anonymous72

Well, here I am...graduated in May. Passed boards in August. And in the state of Minnesota I cannot land a job at all. They are scarce for one and it is very competitive. And without directly telling me that part of the problem is being a Walden graduate, I am told that’s part of the problem. Can’t even get a chance to prove myself when I’m compared to NPs who have graduated from local colleges. I’m beyond frustrated. And not in a position currently to leave to state. Happy to hear that others have job offers and no problems. Has not been the case for me in MN

Do you have an email we can communicate through? You can reach out to me at [email protected]. I would be happy to share with you how I documented.

Are you talking about what you log in Meditrek?

You know what they say about hind sight. I finished the program and can’t change that now. I should have done more research. I live in Minnesota and they are the only online program listed on the BON website as an approved program. And the only one with a master’s degree. I’m not a young woman anymore (48 today actually!) and didn’t really want to pursue a DNP through the other options. I am single and a sole breadwinner so that played a large part in my decision to do online. I really wish I had done one of the brick and mortar schools here in all honesty even though I would still be in school now!

Neither one of them are listed on the Minnesota BON sites as approved and that’s why I went with Walden because they are.

When I attended (graduated in May), they give you a list of places that have previously been used and you’re on your own to make the connections and find a preceptor. You’re extremely lucky if they legitimately found someone for you because this is unheard of with most online programs including Walden. My coworker will be in the last class next quarter and has no preceptor nor are they finding her one.

No. You’re on your own for finding clinical sites. They provide a list and contact information of previously used sites but there is no guarantee that the sites are taking students.

You’re welcome! Good luck in your endeavors and stay well!!

I am just now finishing up the program. The program is OK. If I had it to do all over again, I most certainly would not do Walden. There are many facilities where I live (in MN) who will NOT hire people who have completed online school and have disclaimers specifically stating this. Securing practicum sites has been a horrible ordeal. Do yourself a favor and start looking at both employment opportunities for the future (make sure you are able to secure a job when you graduate) and start looking for practicum sites NOW.

While I agree that some "allergies" listed are ridiculous, it is important to note when someone doesn't tolerate a medication too. I absolutely refuse Epi for sutures or dental work because it makes my heart race (120s- 140s) for hours after administration. It has been recommended to me by cardiology to avoid it. Maybe instead of eye rolling and making fun, get the whole story. I'm all for an area separate from allergies to list intolerance's, but that just doesn't exist.

I came from ICU to ER. My nurse manager was actually hesitant to hire an ICU nurse because in her experience, "most ICU nurses don't make it in ED." The reason being is that you have to expect the unexpected in the ED. Things are always changing, you never know what's coming in the door, and what sounds like a simple run of the mill complaint can quickly escalate to critical critical critical! My opinion is that in ICU, you at least have an understanding of where the patient is at...and plan accordingly. In the ED, best laid plans come undone all the time. I have been in the ED for a year and I LOVE it. But, you absolutely must be open to rapid changes and a sense of urgency more often than not. You definitely need a broad knowledge of care of all age groups. Within 6 months of being hired, I had to get my ENPC and TNCC. Good preceptors will help you adjust and teamwork is an absolute must. It is extremely different from the floor for reasons I described above. There really is no "routine" in the ED as there is on the floor. And yes, you do need thick skin. Having a doctor there all the time is a bonus for sure, but I can almost guarantee, you won't get along with all of them. And you just have to grin and bear it and keep it professional. If it is something you want to do...go for it!! Good luck with your interview!

I was a medical assistant for 14 years...I am now a third semester nursing student. RN's and MA's are COMPLETELY different in my opinion. While my background as an MA has given me a little bit of a headstart on things as opposed to students in my class with no medical background whatsoever, it is nowhere near what I have learned so far in nursing school. Critical thinking is such a huge component in nursing and it is not even touched on in MA school. MA's make nowhere near the money RN's/LPN's do...and that is how it should be! I make $12.00/hr right now...working part-time as a biller for a private practice...and that is more than I made as an MA!

I say kudos to you NurseKat64! I am merely a second semester nursing student. My last 2 weeks of clinicals at our local hospital have been miserable...all thanks to a clinical lead there. WOW does she have issues. As a student, it is really discouraging to be shunned by someone who has RN after their name and has forgotten they were once a student. I have had no problems with the floor nurses...they are great. Just the "lead"...