RNDave

RNDave has 8 years experience and specializes in ICU.

Latest Activity

1. Is the nursing profession causing its own RN shortage?

   RNDave replied to RNDave's topic in Professionalism

   "Nursing shortage" is probably an inaccurate way of putting it. There may be plenty of nurses out there. We just continue to have people leaving more than staying.

2. Is the nursing profession causing its own RN shortage?

   RNDave replied to RNDave's topic in Professionalism

   I guess my point is that too many seem to see being an RN as a bridge to a better career and not an end in itself.

3. Is the nursing profession causing its own RN shortage?

   RNDave posted a topic in Professionalism

   With all the RN's going to NP school, is the profession significantly contributing to the RN shortage? Between retirement and RN's in line to become NP's it seems our unit is on a constant hunt for staff.

4. How difficult is it to move from med-surg to ICU???

   RNDave replied to godbless-yute's topic in MICU

   I'm new, 4th week of orientation, to ICU. I spent 2 1/2 years on an oncology/medsurg floor including 6 months as nurse tech. In my opinion, I needed at least that much time before moving to ICU. I just think it's fair to patients to get some chops do...

5. Need advice before changing career to nurse

   RNDave replied to jonathanknbo's topic in Men

   There are a lot of positive posts about nursing, too. I would say most of the time I go home from work without regrets. And I've yet to come to work dreading what lays ahead. If you work an off shift, get a little overtime, and work the typical oblig...

6. Holistic RN or chiropractic?

   RNDave replied to abell's topic in Holistic

   Similar to chiropractic school except that even less patient contacts are required. No residency is required in chiropractic. You graduate and are able to call yourself 'Dr.' seeing patients without needing a referral. But where would a DC or ND ser...

7. Male perspective, on a question that I asked in the LPN forum

   RNDave replied to Tony1790's topic in Men

   Another vote for #2. I'm biased though. I did a 2nd degree BSN program. You didn't mention your need to work while in school. If you must work while in school, then the 2nd degree program may not be for you. I'm not saying you won't be able to work a...

8. One year anniversary!

   RNDave replied to Abigail25's topic in New Nurse

   Congrats to you! I've just finished my first year, too! I've grown a lot, but I still ask many questions. It's fortunate to find a good team to work with right out of school! :)

9. RN w/ BSN starting salary

   RNDave replied to CTGuy's topic in New Nurse

   Go to www.salary.com and punch in your zip code. The salary ranges they give seem to be pretty accurate. The starting salary of an RN w/ a BSN is usually the same as RN's with 2 year degrees. The main thing the BSN gets you is the opportunity for upw...

10. Thought/advice on a couple of options

    RNDave replied to RNDave's topic in General Nursing

    Thanks you two. Sounds like a plan to me. I'm staying put for a while!

11. Need advice and insight

    RNDave replied to youknowhowwedoit77's topic in Men

    RN1989's reply about autonomy is pretty much right on. Nursing is way stressful sometimes. But, so are most jobs that pay anything. It sure beats what I was doing before. Dave

12. Need advice and insight

    RNDave replied to youknowhowwedoit77's topic in Men

    an an rn you won't be monitored closely, except during your preceptorship. you are the one providing treatment and signing progress notes and mar's. you will have the authority to use your expertise and knowledge to complete things when it best fits ...

13. Need advice and insight

    RNDave replied to youknowhowwedoit77's topic in Men

    I'm not sure what you mean by autonomy. As RN's we have a lot of independent patient care decisions to make. If clinical indicators suggest that a patient needs a certain med or lab study it's up to the RN to contact the MD to have that ordered. We h...

14. Thought/advice on a couple of options

    RNDave posted a topic in General Nursing

    I'm nearing the end of my first year as an RN. I've been working on a medsurg floor. I generally like it and I've learned a ton. I haven't really developed any long term career goals except that I've been considering a move to ICU. I've been thinking...

15. Need advice and insight

    RNDave replied to youknowhowwedoit77's topic in Men

    So sorry to hear about your loss. It must be difficult to say the least. From your questions and comments I think you'd be a fine RN. You mentioned whether we male RN's feel respected as professionals. For the most part I would say yes. I think prof...