HetherV

Hello all, Question to operating room nurses out there. Next week I have an interview for a circulator nurse position at a large organization in my area. I happen to have two interviews on the same day. Both are for the same organization, just separate interviews for different hospitals. What advice would you give to help me prepare for the interview? I've been a mental health nurse for a long time and have always wanted to go into the OR. Seems like I either do really well on interviews or blow them completely and want to knock it out of the park. Also, what has your experience in the OR been like? How much call is there? What do you love and what are the challenges? Thanks so much for any suggestions you have! Heather

Hello everyone, My name is Heather. I have a BSN in Nursing. Most of my career has been in the mental health field. About a year ago I was accepted into a Master's program and took one class towards becoming a psych NP. I was studying hard and doing well. I got a B in Advanced Patho and was pretty proud of myself. Then the first bill came. Although I qualified for student aid, I was completely oblivious to the amount of student debt I was incurring. It was a bit foolish to go into this with absolutely no knowledge of the amount of money I would be paying back. I just thought "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it," because I was excited about the opportunity, and to be completely honest, part of me was scared to know how much I'd be paying back. When the bill came I looked at in shock and then did the math. A hundred grand to become a NP and I'm 40 years old with two young kids education to think about. I felt selfish and foolish for putting my education before theirs. I started having kids later in life. My daughter is 6 and son is almost 4. I love them more than anything, and decided that the practical and considerate thing to do was withdrawal from the program - so I did. Fast forward to about 9 months later, I have some job interviews coming up. One of them is with a hospital that pays 100% tuition for nurses working full time. Jeez Louise! This seems like an incredible opportunity. I don't know if I'll be selected, but If I am, I'm thinking about re-enrolling in school. My question is how did you guys manage working full-time, raise young kids, and study in your Master's programs? Kids are only little for a short while. I don't want to miss out on that because I'm closed off in my bedroom cramming for an exam or clinical every night. On the flip side, I've wanted to do this for a long time, if I were to get hired, it seems like an opportunity to good to let pass by. Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation or any advice? What did you do? Thank you.

Hi! I haven't worked for a few years and have stayed at home with my babies. I have an interview tomorrow for a RN position in a medical practice (Primary Care Doctor). I feel rusty and want to stand out from other candidates. Any tips for me? I'm going over scenario questions to prepare for questions that could be asked. Moms, did you have a hard time transitioning back to the work place? Thank you! Hether

Hello, I've been a stay at home mom for the past few years and am ready to go back to work. My prior experience is Psych, Neuro, and Case Management but I want to do something different. One option would be in an allergy/asthma clinic. I had an interview and the manager said I am the top pick. It would be regular hours and a relaxed environment but less pay than what I'm used to. The work seems interesting and it may be a great option since I have two kids less than 3 years old. But with not a whole lot left over after child care expenses I need to really think it through. Any allergy/asthma nurses out there? What did you do? Would it be worth taking less pay to work in a relaxed outpatient setting? An area that I've always been fascinated with is the OR and there is a 6 month residency program that trains nurses to be Circulators and Scrubs. I applied and have no idea if I will even get an interview but I really do hope so! What is it like to work in the OR? How much call did you take? What personality traits are necessary to be successful? I read that I will need a "strong" personality and I'm not sure that is me. I've always been on the reserved and quiet side. Responding to emergencies and thinking on my feet doesn't come as naturally to me as it does to others but I know with more experience and hard work I would get better at it. Would love your thoughts and thank you!