-AO-

Certain ICU experience ...

I know it is probably more rare than not, but I currently work with a anesthesiologist who went to med school in the Caribbean and he is currently in a critical care fellowship at a large, prestigious teaching hospital. So I wouldn't say it is a dead end in that regard, but agree that it probably is harder to match to get into top residencies. Good luck in your decision!

Was wondering if those with personal experiences in CRNA school sim labs can comment on how they differ or whether some are more advanced, realistic, etc. than others. I'm interviewing with several programs (primarily west coast) and am curious if these programs' labs differ greatly. For example, I assume Merritt's sim lab has been around for many years, whereas I've heard OHSU's sim lab is relatively new ... so I'm curious if the technologies in these two labs differ significantly. Thanks!

So, did you end up having any decision to make? :)

You're thinking otherwise because ... ?

Honestly, the best advice I can give is to be yourself, and try to relax. The people on the panel are professional and caring, and want everyone to do well. Just try to be confident in who you are. Good luck!

Thanks, appreciate your insight!

Ruby, I agree with what you are saying here ... of course she shouldn't ask the same question repeatedly expecting a different result, and of course it's important to put in the effort and at least try to find the information you're seeking before asking. I just figured that all went without saying My advice was primarily to encourage Jess not to shy away from asking questions, period. I guess this all depends on how much you're looking to spend. I kept my Littman II from school and was very happy with it ... up until it disappeared :/ I guess the most important thing is to put your name/info on it . I also see many nurses use the cheapo-throwaways already in the room. While these are not ideal (been using one for a couple months now until I decide if I'll buy another), they often are enough to get by imo. Reading Amazon reviews will probably give some good insight as well here.

ZRn11, I have Bojar's book, but have held off on Hardin's. Can you compare the two? I've read Hardin's is much more nursing focused, while Bojar's is much more MD focused (seems to be the case imo). What is your take? Thanks.

I just started in a nearly identical situation almost a year ago. First, congrats! Be confident, knowing they chose you because they believe you are capable to succeed there (they wouldn't have chosen you otherwise). You have the advantage of being a new grad ... they know your knowledge/skills bank is practically empty. Second, don't hesitate to ask any questions. There are no dumb questions and it's always better to ask than to guess. This will increase your confidence so that the next time you see it, you'll know the answer/what to do (besides, it's the best way to cover your own rear) Good luck. It will be stressful at times, but you will get there.

Congrats for sure. Very lucky to find any job as a new grad in CA, especially in acute care. Good luck!

Maybe you should first tell us what specifically you're looking for in a community/region. As you know from your current situation, many factors affect how much each individual person enjoys the community/region he/she lives in, and money and cost living is only one slice of the pie. What distance commute are you looking for? How about time sitting in traffic? Rural or city (more conservative or more liberal)? How about hobbies ... night life, outdoor adventuring, etc.?

Great job finding a new grad program in NorCal as an ADN nurse! Which hospital will you be starting at and which nursing program did you graduate from? I agree with zzbxdo's advice, consult with your unit mngrs and program mngrs.

Hey kraizie, I sent you a PM :)

No, I'm not. As I stated above ... There needs to be a distinction between unwilling to work and unable to work. But again, this seems to be drifting off-topic. From my personal experiences, I now have the pov that I shared (which I know is somewhat extreme), and don't feel the need to try to convince anyone to change theirs. No, I don't believe healthcare is a "right". Period. (and I'm perfectly comfortable agreeing to disagree) :)

Not just "some". What decides is whether or not you are contributing (ie paying for it).

Which Anericans? The ones working hard for an honest living, the ones truly seeking employment during tough times? Or the ones looking for a free handout, who aren't contributing anything at all to society? I think it's wrong for anyone to expect anything if they're unwilling to pay or work hard for it. If they are unable to pay or work hard, then we need to assess the reasons for this.

Let me try to clarify what I meant. I'm well aware that most Euro countries are far to the left when it comes to most social issues. However, my little soapbox rant was referring to the difference in sense of entitlement. People there pay large percentages of their income in taxes today for the social services they enjoy. People here seem to want everything (best healthcare, best education, best military, etc.), but we don't seem to want pay for any of it. Kids nowadays grow up seeming to expect everything, but they don't understand you have to work hard in order to enjoy these "rights". But this is all drifting OT (sorry for that). More to the OP's point ... I think we Americns enjoy and/or expect too many "rights" compared to he rest of the world.

Not sure about healthcare specifically, but after personally spending time abroad (in Europe and Africa), I feel the majority of US citizens I interact with seem to feel overly entitled and feel they're owed many so-called "rights". Why? I believe this mindset stems from our nation's founding and the principles our forefathers held. Regardless, I think many times this sense of entitlement is not logical. For example, we want the freedom to live unhealthily (poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excess alcohol, drugs, etc.), and yet we expect others to pay for the end result of these choices. We feel entitled to have the best education for our children, but when we raise our kids, do we emphasize the importance of hardwork, integrity, and respect for others? We desire peace and safety from foreign and domestic terrorism, but our leaders (yes, from both political parties) consistently invade foreign lands, raping and pillaging others' sovereign soil ... and our people continuously fail to hold these leaders to any sort of accountability. We want peace, but we promote warangal violence. We want to be healthy and have free healthcare, but we have an obesity epidemic in this country. Is healthcare a "right"? I don't think so.

I'll bite. To the OP: I apologize in advance if I've mistakenly interpreted your questions. If I have, please rephrase and clarify. However, when anyone asks "...which area in Cali pays the best", it comes across like you are only seeking high pay, as opposed to asking about a specific region you're interested in moving to (such as how you phrased your question initially). Which is it? Are you interested in moving to SoCal as you initially asked (and you'd like to find out about pay ranges in that area), or are you only interested in moving where the pay is "the best" as you stated? Why do you specifically want to come out to CA at all (besides pay)? Have you even ever visited CA?

Supposedly the market will explode within the next few years ... at which point all of the ADNs will be able to find jobs much easier (heck, even us BSNs are having trouble right now). Certain hospitals (those associated with universities, research, magnet status, etc.) will always prefer candidates with higher degrees ... because they value the education, research, etc. that go along with higher degrees. Just the way it is.

Definitely depends on your individual, long-term goals and plans. No one here can help you determine that.

Definitely depends on the market you're looking in. It took me nearly 7 months to get an offer in my market. Good luck.

Yes. ADNs may need to look further out in more rural areas, but there are jobs out there. Good luck.

Quickest option would be an accelerated BSN program (usually around 1 year). Otherwise, entry-level MSN programs may be good (~2.5 yrs) and may (not sure on this) give you a better shot at a job after you graduate. Good luck. I'm a fellow Anteater (graduated with a BS in Bio Sci in 2009).