nurse5ever

Hi! I'm not sure if this is helpful, as I've learned that looking at your own skills/passions is the most important factor for selecting a career but I just thought I'd share my story. I graduated last year with my BSN, honors and a departmental award for outstanding potential. A few months later I landed my dream job as a pediatric RN, but ended up resigning several months in, surprising everyone, mostly myself. I loved working at a children's hospital, but I was miserable in the role of the nurse. I felt that I was never able to give good care or get to know my kids, as I was constantly torn between urgent tasks. I wasn't able to sleep at night between long shifts, relax on my days off, or spend time with friends during normal hours. After some personal reflection on the experience I am considering returning to school for OT or SLP, because I saw how they are able to make a real impact on hospitalized children and focus their teaching/assessment on one patient at a time. Best of luck in your career search, I know RN has been absolutely wonderful for many of my friends and I'm sure you will find the right path! Sometimes it can just be a matter of trial and error

Hi! I am also reading this old thread and found it very helpful. I am a new grad RN with a few months of pediatrics experience; I stopped working because of a family crisis but also felt strongly it wasn't the right fit. I am very interested in research, and loved conducting an independent research study as an undergrad BSN. I am very interested in research nursing, and was just looking for some advice as to how best to get this type of job? Is there anywhere that would hire a new grad, or is it better to spend a few years as a CRC/research assistant, or put in some more time at the bedside first? Thanks so much for any help!

Hi! I got a lot of "tell me about a time when" questions about clinical, such as a time when you showed compassion, made a mistake, best day/worst day, had a difficult patient etc but nothing about chemo or specific meds. I also got why do you want to be a nurse, work in heme-onc, and how are you prepared to handle pediatric deaths. I got feedback that the interview went very well and am now just waiting for a position to open up. I think above all else if you show that you are passionate about working with these types of patients it will show. Best of luck! :)

Thank you so much! That was very helpful. I had the interview a few days ago and I think it went as well as it could have! Definitely a lot of scenario questions and questions about how you handle stressful and sad situations with children. I won't hear back for a while but it feels great to have it done. It is my dream job also so now just crossing my fingers! Best of luck to you too and congratulations :)

Hello! I am a New Graduate Nurse interviewing for a RN position on a pediatric hematology/oncology unit. This is my dream position and specialty and I am very nervous and excited about the interview. I was wondering if any nurses experienced in this specialty had any insight about types of questions that might be asked? I do have some work and clinical experience in the area, but this would be my first RN position. Thank you so much!