So, I sought advice from another faculty from whom I trust and she 100% advised me NOT to go on the next interview and to accept the job I have. She said that it would be foolish to jeopardize a solid job in this economy and that I would be miserable at hospital X. She said she's heard horrible things from her colleagues who work there...
UGH... Keep the advice coming people!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I'm conflicted
So, I'm the kind of person who doesn't like surprises. I like things to be planned and for me to never be taken off guard. Naturally I have been contemplating what I would do in the event I was offered my once thought of "dream job". So let me explain... I've talked about this "dream job" of mine so I better explain why it's a dream job.
Hospital X is my dream job because:
1. they have cardiac services and I LOVE the heart
2. they are a new hospital and I'd really like to have a fresh start
3. they are a newly remodeled ICU so it's oh so pretty
4. they are doing new things like THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA (say it loud because that ROCKS)
Hospital X does have "cons"
1. they have a reputation of being mean old nurses who run the unit and drive out mgr after mgr
2. they have a reputation of being mean nurses who eat their young
3. I wouldn't necessarily be deep in the cardiac mix to start out with
4. some say it's not good to learn a specialty so early and that you should learn med/surg first to have a better foundation (Med/surg ICU mind you)
5. I would upset A LOT of people by transferring to another hospital and might be looked down upon by my peers right now (peers being the nurses I work with)
My current hospital "pros"
1. I know the people, I know who I can trust, I know who to avoid, and that's half the battle
2. I have a good reputation and people know who I am and that should work to my advantage
3. I know the routine, I know how to call lab/pharm/transport, how to chart, the med forms, learning would basically be focused on nursing and not all the little crap making being a new grad that much easier
4. I have a great support system there, incl a great mgr
5. My mentor works per-diem there and it's been my dream to work with her
6. It would be comfortable
"Cons"
1. Not a real challenge like everyone else
2. Working with some bad lazy nurses who frustrate me
3. people know me, there's no fresh start, people may confuse my role
4. NO CARDIAC
It's a tough decision... I don't even have the other job yet... I could be counting my chickens before they hatch... I could be jinxing myself.
The worst part of this whole situation is that I went to talk to my mentor about it, and basically she gave me a FIRM talking to. She didn't yell at me, but there was almost zero support for going to the other hospital. Her reasons that I shouldn't go were valid. She told me that a great ICU nurse has a strong foundation in Med/Surg ICU prior to learning the heart that way they can handle a patient who turns into renal failure excellently. She explained that these old bird nurses run the unit and go through nurse mgrs like underwear. They would be resistant to change and she said I'm the kind of person who will see something that needs to be Evidenced Based Practice and I'll want to change it, but the old birds will be resistant and that would upset me. She warned that if we clashed I would end up hating going to work and I don't have to worry about that at my hospital. Additionally she said we have a very supportive mgr who backs nurses and supports them, unlike Hospital X....
UGH, so much on my mind!!
Hospital X is my dream job because:
1. they have cardiac services and I LOVE the heart
2. they are a new hospital and I'd really like to have a fresh start
3. they are a newly remodeled ICU so it's oh so pretty
4. they are doing new things like THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA (say it loud because that ROCKS)
Hospital X does have "cons"
1. they have a reputation of being mean old nurses who run the unit and drive out mgr after mgr
2. they have a reputation of being mean nurses who eat their young
3. I wouldn't necessarily be deep in the cardiac mix to start out with
4. some say it's not good to learn a specialty so early and that you should learn med/surg first to have a better foundation (Med/surg ICU mind you)
5. I would upset A LOT of people by transferring to another hospital and might be looked down upon by my peers right now (peers being the nurses I work with)
My current hospital "pros"
1. I know the people, I know who I can trust, I know who to avoid, and that's half the battle
2. I have a good reputation and people know who I am and that should work to my advantage
3. I know the routine, I know how to call lab/pharm/transport, how to chart, the med forms, learning would basically be focused on nursing and not all the little crap making being a new grad that much easier
4. I have a great support system there, incl a great mgr
5. My mentor works per-diem there and it's been my dream to work with her
6. It would be comfortable
"Cons"
1. Not a real challenge like everyone else
2. Working with some bad lazy nurses who frustrate me
3. people know me, there's no fresh start, people may confuse my role
4. NO CARDIAC
It's a tough decision... I don't even have the other job yet... I could be counting my chickens before they hatch... I could be jinxing myself.
The worst part of this whole situation is that I went to talk to my mentor about it, and basically she gave me a FIRM talking to. She didn't yell at me, but there was almost zero support for going to the other hospital. Her reasons that I shouldn't go were valid. She told me that a great ICU nurse has a strong foundation in Med/Surg ICU prior to learning the heart that way they can handle a patient who turns into renal failure excellently. She explained that these old bird nurses run the unit and go through nurse mgrs like underwear. They would be resistant to change and she said I'm the kind of person who will see something that needs to be Evidenced Based Practice and I'll want to change it, but the old birds will be resistant and that would upset me. She warned that if we clashed I would end up hating going to work and I don't have to worry about that at my hospital. Additionally she said we have a very supportive mgr who backs nurses and supports them, unlike Hospital X....
UGH, so much on my mind!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Interview -> Job offer
So.. I had my first RN job interview and it was terrifying!! It was a panel interview with the managers from all departments and me at the head of the table. They asked me questions like, "Explain a time when.." followed by scenario questions. It wasn't the most difficult interview but I felt very well prepared. 2 days after the interview (today) I was called and offered the position!! This is the hospital where I already work so I had a good idea that I was going to be offered a position. However, I did have to jump through all the hoops like everyone else.
Here is my dilemma. My dream job is at our sister hospital in their ICU. I REALLY want this position because they have cardiac services and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE cardiac. I really feel like this other hospital is advancing in their nursing care and actually utilizing evidenced based practice and new research. They actually started doing therapeutic hypothermia!! Now for those of you who have more advanced hospitals this may not be a big deal, but to us here, this is something we only read about!! I feel that if I was offered a position at my dream hospital then I would have the best opportunity to become the kind of ICU nurse I dream of being.
Heres the problem, nursing jobs are not easy to come by. It is an absolute honor and accomplishment to be offered a job by a department I am interested in before I graduate. I understand this. But the question is, do I keep working towards a position of my dream even though I accepted a position at my hospital? The hospital which offered me a position told us that they understand if we take another position since they are offering jobs so early in the game so I know it wouldn't be frowned upon, but how do I explain to my boss that I really dream of working in a cardiac hospital?
Here is my dilemma. My dream job is at our sister hospital in their ICU. I REALLY want this position because they have cardiac services and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE cardiac. I really feel like this other hospital is advancing in their nursing care and actually utilizing evidenced based practice and new research. They actually started doing therapeutic hypothermia!! Now for those of you who have more advanced hospitals this may not be a big deal, but to us here, this is something we only read about!! I feel that if I was offered a position at my dream hospital then I would have the best opportunity to become the kind of ICU nurse I dream of being.
Heres the problem, nursing jobs are not easy to come by. It is an absolute honor and accomplishment to be offered a job by a department I am interested in before I graduate. I understand this. But the question is, do I keep working towards a position of my dream even though I accepted a position at my hospital? The hospital which offered me a position told us that they understand if we take another position since they are offering jobs so early in the game so I know it wouldn't be frowned upon, but how do I explain to my boss that I really dream of working in a cardiac hospital?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The job hunt...
Okay so the job hunt has begun. I'm going to try to be a frequent blogger so I can remember the horrendous process in full detail when I'm a big fancy nurse LOL.
So, the application period has opened and I have begun applying for new grad jobs. At this point I have applied to 3 major hospitals who all have Versant programs. In case you don't know, Versant is a RN residency program that is about 18 weeks long and you have varying levels of preceptorship starting with a preceptor who has only been a nurse for up to 2 years and ending with a preceptor who has been a nurse for >15 years. It's based on the Benner Model (Go read Expertise in Nursing practice, great book for soon to be RNs who are into Critical Care).
My application was submitted to the hospital where I work and I was selected to proceed with the interview process. I had to take a math test and then do an assessment on my beliefs (it was weird and hard to explain but it's basically a personality test). After passing the math test I was offered an interview and that is going to be in one and a half weeks!! I'm so nervous. Just because I work here does NOT mean I get a job here as an RN (something most people have ass backward in their head).
One other application was submitted and it is to my DREAM hospital. That application is complete and unfortunately the app period doesn't close until mid April. I really really want this hospital because its just amazing, they have award winning cardiac services and I LOVE cardiac... Additionally, it's a sister hospital to the one I work at so I will get to keep my sick time and seniority! PLUS the computer system is the same so hopefully this should make the transition easier. I'm praying to get this job but I heard there was over 740 apps for 30 spots at my hospital so you can only imagine what its going to be like for this hospital.
The third hospital I'm just so so about. I don't know, my family had bad experiences there but nurses say they love it there..
Theres honestly so much going on that I can't believe I have to go to school while doing all this. Did you know that you don't just apply to a hospital? Every application must have all of the following:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letters of recommendation NOT from faculty
4. Unofficial transcripts
5. Personal statement answering their questions (they tell you what to answer)
6. BLS card
Based on this they offer you a personality test and/or math test. THEN they decide whether or not to interview you. My God what if I don't even get an interview at my dream hospital?! I swear I have so much anxiety it's making me useless.... The true question is, how do you make yourself stand out in the above parts of your application? How can you decide that you want me without even meeting me?
If you know the answer, PLEASE let me know : (
So, the application period has opened and I have begun applying for new grad jobs. At this point I have applied to 3 major hospitals who all have Versant programs. In case you don't know, Versant is a RN residency program that is about 18 weeks long and you have varying levels of preceptorship starting with a preceptor who has only been a nurse for up to 2 years and ending with a preceptor who has been a nurse for >15 years. It's based on the Benner Model (Go read Expertise in Nursing practice, great book for soon to be RNs who are into Critical Care).
My application was submitted to the hospital where I work and I was selected to proceed with the interview process. I had to take a math test and then do an assessment on my beliefs (it was weird and hard to explain but it's basically a personality test). After passing the math test I was offered an interview and that is going to be in one and a half weeks!! I'm so nervous. Just because I work here does NOT mean I get a job here as an RN (something most people have ass backward in their head).
One other application was submitted and it is to my DREAM hospital. That application is complete and unfortunately the app period doesn't close until mid April. I really really want this hospital because its just amazing, they have award winning cardiac services and I LOVE cardiac... Additionally, it's a sister hospital to the one I work at so I will get to keep my sick time and seniority! PLUS the computer system is the same so hopefully this should make the transition easier. I'm praying to get this job but I heard there was over 740 apps for 30 spots at my hospital so you can only imagine what its going to be like for this hospital.
The third hospital I'm just so so about. I don't know, my family had bad experiences there but nurses say they love it there..
Theres honestly so much going on that I can't believe I have to go to school while doing all this. Did you know that you don't just apply to a hospital? Every application must have all of the following:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letters of recommendation NOT from faculty
4. Unofficial transcripts
5. Personal statement answering their questions (they tell you what to answer)
6. BLS card
Based on this they offer you a personality test and/or math test. THEN they decide whether or not to interview you. My God what if I don't even get an interview at my dream hospital?! I swear I have so much anxiety it's making me useless.... The true question is, how do you make yourself stand out in the above parts of your application? How can you decide that you want me without even meeting me?
If you know the answer, PLEASE let me know : (
Monday, February 7, 2011
it's coming to an end...
As I wait for my laundry to dry I decided to write a quick blog. Today was the last time that I will ever register for classes as an undergraduate. Whoa. That is deep.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Future professor...?
So I really need a therapeutic release of all my emotions this quarter. This quarter has been nothing short of amazing! My upper division course is a piece of cake, which is really helpful. My painting class has been extremely stressful. I'm shocked. My first painting caused me nothing but anxiety and I hated every minute of it. I'll attempt a different approach for my next painting.. And now to the good stuff. My senior practicum class.
I absolutely L-O-V-E being a teaching assistant to my mentor. I go to the hospital and assist the students with just about everything. My primary responsibility is assessments and charting. My mentor spends the majority of time with 2 students who give all IV medication to 4 patients and that is very time consuming. This leaves me with the remaining 3-7 students and I focus on their assessments and getting them charted in the computer.
It's incredibly interesting to watch as the students progress throughout the quarter. We have high expectations of them and they are all very hard working. What I didn't expect was when one student regressed, I felt it as if it was a personal failure. So I explored what made her change and we had a good conversation... I also supervise the students as they perform new procedures. That has been quite interesting...
My other huge responsibility with this class is grading care plans. I sit here with my laptop covering the table which has care plans sprawled all over it. I'm currently avoiding grading. I wonder if faculty do that too?
My experience with this class has just been astounding. I love working with the students and I love that they feel confident coming to me for advice/help. The students in this group chose this professor because they knew she was hard and wanted to be better nurses because of it. I hope that I also emulate her style of teaching/grading and that they enjoy their experience with me.
They best part is spending time with my mentor... I am able to pick her brain and learn more from her and I love every second of it. I think one of the best parts is that I am making her life easier (her husband is dying so she's going through a lot), which she explained to me in my mid-quarter evaluation... how nice.
So some other exciting things.. I got nominated for a national award through the army/NSNA!! The spirit of nursing! I was nominated by the faculty and I can't tell you how much of an honor that is!! I had to write an essay and list all of my community service in the last 2.5 years... jeeze! When did I ever get anything done?! I'll find out in march if I got it, I'm sure I won't get it, but it's still pretty cool right?
The last exciting thing is that my mentor is being nominated for RN educator of the year! The faculty chose her for the nomination and she gets 3 letters of rec for it. She actually asked if I would write one!! I wanted to offer because it's highly competitive and I know that a student perspective could really help. So I can't wait to sing her praises for all that she does for us!!
Well that's it. I'm on-call tonight so I'm just waiting by my phone, grading care plans, and blogging. I gotta say it, Life is Good.
I absolutely L-O-V-E being a teaching assistant to my mentor. I go to the hospital and assist the students with just about everything. My primary responsibility is assessments and charting. My mentor spends the majority of time with 2 students who give all IV medication to 4 patients and that is very time consuming. This leaves me with the remaining 3-7 students and I focus on their assessments and getting them charted in the computer.
It's incredibly interesting to watch as the students progress throughout the quarter. We have high expectations of them and they are all very hard working. What I didn't expect was when one student regressed, I felt it as if it was a personal failure. So I explored what made her change and we had a good conversation... I also supervise the students as they perform new procedures. That has been quite interesting...
My other huge responsibility with this class is grading care plans. I sit here with my laptop covering the table which has care plans sprawled all over it. I'm currently avoiding grading. I wonder if faculty do that too?
My experience with this class has just been astounding. I love working with the students and I love that they feel confident coming to me for advice/help. The students in this group chose this professor because they knew she was hard and wanted to be better nurses because of it. I hope that I also emulate her style of teaching/grading and that they enjoy their experience with me.
They best part is spending time with my mentor... I am able to pick her brain and learn more from her and I love every second of it. I think one of the best parts is that I am making her life easier (her husband is dying so she's going through a lot), which she explained to me in my mid-quarter evaluation... how nice.
So some other exciting things.. I got nominated for a national award through the army/NSNA!! The spirit of nursing! I was nominated by the faculty and I can't tell you how much of an honor that is!! I had to write an essay and list all of my community service in the last 2.5 years... jeeze! When did I ever get anything done?! I'll find out in march if I got it, I'm sure I won't get it, but it's still pretty cool right?
The last exciting thing is that my mentor is being nominated for RN educator of the year! The faculty chose her for the nomination and she gets 3 letters of rec for it. She actually asked if I would write one!! I wanted to offer because it's highly competitive and I know that a student perspective could really help. So I can't wait to sing her praises for all that she does for us!!
Well that's it. I'm on-call tonight so I'm just waiting by my phone, grading care plans, and blogging. I gotta say it, Life is Good.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Whew.. that's over!
Wow, this last quarter just about killed me. I was taking OB theory, and clinical, Senior Seminar, and Externing, I was extremely involved in CNSA, and a research study at school. Not to mention I was working out 3 times a week at 0600 AND still working my 2 night shifts in the ICU. I have no idea how I survived. Point is I did. Unfortunately I got my first B+ in theory since the first quarter 2 years ago. But the main consolation to that was that nobody scored higher than a B+, sad thing is, my final grade was 89.5... OH WELL!!
So I've officially completed quart 7 out of 9, the first of my last year in nursing school. I am a senior!! This next quarter I'll be taking Senior practicum, and whatever else I choose!! How exciting. So in case you don't know, senior practicum is a course where you go and do 108 hrs where you want to work when you graduate (all based on placements and first request honored etc). My love has been the ICU, however that is not where I am doing my practicum.
I was asked by my mentor to do senior practicum with her and her students. I will be a teachers assistant and go to clinical with her class and help 2nd qtr nursing students on the floor. I must say, I'm actually kind of excited about this. I remember my senior students who helped and they were awesome. They made me more confident and made my clinical experience much better. I hope I can do this for these students too...
We shall see, school starts next week. I'm taking 15 units, an upper division course, painting, and senior practicum... I think this quarter will be nice : )
So I've officially completed quart 7 out of 9, the first of my last year in nursing school. I am a senior!! This next quarter I'll be taking Senior practicum, and whatever else I choose!! How exciting. So in case you don't know, senior practicum is a course where you go and do 108 hrs where you want to work when you graduate (all based on placements and first request honored etc). My love has been the ICU, however that is not where I am doing my practicum.
I was asked by my mentor to do senior practicum with her and her students. I will be a teachers assistant and go to clinical with her class and help 2nd qtr nursing students on the floor. I must say, I'm actually kind of excited about this. I remember my senior students who helped and they were awesome. They made me more confident and made my clinical experience much better. I hope I can do this for these students too...
We shall see, school starts next week. I'm taking 15 units, an upper division course, painting, and senior practicum... I think this quarter will be nice : )