leckzieloo

Thank you so much! This was definitely helpful!

Also, is the pay grade very low for new grads?

Hello everyone! This may seem like a silly question, but I wanted some advice on it. My question is, how far in advance should I apply for a job at the VA? I will graduate with my ADN in December 2015. I have heard how hard it is to get a job at the VA as a new grad, especially with an ADN, but am very interested in these facilities. I have seen a few positions at my local VA that are open until the end of June or July. I was wondering if I should wait and apply until later in the fall, or get a jump start and apply this summer? I'm just trying to get a head start on trying to get my foot in the door there and would appreciate any suggestions! Thank you!

I must say I don't think the post was judging at all! I myself am overweight and after reading the post I think it is wonderful and inspirational. You go girl!

I must

Thank you for replying! I appreciate it!!

Hello everyone! First of all I want to say thank you to anyone who replies. I am one semester away from graduating from nursing school. I am aware I need a year or two of experience before going into travel nursing, but had some questions regarding this career path. My main question is that I have no clue how to understand the contracts people tell me about. If it isn't too much trouble I was wondering if someone could break this down for me. I see a lot of abbreviations such as "GSA, and MEI" in these threads. I have looked through a ton of posts, but have not found a post explaining this. My other question is simply how does the process work? I assume you apply for a job, interview, they make you an offer, and you accept/decline? I wasn't sure if they gave you a list of locations, or if they only offered you one location based on their needs. I know these questions will require a lot of detail, so thank you in advance for all the help! I love traveling and have always wanted to venture into this area of nursing. Any insight helps! Y

I am currently in an ASN program. I had the same battles that you are having now. I talked to a few recruiters and managers at local hospitals to see their opinion on this topic. I would suggest you do the same in your area. The hospital I've worked at the past two years considers me "grandfathered in" so I would not have to have a BSN to get hired as a new grad. However, a few local hospitals suggested that they prefer to take a BSN new grad over an ASN new grad. This is why I would recommend you do some local research. Financially the ASN program was best for me, and since the current hospital I work at will not require me to have a BSN as a new grad there was no question about it. My ultimate goal is to get my BSN as well, which is why the ASN was my final decision. Good luck to you. I hope this helps :)

Thank you for responding! It's nice to have some insight on the rumors I've heard!

Hello everyone! I had a few questions regarding the VA centers. I have heard that the shifts at the VA centers are awful. I have heard that you never know if you're working shifts that are 12s, 8s, or 4s. Is this true? Or is it like any other job where you are hired on for a particular shift with certain hours? Also, I was wondering as a new grad if it is hard to get on there, especially as an ADN. Thanks for any input!

Although this isn't true for everyone, you may want to check your vitamin D levels. I have been on nights for 3 years, and began feeling depressed, restless, emotional, stressed ect. Someone told me to get it checked so I went for a check up and it was critically low. I didn't think it would help with my depression, but it did. The first couple of weeks I could tell a huge difference, and the fact that it gave me more energy helped with my depression also. Like I said, not true for every night shift worker but it worked wonders for me!

Thanks for responding! Good luck!

Thanks for responding! It eases my mind to have some insight on what it will be like. Good luck in the rest of your school!

Part of nursing is caring for all patients regardless of religious beliefs, sexual orientation, race, ect; A homosexual patient is no different than any other patient and deserves the same care and compassion as anyone else.

This is for Jefferson community and technical college in Louisville, Ky.. Sorry I didn't clarify.

Our hospital has a crazy policy that if you don't get a flu shot you MUST wear a mask anytime you are within 3 feet of a patient regardless of their diagnosis. Being caught around the patient without a mask can result in termination. Even though I think the policy is ridiculous I've always gotten the flu shot and only have gotten sick one time which i blame on my nieces, not the flu shot Our facility is extremely persistent on asking if you've felt sick at all BEFORE you get the flu shot. If you have then you're not required to take it. So of course if you're experiencing symptoms before hand then it is likely you might get sick because of something you already had not because of the vaccination.

Central Kentucky, work at a hospital and LTC as a cna while going to school. If im not working or studying im sleeping.

Its all about the area you live in. I've heard the east coast is the best place to land a job in the nursing market. Well, for this year anyway.

If you're interested in trauma then ICU is where you should be. A lot of people say that its unlikely to get a job in an ICU as a new grad but several of my nursing school friends have gotten hired in an ICU unit because the unit can train them how they want them, good luck!

This is my first post! If I have duplicated a topic I appologize! I am applying next semester for JCC's RN program. I am one of those people that have to work at least 3/4 time and go to school. I was just wondering what the school schedule for JCC's nursing program is? Ive heard the first few semesters are just 3 days a week but of course require an insane amount of studying (as do all nursing programs). Any info is helpful! Thanks!