pay scale Charleston Huntington W.Va.

icie rn, ADN, RN · Jul 4, 2007

Only thing I can say is be careful of SFH. Former HCA facility, even more chiefs than CAMC had, many more staffing issues. Friends say things have gotten a little better since Thomas has taken over, but not much as long as the old administration is still in charge.

budnut123 · Jul 7, 2007

Thanks, all. I think we have a thread going.

icie rn, ADN, RN · Jul 7, 2007

Good Morning Bud,

Yes there is a slender thread here, but as in the past, we all get involved in our lives and do not post often.

Have you made any decisions on where to work? What you want to do specifically?

Being and old med/surg nurse I still say there is nothing like a year or so on a med/surg floor to get you grounded.

Not working right now, hubby had another MI. The clock is ticking there, all has been done, just being supportative and attempting to deal.

Have a blessed day.

budnut123 · Jul 10, 2007

No, don't know what area. Many have told me to get grounded in med-surg, but some people have told me that that is old school. "Nowadays, you just go to the area you want to try and they will train you, right out of school." I can see the value of med-surg for its broad exposure. But i don't think i could do it day after day. I'm already disgusted with the patients who won't take care of their own health and then expect us to do it for them. I mean, if ever were there a built-in feed back loop, it is what you do to your own body. And these people ignore all the warnings/warning signs until it hits crisis stage--then present themselves to be fixed, like it is a car or something.

So, i'm now thinking "surgery" so i don't have to listen to them. But i don't know.

Any advice? Sounds like you have been around the block. Where have you worked.

How is it taking care of someone at home?! Boy, talk about taking your work home with you.

Good Morning Bud,
Yes there is a slender thread here, but as in the past, we all get involved in our lives and do not post often.
Have you made any decisions on where to work? What you want to do specifically?
Being and old med/surg nurse I still say there is nothing like a year or so on a med/surg floor to get you grounded.
Not working right now, hubby had another MI. The clock is ticking there, all has been done, just being supportative and attempting to deal.
Have a blessed day.

icie rn, ADN, RN · Jul 10, 2007

Bud,

We need to understand that many of the patientsa we see just do not have the resources for good health care and often are pressed into waiting until there is a crisis that needs dealing with.

Yes, I am old school, I think med/surg gives you a rounded look at diseases and patients. If you know that your patience is short, do not care for actual bedside care, and enjoy a different type of nursing then surgery is for you. I know a couple of nurses who work OR at CAMC. One loves it, the other is just beating in time. Both were floor nurses, med/surg who transferred after their 6 month period to the OR for training, one took General division and works mainly trauma, ortho, and neuro. The other is at Memorial division and did general surgery and has now worked her way into the cardiac OR. She is the one who loves what she is doing.

I worked General for years, then RGH for years, the SFH for years. Yes, being at home with him is a challenge, I pray a lot for guidance and patience. Being a nurse is not easy, nursing a loved one who is ill is double stress, but when life gives you lemons you do the best you can and keep on keeping on. I wish you the best, I truly feel that committment to nursing is needed more now than ever before. Patients are sicker, facilities are into saving every penny at the cost of goos sense and care for staff and patients, and stress is higher in all of us these days. Just trust in a higher power and do the right thing, be kind, and think before you speak, these are not easy things to do but it can make you future a brighter and happier one. Have a blessed day.