SamMo

Nursing is my second degree, second career. I saved up for nursing school expenses while taking prereqs because I knew I could no longer work full time and go to nursing school due to conflicting schedules. At 30 I took a job at costco while in nursing school. I would work at least 24 hours a week to have health insurance (required for our program) and make a little money as well. I had friends that lived off loans but would not encourage that. Most places are flexible with school if you need to work which it sounds like you may have to in order to make ends meet. Nursing school is stressful regardless if you are working or not. Find a flexible job and if it becomes too much then you can cut back or quit. Save that money now though!

I say do not wait, you have no idea how long it may take you to conceive. Nursing school will always be there. I would start the program this semester. If you are not working too I think pregnancy and school should be doable. I love being a nurse but I love being with my family more. I love this quote that you are never to old to set a new goal or dream a new dream, it applies to pretty much everything but fertility!! Don't wait.

I passed! YAY!!!

Congrats klc626! I took mine yesterday and it cut off at 75 questions as well. I felt terrible because my questions seemed really hard. I used Kaplan, ATI, Saunders Q&A, ncsbn to review. I did the PVT and it gave me the good pop up so keeping my fingers crossed!

Look for another nursing job ASAP. I'm sure there is something you love about nursing or you wouldn't have made it through nursing school. That said, if you still feel that way after a year or two in the field, maybe it isn't for you. It's never too late to try something new. Life is too short to be unhappy. Good luck!!

Tomorrow is the day I will let them know. I am going with the progressive care unit and asking for a longer orientation. My former clinical instructor said to approach the director after the fact to ask for longer orientation if needed but I'm just going to be upfront. My preceptorship was on a tele floor and although they were less critical patients I feel a little more familiar with with cardiac issues than Onc/Renal. The pay is better, the hospital has better overall ratings and the nurses there seem happier and friendly. I hope it's the right choice for me. Thanks everyone for the replies!! Wish me luck :)

Hello TU RN, I know this is an old thread but I am a new grad considering taking a PCU job and it is a 1:4 ratio. May I ask how long your orientation was?

What do you think a reasonable time to orient would be for a new grad? Especially PCU or ICU? I have a peer who received a job in ICU and her orientation is only 8 weeks, different hospitals, different states. Just wondering if that is the norm now? I always expected at least 3 months. Thank you all for your responses.

I think that is a great idea to shadow first. Both told me patient ratios are strict so I shouldn't go over. I believe the PCU is straight to the floor with preceptor. The med/surg director said she is going to try to get me on as a nurse resident which is what I would really prefer.

I agree, the orientation time for PCU is what concerns me most about that position. I'm scared that would not be enough.

Hello all, I have been a long time reader of allnurses but this is my first ever post. I just graduated nursing school earlier this month and I have been blessed with two opportunities already. I wanted to see if I could get some feedback from nurses new and old on what would be the best fit for a new graduate nurse with no experience. Here is what I'm looking at. If you can think of any other questions I might want to ask that would be great as well. 1) Progressive Care Unit- 4:1 patient to nurse ratio, 8 weeks of orientation. Mostly cardiac patients. 2) Oncology/Nephrology Unit- would learn both areas 6:1 ratio, 12 weeks of orientation I never dreamed I would have a choice for my first nursing position. Both are working nights, both are approx 5 miles from my home, I am new to the area so not sure which is considered a better hospital overall. Also would like to add that I enjoy psych and if asked I would say that would be my first choice. Any thoughts/opinions would be appreciated!