Clark_Kent

Which program did you graduate from? Would you recommend it?

I recorded myself reading lists of meds or lab values or whatever, then recorded myself asking quiz-like questions with pauses before the answers. It was helpful both in making the recordings and in listening to them on my drive to school.

I accepted the position -- very excited. : )

So I did manage to end with a modest increase in my base salary. My main strategy was to highlight the aspects of my experience in other fields that will be valuable to this organization and to my new position. This allowed the company to justify bumping me up a tier in the pay-scale. I don't think any feathers we're ruffled by my trying to do this. I feel good for having advocated for myself, and an extra buck an hour makes a difference. The organization also knows that they're getting a valuable candidate. It's nerve wracking to try negotiate -- especially with such a tough job market. But, I think it's good practice, and helps set a precedent for future growth within an organization. Thanks!

Did you feel any pressure to get some med/surg experience as a first nursing job? I kind of feel that with the tough job market, we may not get to be too choosy. Psych is one of my interests, I think I'm just going to go for it.

Still in progress. I should know more today.

Ooh a name stamp -- that's great!

I'm waiting for a call right now from HR with an offer for my first nursing position out of school, and I'm planning to try to negotiate a higher hourly base pay. I don't expect much, but I'm hoping there may be wiggle room of a couple of dollars per hour. My background is in business, so I have some experience with negotiation techniques. Even though I would (will) probable accept whatever they offer rather than turn down the position, this is the first moment where I have a slightly more powerful position -- I feel like I have to at least try. I'll try to post again to let you all know how it goes, and what strategies I used (if it works.) Wish me luck!

Hey folks, I was offered a job at an in-patient (adolescent) psych unit. As a student nurse, I always had my stethoscope, penlight, alcohol swabs, scissors, tape, sharpie, etc. What's useful/appropriate to have on a psych unit? (I'm guessing I should leave the scissors at home.) Also, any advice or words of encouragement? This is my 1st nursing job. Thanks!

Congrats! Great to hear about your perseverance and success. 10 years from now, the extra 45 days and heartache won't matter at all, but your ability to pick yourself up and refocus will remain invaluable.

I passed my boards in mid January and have been applying for all types of positions -- one of which was in a psych hospital. I heard back from them a day later and interviewed the following day. I got job offer at the end of the interview! It still has to go through the official channels through HR, but it looks like a go. It happened so fast, I'm still trying to get my head around it. I had thought to get a med/surge job as a first position out of school, but jobs are hard to come by, and psych is one of my interests. So I'm gonna go for it. Since the position is 32 hours, I may try to look for a per diem gig someplace where I can take a few shifts a month and practice my clinical skills.