BaileyC

I'll tell you where: Allen college in Waterloo, Iowa! I had a 4 week rotation in an outpatient surgery center. I assisted with a double mastectomy. As in, I used tools, and held the patient's chest OPEN for the doctor for 2 hours while he operated.

Haha well I think I'm convinced. Thanks, guys.

I have been told by a couple of nurses that I worked with as a PCT to be sure to get my own Malpractice insurance once I begin working as an RN. I've thought about it on and off since. I started working as an RN a month ago, and have had some general nursing orientation days where I just sit in a classroom and listen to staff talk to us about different aspects of working as a nurse in this specific hospital. One of them (a woman from HR, I believe) began her speech by telling us that she always gets questions from new nurses about whether they should get malpractice insurance, and she said, "Don't worry about that. You're covered by the hospital. You don't need to buy your own malpractice insurance." Some of the nurses in my orientation group seemed skeptical of that. So I guess I'm wondering what you all think about this? Do you think it's safe/smart to rely on the hospital/organization to cover you if a patient files a complaint? Is there the possibility that the hospital will say, "No, we don't want to cover this particular dispute" for whatever reason? Or am I worrying for nothing?

Wow. I'm jealous. I took NCLEX in august..... All. 265. Questions. It took me almost the entire 6 hours, and it gave me SOOO many pharmacology questions, which is my weak spot. But I passed, and I have an interview in an hour for my first RN position :) Good luck, guys.

I graduated from the nursing school in May, and passed the NCLEX exam a couple weeks ago (woo!). I am applying for to work on a NICU. If anyone would please look at my resume and cover letter and leave me some tips/advice on how to fix it, I would be SO grateful! This is pretty much my dream job at an amazing hospital, so I want this to grab their attention and be perfect. Cover letter: "August 20, 2013 Children's Hospital [Address] [town], [state] [zip] Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to express my interest in the RN position available on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. What attracted me to [Childrens Hospital] is the emphasis on using team work that includes medical professionals as well as family members to provide family based care. I have found that a supportive, synergistic medical team is the best foundation for treating and informing patients and their families. My history of working with dependent adults has taught me to utilize excellent communication skills and to collaborate with family members. I am positive that I would be the perfect asset to your NICU because of my strong work ethic, my ability to work flexibly with others, and most importantly, my compassion for children. Enclosed is my resume, and I will be happy to provide references per your request. Feel free to call me on my personal line at (###)###-####. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Bailey C******, RN--BSN" Resume: "Bailey C***** [Address] [phone number] Objective Reliable Registered Nurse seeking full time RN position focused on providing exceptional patient care. Strong critical thinker with a comprehensive educational background with over a year's experience as a Patient Care Associate. Self-motivated professional with strong leadership and communication skills. Flexible, quick learner who enjoys a challenge. Education - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Allen College [January, 2011 - May, 2013] - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of Iowa[August, 2006 - May, 2010] Credentials - Registered Nurse (RN) - Iowa Board of Nursing --License no. ****** [August 2013--present] *Part of Nursing Compact* Certifications - Provider Basic Life Support -American Heart Association - Mandatory Reporter Work Experience - Certified Nurse Aide - Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare [July 2012 - present] o Responsibilities on both a 15 bed geriatric mental health unit as well as a 18 bed chemical dependency unit include assisting with patient admission and orientation, facilitating patient group discussions, ensuring a safe environment, performing vitals assessments, and charting patient care activities. Clinical Experience - Allen Hospital o Medical/Surgical, Perioperative, Critical Care, Pediatrics - Covenant Medical Center o Obstetrics - Black Hawk County Department of Health o Community Health Nursing Additional Skills and Experience - Volunteered at a Crisis Pregnancy Center from 2011 to 2013. - Initiation and discontinuation of intravenous therapy. - Insertion of straight catheters. - Well practiced in therapeutic communication skills, and known to have consistently positive patient interactions." Again, any help is GREATLY appreciated!!

I started work a couple months ago as a CNA on a geriatric psych unit and on a chemical dependency unit....and I really like both so far! I ALWAYS come home with a funny/crazy story. Some days are tough, (and yes, some of those geriatric patients have some MUSCLE, so be careful) but I still love it. It's really rewarding and humbling to spend time with people who are mentally handicapped, or are putting themselves through treatment and trying to fix their own substance abuse problems. I'm still deciding if I want to be a Psych RN once I graduate, only because I really like pediatrics, OR, and critical care nursing, too.

I'm sorry you've been so discouraged from getting a CNA job...I just started working as a CNA this past summer, and I really like it so far! I work in a geriatric mental health unit as well as at a chemical dependency center (that one is really easy). Yes, there are the not-so-fun part of the job, but they are also really rewarding. Also, it pays better than working in retail. And you do learn more about hospitals and the environment you're working in, and you learn how to build relationships and network with co-workers. You aren't going to LOVE every single job you ever have...that being said, I think it is a great, humbling experience, and can be VERY rewarding. I would encourage you to send your resume to a few different places and maybe try to get a job on a unit that you have interest in--that helps!