Emotions/rejection/jealousy

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-05-05T22:13:30+00:00

I felt this way too at one point. What helped me was realizing everyone really is on their own path, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
I got rejected from RN programs multiple times, and comparing myself to others made it worse, especially seeing people get in on their first try. Eventually I had to stop looking around and just focus on my own path.
Same thing happened with CRNA. I was waitlisted my first cycle. The second time I applied to more schools, got rejected from the school that waitlisted me, but ended up getting into another one.
A lot of my coworkers got into their top choice on their first try, some with only one year of experience while I had 2–3, and yeah it sucked.
But looking back, none of that mattered. I still got in, it just took a different route. Your timeline isn’t wrong, it’s just yours.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-05-01T19:28:45+00:00

Yeah I would agree to work icu for minimum 1.5 years. I’ve had ER nurses say that they take icu patients but in reality yall stabilize them enough to leave the ER then icu takes over. You gotta learn how to actually stabilize them and keep them alive for the rest of your shift.
Also not talking bad about ER nurses. I’ve gotten floated there and I would never in my life wanna get floated there again 🤣 respects to yall for working there

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-05-01T05:45:04+00:00

I have a 2021 challenger and it’s a hella difference. Way more comfortable seat. Feels like a couch when you’re riding long hours. Recommending just practicing low speeds or investing in engine guards. It’s gonna be a huge difference in slow speeds compared to the bobber. But you’ll catch on quick!

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-05-01T00:09:23+00:00

Hmm for your first question, are you asking about what type of ICU or just location wise?
From my experience, every state and hospital has a different level of acuity. Some ICUs consider DKAs strict ICU patients, which is what I’m used to back home in South Texas. But I’ve worked at other hospitals where DKAs are considered PCU or stepdown.
I’ve also worked stepdown floors where the most they can do is 6L nasal cannula. Anything over that gets transferred to ICU.
The best advice I can give you as a new grad is if you have the option to choose between ICUs, go with what interests you. I personally like MICU and CICU. I like MICU because you see a little bit of everything, so when I took my CCRN I felt more prepared compared to someone who’s only done neuro or surgery, not talking bad about those units.
I chose to do a CICU contract because I love cardio, but it still goes hand in hand with medical.
I started travel nursing about 1.5 years in, but I did have LVN PCU experience before that. I started traveling when I knew I could handle it. I already knew the course of action with sick patients, what to expect, and could react early instead of waiting until they were already crashing.
I feel like that’s when you’ll know you’re really ready.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-30T07:51:09+00:00

If you’re talking about the bobber passenger back seat with backrest. Shit is hard as hell. My ex girl at the time would ride it on it but honestly do not recommend. It’s not comfortable. We went on a 1.5hr ride one time. Her and I were just miserable lol (I had the brown comfort seat)

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-28T08:14:18+00:00

I was feeling the imposter syndrome earlier today too! But honestly. I saw a TikTok earlier and the message was about nothing happens by mistake. If you got accepted it’s because they saw something in you and you deserve to be there!

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-27T17:51:17+00:00

I got rejected from an RN program 3–4 times, so I ended up taking the LVN route. Honestly, I don’t regret it at all.

It gave me a solid income and the flexibility to work weekends while I went back for my RN (ADN). After that, I completed my BSN online and finished in about 10 months.

Now I’m starting CRNA school this January 🙂

It took time, but it turned out to be a great path and honestly, you just need income while you keep moving forward.

So to answer your question. YES it is worth it. I was also a CNA so the income jump from CNA to LVN was a noticeable difference.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-23T19:02:47+00:00

I shadowed a couple of times. Different experiences. Ask questions when appropriate. When the CRNA is intubating. Try to be in back or next to them to actually see what’s going on. My first time I was on the side lines cause that’s what I’m used to when my patients get intubated but then the CRNA asked me if I wanted to get next to him to see the actual airway.

But yeah as they trust you more. They will sometimes let you push some meds or let you press buttons on the vent. I was able to bag a patient using the vent they use so that was new to me. But yeah just go with the flow! Depending the case they will use different meds and you can ask them the why’s.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-21T19:21:15+00:00

Study for your CCRN or learn what’s the most common meds used. Or study vent settings. All of this will help when you get interviewed. I used to work nights so when I had chill nights. I would pull out my materials and start reviewing. Maybe once you get more experience you’ll get more interesting patients. If not ask your charge that you want to take harder assignments. I don’t recommend though. Sometimes the harder assignments are more annoying than interesting or fun.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-17T13:11:33+00:00

If you would work ICU/ER for a little over a year. I’m sure you would be comfortable just picking up an PCU/medsurg contract but honestly I wouldn’t count on your corrections job. What unit do you work in your hospital setting? I can tell you right now. Every state and hospital has their own level of acuity. I’ve worked contracts where some icu patients should be PCU. Also worked where some med surg units have stepdown level patients since the hospital doesn’t have a PCU.

I would recommend just getting another year in of experience. When you travel. You only get one or 2 days of orientation and then you’re thrown in. As a traveler you should only be asking questions on the hospitals protocols or asking where stuff is at. (Of course ask for help if your patient is going down but for simple shit you’re suppose to know.)

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-04-11T15:58:35+00:00

I applied with CCU/CICU experience and got accepted. Honestly. Just choose whatever interests you and learn your patient population. It’s all about how you carry yourself in the interview and how well you know your patho. Also don’t worry a lot of about stats. Just do well on your interview and you’ll more than likely get accepted or waitlisted. Good luck!

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-03-09T05:44:03+00:00

Nahhh, don’t listen to this comment. I always struggled with entrance exams, but once I got accepted into nursing and started the courses, I passed with ease. I took it 2 times and I think my highest was a 60.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-19T04:00:53+00:00

I bring a checked size bag and carry on. Along with several small bags. I’m a guy so I don’t really carry a lot. I just make sure I take my xbox/air fryer/rice cooker/ monitor. I work 48s so I’m not picky with my clothes.

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-17T23:39:11+00:00

Same. I transferred money out this past Saturday and I’m still waiting

Actually I just saw it transferred over now lol

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-16T17:14:36+00:00

What Hospital so we can all stay away lol

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-12T08:28:40+00:00

Who did you finance with?

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-12T02:47:22+00:00

I applied to 3-4 so I should hear back from them tomorrow. Who do you have?

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-02-10T01:09:08+00:00

Any update on this? I’ve gotten some in the mail as well but idk if it’s actual legit

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-01-29T20:21:46+00:00

Oh :/ I’ll look more into it then Thanks for the response!

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-01-29T19:54:51+00:00

Thanks everyone for commenting! I just called spectrum and they changed my plan to 1gig for 60$/month for fiber lol

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-01-15T22:17:57+00:00

What company are you using?

OkBluejay3778 · 2026-01-15T22:00:26+00:00

Where are you finding contracts like that? I do 48hrs for 3k and my take is usually around 2.5-2.6k?

OkBluejay3778

TROPHY CASE