Pre-Grad placement

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2014

Hey relaxing bath...it's me Andrea, we met when I helped out at your orlentation to the program! I think it's amazing that you got a placement in the ER...when I did it that wasn't even an option and we heard of one girl who got it because her mom worked there. Safe to say that everyone was jealous! I think it'll be a great experience. You can probably do the ecgs no problem as they're pretty simple...most of the machines where I work have a picture that tells you how to place the leads. As for blood draws, that is a course that you have to take within the hospital system and your educator has to set it up...I've never heard of a student doing it as they usually only send employees. Good luck with everything!

xokw, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2014

Hey relaxingbath! I'm guessing you are finished this week if not already! Tell us how the experience went :)

relaxingbath · Apr 23, 2014

Hi xokw, you are correct i'm finished!

ER placement was an amazing experience I just wish there was more understanding of the PN scope of practice. I found myself getting on very well with the RNs more so than the RPN preceptor with them taking me under their wing and letting me get a feel for the ER department as a whole. I had training on IV starts and conflicting information meant that I couldn't get final approval as I wasn't an employee of the hospital (my final day I started an IV on a patient and they has a vasovagal episode - it was interesting!).

I found that I learned more than I was expecting I had my focused assessments honed to fine point by the end of my placement. I performed assessments, carried out directives (would have loved to have a full list of directives, orientation and tour when I started), communicated finding with physicians and carried out procedures as directed. 160 patients in a 12 hour shift was not uncommon I'm just not sure how I'll handle floor nursing if thats where I end up- the hospital already has a full allocation of RPNs in the ER department and I'm applying to Cambridge (RN only ER), grand river and Hamilton health sciences for any job but I feel ER is the place for me. I also know I need to become an RN so that my hands aren't tied but limited scope but that going to be at some point down the line.

Novo · Apr 24, 2014

If you don't mind me asking what exactly is the LPN scope in the ER. Did you find yourself severely restricted in things you couldn't do?

xokw, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2014

There's no official "scope of practice" in Ontario. Both RNs and RPNs are regulated by the same college (CNO) which states that if we have the knowledge, skill and judgment to perform a task, we can.

If you look through the above posts I detailed some of the things that I did during my time in the ER.

For myself, I don't feel I missed out on anything. A lot of it really comes down to your own facility. For example, I have two jobs in different settings and at one job I can do things (PICC care and dressings) that my other facility will not allow. In the ER there were very few tasks that the hospital's policies & procedures wouldn't allow me to do (except push IV meds), it was more about the stability of the patients. RPNs were not assigned to the room which took the very unstable patients (traumas, MI, etc), but I was given the chance to assist in there when needed. On the other hand, new grad RNs weren't assigned to that room either and it usually took 5+ years of experience to make it in there.

I'm sure relaxingbath can elaborate more on his experience, congrats on being done by the way, it is crazy how fast it goes!!

relaxingbath · Apr 24, 2014

I was placed in the EMAaT (fast track area) so only "stable" patients were sent my way, having said that two patients in 7 weeks were sent to my department after head injuries both reported neurological symptoms after an extensive history of the accident was taken. The physician sent them both for CTs and both came back with bleeds, while both patients where stable they could have quickly deteriorated to life threatening complications.

As xokw states pushing meds, RPN/LPN are not allowed to do, PICC lines can be flushed with training (showing knowledge, skill and judgement). At least at the facility I was in RPNs only worked in EMAaT and CDU (just a room used to house patients till space on other floors became free), RPNs are always placed with RNs each with separate work loads.

Xokw- any recommendations for hospitals that take RPNs in the ER departments (currently I live in Cambridge)

loriangel14, RN · Apr 24, 2014

Headwaters in Orangeville has RPNs in the ER.

xokw, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2014

I'm in Cambridge too! Small world :)

Brantford General hires RPNs in emerg, they have a similar role as what you had in placement. Guelph General and Groves Memorial (fergus) also hire RPNs!

relaxingbath · Jul 1, 2014

It feels like forever since I finished pre-grad and during that time I've applied to every RPN position I've seen every new grad initiative with in travel distance and other than an ambulatory care position at Mac I don't hear back (I didn't even get an interview). I've started to chase up managers at each position advertised however more often than not I'm given the run around or they are unable to meet with me. I've talked to the nurses on wards where I have had clinical placements and most remember me with positive feed back however getting that initial experience and getting in the door is proving difficult, so I've come to you for help!

Has anyone got experience in recruitment that can read over my cover letter/s or resume and offer feedback, how do I stand out from the crowd and get a manager to meet with me. How do I land a job (very general i know)!

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2014

Are you applying to every job you see, or are you being selective? It may be a silly question, but I have met new grads who state they have been job hunting for months only to find out they have been neglecting to apply in certain areas they just aren't interested in.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2014

I feel I was really lucky...someone I know who worked on my unit gave me the managers info and said that she loved the new grad program...so I emailed her and got hired for the new grad initiative almost right away. My manager has always had at least 4 new grads on the floor and right now we have 7 new grads between the 2 floors....I'm finished next month and was offered a regular part time line....unfortunately my manager went to another floor and we have a new manager. I'm not sure how keen she is on the new grad program.

From what I know from my classmates who got jobs, either it was from their pre-grad or they emailed/went in to see managers of hospital units. I hope you find something soon, keep trying and keep emailing managers personally! No one I know who got a job got any calls from just applying online...they all got hired from speaking to managers directly. Good luck!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2014

If you want me to look over your cover letters, let me know. Currently I'm a unit manager. Between this role and the years I spent in hotel management, I've gained some insight into successful resume writing.

Make sure you're using part of the mission statement/ values within your cover letter. Be concise, and please avoid the old, "I'm hard working....nursing is my passion."

Great, but organizations want to know how you will bring value. What can you offer them? Have you done something significant in nursing school or in previous jobs? Career goals?