Questions for Fargo, ND?

U.S.A. North Dakota

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Hello Fargo,

I'm new to Fargo and am looking for advisement. I have been a SAHM for almost 2 yrs. I would like to return to work part-time. My past experience is 3 1/2 yrs CVICU and 8 mths Clinic manager. CVICU's 12 hr rotating shifts do not work for my life any more. I have been checking out the ER opportunities in the area and am interested. The problem is feeling anxiety due to the 2 yr lapse in practice. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. I'm curious about orientation and williness of ER nurses to refresh a nurse with past experience? Thanks in advance and hope to hear many opinions!

RNmom3

9 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Home.

First of all welcome to North Dakota!!!:yeah: I just started working at Altru hospital in Grand Forks, I have had no acute care experience and so far everyone has been great. I essentially feel like a new grad... I waited 5 years before I even took my boards...worked 2 years in a NH and well now am doing acute care. I am not sure about Fargo hospitals, but I get a minimum of 12 weeks orientation. You will get a feel for you skills as you work the floor some. I was so nervous and felt inadequate in some of my skills, to say the least, but now that I have been on the floor, alot of that skill has retruned and been retrieved from the deep abyss of my brain, and I am more comfortable in my own shoes, so to say. I think that ND is great, and hope you like it here too! best wishes and good luck!:typing

love2shop

32 Posts

Welcome I work at Meritcare in Fargo. I know that they have great

orientation on the E.R. dept. so I wouldn't worry about your laps. We really

need nurses at our hosp. It is a great place to work. The benefits are great. Let me know what you decide...

JDunRN71

7 Posts

Welcome I work at Meritcare in Fargo. I know that they have great

orientation on the E.R. dept. so I wouldn't worry about your laps. We really

need nurses at our hosp. It is a great place to work. The benefits are great. Let me know what you decide...

Hello, I was begining to wonder if I would ever hear from anyone in the Fargo area. The problem I am having commiting to a hospital again is the possibility of rotating shifts. My husband job (travels frequently and is on call) cancels any possibility of working nights. Then the 2nd problem is daycare for possible evenings. What area do u work? What hours? Is daycare an issue for u? Any info would be helpful! Thanks for the welcome and reply!

JDunRN71

7 Posts

First of all welcome to North Dakota!!!:yeah: I just started working at Altru hospital in Grand Forks, I have had no acute care experience and so far everyone has been great. I essentially feel like a new grad... I waited 5 years before I even took my boards...worked 2 years in a NH and well now am doing acute care. I am not sure about Fargo hospitals, but I get a minimum of 12 weeks orientation. You will get a feel for you skills as you work the floor some. I was so nervous and felt inadequate in some of my skills, to say the least, but now that I have been on the floor, alot of that skill has retruned and been retrieved from the deep abyss of my brain, and I am more comfortable in my own shoes, so to say. I think that ND is great, and hope you like it here too! best wishes and good luck!:typing

Hello,

Thanks for leading by example! Wow 5 yrs u are brave to return to tackle the evil NCLEX. Congratulations to u! Question - did u have to do anything (IE remediate) in order to set for the NCLEX. Continued success to u.

RNmom3

9 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Home.

well, I work med surg, am 12 hr shifts and love it. occasionally the pm shift, but not if i can help it. I have to be flex due to the fact that 1) i don't need insurance and 2) I can't work sun, mon, or wed, as my husband is a pastor. I am blessed that i have a day care provider that is flexible and my husbands job is flexable too. I have heard of some day cares in the fm area that are open late, i would think that if you ask at the hosp. they would be able to give you a list of some... if all else fails, ask your LSW, they are great resources for the community.:redpinkhe

to the second post, i didn't have to do any re-cert, they told me that was up to me and if i felt comfortable enough to practice that was my choice. however it was hard and a lot has changed since i went to school. Now that i am in the hospital/acute setting i am feeling more comfortable in my skills and brushing up on lots of things.

Best of luck!

lily_lover

42 Posts

Hello, and welcome to ND!

I work at MeritCare as well, and I really, really like it. This is my first job, I came here straight out of nursing school, and everyone has been really great so far. I work nights now, and I looked for a long time before I found a daycare provider. I know there are agencies that will provide you with a list of providers and the hours they cover. I've been really lucky, since I found a babysitter that lives close and doesn't mind watching my son at night. (on the other hand, she doesn't have to feed him or "do" anything with him, how hard is it to watch a five year old sleep?) Good luck in finding a job you like. With your experience, I don't think you should have a hard time finding anything.

love2shop

32 Posts

Hey Lilly lover......I have been thinking about changing dept....I would like to go to OR or FBC. I know everyone says that those are the harder dept to get your foot in the door. How was it for you? Was it your first choice? Is there a lot of down time working nights in OR..or do you need to come the floor?

I have my LPN right now but will be getting my RN soon. I have a wonderful schedule so that is what is keeping me in my current dept....but there is no room for advancement even with my R.N. and I feel like there is not much to learn. But my co-worker are great and great manangement. Just wondering how it was for you. Welcome to Fargo...hope you are treated well.

lily_lover

42 Posts

Hey

I love the OR, and I know for a fact that we have some openings! You should try it out, give it a chance... I love it there, and I think you have nothing to lose by at least giving it a try! there's downtime on nights, but there's also nights you don't even have the chance to pee. We are never, ever expected to float anywhere (OR's gotta be manned at all times, and you don't go anywhere without the electronic leash, I mean beeper.) I knew early in school the OR was where I wanted to be, and I love it so far. I don't think its any harder than any other department to get into, so just go for it! Good luck to you if you apply. The one thing I liked was the fact that your orientation is a minimum of 6 months, and longer if you don't feel comfortable.

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