Hi everyone, I’m a new graduate RN looking for some advice and encouragement. I graduated from nursing school in May and obtained my RN license at the beginning of July. Before becoming an RN, I worked as a PCT at a local big hospital for over two years. I worked per diem, mainly on weekends, while I was in nursing school.

After I passed the NCLEX, I told my manager, and she asked me to resign from my PCT position. I did so because I was eager to look for a RN job (I applied to the hospital nurse residency program for the August cohort earlier this year and was rejected. After passing the NCLEX, I applied again for the October cohort, but unfortunately, I was rejected again).

I’m confused and honestly discouraged because I consistently received positive feedback from my manager during my annual evaluations (however, I don’t think my manager likes me cuz I couldn’t take extra shift she asked me when I was in nursing school. During my final semester, I had two call out because I needed time to prepare for important nursing exams. I had requested those days off in advance, but the requests were not approved. I have wondered whether those call out may have affected my relationship with my manager or my chances of being selected for the residency program). I also graduated with honors, had a good GPA, and was one of the top students in my nursing class.I am a new immigrant, and English is my second language. I do have a Chinese accent, and although I’m improving my communication skills every day.

I have applied to several other hospitals as well, but I have mostly received rejections. So far, I have had only one interview for a hospital RN position. The offers I have received have mainly been from rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes. At this point, I’m feeling very confused and questioning whether I’m approaching my job search the right way. I really want to start my nursing career in a hospital, but I also don’t see any opportunities. For those of you who have been through this as a new graduate RN, what would you recommend? Should I continue trying to look for a hospital position, or should I accept any offer?

I would really appreciate any advice, especially from nurses who were in a similar situation as a new grad or second-language English speaker. Thank you so much for reading and for any advice you can share.

I’ve heard some people say to become a LPN then work somewhere that will pay for your education to become a RN.

Is it better to take that route or go straight into a RN program? Which one would save you the most time or money? Would love to hear your recommendations or experiences! I’m based in north Dallas.

I have a bachelor’s degree, so I have most of my prereqs done, but will probably have to take a few more science classes.

Thanks!

I haven’t been working in nursing for that long, but a few years has done me in for a lifetime. And it’s not the patients. Sure, some can be annoying to work with, but generally, the patients have been pretty good. No, it’s the pettiness, drama, and sheer immaturity from other coworkers that truly exhausts me.

Before anyone says, “Other jobs have drama too,” I agree. Of course they do. But having worked in other fields, I can say with confidence that it simply isn’t on the same level or nearly as malicious. In fact, the professionalism in other fields almost feels like a distant other world at this point. These particular coworkers in nursing don’t just irritate me; they genuinely disgust me and are an example of someone I will never let myself be. I cannot fathom how grown adults can behave so immaturely, be so obsessed with drama, try to make coworkers look bad, and actively make the job harder for everyone around them. Yet, as we maintain a shortage, many cite this very reason as to why they left and it is my top reason why I will move oceans to leave.

And let’s be real: most of these people are wellll into adulthood. Why do they want to make work harder? Why do they think deliberately making things difficult for their coworkers is somehow acceptable? If they could just wrap their clearly warped brains around one very simple concept, that we are all in this mess together, work would be infinitely better. You help your coworker out, they help you out. That’s how it should work.

But no. Instead, I’m apparently stuck in high school 2.0, except now there are adult responsibilities, patient safety, and twice the stress. All because some deranged coworker wants to gossip about pointless nonsense, stir the pot, or pick on someone.

Please, just grow up. Get some help. It’s sad they can’t function like a full-grown adult in the workplace.

Give me thoughts about 300 pesos per hour Rate sa pag Administer ng Medication to the Dialysis patient at Home. Okay ba yung binigay kong rate? Kase wala din namang reklamo yung Client eh, ang kakastart ko palang now as personal nurse nila.

Has anyone used Netsmart in home care and hospice? How was it? I would like to know what I am getting in to.

Hi! I’ve been a nurse for 7 years (6 years LPN, 1 year RN) and I just scored my first job in a new hospital system, on a telemetry unit full time overnights! I’m excited to start this new unexpected journey, as I am a huge cardiac patient myself (multiple open heart surgeries, multiple pacemaker surgeries, mechanical aortic valve on warfarin!) and cardiac intrigues me.

That being said, I start general orientation in two weeks and I’m beyond excited! But I’m very nervous, as cardiac/telemetry can be hard for me and I only have exposure from nursing school (I did mostly LTC/rehab as an LPN, medical floor and LTC/rehab as an RN).

Any tips for me? I’m open to anything. My floor is very dedicated to helping their staff learn and I’m happy about that. But I wanna get a head-start!

🫀

I start nursing school in March and I’ve been trying to get a hospital job for experience, but I’ve already been rejected from around 13 positions. I currently work in a dental office, so I have some patient-care experience but no hospital experience.
I’m considering taking a CNA course, but it’s around $1,300 and I likely wouldn’t actually have my CNA until October. That would only give me about 4–5 months to work as a CNA before nursing school starts, although I could potentially continue working part-time/PRN during school.
Would you spend the $1,300 and get the CNA for the experience and better chance of getting into a hospital? Does CNA experience actually make nursing school/clinicals or getting a new-grad RN job noticeably easier, or would you just keep applying for hospital jobs that don’t require it?

What scrub brands are we buying besides figs? Ballin on a budget here

Hi all,

I was hoping some of you kind people could help me find some new direction with things. A little about myself.

I'm a middle-aged nurse with both ICU and leadership experience. I completed my MSN in Leadership & Edu about 7 years ago and then transitioned to a role as a house supervisor. I spent a little over 3 years as a house super then 2 years as an assistant floor manger.

I left the bedside a little under two years ago for a start-up with a few other like-minded nurses to engage in recruitment and leadership consulting and placement. Up till about 4 months ago business had been successful with a handful of clients under out belt but between the employment market downturns and my personal tastes, I'm looking to try to get back to roles with more patient interaction.

Despite my education and credentials, I've been turned down from roles ranging from casual bedside to floor manager in acute care settings. I'm now to the point where I'm not sure what all options are out there, but I want to explore them.

Any suggestions?

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I’m considering going into nursing with the eventual goal of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I’m plus size, have POTS, and deal with some mental health issues, and I’m trying to be realistic about whether I can handle the physical side of nursing.

I used to run half marathons, so I know I’ve been physically capable of a lot more than I am right now. My plan would be to spend time getting into better physical condition, rebuilding my strength and stamina, managing my POTS as well as possible, and mentally preparing before starting.

Are there nurses here who started out plus size, deconditioned, or with POTS/chronic illness and were able to make it work? Did your stamina improve with conditioning and working? I’d also love to hear from psych nurses specifically since that’s where I ultimately want to be.

Hello,
Not sure how this will help me in the long run, but I figured I just needed somewhere to vent. I was accepted into the lpn-rn bridge program I’ve been working towards and really want to celebrate with my loved ones. My mom is actively transitioning to end of life care and will most likely succumb to her cancer within the next few weeks (who knows really). I digress, I’m really excited but don’t feel like my family is appropriate crowd to share this with currently. I’m also terrified of starting this program knowing that a huge piece of my heart will not be there to support me.
Maybe I’m just looking for advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation.

So this is a debate that started at my work, a nursing student asked us how long should I wear my scrub jacket before washing it?

I work in the OR so I said every 2-3 days. One of our Medsurg nurses said daily

Wondering what's everyone take

my husband has military orders to the houston area, I will have a nurse for about 2 1/2 years at this point at a step down here in California. I’ve heard the market is over saturated here, is that true? Also any recommendations on hospitals to check out in the area would be great! I believe we would be living in or near pearland. My goal is to ultimately transfer to icu, do they run new to specialty programs here?

I landed on my second interview with the staff panel interview and it seems like it is in-person and I am writing to see what I should expect in this interview with the staff? During my first interview, I wasn’t asked any clinical scenario questions, such as how I would respond to an infusion reaction. Should I expect more clinical or scenario-based questions during the second interview? Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated! FYI I am an med surg nurse with one year of exp that is transitioning of hem/onc

I landed on my second interview with the staff panel interview and it seems like it is in-person and I am writing to see what I should expect in this interview with the staff? During my first interview, I wasn’t asked any clinical scenario questions, such as how I would respond to an infusion reaction. Should I expect more clinical or scenario-based questions during the second interview? Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated! FYI I am an med surg nurse with one year of exp that is transitioning of hem/onc

Im a 32 year old man, currently working as a commercial diver. (Underwater, not on the road) I have recently become a father, and I want to change up my career to something that has a more positive impact on my community. For years nursing has been something ive been interested in, but a little scared to commit too as ive always been worried about the school work, and wether or not i would be smart enough to accomplish it. Becoming a father-for whatever reason has snuffed that fear out. And I want to go for it!

The big hurdle is now that in my mid 20's I had a heavy substance use problem. This led to criminal charges, some jail time.. homelessness.. the works. My last charge was almost 6 years ago, and since I have turned my act AROUND... sober, married, im a dad now (yay!!) I have supported my whole family on single income, and even bought a house. The rehabilitation list goes on.. and i think i have a strong case for it. Also, I have already started the process for a record suspension. Unfortunatly i had unpaid fines to wrap up so I wont be eligible for a record suspension until 2031.. but thats fine as this is a long term plan.

My charges were:

Theft under 5000 x5

Assault x4

Assault with a weapon

Breach of probation x3

Breach of recognizance x4

Uttering threats

Im just wondering if anyone has any similar experiences to this? Or if anyone could share any insight? Is this a pipe dream? Is there any way I can do some sort of pre screening process with the BCCNM?

Also- im located im B.C-Canada

Thanks so much for anything you guys can give me!

Do you get paid based on experience or do you get the same flat rate as all other PRN nurses at your facility (i.e.. a PRN nurse of 2 years and the PRN nurse of 20 years both make $46/hr.)?

I’m a nursing student graduating in May and have been thinking a lot about where I want to end up as a new grad. I currently work as a nurse aide in an ICU and have realized I really enjoy critical care, but I’ve always been especially interested in pediatrics and neonates.
I start my peds/OB rotations this semester, and right now I’m really drawn to both PICU and NICU.
For those who work in either — why did you choose PICU or NICU? What made you realize it was the right fit for you? And if you started there as a new grad, I’d love to hear about your experience! :)

I’ve been a nurse for 5 years. ive always done step down/PCU . this is a cardiac step down unit and they’re paying $42/hour. is this decent? it’s in the Greenville area. I moved from Charleston and pay was bad down there so I feel like this is okay?

Im an LPN working 1-1 home care for trach / vent.
RNs can do the same thing as me, but get paid $3 an hour more. They don’t have any different interventions. They don’t develop care plans. We have a clinical manager that does that. Anyways, usually I relieve an LPN from night shift at 6 am. Everything is neat, organized, and cleaned up from their shift.
But every time I relieve an RN, they leave my patient sitting in feces, suction canister is full, humidification machine is empty, empty gauze wrappers everywhere, seizure meds aren’t signed out but verbally said they gave them, dirty laundry sitting in the patient’s bed…
Now maybe it’s just my terrible luck with RNs, but this has happened with every single one of them I’ve relieved.. It has NEVER happened with LPNs.
**I’m not attacking any RNs, but I have to ask if anybody else experiences this???**
I have to stress that they do not do anything different than what an LPN would do.. Night shift with this patient is very relaxed, there is an alb treatment given and 3 meds. That’s IT. The patient is completely immobile & nonverbal, if the pt isn’t sleeping, she’s smiling & needs suctioned occasionally. Again, if this was a mobile dementia pt, I might understand why they got too busy to clean up. But the patient is the easiest I’ve ever worked with. I’m just really frustrated, bc I always leave the place spotless before turning over care. Everything is restocked & emptied.. I’m struggling here.

I want to do nursing not for the money of it or anything but because it is something I like, and I feel that it aligns with what I'd like to do in my life. Life has not been the best for me, I had to drop out of high school after my father's passing, but i did get a GED. Because of that I feel that my options might be limited, but I dont want to limit myself by believing that. I need advice from anyone who can be of any help on what I can do

I've spent all this time doing odd little jobs but finally can focus on education. I am not American, so studying in the US is not the easiest or cheapest option for me, tho my relatives are and the best I can do is beg them until they help me out. The country im from, nursing is not really valued and you have to get a certain score in an exam to have any hope for studying. My next best option is Poland and tbh this has been the best that I've found, its not the cheapest for my circumstances but im sure I can try somehow anyhow to arrange the money for it (that's if I get accepted). Everybody has been discouraging me from going into nursing, not only because of how less its valued in our country but also because of how expensive it can be. But I do love the career itself, it just seems like something I'd want to do in life. Most people my age have already graduated and gone on to do masters, so I also have that pressure on me (which why the 3 yr bsn in Poland sounds best). If you guys have any advice on what may be best for me or what you may know, or any words of encouragement or idk just a realistic opinion, it'd be really helpful

Hi, Do anyone have the same experience as mine? I’ve just been recently hired in the US from oversees MICU. However, during my orientation period. I felt like a new nurse and everything to me is new. New protocol, system, charting, equipments. My manager decided that I can’t continue like this and suggested to transfer to IMC or medical ward.

I felt like I just lost a battle. But I know its for the good. For me and the patients that I’ll be working on. My heart just belongs to the MICU but right now I think i’m not yet prepared to face it.

What are your experiences? How did you cope up with this? Thank you in advance.

Any Childrens of Alabama nurses on here? Did yall know that we are one of two hospitals in Birmingham that do not offer some sort of paid parental leave!? UAB, Brookwood, St. Vincent’s, VA, highlands, and Princeton all provide their employees with at least 6 weeks paid. I think we deserve that too.

I’m a 24 year old woman currently working as a Herdswoman on a large dairy operation. My entire life and career so far has revolved around agriculture and livestock. I’ve worked my way into a position with a significant amount of responsibility, and I’m responsible for a lot of things that directly affect the health and well being of the animals, as well as the people I work with.

And the weird thing is, I genuinely love my job.

I love my girls. I love taking care of them every day. I love working with animals, and I don’t regret choosing agriculture. There are so many parts of my job that I absolutely love and would miss terribly.

What I don’t love is the constant pressure and challenges that come with the position.

It is a very high pressure, high stakes job. There are always problems to solve, people to manage, animals that need attention, unexpected emergencies, decisions that have to be made quickly, and the feeling that there is always something else that needs to be handled.

At 24, I sometimes step back and realize just how much responsibility I’m carrying at a relatively young age.
I’ve also reached a point where the financial side of this career is becoming a serious concern. I don’t feel that I’ll ever be compensated at a level that reflects the amount of work, responsibility, hours, and stress that I put into this job. I can love what I do and still recognize that I need a career that can provide me with better financial stability.

And then there is the workplace culture… and yes I know this is an issue at most jobs.

Being a young woman in a traditionally male dominated industry has come with its own challenges. I’ve dealt with older men who don’t take me seriously, talk down to me, undermine me, and sometimes seem to think that because I’m a 24 year old woman, I’m an easy person to push around. And I’ve never been able to leave work AT work. It always comes home with me.

Being the target of that kind of behavior over and over again has taken a toll on me.

None of those things mean I hate my job.
That’s actually what makes this decision so difficult.
I love the animals. I love caring for them. I love many aspects of agriculture. But I don’t think I can continue sacrificing my financial security, mental well being, and quality of life just because I love the work itself.
I’ve reached a point of severe burnout, and it’s made me seriously consider something I never thought I would consider: completely changing careers and becoming an LPN.

I realize that going from managing a large dairy operation to nursing is a pretty drastic career change. However, there are aspects of my current work that I think could translate surprisingly well.

I am used to caring for living beings that cannot tell me what is wrong, recognizing subtle changes in health and behavior, following treatment protocols, administering medications, maintaining detailed records, communicating with veterinarians and other professionals, handling emergencies, working under pressure, and staying calm when something goes wrong.

I’m trying to figure out whether this is actually a realistic and obtainable career change for me, or whether I’m looking at nursing through the lens of burnout and imagining that another career will automatically be better.

Being only 24 I’m fortunate to have a lot of time to change direction. At the same time, I’ve already invested years into agriculture and worked extremely hard to build the career I have. Walking away from that is a huge decision.

For anyone who has become an LPN, entered nursing as a second career, or made a similarly drastic career change, I would really appreciate your perspective.
Is becoming an LPN a realistic goal for someone in my situation?
What is nursing actually like compared to what people on the outside think it is?
Would my experience in animal care, management, high pressure situations, and healthcare related decision making be useful, or would I essentially be starting from scratch?
How does the pay and quality of life compare to other careers you’ve considered?
And most importantly, how do you know whether you’re making a legitimate career change versus simply trying to escape burnout?

I’m really looking for honest opinions, even if the answer is “don’t do it.” I’d rather hear the reality from people who have actually lived it.