scottlgarrett

I am living in Aztec NM which is a 43 mile drive to the hospital. I like the hospital and the staff, the census is a little low now but everyone is telling me that it will pick up very soon. The staff is probably nicer than any hospital staff I have yet experienced. I totally love the region, there is so much too offer to suit most peoples needs. Personally for me Farmington is too big at about 45,000 people or so. If you are single then rents should not be a problem, but if you are supporting two households as I am then things are more difficult. (I am moving my family up here in June 2012) The hospital is modern, but is beginning to show its age (it was built in the 90's) and will need an update sooner rather than later but over all a nice facility with most modern amenities and ample supplies. I am mostly refering to the Med/Surg unit as that is where I work, but in my foray's to other parts of the hospital the one thing that sticks out most to me is that so far everyone has made me feel very welcome without exception. Scott

I was in the area last November scouting it out because I want a job with IHS in Shiprock, I start in 2 weeks. I cannot speak for the hospital yet but the area is awesome. Farmington is noce and seems to have everything one could want as far as services. Rents in Farmington seem high compared to where I currently live (Tucson AZ). Cortez CO is close by about 40 or so miles from Shiprock NM and is a typical small town, it has a Super Walmart a small hospital and also general basic services. Rents are a little cheaper there. Finally Durango is the farthest away from Shiprock about 75 miles and is by far the best looking city in the area, rents there are some what cheaper than Farmington. I plan to bring my wife and kids there next June after I have had time to find a decent place to live with the best schools I can get. There is also an apartment complex about 1/4 mile north of the NNMC, the rent ther is about 800.00 for a 2 bed apartment which is really high IMHO. The whole area is so cool and I am chomping at the bit to get there. BTW it took me nearly a year to get hired, if your S/O is Native the process should be easier. Good luck I hope I was able to help a bit.

I am in a similar situation, I graduated in December 2010 and have not been able to find a hospital job here in Tucson. I have found employment in the LTC area but I would like to get that golden Med-Surg experience. I had been trying for several months to get a job at a hospital in Northern New Mexico to no avail and I had given up. Now I was just called yesterday and given an offer to work there. My problem is that I will be leaving my wife and kids for about a year before they join me. I love the area that I would be going to and have longed to get out of Tucson for a long time, now I am a bit afraid of leaving my family for so long. My wife supports me leaving and her joining me later. Any thoughts would be helpful.

As a New Grad RN myself my advice is to go to the nursing omes, rehabs, hospices and agencies. Also try Psych. It's not a hospital but I figure a little money and some type of experience is better than no money and no experience at all. I work in a Hospice and I am getting case management experience as well as supervisory experience with the CNA's. Suck it up and get out there find what ever job you can. We wont be New Grads forever unless you don't work.

Hey, I am kind of in the same boat. I have not seen anything here in Tucson for New Grad RN's, I have not even seen Phoenix either. If you are willing to leave Tcson I would look at the Hospitals in El Paso TX. I do not recall their names but they do offer New Grad internships that run about 4 months mostly classroom then out on the floor with a preceptor. I was considdering them but making a move at this time just is not in the cards for me. There are some programs in Aluquerque NM too. I hope this helps.

OK desparate dude, I have been an LPN for 6 years and am now a new grad RN. My advice is for you to consider working a clinic job day shift etc, or look in to home care or a Gov't job like the VA. It is very difficult to fail at nursing but it is equally difficult to find what one is passionate about. I was very passionate about hospice for the last four years right up until I had a heart attack at the ripe old age of 38, since then for me hospice has lost much of its appeal and I find myself dreading my job. The next thing you should considder is what shift you want to work, day, evening, or night, and 8, 10, or 12 hour shifts, and finally find something you really like. It sounds like you need something laid back, look into home care, hospice, day surgery centers and so on. There are so many areas in nursing that one can choose from that you are are sure to find your niche. The nice thing about working for the VA is a person your stated age could put in five years and retire with a small pension and healthcare at the employee cost for life and a few other percs too. Good luck Scott

Well as of this morning I have officially passed the NCLEX RN and now have a License from AZ. Thanks for the well wishes!!! Scott

The test was tough, I know I got my name right but that is it. Most of my questions were the SATA type and a lot of psych stuff. I do not remember specific questions but from what I understand there are no two tests alike with the NCLEX, just study as much as possible and spend a good deal of time getting familier with the alternative format and prioritization situations. I took the test in AZ.

Took the NCLEX RN exam this morning, I feel dumb now. I was all stressed out, but the PVT worked and I received the good message. I also tried the trick with my PN exam I took 6 years ago to test the theory and I again got the good message. The test shut off at 75 questions and and it scared the hell out of me, I was wanting some where near 100.

Sure, and then they will make a copy.

Just food for thought, I sent a copy of my birth certificate to AZBN and the bottom of the certificate states that its against the law to make a copy. Whats a guy to do?

AMEN BROTHER. CNA LPN RN, the patients don't need to know much else. If you are a CRNA, NP, or other such specialist, keep it simple. Most patients aren't interested in your resume, and neither are your coworkers.

Much easier to not burn your bridges. Finish up your last week, leave graciously and find yourself a job that is a better fit. In most cities and towns nursing is a small community and that burned bridge could burn you later.

the term you is used generically in this post.:smokin:

I have never heard of such a thing. I suppose that if one were to kiss their patients or some how have some unprotected contact with a patient, then there might be a problem. Check your policy and procedure manual and possibly the BON (QUIETLY) for further advice. You may also want to have it checked by your PCP, even if it is only stress related there may some treatment. I wish you the best of luck in any case.