38pearl

I didn't rent textbooks until the last few semesters of nursing school and it was absolutely the best decision I made. I wish I rented each and every single book in pre-nursing classes and nursing school. In fact, sometimes the school library has copies of textbooks that you can go there and borrow theirs to read if you're going to the library anyway, that can be a great option. I definitely recommend renting over buying!

Hi! If you don't currently know anyone in the region you want to move to, perhaps reach out to your schools alumni committee (if they have one) to see if any alum have moved to that region and currently or previously worked there. They might be able to give you advice on relocating, hospitals to get your foot in the door at, or be able to set you up with networking opportunities. Also if any friends of friends of friends live in the area, ask to be put in touch with them to network! Utilize all available resources! Best of luck :)

I agree with other posters that it usually will take months, not weeks, to hear back from places, and 1 month in if your resume is still being considered isn't a bad sign. Also, as another second degree student, I actually felt that that experience and maturity helped me, not hindered me. I was just a tad younger than you, 28, when I graduated but I talked proudly about my previous career, despite the fact that it had NOTHING to do with healthcare. It's something that made me stand out in a stack of resumes, and during all of my interviews it came up and I was able to talk about how it relates more to nursing than one might originally think (I used to be an engineer). Teaching is VERY related to nursing and you shouldn't skim over it. Keep your head up! You're doing all the right things!

Ultimately, you need to do what makes you happy. For some people, the prestige of certain careers drives their happiness, which is fine, I'm not judging that. As someone who did obtain a master's in engineering, worked in the industry for a few years, and realized that wasn't what made me happy, I went back to school to become a bedside nurse and I'm happy every day I leave work. Sure, days are hard; physically, emotionally, mentally. But I'm happy. Working with people, making a difference in their lives, that's what makes me happy, and I'm thrilled to have found nursing to satisfy that. Figure out deep down what makes you happy, and why you think you want to pursue nursing. If the reasons align with what nurses really do, go for it! If you realize they are more in line with what a PA or MD or NP does .. go for that! Rock on!!

Last year UNC didn't allow us to contact nurse managers directly. I mean, I guess you could, but the nurse manager couldn't do anything. They couldn't pull resumes, they couldn't request to interview certain people, it all came from HR. The contact info is something very basic, like [email protected], it should be on the website where you got the application information. All of this could have changed in a year (it did from the year previously). Honestly, it was a lot of patently (or impatiently) waiting to hear back and get that magical call.. Best of luck!

Congrats on all of your accomplishments!!! My only piece of advice would be to NOT cancel your other interviews. Even if you accept one of the other jobs and don't have any intention of taking these last 2, any interview experience is good experience. And who knows, something might change your mind, but I really think interviewing is invaluable experience and it can be a nice/more relaxing experience when you don't feel the pressure of NEEDINg the job.. if that makes sense? Anyway, best of luck on your future endeavors and congrats again!!

Last year pediatrics didn't start contacting people until end of March/beginning of April/beginning of May to come in for interviews. They invited people in clumps (individual interviews, but offered interviews to a few at a time). I'm not sure if the same timeline applies this year. Last year they got really delayed due to a lot of snow days and HR was closed during those times. You can always call/email the HR representative reiterating your excitement about the prospect of working at UNC, but know that she is very busy fielding emails and calls and it might take a bit to get back to you. Try not to get discouraged!

I was 26 when I left my old career & went back to school for my BSN. And now I'm 28, working as an RN, happier than I've ever been. It's absolutely worth it!!!

I worked as a PRN CNA during nursing school. I was required to work 24 hours per month, and usually was able to work every other Sunday and avoid test weeks, which was really nice. It was great to have extra money and make an employment connection with a local hospital, but also I find I'm a better nurse today after working my butt off as a CNA.

It totally depends what state/region you're applying to. From my experience, North Carolina & Maryland tend to hire new grads while they're still in school/early after graduation before taking the NCLEX whereas Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) requires you to have passed the NCLEX before applying to many jobs. Granted, those are not blanket statements that apply to every hospital and every position, but if you broaden your search you might be able to find positions that you are eligible to apply for now. Also, even if it does require you to have already passed the NCLEX before applying... why not apply now any way? Worst case they ignore you, but who knows! Best of luck!

Collins Crossing is pretty affordable if you have a roommate. It's not the best place I've lived, but not the worst. It worked for while I was in nursing school and a fair number of nursing students lived there, which made the bus ride more enjoyable. It's on the "J" line. If you're looking for a less complex-y feel, West Poplar Apartments is 2 buildings, about 10 total apartments, run by a Mom & Pop type feel. Also, Spring Garden Apartments is super close to campus, an easy walk. Hope this helps, best of luck in the program! :)

Maybe try posting in the Tennessee section under U.S.? I don't have any experience with the program, otherwise I'd try to advise!

It's definitely not impossible to get an ICU job as a new grad. If possible, try to get a clinical rotation in an ICU for your preceptorship last semester, that can set you up nicely! If you are having trouble getting an ICU job as a new grad, maybe try to find a step down unit where you would work with the ICU as you transfer patients back and forth. Also, I have heard from a friend going to CRNA school that NICU doesn't count as ICU experience for CRNA (I can't personally verify this though), so maybe look into that before accepting a position there! Lots of luck!

I think HouTx provided some great advice! I'd also recommend to the OP to consider what are your long term career goals? Which job (unit and hospital/location) will help set you up to best achieve them? Sounds like a great predicament to be in!

I also don't have personal experience in this, but my preceptor worked in the ED for years before transitioning to the NICU and was a fantastic nurse! It seems like there might not be much overlap, but I think the ED can prepare you for anywhere :)

@healtheworld, I don't know if you're still looking for an apartment but my 2 cents: Southern Village is a nice apartment complex that is close to the hospital, but is on the pricier side. If you live in Chapel Hill you can ride the free bus to work during the week (there is free parking at the hospital for nights and weekends, unless there's a football/basketball game). I'd recommend checking Carrboro (small town that boarders Chapel Hill). A lot of grad students and young professionals live there. It's close to the hospital (~2 miles), there are many bus lines that go through there (so you don't have to pay for the park & ride) and it's not inundated with college students. Best of luck!!

Following

Following

What app on your phone do you use to record lectures?

@martha keaton: what program would you recommend to record lectures? Or anyone who records lectures, what do you use? iPhones come with "voice memo" but I don't know if it can 1) record a 3 hour lecture or 2) if there are better applications available! (Any recommendations appreciated -iPhone, iPad or laptop!)

@krisiepoo thanks!!

@UNC415 Unfortunately, I won't be able to meet before pre-orientation. I had already set up appointments to view some apartments before I can across this thread so I don't want to cancel them. But I'll see you at the pre-orientation and maybe we can chat for a bit afterwards! Also, I'd love to chat with everyone in the program too just to get to know more people before we all start this journey in January!!

Yogi Mel, if you still check this site, I'd love to read your blog from nursing school! I just got in to UNC and will be starting January 2014 and would love to read about someone's experience! Thanks