Pointers anyone??

[lisamcrn]

I had an interview today for the surgical/oncology floor. I really, really like the nurse manager....straight forward, wearing whites, down to earth, caring, and can let you know something without making you feel stupic type of gal.

While reviewing the job description it just listed the basics a new grad could fulfill. The only other criteria was current license and current CPR certification. No telemetry, ACLS, fluid and eletrolytes or anything else. So most of the pts. would be post surgical and some presurg. Along of course with the occassional CA pt. She rather didn't emphasis the CA pts. altough that's what they call the floor. HEHe. She also stated that the floor was to begin doing their own vasopressors ?? what does this involve?? She also stated that they monitor some telemetry>>not sure how that works.

I am getting the feeling that this would be a basic med/surg floor....AM I wrong?? She also stated average of 5-6 pts./RN. She said anything above this was was unmanagable. This rate soulds great to a LTC nurse who'se had up to 45+ with a med aide or 2 at a time. What can I expect if I get hired?? What would be some good review matterials?? Is my perception totally off. I am feeling so much excitement for some new area of nursing. But also feel such a lack of knowledge anymore related to not being in this setting since school...I graduated in '96. I know I can review etc., but a jump start always helps....oh yeah, if I get the job. LOL

thanks.....Lisa

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Not to be negative lisa, but this job description sounds dangerously identical to my last job on a tele floor. We had some Onc pts as well. I was PROMISED 5-6 pts on nights. I never saw that ratio again. Usually was 7 to 9 pts, 6-7 on days! If indeed there will be Vasopressors (drips) then this becomes a critical care step down type patient unit, with its own set of challenges. These patients are sicker and unstable. You wouldn't be safe with 5-6 pts and one or more on drips. Also,they may give you the tele patients and say, con't worry, we will be there to back you if a problem arises. Guess what? You accept the patient, you better be ready to monitor the tele and perform ACLS if they code!

Be very careful.

On the bright side (yes there may be), you could get a helluva lot of great experiences and organizational skills.

Good luck!!!

[fedupnurse]

I agree with Sharann. Sounds like tele and I would be leary of pressors outside of an ICU. We allow renal dopamine on tele as long as it isn't being titrated and non titrated Dobutamine. Nitro and Levophed gtts all come to the unit.

Is there any way you can talk to some of the staff without the manager present? My former manager would tell everyone she interviewed that we had a 1:2 ratio in the unit and the case was 1:3 more than 50% of the time for more than 50% of the staff.

It almost sounds too good to be true....

Good luck with your decision!!

[lisamcrn]

thanks for your imput. My thoughts were also leading too this sounding so interesting, challenging and reasonable. I started making a list of our conversation and recalled after my post that there will be a charge nurse for day and noc that would not accept assignments and be there for the vasopressors as they required 1:1. That eases my mind in that area somewhat.

I think I need to sit back and not get excited or anxious about this until a job offer is laid on the table. Oh, but I would work fri/sat/sun every other weekend 7p-7a--my request, full time, and shift differental, and bonus for weekend hours, and affordable health care...etc. This would work so well with my family/outside of nursing life.

thanks for your input....you've given me some thoughts to ponder and questions to ask.

Lisa

[mattsmom81]

My advice is be clear about your clinical experience with this manager and be careful not to accept too much responsibility.

These 'catch all' units can become a powderkeg very easily once the ER/docs/ and ICU nurses know they can put vasopressors out there....things can get hairy...as other nurses have pointed out.

Be clear on your level of experience and make sure you are throughly oriented to all unfamiliar procedures before you are expected to deal with new situations, and that there are policies and procedures to guide you.

Good luck...if the hours suit you, give it a try...just be cautious. :).