u/Cardiology_Nurse

Am I the only one who needs to be on antidepressants just to be able to do my job and earn a living as a nurse?

As the title states, I graduated my program back in August of 2024. Shortly after, went through a long and dragged out, ugly divorce with an abusive ex wife and family. Suffered a lot with mental health issues and really didn’t have any productive studying or review in those months.

Now that I have my life together and have a clear mind and plenty of time and energy to study, will I still be able to take my boards this far out from graduation?

I still work 3x12’s bedside but will be devoting several hours to studying on my 4 days off each week and do some questions at night before bed on my work nights. I have several of the popular and recommended study books in addition to some helpful YouTube channels. May also consider an in-person review course.

Am I still eligible to take my boards towards the end of this year, 2026, or even early 2027?

I realize since I’m pretty far out from school/graduation so material isn’t as fresh in my mind but I’m very motivated to study my butt off no matter how challenging it is.

Looking to switch hospitals due to commute time/distance. Currently drive 45-60 mins each way for work and 65 miles round trip.

Looking at a competitive hospital just 10 mins away with a 10 mile drive round trip.

I will be applying to cardiology positions as that is what i've been in for 6 years and what I love. When I go onto their website for careers I noticed there are 2 positions available but both have signing bonuses of $5,000.

The skeptic in me makes me think that since they are offering a sign on bonus, especially in this job market, that it is a red flag or warning. Surely there is something that's causing them to be desperate enough to be offering one.

What do you guys think about signing bonuses for positions? Anyone ever take a job that offered a sign on bonus?

Looking in Philadelphia itself or the surrounding suburbs. 30 mile radius at max.