janetinherpalace

Thank you Tina. I am not too picky at this point. I just want a job that is rewarding and full of education.

I live in michigan and am curious about the nclex timeline. Someone told me last night it takes 6-8 weeks after graduation date to be eligible to take it- is that true? Also once I am eligible to take it how long does it take to schedule? I'm just trying to figure out if I should take it in Michigan for Mass. of in Mass itself. Thanks!

Well ofcourse not- that's just how I was talking in a non-professional setting. I am very much aware of the egocentric behavior of all hospitals :) And yes I will be settling close to MGH.

Thanks- I don't know why so many people told me to take it there, and implied that it was easier that way. Thanks ladies.

Where I live, and from what I have heard, these are pretty common. Yes they only look at your 1-2 page resume, verify your license, and check references but people do actually use these to paint a picture and say "this is who I am". It is interesting to hear your perspective- I will keep some of the things you stated in mind.

I am curious about the use of nursing portfolios in the Boston area. What would you put in it and how would you have it bound? Anyone have pictures or an example of their own to share as a new grad? When you are a new graduate there is not really much to put in there- I would think the order as it relates to the level of importance would be: Cover letter- why you want the specific job and why I am the person for the job Resume References Transcript Certifications - Nursing license - CPR/BCLS - Copy of license Research publication copies Health documentation - Immuninization records - physical Letters of recommendation - clinical instructors/preceptor - supervisor from current ICU tech job with evaluation copy Volunteer work information What else would you add or exclude? I find the next area a bit more intimidating because what if my samples aren't any good? I got this online and am interested in your opinions about adding something like this: Samples of your best work representing items on the job description, such as: - problem solving: demonstrate how you solved difficult problems with care maps, decision trees, or projects. - critical thinking: show a care plan written for a difficult patient, including the rationale for interventions implemented, and faculty remarks. Conceal the patient's identity to protect patient privacy. - communication: describe how you handled a team conference, with the rationale, or include writing samples. - leadership: include examples such as class office held, preceptor evaluation from leadership rotation, or staffing assignments made, with rationale. - team and group work: describe a difficult group project or assignment requiring collaboration or tell about your sports participation. - time management: tell how and why care priorities were made for a group of patients. Again, take steps to protect patient privacy. - caring: include thank-you notes from grateful patients or families. - clinical skills: if you're a student or recent graduate, include a skills list from lab and clinical courses and faculty-signed check-off sheets for high-level skills, such as I.V therapy, central venous access device management, and pain management. Include criteria sheets for any special skills you've mastered, such as arterial blood gas draws or ECG interpretation. Provide a summary of any completed capstone, emersion, or preceptor projects including facility, dates, supervisor, and knowledge gained.

Thank you for the feedback- that is exactly what I was looking for. I do plan on flying out and taking it in Massachusetts - I guess I just need my state to provide my paperwork first post graduation so I can do so. I hear that can take a few weeks :/ Thanks a million.

My husband is starting a new position at MGH in 2014 as a physician. I am graduating a month before our move date and hoping to find a position close to where we will live. I know there are many great hospitals but obviously my first choice will be MGH. And yes I know finding a job is impossible. I am however hoping that my patient tech experience in the SICU at one of the best SICUs in the country will help. In addition to some research experience and publications I will have my name on when I graduate with a BSN. (Simply stating that for context and resume purposes but then again many people have great experience.) My intentions are to take my NCLEX in early June. Let's pretend I actually can get a job. Now, I have heard that some states will employ you to work as a new graduate even without a license "with promise that you will pass your exams". I believe this is called "a new grad job". Do they do that anywhere in Boston? The other part to the question is: if i take my exam in june could I have a license by July to work? You know, for my pretent job in July. Thank you for taking the time to read. Feel free to ad any other knowledge requirements that I am lacking and things that I might need to be considered i.e. resumes etc.