m1ckey

Don't worry. You'll be fine. I am also a new grad working on a med-surg cardiac unit and I absolutely love it! Just take everything in step by step and BREATHE. It's a lot to take in but everything will make sense. Also, ASK QUESTIONS. Most of the things you learn in nursing school is totally different from the hospital policies. Treat your CNAs and fellow RNs very well because they will help you out, time management is the key, so, there are plenty of SBAR examples in one the threads and be CONFIDENT. You've gotten this far in your career after graduating.. you must be doing something right:). Believe in yourself and always think of your patient's safety. Good luck!

Practice makes perfect! I'm also a new grad with 2 1/2 months of experience on a med-surg floor and my IV starts are always a hit or miss. Don't be discouraged and just do your best to find a vein. You have two chances, so why not use it, right? The ones that I don't always get are the elderly population. The one thing that my co-workers told me is to bend their arm and use the side of the forearm. Also, I read on this thread that they went to the surgery center to practice.. That is also a great way to boost the confidence. Our new grad residency program gave us a chance to practice our IV starts at the peri-op for 2 hours. It was definitely a fun experience.

As I was reading this, I was nodding my head, agreeing with you! I, too, have anxiety issues and definitely sabotaged myself a couple of times. When I was taking my tests from my previous degree, I was always the first one to get done and never had to worry about getting less than an A. THEN, when I started nursing school a couple of years ago, I was always the LAST person to finish, had cold, clammy hands, heart racing, HYPERVENTILATING and could never pass the first time on my exit exams at the end of the semester. I was so frustrated and gave myself a hard time. And yes, I was bitter at the fact other students that weren't the brightest could do better than me. BUT I told myself to just relax; if you have to take some time to step aside and collect yourself, then do so. Take as much time as you want. I always tell myself before anything overwhelming to "just relax and know what you are capable of."

Congrats to those individuals that received an offer! :) If you guys don't mind, can you tell us what school you attended, gpa, extracurricular activities and other background experience? I have friends that are graduating soon and would like to know what kind of individuals the residency programs are looking for. It will be greatly appreciated! Again, CONGRATS!

With your experience, you will definitely get something within a 1-3 months. Definitely start applying online, contact HR and the nurse recruiters in the hospitals you are interested in. Also, if you're planning to make a trip to SF before the ACTUAL move, apply, then make a trip to the hospitals and introduce yourself. I know a couple of nurses that lived out-of-state and got job offer from a prestigious hospital in the bay area. As for living situations, sublet in the city or live near the surrounding areas such as; Daly City, Burlingame, San Bruno etc. Good luck!

Good luck!! I heard that as long as you have over 60 something % on Kaplan, you definitely know your content. You have that knowledge you gained in nursing school and whatever you used to review for NCLEX. The day before your exam, just relax and let your mind take in everything. Look over your lab values, EKG and make it a light study day in the morning and enjoy the rest of your day:). Don't doubt yourself. You got this!

Very well written and I must say, your writing is very eloquent:). I definitely agree with what you have written. I have seen many LPNS/LVNS thrive in this field. When I was a student nurse, I worked with a lot of LPNs that had numerous experience and I was very impressed with their patient-centered care as well as their skills. I do have friends that have been LPNs/LVNs since 2006 that are more financially stable that I am; a BSN new grad with plenty of student loans from my previous degree and about to start work next month. I also have friends that graduated a couple of years ago with a Sociology and Psychology degree that are getting paid less or even the same amount as an LVN. I missed those days when a college degree meant something. Ah.. Wishful thinking.