beckeroo222

YES YES YES - I do agree there are some nurses out there who are just horrible to new inexperienced nurses, but that is the case with a**holes in any profession. Too many new nurses (and new college grads in general) are expecting what you wrote about... coworkers that "build up your self-esteem" and "love to teach you how to grow in some individualistic way" --- that's not their job!! its on you (and all of us, still) to go through that uncomfortable period of being wrong, accepting it, learning, and moving forward.... love masondixiechic's words.

Hi everyone! I was just told about the internship from the recruiter and am so happy I found this thread!!! Could any of you who completed the internship and are now working (or are in the process of completing the internship) share your experiences? Do you feel the 6-8 week unpaid internship was worth what you gained? What is the process like? Did you feel like by doing the internship you were able to more smoothly learn the ropes before starting? what units did you have wonderful experiences on...and (hopefully none) anyone have issues with their unit being not receptive to new grads? Also, do they let you know what pay would be once the internship is done and if you are hired as a PD or full time? I'm just trying to get any info that I can.... thank you in advance and congratulations to everyone!!!!!!!!

Hi, I'm a new grad who also is really interested in the VA. I did an accelerated BSN program and called up the local VA hospital in my state and asked them the same question you are asking now. For me, they said I could start completing all the necessary paperwork and background check stuff (which takes a while) but couldn't apply until I had graduated and obtained my licensure. BUT there is this program called VALOR, where I believe you spend time (summers, or clinical rotations...i can't remember) at the VA and I really wished I could have done it because you gain experience and exposure and then get hired after graduation...but I did the accelerated thing and I didn't have breaks so I couldn't..but maybe you can! my advice, look for the nearest VA hospital and call their HR/ nursing recruitment and ask them this stuff asap. They'll have the answer. And you can make a profile on USAJOBS.com which is where you look for available jobs, post your resume, ect. good luck!

Hey Temmuz! I also graduated (in may) from rutgers ABSN! I got my ATT in mid july and passed the nclex last week! How are you finding the program prepped you for your new job? (congrats by the way!) I've been working as a CCT, but only per diem for a few months and that obviously isn't adding to my nursing-specific skills

thanks!

also I don't know if you should write about when you are going to be licensed. anyone else know?

I think what you have is good - maybe use less general terms when describing your PCT job

Hi everyone :) I'm finishing up an accelerated second-degree BSN program in May and was wondering how new grad salaries differ by the major hospitals in NJ (ex. Robert Wood Johnson, JFK, Hackensack Medical Center, Monmouth medical center, St. Peters). I've been so absorbed in school, that only now am I looking ahead and trying to see how long it will take to pay off loans, save up, ect. If any recent grads (or others with this knowledge) would mind posting what the starting salary is for new BSN grads in specific hospitals (and info about the orientation experience would also be wonderful), it would be really appreciated! PS ( I will be happy with ANY job offer, I'm just wondering)

So I'm just finishing my first of four levels for an ABSN at a large school in NJ - when I saw your post i had to reply. I was in your place just a few months ago! This is my honest advice: 1. It is hard! People will tell you constantly how incredibly, insanely hard it is (which gets annoying - take each day/week at a time). But it is manageable - you will need to make school your number 1 priority and stick to that. 2. If you are able to not work during the program - DON"T. I understand some people can't take out more loans or have a family to support - but an accelerated BSN program is literally more than a full time job. I live with med and dental students and they always can't believe how intense the program is and how much I'm always doing work for it. You're cramming 2 1/2 years of tough courses and clinicals into half the time...you are BUSY 3. Explain to your family and friends that you will be MIA for the next year and however many months. this was a biggy - at orientation all the faculty literally told us "say goodbye to your family and friends" and recommended "delete your facebook - why do you want to see what your friends are doing on the weekend when you can't, because you'll be studying?" -- granted - they were being a bit extreme, but during the program you won't have time to be maintaining all of your relationships like you can now. For me - that was the hardest part to get used to. As long as you have a support system (aka people who "get it" and understand you are doing something that is extremely intense) it will be okay. At the same time - you need to give your mind a break. If you haven't - learn how to study - I recommend 60-90 minutes of serious studying then a 20 minute break (go for a run - watch TV- chill) and literally set your timer for both the break time, and for when that 20 minutes is up. My only academic related advice would be to brush up on your anatomy and physiology (the systems). You will use it and if you're more versed, it will cut down on extra study time. Find out your assigned books as early as you can and go into the start of the program having read the first weeks material. In our program we always joke that you CONSTANTLY feel behind - because just when you scramble to finish something, there's 5 more things due the next day. You will get very close with your classmates - which is good. They will lean on you and you will lean on them. It's hard, but this is the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. I've learned more, done more, and experienced more in 4 months, than I have in my 4 years of undergrad. If you go into this 100%, stay organized, and have a support system that allows you to make school your job - you'll do great! You're clearly already planning, which means your already a step ahead :)

All (future) Newark ABSN students: I've created a facebook page for all the spring newark ABSNs. I'm working on a way to send the link, but Friend me, Rebecca DeTeresa, on Facebook and I will add you. I'm going to add more to it later this afternoon, but just friend for now and I'll add you :)

KMB471 message me and give me your email when u can

Hi Kerry, There is a letter coming out explaining. The orientation is on the 5th of December and we will get more details about the structure of the clinicals. They can be at a hospital within 1 hour of newark, but we won't know our specific location for a bit. From others in the program, I heard our clinicals could be in the morning or evening, but I'm not sure. As for commuting, I spoke to one administrator that told me definitely drive over taking a train. I'm still deciding if I will live on campus during the week to avoid my commute.

hey! sorry I never emailed you back...I got the info yesterday on TEAS and NALC via email. there are 2 dates to register for TEAS, November 12th or the 19th...its 10-5pm, I'm not sure if that's including time to go get our IDs and other stuff but she said it takes the entire day. The info packet has everything we need to know and do before orientation. They also send NACL info, but still no exact dates. From what she said, its 7-9 days ( I think consecutively) from about 9-3:30. I really want to do it, but I need to know the dates! If anyone finds out the exact dates of NACL can they post them?? Also, I'm still wondering if anyone is planning on living on/near campus at all. Message me if you are :)

got it! thanks!!

kafaram0, wow what a coincidence we both live in hillsborough! boarding is expensive, I'm just trying to think about how I will succeed best. I'm thinking about going into the first semester commuting and if its terrible, I will make the sacrifice and board. Can you private message me your phone number/facebook info? It's so great to have someone who lives so close in the same program!