The end of nursing school is now just weeks away, and the focus has shifted from exams and clinicals to job hunting. Unlike many parts of the country, there is no nursing shortage in Columbus. Plenty of nurses, fewer jobs as hospitals cut back, and a slew of new nurses coming out of the 8+ nursing schools around the city.
I went into nursing for a single reason: to work with new moms and babies. I’ve happily (and not-so-happily at times) endured my turn through all other areas of nursing, understanding that we need to have a basic knowledge of how different hospital areas function and getting a wide variety of clinical experiences.
But my mind has been set on working with moms and babies from the beginning. It’s why I started on this journey. It’s my calling, I guess you could say. Sure, some of my class aren’t picky about where they’ll work, but I’m nearly 33 – I know where I want to work, and I don’t want to waste time getting there.
I’ve applied for probably 10 jobs so far, all in labor & delivery units or NICUs. The biggest challenge is that I’m up against so many other applicants, several with experience. No one seems to want a nurse fresh out of school.
However, last Friday I had to complete the last of my clinical hours, choosing to shadow at a birth center in my hometown. My mother has worked at that hospital for over 30 years, and I thought it would be nice to see how a smaller hospital works. I had also noticed that they had job openings in the birth center, and I applied for a job as well.
It was a wonderful experience, and I really enjoyed how nice everyone was and how well the team worked together. The nurse manager answered all of my questions, and at the end of the day, she interviewed me for the open job. I think the interview went really well, even though it’s been four years since my last interview and I’m a little rusty.
She told me that she hopes to make a decision on the job by the end of this week. You can imagine that I’m crossing fingers, toes and eyes hoping to get this job. I liked the other nurses, I liked the nurse manager, and I think I’d love working there.
I believe in the power of positive thinking (OK, maybe not as far as The Secret believes it can go), and I need help here. If all of you can spare a few good thoughts, some positive energy, prayers, or whatever it is you do for me this week, I’d appreciate the help. I’m so anxious this week – I want that job. I think I’d be an asset for them.
It’s also time to see an end to the bad streak of luck we’ve had. Aaron’s one last freelance writing job – a job he hoped to see go full-time – ended abruptly last week in a rather unprofessional way (unprofessional on their end, not his), and I’m a little tired of being thrown under the Karma bus. I want some good news for once. And you’d probably rather read some good news, right?
Let’s hope I impressed them enough that I get to be the next new OB nurse at that hospital.
I so hope you get it! Lots of positive vibes, C!
I really hope you get this job. The very best of luck to you from over here.
Sending positive job karma your way. I at first thought knowing what you wanted to do was half the battle of the job search, not so much I’m finding out. You really deserve this.
Definitely fingers-crossed here. You deserve it – I hope things turn up rosy by week’s end.
Fingers and toes crossed that you get the good news soon. I think it is so great that you know what you want to do with your nursing degree.
Sending lots of good thoughts your way! It sounds like a great job.
All the good thoughts I have — coming your way! Can’t wait to hear good news very soon.
Crossing fingers and toes! Good luck! 🙂 (And I’ll say a few prayers, too!)
I agree. You are definitly due for a good turn. Good luck!!
Sending good positive vibes your way! You deserve to get that job. Hope you do!!
Happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts.
good luck! it sounds awesome. really hope you get it.
I’ll be praying and sending good vibes your way! I’m very excited for you, and can’t wait to hear all the good momma & baby stories you’re going to have!
Good thoughts and prayers coming your way! I thought, “How about a birthing center” as soon as I saw the word “job” in your post, before I even read further. Hope it’s a good sign!
Even just from reading your blog it’s clear that you have so much heart for moms and babies; that passions deserves a place to shine.
Fingers crossed for you!
I hope you get it! You deserve it!
Sending some dream job vibes your way! Good luck!
Best of luck…you deserve some good karma!
Crossing my fingers and toes for you! It sounds like a wonderful job, so I’m sending you the best of wishes and luck!
OH GOOD LUCK! You deserve this.
Crossing fingers, toes, eyes and anything else you can cross with all the positive vibes I can muster!
Drlurking to let you know that I’m wishing you the best. Just from reading your blog you seem really passionate about nursing and especially working with mothers and babies. I think you’d be an excellent employee. And you DEFINITELY deserve some good karma!
I am praying, hoping and sending all the positive vibes I can to you! If you get the job are you going to commute or are you going to move down there. I can’t remember how far it is to your mom’s-like an hour?
I will call you sometime this weekend about when I am coming down. Very excited-need to see if SIL has any specific plans, except for the jewelry party-which you are welcome to come to-lots of booze :O)
Good luck!
Oh, good luck!! Hoping to read the exciting news in the near future that you got the job!
Lots and lots of positive thoughts being sent your way!
You don’t need luck, you’ve got skill. ;o) You have all the good vibes I have to spare.