sweetjane

Hi all, I'm working on an acute care/oncology floor before transitioning to do my MSN and become a nurse practitioner. I am submatriculated into a women's health NP program at the same school where I did my BSN, but am beginning to think that FNP is the way to go. I'm sure this question has been posed a million times before, but does one specialize or keep it broad so as to be marketable post-graduation? I'm struggling with following my dream and specializing in women's health, but also the realities of the job market suggest that "FNP only" is something seen semi-frequently while on the job hunt. Thoughts from ARNPs who are peds educated, women's health focused, etc, greatly appreciated!

I'm not sure... but it seems like in previous threads that the first part is HR, and the second is behavioral questions is the nurse manager and several other nurses on the particular floor.

I grew up in Seattle but did nursing school out east. I was home visiting fam during the interviews. The process was great. The HR interview was very smooth, and it was clear to the woman who interviewed me that I needed to be on GYN surgery. I talked about my passion for women's healthcare, my experiences during senior clinical, and even though the questions were not behavioral specifically, I was able to generalize my clinical experiences to answer the questions with more detail than was being asked. The second interview was with 5 nurses from the floor, one of which was the nurse manager. It was also very smooth and friendly - they asked me behavioral questions and I needed to respond using SBAR. I got a tour of the floor thereafter. It was great! I really regret saying no to Swedish, because I thought the GYN team who I met were exceptionally nice, but I just needed to pick another job in the end.

I declined an offer from Swedish for their GYN surgery floor earlier this week, so if any of you applied for that one, a spot might be opening. I really liked the floor and the nurses who interviewed me, but frankly the fact that you aren't guaranteed placement on the floor you do your residency on is something that gave me pause. I think Swedish will need to revamp this aspect of their famed RN residency program if they're going to really attract new RNs, and not lose them to other hospitals.

I'm not sure applications for May are still open.... but I could be wrong. Look at their HR job listings page!

Someone in my class said to go *really slowly and reading really carefully* on the first 10 questions of the exam. Just go slow. Honestly. Read so carefully, and really think through the answers. I passed on Monday with 75 questions my first attempt, and was getting 50-53% on the first 4 Kaplan Q trainer tests, then 59-68% on the last 3 Qtrainer exams. I was shocked at how that advice really helped me - and feeling really calm, and not rushed. My friend also told me to expect 265 and not to psych out about it. So just continue to study questions, reading them really carefully, and you can do it!

Thanks :) Was it your sense that many people in your cohort were able to find job placement on the floors that you precepted on?

Hi kaitac - my understanding is that the application is available at swedishcareers.org for one week only three times per year. I would maybe start checking in late April/early May to see if it's up. Fill out the application and submit it over the web. Hope this is helpful.

I think early May, judging from previous cohort posts on allnurses. But I'm not entirely sure.

Would you mind sharing how your second interview went? What was it like? What questions were asked? Thank you!

If you're under 30 and have been married for a few years, you will probably be considered independent. Do check with financial aid though.

Thank you for this EclecticGal!! Can we ask you more questions about your experience, if you don't mind?

I found out about the residency program when looking at their careers website. It was one of the job options to apply to. My sense is that it's only posted for a short period of time three times per year, and once it's no longer posted then you have to wait for the next cohort application to apply again. But it was sheer chance that I happened upon it.

They called me after I submitted my resume/application. I was really surprised. I think they're just beginning the first round of interviews so perhaps they are still in the process of calling people? I would stay posted and wait for a phone call to schedule you.

Hi TLynnRN - I'm interviewing soon for the May 2014 cohort. Would you be interested in posting about your experience in the residency program? How has it been? what have you enjoyed? did you find a place to work in Swedish that you're happy with? Looking forward to hearing from you!

I had never been to Philly before... I moved a few days before the program started, did the phone interview, skipped visiting day. It was sort of a gamble but it's a great city - and has comforts that all cities offer. I came from the West Coast (one of the many) and found the lack of interesting produce options sort of disheartening, but you make do. That was the only adjustment. Oh, beer is REALLY expensive if you buy a 6 pack in a store. Sometimes $13. Ha, my priorities...beer and vegetables;) I'm not sure where a calendar would be... the curriculum changed from my class to the last year's one, so it's a new schedule. Is anyone from the current BSN class posting here?

Oh the BSN was good, generally. I'm happy with my education and feel prepared. There were many stressful times, many tears, many laughs, and you just end up relying on your amazing class and cohort to support you. You will need one another, and really come to love one another too... I've made the most amazing friends at Penn. They are people I will know and consult with throughout my career.

It is really a mixed bag. You think you want to go straight through, then you work. You want to work, but you decide to go straight through. I'm debating what to do myself right now. There honestly is no right answer - it's what's best for your life. Your peers and peer advisors and faculty advisors are great people to hash it out with. There are pluses and minuses to both routes! It's up to you;) I'm studying for the NCLEX right now, sleeping in, watching Girls, playing with my dog, and hanging out with friends... soooo...

Hi all! Congrats everyone! I finished the accelerated BSN in December so could try to answer questions if you have them. Philly is a great city with lots to offer, so don't feel intimidated about house hunting or the big move this spring. It all works out.

Anything women's health - postpartum, mother/baby, GYN sx. I'm hopeful. I think they do a mix of phone and in-person interviews for the first round. :)

NICE! I have an in person next week... I am really looking forward to it and very hopeful. What floors are you looking at @hellostudents?

And more specific questions I have for anyone who is currently in or has completed the residency.... How are you liking it? Are you promised work on at least a floor at Swedish once you complete your residency? What are the hours like in your week? Are you paid for your time in simulation lab or just when you're working on the floor and precepting experienced RNs? Are there health insurance/benefits similar to what a nurse might have working in a non-residency capacity?

For folks who have started the residency - how are you liking it? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Are you promised work on at least a floor at Swedish once you complete your residency? What are the hours like? Are you paid for your time in simulation lab or just when you're working on the floor and precepting experienced RNs? Are there health insurance/benefits similar to what a nurse might have working in a non-residency capacity? Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone! I just applied to the Nurse Residency program at Swedish in Seattle, WA for the May 2014 cohort. Anyone else in the same boat? Getting excited? Would love to hear from folks who started in previous cohorts. Thanks!

***really manage your time***.. that's all you can do. study lectures immediately after you hear them, and break up your day with a few hours of study each day so that you're not stuck cramming at the very end before an exam. I really, really recommend studying right after you hear lectures for like two or three hours. i didn't manage my time well the second semester of nursing school and almost paid very dearly for it; i'm ready to do better for ob/peds in the spring now because i know where my weakness are with time management.