SkyDrift

I checked with California BRN and here's what the website says: "This list of resources is being provided as a service for informational purposes only. This in no way represents all of the RN to BSN/MSN programs available. These RN to BSN/MSN programs are neither approved nor endorsed by the Board of Registered Nursing. For specific information, please contact the programs directly." RN to BSN/MSN Education

I started at a SNF, but Med/Surg is usually a good way to gain experience as a new grad. As a new grad working in a SNF, it was like being baptized by fire...lol. I also gained experienced with IV insertions, IV medications, and basic nursing care for the elderly population at a SNF.

SNF NOC shift as RN Supervisor...but not every night is "slow". Slower paced, yes. *knock on wood*

I am starting on Feb 13 for my BSN...first class is the Professional Dynamics class. This is my first online class ever. And it's true, a good group really does make a difference, but it requires a good leader as well.

Try sub-acute rehab or SNF and become a RN Supervisor, where you supervise and delegate tasks to LVNs and CNA. Your primary tasks will be IV medication and IV insertions. The only downside is the nurse:patio ratio, but it also depends on the staffing of the facility. It's an 8 hour shift compared to 12 hour shift. Admissions can be pretty hectic depending on the time of the day and week. I haven't really seen a "chill" nursing job that pays well at the same time...unless you become a Nurse Practitioner.

Murses unite!!

Signs of compassion fatigue?

5 days 8-hour shift at a SNF caring for 160 residents. Half acute, half long-term. I call it, the ultimate MedSurg floor :)

Imagine every RN going for their NP...now that would be overly saturated lol I see what your professor is trying to say though. Healthcare is all about business. Almost everything revolves around profit, it doesn't matter how much passion you have for something.

Well it does answer the question directly. I don't think it makes you a potential "whiner" as you say. If you don't give example on how you handled the situation, then yes, it may may look like a whiner before you even get hired. The whole point was to show how you can handle this type of situation, which you can't deny, is actually prevalent everywhere you go. From this question, you can also demonstrate "loyalty" based on your answer.

"What are some challenges nurses face and can you give an example from experience?" This becomes easier to answer once you have 1 year experience at least. I would have talked about the patient workload, low staff ratios, and burnout that is prevalent in nursing. Then, talk about how you would handle this type of situation and what you can learn from it. Mention about your ability to manage time and prioritize as one of your skills.

Yes, it's just a job. You signed up for it. You get paid for your work. You pay the bills. Rinse and repeat. The only difference is the fact that some people may have more "passion" than others. How motivated you are to work depends on what goals you are trying to reach in life.

You can be a desk nurse...paperwork and very minimal patient interaction. Nursing is a broad profession. It's not just strictly hospital.

Well, the usual "norm" for new grads is finding jobs at a hospital. But not many hospitals are hiring new grads these days, unless you enter some sort of Versant or internship program with them or know their hiring manager personally. Some new grads are obtaining jobs outside the hospital like SNF/LTC, hospice, home health, etc. and using that as their nursing experience; however it's not considered acute. You can try to explain to them your role and duties during an interview. Heavily impacted areas, like Southern California, have so much new grad finding jobs that it may take a while to hear back from hospitals. So it also depends on your area.

I would ask your supervisor about this problem...sounds like personal issue to me. Maybe you guys can work things out if you tell them about your predicament. If you think this job is doing more harm than good to your body and family, then I think it's best to switch to different department. ER can be pretty hectic on certain days especially for new grads. But this is just my opinion though, it really depends on how you think you can handle it.

It's the fear of the unknown. Don't be scared. Every new grad goes through it. You have to ask yourself, "What do I really want to do? How good are my skills?" If you can answer that, then follow it. If L&D is your forte, then go for it; Just remember that you'll be inserting Foley Catheters and IV's a lot in L&D, so know your procedures very well. You don't have to listen to others, just think of it as their suggestion. Nowadays, people are getting straight into specialty fields like OB, ICU, ER, DOU, without even having prior experience. As long as you have a good preceptor and come to work with an open mind to learn, then you will learn quickly and provide safe care to your patients. Stop comparing yourself to others and live your life that way you always wanted it to be; there are always going to be another person who is going to be better than us and vice versa.

I agree, but it's always been like that with the nurse/patient ratio. Plus I haven't heard of a SNF being part of a union since most SNF I know are "hire at will" and can terminate anyone at any time for certain reasons. I do know some people who stay overtime "unpaid"...it's just sad to them finish their work at the end of their shift without getting paid. It's almost impossible to finish your entire work plus documentation within an 8 hour shift. Safe, quality, and cost effective care cannot ALL belong together in SNF/LTC. There's always a catch. It's basically like a business...or like any business in America; the most important thing is maximizing profit by having a certain amount of employees caring for their residents.

What specialty might this be, if I may ask? Some folks go into certain specialties for a few months and experience that they don't want to be there. Unless you are positively sure that you are willing to risk leaving your old job (with seniority), then go for it. Make a list of pros and cons, it will help with decision making.

Ask for a preceptor if possible. I know being a new grad and getting hired in a critical care unit is very exciting, but unless you have had experience in the past taking care of high acuity patients, I would look at different starting positions and gain experience from there. Always do what you can to protect your patients and your license.

It really depends on where you look and what city you are in. There are nursing jobs out there that's not in the hospital like SNF/LTC. It's not acute care experience, but it's still nursing experience that you can put on your resume. Newer grads tend to believe they will get their dream jobs working in the ER or ICU right away. Maybe, if you get an internship with a preceptor on that unit.

Be an office/desk nurse. No patient care except maybe communicating with them and their families...lol

Try applying at SNF and get a 3pm-11pm shift. You'll learn a lot, especially assessment, delegation, time management, IV therapy, communication, etc. It's stressful being the only RN Supervisor, but can be rewarding once you get the hang of it. Not as fast paced as a Med/Surg floor, but it feels like one. Nowadays we are seeing more acute diagnoses in SNF with vents, PICC line, etc.

It depends around your area, try comparing with other SNF. In Southern California, the starting pay for new grad in SNF is around $30-33/hr. There's a potential for a raise depending on your performance and DON.

Nursing home RN tends to be known as "RN Supervisors". They are responsible for mostly IV Therapy, delegation, paperwork, assessments, admissions, discharge, etc. You have to learn how to communicate with people because you'll be working with LVN, CNA, and other team members. Usually they have only 1 RN Supervisor per shift, while the other RN does admissions. It's okay to be nervous at first, I think SNF is a great learning experience for new grads. It will certainly help sharpen your leadership and assessment skills. You'll also have a chance to insert IVs depending on your facility protocol, but be warned as elders tend to be a hard-stick due to increased subcutaneous fat, thin skin, and rolling veins, etc.

The Nclex is scored twice: immediately after the exam and 24 hours after it has been reviewed by Pearson. The PVT is not always right, so you never know if you passed or not until you get the official result. I would highly suggest waiting just to prevent any errors that may happen. https://www.breeze.ca.gov/datamart/mainMenu.do That website is where you can fill out an online application for the BRN in California.