Nurse580

AZNewRN, I am currently in a similar position- actually applied for a job in your- waiting for the offer to be finalized. But I feel similarly when you talk about mental health impact- I am making a transition for myself before I feel the need to quit nursing altogether.

I took the NCLEX a week and a half ago and I passed in 75 questions. I only used UWorld to prepare. I found their questions and rationales to be through and very comprehensive. I finally was able to figure out the true "rules" about delegation and practiced so many delegation questions that I felt confident in making a decision tree in my head for approaching those questions. If you give yourself a month and make a plan of questions to practice you will be very prepared for the NCLEX. I would suggest doing them all and really studying the rationales as you go. Good Luck!

Hello! I am hoping others who have gone through the new applicant RN licensing process in Illinois can help me with this. I passed the NCLEX on 9/20, my pass results were posted on the CTS site on Monday 9/23. A classmate of mine let us know that she was looking into her license being delayed and when she called IDFPR they stated they had not received her fingerprints- we all got them done electronically via IdentoGO at our school prior to graduation together on campus. I decided to call to check and IDFPR stated that they did not have them and that they would have to be resent. However, according to IdentoGO they are not "physically" sent- they are electronic and IDFPR has to use the tracking number to look them up. I have tried to explain this but the person at the call center at IDFPR did not seem to understand. CTS stated that I had to have proof of fingerprints in order to be able to register. I am at a loss of what to do/ who at IDFPR to contact to try and communicate with someone who understands how to access my fingerprints. Has anyone else gone through something similar/ can anyone give me advice on this process? I have checked the IDFPR website to no avail.

Hello snickers17! I am in a similar place right now actually. I have been working as a PCT on a busy ortho/neuro unit 20 minutes from my home but I start nursing school in September that is in downtown Chicago. I live in the far west suburbs. It would be much easier for me to quit my job but I LOVE it. The floor is a second family and the experience is amazing. I have completed a 90 day review, attended all unit meetings and have gotten rave reviews from coworkers and patients. Therefore, when I apporached my manager about having to change how many hours I worked because of school, she is going to try and work with me so that they don't lose me (her words!) My point is, you have to evaluate if you LOVE this job. If you really like the unit and your current situation then you need to assess if your manager can pull some strings to make your schedule work for you. Three months is not a long time so going forward it might look bad on a resume to leave a position in that short of a time. But you can always get another Tech job closer to school! Either way, start having the conversation with your manager as soon as possible. That way even if you have to leave they can give an excellent reference to the next one! Hope this helps!

Hello! I think getting your CNA certification is an excellent idea! Most of my co-workers (PCTs) are currently in Nursing School and are able to work full/part time and attend school! Many of the RNs on my floor also worked as Techs while in school. Some of the PCTs are graduating this semester and they already have jobs lined up at the hospital we work at! It is very flexible! You can also work PRN ( you pick up shifts with no set hours each week and usually are a part of float pool). Getting experience is everything in Nursing! Good Luck!

Hello! I am starting this Fall as apart of Cohort 22! Not everyone is invited to interview. At the First Look of interview week, they detailed that 50% of applicants were screened out. The remaining were invited to interview (approx. 150) for 72 spots. So it is competitive! As for hands-on experience, its not required but I have worked as a PCT and it helped me have a better understanding of the nursing profession and solidified my decision to enter nursing. You interview with current faculty; most of whom still practice. Good Luck!

I work Part Time Days (0.6) which equates to 3-8 hour shifts (0700-1500). Most PCT positions at my hospital are 12 hours (0700-1900). The 8 hour shifts would be, (0700-1500, 1500-2300, and 2300-0700). RN's have the same shifts and again, most work 12's. I live in Illinois. Hope this helps!

Hello! When I graduated with a Basic Nurse Assistant Specialist Certificate from a local community college in August 2016 I wanted to work in a hospital right away but was told by my clinical instructor that I would have to work at a LTC or Rehab Facility for 6 months- 1 year first. However, I was able to get a job on an ortho/neuro unit of a 255 bed hospital by December! In my state, I couldn't take the CNA state exam until October so I worked as a Home Health Aide during that time. The day of my exam, I submitted applications to PCT positions at various hospitals. I already have a degree in Biology and I was planning on applying to Direct Entry MSN Programs. The hiring manager recognized me from being a volunteer in high school and was encouraged by my plan to continue into Nursing. You should highlight any previous experience, including volunteering You also need to demonstrate that you are a self-starter and can handle a stressful work environment. They will train you they just need to see that you understand the pace of working in a hospital. Good luck!

The confirmation was 350 and the coat was sent by Rush as a gift! And thank you!

Hello! I got my CNA in the Summer of 2016 and I have been working since August, first as a CNA for home health and then as a PCT in a hospital since December. My gpa according to nursingCAS: Overall: 3.52 I have a degree on Biology and I graduated in May 2016! Hope this helps!

Got my acceptance yesterday and I just submitted my confirmation payment! Also got my white coat from them! Who all is definitely going to Rush? So excited!

Hello! I am still completing a Nutrition course online and taking a stats class as my local community college( the last time I took stats was in high school for AP credit) so once I have completed the nutrition course I can submit my application! Do you have any idea how competitive the application process is? I am applying to other programs in Chicago as well. I have been working with a woman named Kelly, but she has been great too. I just wish I could talk to some current students!

Starting 11.82/hr as a PCT in a hospital CNA working home health was 11/hr, I did that for three months -Suburb of Chicago

It took about two weeks for my application to be verified!

Hello All! I am applying to the Rush University GEM Fall 2017 Cohort. I just got my invitation for an interview today, less than 30 minutes after my app was verified by NursingCAS! I was wondering if any of you all could shed some light on interview tips/ your backgrounds. Should I be excited I got the interview? I appreciate all your help! Also, where can I find my prerequisite GPA calculation on the NursingCAS application?