Lulubeans

Hey guys, I've been looking into Master's degree programs in Nursing and came across WGU. It looks like a good fit for what I'm looking for (online, affordable, and something I can do while working full-time). But when I clicked for further information on the website I was IMMEDIATELY called by one of their staff - and when I mean immediately I mean within 2 minutes of requesting information on their website. They were really pushy in investigating my background, my intention for getting into the program, and getting me to sign up to apply. Their admission process doesn't seem to require any GRE or recommendation letters which is weird. Does anyone have any experience with this program in particular? How have employers reacted to this degree, and did you have trouble finding a job in the field?

I'm an RN with 3+ years of telemetry experience and recently accepted a position in a very large CSICU. I went into this field because I love cardiology, enjoy focusing on a few patients rather than 7-8, and so far am enjoying the kind of work I'm doing, but I fear that I might not be a good fit for this unit after all. The unit is extremely fast paced and my preceptors and educators are concerned that I am not working as fast as I should for this level of acuity. I tend to be very careful, double check orders and drips, etc. but they need me to work even faster than that and have an almost instinctual work ethic. Personally I think the jump in acuity, working with a new system (ex. new IV/PCA pumps, vasoactive meds, ventilators, an entirely new computer system, etc.), and a sudden increase in autonomy are all factors that are slowing me down and require getting used to. I'm not sure if I am just not a good fit for the unit, or if I simply haven't had enough training. When I accepted this job they told me it was going to be 13+ weeks of orientation, but as it turns out 4 of those weeks are used for classes (2 weeks were not even ICU-related, they were on hospital policies and general hire education). At this point I have worked 13 shifts so far and am working mostly independently with 2 patients or 1 patient with VAD/CVVH/TAH with my preceptor as a reference usually, but they still think that I work too slow especially in emergencies. I only have 1 more week where I get to work alongside a preceptor, and after that I am expected to admit patients and work independently with a preceptor only as reference. And if it matters at all, the unit has extremely high turn over. I think about 10 out of 70+ or so nurses quit this year, so they are hiring in droves and hoping to fix the staffing as soon as possible. One night nurse who was leaving told me "F*** this place". Does anyone have any tips for working faster in ICU, or about time management in general? Is 5 weeks for an experienced telemetry RN enough orientation?

Lots of great advice here, not sure how much more I can add but here are a few other pointers: 1. I agree with the other posters on taking the time to find a good vein. Sometimes when veins blow it is because the vein was not able to tolerate the catheter long enough to hold the gauge of the catheter you are trying to advance. Take the time to pick the best vein you can find, and measure and ensure that you will start inserting the catheter at a point where the entire catheter will fit. The best veins are long and straight. Good veins also have a particular "bounciness" to them that you can palpate with your fingertips, but getting a good "feel" for veins takes time. 2. I also usually stabilize the vein with my other hand while inserting, and avoid pushing the needle too far in or else it will puncture the vein and it will blow. 3. Sometimes using a little alcohol to wet the vein a little can help you visualize it better. 4. I always try to insert IVs with the limb pointed downwards whenever possible, gravity can help fluids flow downwards, fill the vein, and make it easier to see (try comparing your own veins when your arm is pointed upwards versus downwards). 5. If you cannot see the vein very well (especially if the patient has a lot of edema), you try holding the arm downwards and pressing gently to get the vein to come forward and displace any surrounding edema temporarily.

Hi everyone, got a weird situation here and would greatly appreciate advice: I work as an RN at a hospital in the same unit for the past 4 years. I accepted a job offer at a hospital within the same healthcare system and gave my manager 3 weeks notice. She told me I was supposed to give 5 weeks notice which would be equal with my vacation time. They offered me the job 4 weeks in advance so there wasn't any way I could've notified my boss before 5 weeks anyway. I already contacted HR and am awaiting an e-mail reply (I talked to someone on the phone in HR but she had never heard of such a policy, so I'm going to contact others as well). But has anyone ever been in a situation like this where they required a 5 week notice for a transfer? Honestly I don't know why I have to awkwardly navigate this situation when HR can just contact my manager themselves when they wanted me to start