newnurse2005

My physical was no problem at all. Blood, drug, and TB tests were about it for me. Also, a basic eye exam and hearing test. They asked for a detailed health history, but I didn't think it was a big deal. I think it all depends on the healthcare provider doing the assessment. Good luck!

You should definitely call the HR/nurse recruiter at the location you're interested working at. That's how I found out there were new grad RN openings - which are STILL not posted online. I'm sure that the pay is probably better than at your community hospitals, plus the benefits alone are great. Good luck!

Thanks. I'm just hoping to hear about what's NOT on the website or what would be told to me by HR. I'll probably go to the cafeteria and speak candidly with the nurses there so I get a better feel for it. As of right now, I've heard wonderful things -- plus the benefits can't be beat! Can anyone else help? Any information at all about the Boston VA?

Hi, Does anyone have any experience with, or heard about, the Boston VA system: particularly the West Roxbury, MA acute care facility (nurse-pt. ratios, mgmt., overall morale and shape it's in?)? Hope to hear from you! Thanks in advance!

Yeah! Congrats to you! I'm in the program now, and will graduate on May 15th! It's a wild ride, but just hang in there and you'll be fine! If I can be of any help to you along the way, just let me know! I'm very happy for you!

I'm in an accelerated program right now (2nd degree). We have a student who gave birth right in the middle of the program. Get this: it's her third child: all are under age three!!!! She's really energetic and very, very intelligent. She's doing just fine with everything, although she does need to miss a few days here and there because her children have some health issues. You really have to be committed to the program. Personally, I don't think I would have done it. If this is your first child, then you'll miss out on a lot of time with the baby that you'll never get back. Plus, you need to look at the accelerated nature of the progam itself. What about when you're finished? Is there really a rush to go back to work? If it were me, I wouldn't chance it. I just wanted to post this message to let you know that it's been successfully done before, and to realize that there are definite drawbacks. There are options: like going part-time in a traditional program. That way, you'll have an outlet and your independence: but you wouldn't be completely stressed out. Tough decision, indeed!!! Let me know what you decide! Good luck to you! :)

Has anyone ever had to deal with an RN coworker who was using drugs? I couldn't imagine! I'd love to hear about more examples, if anyone else can share?!!

Have you tried a "nurse refresher" program? Because of the nursing shortage, many schools have implemented these programs to get people back into the nursing profession. I think you would feel more confident by going through a program like this, and it would look great on your resume. Don't worry about the more experienced nurses. I'm in my thirties and will be graduating nursing school in May, as a second career. If you worry about what others think, you won't be comfortable in your job. A good nurse will show you the ropes and will help you to grow professionally. If you're not interested in a refresher program, then make sure you get a position in a facility that values continuing education and professional development for their nurses. If you live in an area that has major teaching hospitals, then I would seriously consider going that route (at least you wouldn't be the only "newbie" on the floor!). Just try not to get caught in a position that you'll hate! Let me know how it goes! Good luck!

Hi! I will graduate from nursing school in May and would like to hear about ethical issues that practicing nurses (or even students in clinical) have experienced, and how you handled the situation. I think this would be a very informative discussion. My example is as follows: A friend of mine was had a patient who required "comfort care only." He was dying, and his wife requested that all life-saving interventions be ceased. The doctors "allegedly" drew blood from him, but didn't want the wife to know what they did. My friend tells me that his prior lab values showed that there was no way that he would recover. She felt divided in this situation, in that she was in essence, the patient's advocate that day, but she didn't want to question the physicians. She kept the matter quiet. I would love to hear about other ethical dilemmas/situations that other nurses have experienced! Thanks in advance!!!