Job Offer

Well, my first interview has turned into a job offer!  What the what!?  I am full of mixed feelings.  Here they are in no particular order:
1. I am super excited to know (as my brother put it) I am hire-able!
2. In my opinion, the interview went well, and with the offer, I was reaffirmed that it went well!
3. I am terrified at the thought of being a nurse.
4.  I don't remember anything from school.
5. Do I take the job, or hold out for a job in the unit of my choice?
6. Don't be a diva.
7. Man-up and realize wherever my first job is, it will cause anxiety, stress, fear and I will be overwhelmed (thanks for the reminder Erin!)
8. How do I make this decision!?!?!?!?!

I spoke with someone in HR when I was given the offer.  I asked when I would have to give my answer.  I have a week to make the decision.  I also asked the nurse manager to shadow on the unit (which is this Friday) to get a feel for the unit and to help make my decision.  The nurse manager is so nice and seems very accommodating.  She also gave me directions to get to the unit, but also said I can just call her and she would come meet me so I won't get lost.  Perfect as I am always lost going to a new place!!  I will go at 7am on Friday to see the start of the day shift.  I am not sure what I am going to wear to shadow.  Scrubs?  Professional attire??  hmmmmm

The job is on a med/surg floor at a hospital very close to were I live (plus!).  I really didn't expect to work in med/surg, as I really want OB or at least peds, BUT I have to remember that I have to start somewhere, I will gain a lot of great experience, it's close to home and a great hospital.  I also have three resumes out there with some connections to different hospitals and I worry that if I take this job, all of a sudden, I could possibly have more interviews in units I would prefer.  On the other hand, none of them could pan out and I would be left with nothing!  Why are big decisions so hard to make!!?

I am going to meet up with my advisor to talk about my concerns.  I am hoping, as a seasoned nurse, she will have some great insight, perspective and give me some solid advice to make this decision.  It overwhelms me to think I could be starting a job soon.  I hope I don't cry! haha

I have talked about this decision with my sister, sister-in-law, brother, mom, dad, and of course my Erin.  They all have great advice, but obviously, only I can make this decision.  I have to remember to relax, take deep breaths and have confidence in myself, my abilities and all the hard work I have put in to get to this point.  I have spent years getting ready to have a career and one that I hope to excel at and love!  I am also remembering I have promised the first 14 months of paychecks to Erin ;)

I am sure my next post will be whether or not I accept this job...here is to a weekend of talking, breathing, stressing, pros/cons lists and probably freaking out! (Sorry Erin)

First Interview

I have really dropped the ball with my blog!  I have been busy doing nothing!!  haha  I and trying to enjoy this in between time.  I know it will be a long, long time before I am ever in this spot again.  I am taking advantage by staying up late, watching reality tv, cooking, napping, hanging with my new sister-in-law, and trying to get back into the sport of running.  The goal is to run a 15k in April with Helene.

In other news, I now have the time to get things done I have been putting off.  This included FINALLY going to the doctor to have my big toe looked at.  I assumed I had arthritis and it seems I was right.  I had x-rays done earlier this week and the x-ray confirms what the doctor suspected.  Unfortunately, I need to follow-up with a podiatrist to rule out a possible fracture.  What the what?  I have no memory of hurting my foot/toe.  I have that appointment scheduled in two weeks.  In the meantime, I have a new pair of running shoes and I need to go get some inserts to wear to hopefully help the chronic pain I have in my toe.  Awesome.

This morning I also had my first nursing interview!!  I was, of course, so nervous.  I have known about this for a few weeks.  I went suit shopping with my parents and my aunt and uncle when they were all in town for Erik and Helene's wedding.  I have been going through practice questions.  I think Jackson is more prepared than me to go on nursing interviews ;)  He has been listening to me talk to myself the last few days.

This interview was for a hospital near me but for med-surg.  I wouldn't say I completely dislike med-surg, but it's not one of my top choices.  Of course, I start playing the what if game and causing unnecessary panic.  I need to take Erin's advice and to take everything as is comes and not play the what if game.  Deep breaths.  Overall, I think I had a very successful first interview.  I felt confident in my answers, I was given positive feedback and was some how able to keep my voice from cracking!  I think I will hear back sometime next week.

I have sent my resume out to a couple other contacts I have.  I am hoping something pans out from this as well.  If anything, I would like to practice interviewing some more :)  On the other hand, I would be ok with no more interviews!  They stress me out!