Don2014

I had a similar situation only 2 weeks ago. I had my first day of a 5pt load with admits and discharges. I knew it could have gone better, but when I asked my preceptor what I could have done better, there was no response. The next day I was asked to resign. I ask myself the same question as you do every day since this happened.

Where did you decide to go? Any other recommendations?

45 year old new grad here too. After being downsized from NPR, I went into night weekend program at a local community college. I found that the night students were highly educated, focused and had little time for drama. I have a couple words of advice. Find a good group to study with; don't go through it yourself. BTW, I was not the oldest student; a couple were over 60 and both found jobs within a month of graduation. You have a lot to offer the profession. But as others pointed out, it is a physically and psychologically demanding job. Get in shape and loose any extra pounds. Nurse salaries in my area start at 45,000 a year. You're not going to get rich being an RN, but if you keep going to school (for an MSN) and are willing to move around that will probably go up. Teachers have great pensions and I hope you are not loosing any significant amounts of financial security by doing this move. I just wanted to add that nurses inspire me. They are without a doubt the most intelligent, educated and caring group of professionals I've had the pleasure of working with.

Apparently the oil from your skin can degrade the tubing. Maybe the cover will aslo extend the life of the scope? I just got a Littmann Cardiology III ( good sounding scope BTW) and want it to last a while.

Two masks with toothpaste in between. Works wonders!

To answer your original question - Yes, I have a friend who worked construction for 20+ years and is now a fantastic ICU nurse. He frequently flies to Haiti to help build houses and nursing duties! In other words, a great guy. There's good advice here. Either become a CNA and get your feet wet along with some financial assistance, or stay at your job until you are admitted to a program. My story: (if it helps) I was downsized from NPR at the age of 42 and just finished my RN. Now I work in a Thoracic cardiovascular unit of a major university hospital. You can do it! It just may take longer than you think. If you're like me with a previous degree that had no math or science courses, it will take 3 years for a 2 year degree.

In my experience, 3-4 patients is low and explains why no was running around. The unit I worked on (as a CNA) was 6 or 7, and some days were crazy!

From what my friends are telling me, the "non profit" hospitals they are working for are treating them just as Wal-Mart would!

I just started and can add a few things. It's location specific. My "home" is in a state of change with a new FA and almost all new nurses and techs. So, I'm training in a nearby location that is smoothly run from the top down. The company has many programs to assist employees in any endeavor including adopting a child, continuing education, and even a bonus for nurses coming out of school. The pay was 25% higher than either of the 2 hospitals in town. Yes, it will be redundant and stressful some days, but what job isn't? Plus, no overnight shifts and I have off Sundays which is great for family time.

Thank you Medic2 and Commuter! It sounds like I should ditch the jacket since this interview is for a staff nurse position. Now I have to work on the questions that are going to be thrown at me! BTW- This site has been an excellent resource for me. Now that I have passed NCLEX and will hopefully start working soon, I plan on contributing more often. Thanks guys!

I have been taking nursing interviews for a first job out of school and need some advice. I am older (45yrs) and am concerned that I looked too "corporate" in previous interviews by wearing both a jacket and tie. While I'm sure that dress alone was not the only reason I was not offered a position, I'm thinking that for the next one (on Thursday) I should loose either the jacket or tie. Do you think it matters? I do like to dress well, but I think it might be not a helpful thing during a nursing interview.

I would not have made it through school alone. I stuck with a small group of 5 friends (who were all smarter than myself) who studied together and graduated with honors. The negative people will find people with similar attitudes.

There are going to be difficult people everywhere you go, even more if you work in a large hospital. Try to think of it as not just "school" but an opportunity to develop a professional attitude that you will use every day when confronted by unfriendly people.

I am just out of school as an RN and joined DaVita. I was surprised as well to see that they would hire without any experience. I will be happy to relay my experiences in this situation.

Hi guys! They offered a position with chronic patients in one of their out-patient clinics. I liked being there for a 10 hour shift and got see how the staff supports each other and observed a smooth work flow. I signed and start on Monday!