November 28, 2010
New Grads Today
Last night I trained a woman at the hospital who recently passed NCLEX and was a registered nurse. She had applied for the “new grad volunteer position.” Upon graduating (six months ago), she has been unable to find a job. I have heard a lot of people are having an extremely difficult time finding work. This seems especially true for nurses (and even more so for attorneys).
The new grad I trained even had prior experience as a phlebotomist. This makes me doubt the benefits of having this experience. I only want to pursue the certificate if it is likely to increase my chances of getting hired later on. My other friend, who is a nurse at a well-known acute care facility, said not to become a phlebotomist. He said to focus on nursing and law. I’m still not sure what I’m going to do, but I have found the best phlebotomy program for me:
- Bay Area Medical Academy
5 week weekend course
One Hallidie Plaza, Suite 406
San Francisco, CA 94102
Starts: Saturday, June 25, 2011
$2,450
November 5, 2010
Experience
Above all things, employers seem to be looking for experience. Many jobs require 3 years experience before the company will even give you a chance to interview. I know that it will take at least that long for me to complete my education and I can’t afford to emerge with nothing more than a diploma.
Therefore, I have decided it is in my best interest to get a certificate and start doing work on the weekends. Below are a few of my options:
- CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant)
CHW offers a course on weekends for $850 [http://www.sacmedtraining.com/home]
Also, Kash Career College offers a course on weekends for $995 and Southwestern College has one during the week for $550. There are a few free ones (sacrop), but they are predictably full. I have also heard that St. Claire’s Nursing (90 bed facility) has a free course, but I’ll have to call to confirm.
- Phlebotomy
Boston Reed has a course on weekends for $2695.
Kaiser Permanente has a evening course for $2275. It lasts 4 weeks, starts sometime in July, and is approved by the California Department of Public Health. [http://xnet.kp.org/kpsahs/applications/phlebotomy_application.pdf]
October 24, 2010
Makeup Review: MAC, Loreal, and MAX Factor
Lately, I’ve been on a makeup shopping spree!! Today I dragged C into Mac Cosmetics to do a little shopping. I picked up my first Mac brush and I LOVE it! It’s a small slanted brush ($19.50) that I use to apply my black eyeliner (Fluidline). So far, Fluidline ($15) is so much better than any other eyeliner I have ever used!
I bought a makeup train case to store my makeup and there is SO much empty space in the box that I’ve been feeling the need to fill it. I knew it would be dangerous to buy it in the first place! C always jokes with me that I don’t own any makeup (compared to most girls) so I’m sort of starting from scratch.
I recently tried Loreal’s True Match Soft Ivory compact, which was actually just a little too light for my skin. There isn’t that much inside (.3 oz), but it is oil free and has SPF 17 sunscreen. I love how smooth it goes on and how well it evens out my skin tone. I would definitely buy this again (just a little darker color).
Another recent discovery is the ULTA clearance shelf. This is where the broke nursing/law students go (or at least it’s where I’ve been going lately). Today I found a great MAX Factor product called MAXwear lip color (color stain + gloss) that is normally priced at $10, but I purchased for $1.99!
I’m really enjoying adding new beauty items to my collection. Browsing for new makeup products (or hair/skin products) is my numero uno choice for relaxing from the stress of work and school!
October 14, 2010
Basic Life Support, Then What?
This certification is necessary for many jobs at the hospital. Luckily, the hospital pays for employees and volunteers to obtain it by taking an AHA approved course. I’m taking my test in two weeks! In order to get my BLS card, I have to attend class for one day and pass a test.
My next step is to become a CNA. I found a weekend class that I can do over the summer. It’s just under $1000 for all the materials and lasts 2.5 months. The CNA license is good for two years before I have to renew.
My hopes and dreams to transfer to UCLA to complete my last two years of nursing school have been dashed by my job. I enjoy my job and the income, but I really am having to rethink my life because of it.
Next year I hope to enroll in Northeastern University’s MBA Health Care Management program. This is something I hope the Company will help me pay for. I’ve heard rumors that they pay for the full expense of obtaining an MBA!
August 18, 2010
Done Training
Graduated from training at the Company! Now I’m ready for some real work.
Today I asked if it would be alright to arrive at work early and they said that there would be plenty of opportunities for me to get overtime so don’t burn out now. Despite the warning, I really want the money so I’m going to be pushing overtime as much as possible!
It has only been three days, but I’m really enjoying my hectic schedule. I go to work all day, go to class in the evenings, go to the gym at night, and study into the wee hours. Law school is keeping me REALLY busy, so I just might drown once nursing classes start next week!
July 26, 2010
FINAL Already?!
I can’t believe it, my final is this week!! The final is so heavily weighted that I HAVE to get an A on it to get an A in the class. Right now, I’m completely unprepared and would certainly fail the exam. I need a miracle at this point 
July 21, 2010
NEW Job!
I’m so excited! I’ve officially been hired at a Fortune 100 company! I was hesitant to tell anyone during the application process because I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but now I can finally be happy! First day is tomorrow!
This position is an excellent “foot in the door” opportunity and it allows me to combine my interest in health and law! I couldn’t be happier with my good fortune!
July 16, 2010
NEW Shoes!
I’m one of those girls who just can’t explain their interest (umm obsession) with shoes and purses. I absolutely love different designs and styles!
On a slightly more practical note, I did purchase some AMAZING Brooks running shoes awhile back. These are by far the best to wear for evenings at the hospital. When I’m there, I walk all over the place and almost never sit down. I can see why it’s essential for nurses to find extremely comfortable footwear.
July 11, 2010
Keep Chugging That H2O
At the hospital I encourage patients to drink as much water as possible. Even though it’s terribly hot lately, they still don’t want to drink water! They all want soda!
I have no idea how to get people interested in water. Saying, “It is GOOD for you” doesn’t seem to be enough. H2O helps you lose weight, have better skin, and helps keep the organs in good shape. Even if they know about the endless benefits of drinking water, they are locked into their soda drinking habits!
One of the few things I agreed with with in Skinny Bitch was that soda is “liquid Satan.” It makes you FAT! It’s bad for your teeth and bad for your digestive system. While I admit I do enjoy the occasional Strawberry Italian Soda or Orange Fanta, I’ve managed to avoid a sugar drink addiction. Some of my friends have become hooked on Diet Coke (or worse, Redbull or Monster Energy Drinks).
When I have children, I’m not even sure if I will keep soda in the house. That may seem crazy, but it’s like a drug for some people and I do not want to establish unhealthy habits. I’m going to serve water with every meal, pack water bottles, and tell them to keep chugging!
July 9, 2010
Relationship v. Dream
Sometimes being in a relationship and pursuing a dream conflict.
Lately, I haven’t been able to spend much time with my boyfriend because I have been working toward becoming a registered nurse. During the week, I have classes in the evenings so we can’t spend time together after work. On the weekends, I have class from 8 AM to 12 PM and then I volunteer at the hospital in the evenings.
He wanted to spend tomorrow evening with me downtown (where once a month there is art, music, and good food), but I had to remind him that I was going to be at the hospital. Last Wednesday we had a date to go out and get tapas, but I had to cancel because my lab ran overtime. NOT GOOD! I feel like a terrible girlfriend.
It’s too late to drop the courses and I don’t want to stop volunteering. In fact, I just saw that the hospital posted a “job” for new RN grads to do exactly what I do at the hospital!
We used to have the same dream, to become high powered attorneys, but I’ve been changing. Now we’re on different paths and I just hope that our relationship is strong enough to keep us together.
