff RN starting pay is usually 20-22 dollars per hour (See below). Long Version: Most non-travel, day shift, Indiana RN jobs without OT start out at $20-22 per hour. This includes basic med-surg, acute care, geriatric nursing, hospice and most office work positions (i.e. staff nurses). Applicants wanting to boost earning power should enhance their resume and work experience. While furthering your degree and obtaining additional certifications do not necessarily add $$$ directly to your hire-in pay, they sure do compliment your skill set and increase the liklihood of obtaining higher pay. More specific fields of nursing--namely, psychiatric, critical care and ER nurses--offer $22-24/hour starting pay for qualified candidates. Personally, I work three 12 hour shifts per week in a private practice, acute care clinic and earn approximately $37,000 per year. And, that's with a BSN as well as ACLS, CPR and PPD certifications. Although many larger facilities aren't this way, my job does not offer OT to employees; they also do not offer extra pay for bilingual employees. Nevertheless, I've found that my skill set makes me more marketable abroad. A good way to increase your pay short term is to work night shifts, do PRN or Per Diem work or find employment in more hazardous clinical areas (i.e. become a flight nurse). Whatever you choose, do a good job, learn what you can and be safe!