Beachesandthrees

They are not union (unions are not common in Florida). The ratio is for 7-3 shift, marginal difference for the others. Considering the benefits for which FT employees are eligible, such position would be encouraging. However, the chance of going regular FT is very slim/ unrealistic.

No offer, just an interview. I will not take it if one made.

Worked acute rehab. Hospital A patient nurse ratio was 4-5 : 1, 1.5 hourly rounding required, no boards in rooms to update during rounds, no phones assigned during shift, and short on PCAs from time to time. The work was no cake walk, but doable. Hospital B ratio of 7 : 1, hourly rounding with electronic and hard boards in rooms to update at rounding, staff assigned phones for the shift. If a patient/ family is disgruntled because the staff does not respond in an actual or perceived timely manner, a sheet of paper is placed at that client's door and staff write the time and task completed each time the person is seen. The latest implementation is a device that's mandatory to have, (can be worn on ID holder) which picks up your exact location on the unit, and certain areas off the unit. They are often short on PCAs, and it's not uncommon for the charge nurse to have 2 patients. Some facilities will often be short on staff and other resources, have the most unrealistic expectations, yet usually find money for other implementations. When I'm with a patient, I try to address their needs including medication, 4 Ps (realistically, you can't do this this for all your patients). I then nicely tell them I am going to see my other 6 patients, but the # for me/ the PCA is ... in case they need assistance. Some patients are 'fixed' on calling the nurse for everything. Educate them on their other contacts, as appropriate. I empathize with you. It hurts when you want to give so much, but you have so little.

I went to the VA Veterans Home interview and was informed that the patient to nurse ratio is 19-22: 1. Orientation is 3 days classroom and 2 weeks on the unit. They have electronic medical records and onsite pharmacy which opens 8 hours/ day. It is an Other Personal Services (OPS) position (a.k.a. per diem) which pays $26.00/ hr. The only benefit given is medical, which is offered at a higher premium than what is offered to full time staff.

Ahh, I was on that site a few days ago!! I still find it odd that I can't find any specifics on this site or others concerning ratios and other practices. I'll come back and share what I learn. Thanks

Continue pushing forward mississippiRN71, stay in recovery. Best wishes on October 8

Yet after everything, you still find the will to thrive. You are stronger than you think. Keep taking care of your health. All the best with the BON and employment

Thanks for the info, it is indeed a State of Florida Veterans Home. I have made various searches, but only found one post with vague information regarding Veterans Homes (VH). It was noted that the ratios in VH were better than local SNF, no specifics. I will heed your suggestions. Thanks

Hi Everyone I have an upcoming interview at a VA nursing home in Florida, hence doing some research. I know that most sates do not have mandatory nurse/ patient ratios. However, I am seeking insights on how the VA nursing homes' nurse/ patient ratio compare to other LTC facilities. Also, besides the typical interviewer and interviewee questions, are there any unique questions (as it regards to the VA) I should be expecting, as well as asking? Thanks

Congrats!!!

I second the suggestions you've received. I relocated for my 1st job. I begun calling up apartments 2 months before the start date. However, approx 6 weeks prior, I actually visited twice (excluding when I went for the interview) to seek housing. Even that wasn't enough. Again, demography place a big part, as this was a fairly small town, with a big university population. Ended up choosing a place that wasn't near preference. The apartment wasn't ready until the first day of my orientation ?. I AirB&B for 2 days to avoid possible delays from traveling the morning of ... At the end of day one orientation, I went to my apartment ; & of course, there was some cleaning up I had to do before unpacking even the basic things. As with any move, unpacking everything happens over time. My long post is just to say, 'get moving' ASAP.

Hi Everyone I have an upcoming interview at a VA nursing home in Florida, hence doing some research. I know that most sates do not have mandatory nurse/ patient ratios. However, it would still be helpful to get some insight on how the VA nursing home nurse/ patient ratio compare to other LTC facilities. Also, besides the typical interviewer and interviewee questions, is there any particular type of question I should anticipate from the interviewer, and are there any specific questions I should be asking? Thanks

HDNurse88, thank you!!! However, I am not able to message you at this time ?, which could be because I am a new member and have not made a certain number of post, per Allnurses' policy. I'll check the specifics, and message you as soon as I'm eligible.

Thanks Ashley_SF

Thanks for the information and encouragement. I will keep trying.

Thanks TEXASWAG. Next week when I complete my BSN, I'll try that along with dropping off my resume in person. Does any hospital system have their own dialysis outpatient clinic, or do they all contract out their dialysis? Thanks.

Hi All I'm an Asn. RN living in South Florida, and will complete my BSN this month. I have 14 months acute rehab experience. I am interested in chronic dialysis and have submitted numerous applications, but no luck. I often hear that dialysis needs nurses, but find it concerning that I've gotten no replies even after 3 months of seeking. Could it be the my location (competitive) or experience (length & type) that is making me an unfavorable candidate? What other options (eg. Walk-in and give my resume to the nurse manager) may I pursue to increase my chances? Thanks.

I appreciate your response. I'll be working in an acute rehab that sees a variety of cases. I'll review the areas you noted. Thanks

Hello Everyone I will be starting a job in rehab, and have started reading my med-surg book. However, I would like some rehab specific resources. I realize that because I'm not yet an ARN member, I cannot benefit from their discounts/ best materials. I would appreciate any recommendations on books about rehabilitative care. Preferably concise, affordable options. Thanks for every and any response.

Nursing school is stressful for most people. In addition to the great responses you've gotten, I'll add that with the anxiety and fear of failing, everyone around you may seem to be doing better than you. Can I tell you how much you reminded me of myself? I felt that way, but later learnt otherwise. When I started nursing school, I was all over the place. School seemed like a big ball of confusion. Few people were actually doing well, but for some, it was all an hype, a serious hype. I use to think that they must have 24 hours in a day, while I have 12. After I started talking to my classmates, I realized that while I was not the best, I was not the worst. Initially, I felt so guilty if I even thought about going out and treating myself. Gradually, I learnt how to balance things. I still did not went out much, but recorded some of my favorite TV programs, then watched them on specific days. It was helpful, but it was a process. Reaching out to your professors, schoolmates (in class and upper level), school support resources and this forum may yield fruitful results. A calendar is great to keep up with upcoming important dates. Create a realistic timetable, giving your weakest areas most of your time. Life happens, and you will deviate from that schedule sometimes. It's not the end of the world, just try to follow it as best as you can. If you can't read all the long chapters before class, find a summarized version so you don't feel clueless during lectures. Some text books have great summaries, so do Saunders and the Incredibly Easy series. School is not just about the academics, but the total growth experience that prepares you for your career and life. Thumbs up on your consistent reading/ studying, way to go!!!

Do you mean one week of the classroom blah, blah, blah and three days of the real deal?

Thanks, I will look into those options

Hi All I'm from South Florida, but had to search out, and finally get got an offer in Gainesville. Although it is 5 hours away, I'm nervous, but know this move is significant to my professional future. I've done some research online, but would like insights from members with knowledge on this place, as well as any relocation advice. I really mean any other relocation advice, even if it is buy one pot and 2 curtains. Is it better to use a realtor for rentals (if yes, which company or website). Which apartments/ areas are safe and nice to live (less college students is best as I need my rest without constant noise). From my online search, I realize that many of the rental listings are for shared occupancies. Is $600 - 700 realistic for a non-shared one bedroom unit? Best places for shopping and entertainment? On a side note, please share a concise book/ resources for rehab nursing. I've found some info on this site; but is there something, just anything else someone may wish to share about this specialty. Thanks