ez_rn

There's a shuttle in mount Vernon. There's lots of shuttles because of safety. On every corner there are cops. Driving from my friends to JHU went from really nice, to sketchy as hell to sketchy to JHU.

My friend said that if you look at the map as a clock face, there's an area between 12 and 1 that is considered safe. He lives in the amount Vernon area, and it's fairly pricey.

I applied for the DNP-CNS, and got my acceptance on Friday. I also got into a local state school... I interviewed early March, but applied by 1/1. There was issue with my recommendations getting into the system, however. I haven't gotten my official admissions packet, though. I know someone else here got into this track, but it wouldn't let me reply and use the space button for whatever. I keep debating on which one I really want to go to...

As a new grad who moved here in 2014, I moved for a boy too. It took me almost a year post graduation (I took some time off between graduation and taking the NCLEX). It took me LOTS of applications, and one random person to have a connection at a hospital to get a job. When I started looking, it took me about 5 months to start. You can get a new grad job in home health pretty easy, but hospital is pretty hard. I'd not move until you have a year under your belt.

As a new graduate, I started making $24.78/hour, not including my BSN differential ($0.50/hour) and nights/weekend differential. My facility paid $1/hour for certifications as well. Moving facilities, I jumped up to about $26.75 with one year of experience, no BSN differential or certification differential. Different facilities pay for BSN and certs, and some don't.

I know someone who does, but not a critical care area. She likes it... But they've had some turnover since the issue with the tech possibly contaminating and stealing drugs. Or so I hear.

Exactly. If I went in knowing the test results werent available for 6 weeks really, and paper test, or just that I didnt have the small satisfaction of getting the results almost immediately through the trick that has been around for YEARS, then I would have been mentally prepared and okay with that. Nursing school is a constant state of expectations that were drilled throughout our education in preparation for this test and now one aspect of that has changed. Nursing is chaos. I excell at chaos.... when I expect it. For an exam I didn't expect this... Yes, I'll wait. I'm lucky and have a 48 hour state. Nbd. But, I wish I knew going into the test that there was a change.

I should clarify, when I say freaking out.... I mean stressing internally. I wasn't supporting the whole call and complain thing.

I am just saying that the whole experience is different. Just like it will be different for those graduating next year too. Sure, some things are the same, but things are different too as this is an ever evolving profession. Lack of acknowledging that would be the downfall of the profession. Also, that expectations of the test itself are different. You went in expecting to wait weeks on end. Sure, you probably stressed and worried, but you expected that.

Ive never wanted to vomit more in my life.

While I get that seeing those of us complain about 48 hours and what not, this test is completely different. Its not, I need 60 or 80% to pass. Its not scantron. Its adaptive and so not very standardized. And, the simple fact that theyre making us wait isn't at all the same because they have the results. They don't need to review them, theres no logical reason for it. Now, nursing school has also changed. Its not really fair to compare your experience vs. Ours. And, freaking out about the trick not working anymore is completely acceptable as it has worked at least 5 years, and all of a sudden changes. Hell, even the people in my review courses say that it works.... so expectations were set and now it makes unnecessary anxiety for those who are learning about it after the fact.

I'm starting to get a bit discouraged.... I feel bipolar over here! All sorts of excited and hopeful, then not so much. Lol

Grats! And good luck! Which areas did you request?

I was told by one of the hospital systems that you can't really apply there (unless it's a new grad position) until you have your license. Out of curiosity, I applied to a local hospital and was denied almost immediately. (I didn't know they looked at the apps that quick, and I know it wasn't a computer knock out). Anyway, just something to keep in mind. I just moved to Denver to be with my fiancé. ... whom I met in Army ROTC. I hear they'll be opening a new VA hospital? Or that's what I heard. Might have a better chance there? And Def look into new grad programs. If all else fails, this is what im.l going to do.... get a job in WY and drive up there (2 ish hours from Denver) and stay in a hotel or something for my three shifts in a row that I hope to get. Will Will be much better seeing my guy two or three days a week... than not at all. We have been distance for 3 years, so I get your pain! Good luck. You'll be more competitive with a BSN, but also don't limit yourself.

Having an optimistic look at things is always a great idea. I know that so many of us are really hoping for positions like this, and I wish there was room for everyone. As bad as I want a position like this, I am excited for those who may get the position over me. But, yes, it's definitely not the end yet. Plus, since I just moved here for the fiance (got engaged on the way down here! Pinning, engagement, and move all in a week!!!) Anyone that ends up here or is already here, feel free to contact me and we can always meet up! I love being social and meeting new people. Plus, us new grads need to stick together! I know if it wasn't for some of my fellow nursing students I've met across the country, I would have struggled so much more in school. Might as well support each other, regardless of where we end up. And, I'm in awe of a few of you! Going overseas for medical missions. I want to do that so bad!! I actually have my BA in Anthropology, and have studied medical anthropology, and that just fascinates me. I would love to learn more!! One day, I will have the means and opportunities to go overseas. Until then, I would love to lament in some of your stories.