handersRN

Hello! I just recently graduated from nursing school and passed my NCLEX. I am now a registered nurse. I just accepted my first job as an ICU nurse and I will be starting the residency program this summer. Since graduating and becoming an RN, I find myself reflecting on my journey. Growing up, I loved caring for my family and friends. I remember when my dad had knee surgery, I was probably only 6 years old. He came home from the surgery and I greeted him with a little blue whistle. I told him to make sure to use the whistle if he needed anything at all. Though he probably didn't need me, he still blew on that whistle. I graduated high school in 2013 and started college that August. I still didn't know what I wanted to do, so I was taking some random classes that looked like they would be fun to take. In October of that same year, I got a phone call that my dad had passed away suddenly from a heart attack. At the time, he was living in Florida and I was living in Texas. I was only 18 years old when he passed away and I was devastated. I had never experienced such a loss. Through time, I was able to heal a little. I learned to focus on sweet memories, rather than think about all the things he was going to miss. In January of 2016, I decided I wanted to pursue nursing. I remember the day perfectly. I was sitting at a Jason's Deli eating lunch with my boyfriend. We were talking a bit about our futures and it was then that everything kind of clicked into place. I decided to look into the nursing programs within my area and the prerequisites they required. To my surprise, I only needed to take 3 courses to be able to apply to the program. I quickly enrolled in time to start two of the required courses during that spring 2016 semester. I took microbiology and anatomy and physiology together. I was so excited to finally have a plan for my future, I didn't mind the workload of those two major courses. I finished both classes with A's. In May of 2016, I got a phone call from my sister. She told me that our mama was being rushed to the hospital. At this time, I was still living in Texas, and my mama and siblings were living in Kansas. I was scared, but there was no word on why she was going to the hospital. My sister called me again within 30 minutes to tell me that my mama was having a heart attack. When I heard those two words, I nearly fell to my knees. I was so scared. Even writing this now, my hands are shaking. My mama died the next morning. By the age of 21, I had lost both of my parents. I was heart b r o k e n. I was lost. The best way I knew how to heal was to continue on my journey. I still had one class that I needed to take in order to apply for the nursing program in August. I enrolled in that last class in June of 2016, only one month after losing my sweet mama. I put all I had into that last class and because it was taken in the summer, it was only 6 weeks long. With a lot of effort, I received a B in that class. I applied to the nursing program in August and I was accepted into the program the very next month. January 2017 was the start of my nursing journey and though I had so much taken from me, I still have so much to give.

Yep! I sent one to the recruiter and one to the unit manager.

Hello! I graduated from nursing school in December and took my NCLEX in February! I just accepted a nurse residency position in the ICU! I start in June. I have 1 year experience working in the ED as a nurse extern, so I am familiar with IV placements, POC lab draws, code blues, EKG, etc. As a new grad, what are some things I can study or review before starting in the ICU in June? Thank you!!

Congrats on the interview! I only brought like 6 copies of my resume. I didn't bring transcripts or recommendations. I was prepared to hand out at least those copies, however, when I offered them, they already had my resume on hand! Definitely bring at least 5, just in case. Also, I think bringing your transcript doesn't hurt at all. I wouldn't worry too much about the letter of recommendations though. Good luck! You'll do great!! ? Which hospital and unit???

The interview went great! I really felt like I clicked well with the staff! I first interviewed with the unit manager and then I had a panel interview. This was all in the same day. It took me about a week to hear back. I got the official job offer about a week after I got the verbal offer from the recruiter. ?

Thank you! It is in the ICU at Baylor All Saints! ?

Hey everyone! I just got the official job offer! Woohoo!

Hi! When I had a phone interview with Dennis, it took about 5 minutes. He asked me standard questions about my GPA, if I took the NCLEX, experience, and what units I am interested in. Then he asked me if I am interviewing anywhere else and what stage of interviewing am I in. We then talked a little more and then he told me that a hiring manager was interested in me and we set up an interview. ? I think I interviewed a little before most people, but my friend directly referred me to the unit manager. I think you all will start hearing a lot within this next week or so! By looking at past forums, it seems that a lot of people hear back around mid- March!

Hello! When I interviewed, it took about a week for them to get back to me. It might be sooner for you!!

Congrats!!

Additional update, I HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN OFFERED THE ICU POSITION! Thank you everyone for your kind words and guidance!

Long, wordy UPDATE: I spoke to the nurse manager of the ED yesterday. She informed me that they only had one spot available for the residency and they already hired someone for that spot. She then went on to say that they loved me so much during my interview that they went to HR and requested they open another spot for me and it was approved. Because they had to create a spot for me, the offer letter is being reconstructed and will be sent out to me before Friday. I interviewed with the ICU at the other hospital on Friday. The interview went on for an hour! It started with the department manager and ICU charge, and then progressed to a panel interview. Because the unit was really busy, the charge had a hard time rounding staff up for the panel interview. The panel interview ended up consisting of the charge nurse and one floor nurse, the floor nurse was the same nurse that I followed on the unit during my last semester of nursing school, AND SHE REMEMBERED ME! The interview went really well and near the end it took more of a conversational tone. The charge mentioned to the other nurse to go ahead and finish filling out the paper work for my interview and she will go take it down to HR. She then walked me all the way down to the hospital lobby and we talked about her kids and how she balances work life/home life etc. At the end, she told me it was great meeting me and I should be hearing from the recruiter soon! I left the interview feeling really confident. However, as time ticks right on by, I'm feeling less and less confident. I reached out to the recruiter yesterday and asked him for updates and he said he has not heard from the manager yet, but she is conducting interviews this week. I guess I am looking at how quickly the first hospital got back to me and I'm comparing it to this hospital. I know stressing about it doesn't do much for me, but I am really hoping for this position! ?

Hey everyone! I really wouldn't worry too much if you haven't heard anything post digital interview. The recruiters have been going to various locations throughout the week, which means they probably do not have a lot of time to look at applications. Because it is a summer residency, they have a while to look through everything and set up interviews! I'm sure you will hear something, just give it some time! ?

Well, I interviewed with the manager that oversees all ICU's. This hospital has CVICU, MSICU, and ICU. They asked which unit I would prefer and I told them the ICU would be my top choice (mostly so I can see an array of things). I wouldn't mind working MSICU or CVICU though!

If it comes to it, I will let them know that the other job is starting my at 2x as much as this ED position. My only concern is that with it being a residency program, I really don't think there is much they can do. I believe all nurse residents start at the same rate because of limited/no experience as a RN.

I think all interviews are going to be different based on the unit/hospital. Be prepared for panel interviewing, print lots of copies of your resume, and practice behavioral and situational questions. ?

Thank you! I can delay the offer for the first one for about a week. The stipend pay is something that I've noticed only this hospital does for new grads. It is just a lump some that is paid biweekly. It is not very much money at all, and it is honestly a big factor in why I would not want to accept the position. I really don't know how they continue to be competitive to new grads, yet they pay half as much as the other hospitals in the metroplex.

The positives regarding the ED position is that I would ultimately be in the department that I want. The interviewers were very nice, the department seemed nice, and the drive wasn't too bad (only about 30 min). The negatives for the ICU position is that it is not in the ED. There really aren't any negatives regarding the ICU position. It is only 15 minutes away, the pay is appropriate, and no contract. I am a little weary about the stipend pay for the first hospital mentioned. It is the only hospital in this area that does that, and I find it odd.

For those that attended the expo, what is some info you learned about BSW?? Did you find the expo beneficial? I had my interview Friday, just playing the waiting game now. ?

Thanks for the quick reply! ? Money truly is a big factor. I, too, have those horrid student loans. I have also been feeling a bit overwhelmed with the idea of signing a contract. I really like having the ability to move around if need be. The hospital that is requiring new grads sign a contract is known to be kind of a not-so-favorable place to work (which might be a red flag). I really love the ED, but that could also be because I really only have experience there. I believe the ICU would be a wonderful learning opportunity, I think I'm just a bit intimidated with all that comes with the ICU!

Hello everyone! I am a new grad RN! I just passed my NCLEX a couple of days ago! First, I want to mention that I worked as an ER nurse extern for the last year of nursing school. I really enjoyed being in the ED and I felt like I learned a lot! I practiced iv placement, POC lab draws, straight caths, NG tubes, EKG, splinting, and responding to code blues. I currently have a job offer for an ED nurse residency position. This position is at a hospital that isn't one of my top choices. The main reason is that they have a stipend pay for the first 4 months of residency. I would be making less than I did as a nurse extern, and it does not have benefits or PTO until after those 4 months. This hospital has a 2 year contract. I just interviewed for an ICU nurse residency position and it is pretty likely that I will be offered the job. This position IS at a hospital that I love. I did clinicals here for my last semester. I would love to work in this hospital's ED. This ICU position also pays 2x as much as the other ED position at the other hospital, with benefits starting instantly. This job does not require a contract and will allow you to move to other departments within the hospital within 6 months. I feel conflicted because I REALLY want to continue to develop in the ED, however, I know that the hospital with the ICU position is prestigious. Either way, I am VERY thankful for the wonderful opportunities presented to me. My question is, WHAT SHOULD I CHOOSE? What are some factors I should look into before choosing a hospital/position? Thank you!

Hey guys I want to get a FB page together!!!

I got an acceptance email!!!!! I'm in!

I'm not too sure what I would like to do. I think Labor and delivery would be a lot of fun and rewarding, but I'm also interested in working PEDS, I just don't know what I would specialize in. What about you?

Has anyone called the school today and asked when they are sending emails? I'm thinking about calling them later.