rnaria

That's quite high although there is no law stating what ratio is legal. Our LTC unit has around 60 beds with each nurse handling 30. There are three PCAs and one supervisor for the entire building (around 150 beds)

CONGRATULATIONS! Please keep us updated on your journey!

That is music to my ears! Having had only subacute experience, I felt so unprepared and actually doubted myself for ever being ready for this. Cardiac was never my strongest point or weakest, but easily one of the areas of nursing that I was intrigued by so I feel blessed. All of your kind words are easing my nerves more than you'd believe, so I thank you!

I have used the Littman II all throughout nursing school and my first job in sub acute. I think I'll try this out on the cardiac unit and then determine if it's a good fit! When I toured the unit, most nurses were using the basic Littman II

Thank you both for that information! my pre-employment physical and examinations are completed successfully. I am sad to leave my current coworkers, but definitely ready to try something new. I've been trying to brush up on different cardiac conditions/procedures/meds just so I fee more comfortable. They're giving me a 3 month orientation with 2 months on day shift and one month on night shift. I will be starting on the night shift and hopefully getting a transfer on to days as soon as it is available. My first day is in two weeks. :)

I did the online application. I also had to call for my ATT but it's very frustrating because they are really not cooperative. I think I will do that this week because it's outrageous that it is taking this long. You just went to Halsey Street, 6th floor, correct? Did you have to ask to speak with anyone specific?

Ugh! I just received a letter (AFTER an entire two months of them telling me that my entire file is complete and that I just need to be patient) that I need to send in a birth certificate. I am so frustrated with them.

If I go back where? To the Board of Nursing?

I know there are threads like this but they're from a few years back and I wasn't sure if anything had changed in that time. I took and passed my exam on February 6, 2014 and the BON had those results in the system on February 14th. I waited and waited for them to send me a fingerprinting letter, which they NEVER did so after 1 month of continuous back and forth with them, I physically went to the BON office and picked up a fingerprinting letter. (The receptionist was so sweet and printed it out immediately). I got the fingerprints done on February 27th and the BON received the results that same evening. Basically, I am STILL waiting. Everytime I call them, they tell me something different. About five people have "sent emails to the processing department". I have a job and I'm about to lose it if I don't get this license number soon. Any idea on any steps I can take? How long did it take for your license to come? Anything will REALLY help me. I am freaking out right now. It's already so hard for a new grad to get a job these days and I don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

I had a similar situation. I graduated in September of 2011 and due to family emergency, I was unable to take my exam until February 2014. I took it and passed. I ended up getting hired at a sub-acute facility a few weeks ago! :) Don't give up! I actually ended up getting three jobs in the same week so it is most definitely possible!

I would definitely follow up with them! :)

I think all courses just depend on how the person learns. I've never taken ATI but know people who have and had no trouble passing. Here is the thread I typed up after passing the NCLEX about the resources I used. I graduated 3 years before taking my NCLEX and self-learned over the course of 3 months. I felt like review classes wouldn't help me as much as me diligently studying the material I had would. https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/just-got-good-904324.html

I genuinely hope I have a preceptor like you when I begin! My worst fear is not being able to learn/do my best because of someone not really willing to help and be there. Everyone should be more like you!

I used NCLEX 4000 but it was extremely helpful for me! I felt like they really helped me prepare. It wasn't the only source for question that I used, but I got through a good amount of them.

Start preparing for the NCLEX right away! You're still in that study grind from nursing school and everything is fresh in your head.

Be prepared to work your butt off! There are no short cuts in nursing school because they always catch up to you. Learn what you have to learn, apply it to your assignments/clinicals. If you give your all, you will definitely set yourself up in the perfect position for post-graduation. School has A LOT of distractions but don't let it get in the way of your goal. Nursing school is tough at times but SO rewarding and a lot of fun! Make sure you don't let the stress take you over. Keep time for yourself and have fun too! You'll get through it! :) :)

I think you'll get a better idea while directly speaking to a new graduate nurse in person or via Skype. It's easy to get these answers to do your assignment but attempt setting up a meeting with a new nurse. I believe one of the most important parts of nursing is seeking out and using resources/not taking a quick way out. If you put some effort in it, the interview and answers to those questions may actually end up helping you more. Good luck!! :)

Good luck to you! My fingers are crossed! :)

Good luck to you! I am in the same position. I just formally signed my paperwork today but they told me I would have 17 patients in sub acute. They're on paper charting but have training sessions for the entire staff to move to electronic. I will be able to train right with the nurses which will be great! It would be awesome if we can share advice/what we learn in our first sub-acute jobs!

Aww! It went well! Apparently the lift test wasn't apart of it. A nurse did the PPD on me along with BP, heart rate and temperature. I saw the physician there for the "physical" which was heart and lung sounds, a grip test, pushing my knees against his hands against resistance and then I followed his fingers with my eye. I wore a pair of dress pants and a sweater. I'm glad I dressed up in more than just jeans because I met so much of the staff over there and of course the HR department. Thanks!

Of course! I'm going to make one specific for sub-acute and I will definitely send it over! PM me your email address!

You just relieved my anxiety so much! Thank you!

I was offered a position at a sub-acute SNF and accepted. When I accepted, they told me I would have a physical with the PA including a PPD and it would be quick. I got a call this morning to set up a time for the physical and fill out the paperwork/explain benefits in further detail. I'm wondering what is entailed as a part of this physical. They didn't say anything and the physical is at 10:30 AM tomorrow, not giving me time to find out. I read about lift tests which I'm nervous about. I have had no issues moving/rotating patients in my rotations but I don't know if I would easily be able to just lift a 50 lb box to my waist. They didn't mention the lift test to me on the phone today, but I am wondering if they can take away my job offer. I am a petite girl (5'2'' and 108 lbs). I'm strong, but I think a box is quite different than a patient. Also, what is something appropriate to wear? I want to wear dress pants and a nice top since I will also meet with HR but I also want to be comfortable if I will be lifting, etc.

I'm from NJ and my name was posted the next day. (I tested on Thursday and the first time I searched the BON website was Friday night and it was there)

Thank you, guys! I hear a lot about time management and documenting. I was doing some research online and found sheets to help with keeping organized so I might try that out to remember med times, etc.