mscassandra

Coming up on my two year anniversary at my LTACH, and I enjoy my job very much. The experience has made me a better nurse due to acuity, and spectrum of patient issues. Some patients are there for wound care long term iv ABX, most are vent dependent resp fail. Wound care usually involves wound vac therapy with management of drains. Majority are trach/peg/picc/foley/flexiseal on the vent. See a lot of chest tubes, intense wounds, blood transfusions, CBI etc. Patients will sometimes/often be or be admitted on gtts- levophed, cardizem, milrione, propofol, versed etc. Sepsis/initiation of sepsis protocol occurs frequently. Comfort care/ codes occur frequently. Our unit is fast paced and many of the patients are really sick. Although our average LOS is 28 days, some stay longer/shorter. I catch myself almost every shift wondering how in the world some of these patients will get out of here (most d/c to rehabs) or ever get better. But many do and eventually- I get to here my patient's voice for the first time. Rewarding specialty a lot of the time. At the end of the day, the people you work with will make the biggest difference. Good luck fellow superhero :)

Not sure if it matters to add I am moving from NJ, wondering how much variation exists between states.

Outriton- Thank you so much for your reply and insight with the CA BRN, much appreciated!

Hello everyone, I am relocating to Los Angeles area (moving in with two LA natives) in AUG/SEPT 2018. I am aware reciprocity is a lengthy battle and hope to 1. Get CA license by March/April 2. Apply by May to CA jobs for Aug/Sept. looking for any input on: Job outlook (2.5 years acute care exp., BSN, ACLS) Hospitals to work at RN transition programs/training programs (looking at CHLA transition to peds) Tips/advice/time frames Thanks for any info regarding this process!

Hey yall! I am interested in CHLA's August 2018 cohort for the RN transition program. Since you guys went through the process, can anyone give me a time frame for the application- interview process? Also any tips! I am out of state so I am going to begin apply for reciprocity in January. THANKS A LOT for any info/tips you guys can give!!