CaliRN13

Hi! Not sure where this post should go (Florida Nursing or NICU), but my husband's job will be taking us to the Pensacola area this Spring/Summer. I currently work in a fast-paced level IV NICU and I love it. I've worked in a level III NICU at a delivery hospital before, but I love the complicated patients and teeny tinies I get to care for in the level IV where I currently work. Does anyone have any information about Studer Family Children's NICU? So far it's the only hospital I've found with a NICU that is closest to what I currently do and nearest to the area we are looking live (though suggestions are welcome as far as best areas to live in!) I already know I will be taking a pay cut coming from Southern California but I'm curious about a few things: What do pay and benefits look like What is unit/hospital culture like Overall if it's a decent place to work ... and most importantly are they are even hiring? They do have full time positions posted which I plan on applying for but I know a lot of institutions are posting jobs even though they are on hiring freezes. Any info is helpful! Thanks so much in advance. Cali

Hey friends! So I worked as an L&D/Postpartum nurse for a little over a year outside of CA and then moved back here thinking my year of experience would be enough to get hired... So far that's not the case. Even though job listings say "minimum experience 1 year" it seems like they're looking for more. It seems like I get passed over quickly and then never get any feedback. It's not an option to move again so I was wondering if anyone has advice for me on how to stand out or what I can do to get my foot in the door somewhere. I really love L&D/Postpartum; I miss it and I'm so desperate to get back in the game! If this needs to be moved to OB/GYN specialty I understand, just thought I'd reach out to the CA group first because I think we've ALL experienced the difficulty in getting hired here as new grads and as experienced nurses! Thanks!

I'm sorry, I don't know :/

I was told by about noon on the first day is when they hit 500. With so many applicants though, I wouldn't be surprised if they hit the 500 mark earlier than that.

Unfortunately they do only look at the first 500 qualified applicants, even though the posting is open for 3 days. It may be even less since they are taking so few people this time around. You would think they'd just shut it down after 500, but I'm assuming maybe there's some sort of policy that requires the posting to be open for a certain amount of time.

Good luck to you gikg. I think I've seen you on a number of the same forums as myself. I was at my wits end with this job market after a year of searching. Is there any way you could "geo-bachelor" it.. Meaning you live apart for a year while you get that coveted year of experience? My fiancé is stationed here in the San Diego area and we decided that it would be best (for my sanity, really) to start applying outside of California. Luckily I landed an internship about 2.5-3 hours away from our house in a different state, so seeing each other on days off won't be wildly difficult. It will stink being away from each other, but after I gain my experience hopefully I will have more options for employment in CA... One can do anything for a year, right? ? (I understand this may not be even close to an option if you have kids!) Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way.. Best of luck!

It's a tough program and quite expensive so you won't be able to work full-time while going (if you'll need to do that to afford the program/living expenses). Some of the people in my cohort worked part-time, but I knew I wouldn't be able to handle that AND keep up academically. I agree with MrChicagoRN.. Contact Loyola. They were willing to answer all of my questions and then some before I even applied. There are a number of scholarships that are offered to ABSNers so make sure that you ask about those when you contact Loyola. I don't know how many people apply to the program each cohort, but my cohort started with about 60 students. Even though it was really hard at times, it's worth it for that BSN edge when applying to jobs right now. Loyola also works with a LOT of different hospitals, so during clinical you have the opportunity to make positive impressions and hopefully land a job at the end :) I had clinical at about 5 different hospitals. Even if you end up at the same hospital a couple of times, you still have the opportunity to make an impression on different units. There is a lot of "hands on" type work with this program, not just in clinical but in labs and simulations. The new nursing facility is amazing. I participated in a number of simulations that were extremely helpful with critical thinking skills under pressure. I also participated in a simulation with medical students which was an invaluable experience! We learned a lot from one another. Hopefully this information helps a little bit! I'm not sure if you mentioned what your previous bachelor's degree is in, but I personally loved learning with nursing students who have such different backgrounds.. You will meet a lot of very awesome people and you will learn how to use your own unique educational background to your advantage as a nurse. Best of luck to you!

Applying from out of state or applying to jobs out of state?

Hi! I have not enrolled yet. I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I will be staying in CA :/ I guess it wouldn't hurt to do it.

Hi Sanaalam! I'm actually thinking of doing this program as well. Hopefully we can get some answers! I'm just north of San Diego so I would be commuting. I'm curious as to whether or not people have gotten hired after this program (whether new graduate or regular RN positions) or not. I graduated December of 2012.

I've applied numerous times as well, right when the application opens. Not sure what they're looking for! I have a number of certifications, a BSN, I volunteer as an RN, and I had a pretty awesome preceptorship. I've heard Sharp is VERY hard to get into though, so congrats on those of you that scored interviews and/or positions in their residencies!

I second that.. along with DEU and Mercy DOU

Trying to stay busy this weekend to keep my mind off of my interview. Hope everyone is staying sane! Just a few more days hopefully :|

Linds_12 I think you'll nail it this time! I brought a portfolio. They have so many papers on their table that I think that's all you really need to have! A couple of the managers looked at mine so it was good to have.

I wish I had some good advice for you guys, but I don't even know how I did! Really I would just say be confident. Linds_12 If you don't mind my asking, how did you butcher your last interview? I'm sure you'll do well this time already knowing what to expect! It'd be awesome if we all make it into that top 40.. the waiting is just killing me right now :/

Good luck to everyone with interviews today and tomorrow! Positive thoughts your way :)

It was ooooookay. Not as chaotic as some people had mentioned it might be. I was so nervous but my interviewers were very nice! I'm hoping I made a positive impression with at least one of them!

Thanks you guys!!! I could barely sleep last night, but my interview is finally over. Let the waiting game begin! Best of luck to everyone with interviews coming up this week!