arijay

I have read several articles about the nursing shortage and comments about new grads not being able to land that first job because of a lack of experience. Last month I started a new job at a hospital that hired a total of 50 new grads in various departments. Many of them were May '14 grads. My question for new grads is how long since graduation have you been looking for your first job? If you have landed your first job, how long after graduation did it take you?

you just answered your own question. take the job and keep applying. experience is better than no experience. plus the paycheck won't hurt. quit when you get a full-time hospital job offer.

Is it "medication/drug" test are a "dosage calculation" test? I was given a study guide for a dosage calculation test prior to an interview last week. It was all math -- programming an IV pump using ml/hr and gtt/min; most questions used the formula D/H x V; metric equivalents and how to convert, i.e. g to mg. Some of the questions came straight from the study guide. I also studied my dosage calculation book. I passed the test and waiting for call back from interviewers.

TAKE THE JOB!!! You will build confidence as you grow in your career. You have to believe in yourself. Don't let other people's opinions determine your destiny.

I have never considered myself a racist. I treat all of my patients with the same level of care regardless of their race or ailment. However, I work at a facility in which most of the patients are "trailer park trash." Use your imagination for whom I am referring to. Most of these patients live in the "low income" area near the hospital. No insurance. Non-compliant. Dirty. I hate touching them with my stethoscope. Don't want to shower or take a bed-bath during their stay. No teeth. Pain medication seekers who call me q4hr as if the medication is scheduled. Get mad when I don't bring it "on time." Loud and disruptive. Always complaining about something. Yes, security has been called on some of these people. Some of these patients scare me as well. Same problems as your "ghetto" patients. Discharge them and they come right back. The cycle repeats itself over and over.

I have 1 year experience and enrolled in RN-BSN. Interested in working for St. Joseph's Medical Center, The Methodist, Memorial Hermann, VA Hospital, Ben Taub and LBJ. What's the likelihood of getting hired with an ADN? What is the pay rate, weekend differential, etc? What are the pros and cons of each hospital?