Southern Illinois anyone?

U.S.A. Illinois

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No, not Peoria, I'm talking Southern Illinois. Anyone from Effingham, Salem, Marion, Carbondale, Anna, or Cairo? Just wondering about any issues from our part of the state? I work in a small community hospital, yes, small, we have a med/surg floor, same day surgery, and even an ER. We all seem to work well together for the most part and get things done or at the very least ship'em out. Whats shakn' 618.

I'm struggling between the adult and family NP. I'm not real comfortable with kids almost my entire backround has been with adults. I believe I'm more marketable with the FNP. SOme of the NP's I know have gone back and obtained there FNP.

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To give my 2 cents worth to Malenurses. Why not become an Acute Care NP and work as a CNS. Sometimes when Hospitals down size its the education areas that are eliminated. Then you have a more diversified degree to fall back on.

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Specializes in Med./Surg. and paramed. exams.

Thanks Bob, that is certainly one thing I have thought about, whether it be downsizing or just a bit more job flexibility in a rural area or in the case of a re-location down the road.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

In IL, the CNS and NP have the same practice act. Yes, I do wish I had done the FNP as it would give me more leeway and latitude in jobs. HOwever, I've made my choices, so that's it - lol.

At least in my area, the CNS/NP roles are very blurred. I work in a large 15 MD, 5 mid-level practice. Of the 5 mid-levels, 2 are FNPs, 2 are PAs and then me, a CNS. We all do the same job.

Even if you are not comfortable with kids, after school, you can choose a practice area where you don't see kids or see kids only once in awhile. So, you would have more options.

I have a friend who is a GNP and couldn't find work, so teaches at the GNP program where she graduated.

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Specializes in Med./Surg. and paramed. exams.

Well, I figured I would go ahead and ask the age old question that seems to often dominate allnurses.com, but I want to pose it to those nurses in southern Illinois. I work at a small critical access hospital in the med-surg unit as a floor nurse (RN). I work at least 3-12 hour shifts a week as a full-time employee. I have 1 1/2 years experience as a nurse, all of it at this hospital, I have a good work record. My nursing degree is a ADN and I have a BA in biology. My pay is just under $19/hour base pay. Does the pay sound fair?

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