NickiP

NickiP's Latest Activity

1. 

   Considering Emergency Nursing Internship

   NickiP replied to PammieRN's topic in Emergency

   I say give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I went to ER 4 months ago and absolutely love it now. Not to mention getting addicted to adrenaline rushes! It sounds like you are bored anyway and probably due for a change. I was there several months ago and even considering leaving nursing. I had 1.5 y of critical care but had been in same day surgery for past year(great hours) and the routiine was old hat. Switched to ER and feel alive again. Give it a shot and good luck. Nicki
2. 

   Art lines

   NickiP replied to sharann's topic in Nursing

   Don't know about info re: art lines on internet, but it seems like most hospitals have an education dept. that should have info on it . I know ours does and we have to do annual competencies on a lines depending on your area of expertise. Congrats and good luck. Nicki
3. 

   Utah suffering severe nurse shortage

   NickiP replied to NRSKarenRN's topic in Activism

   My first nursing position was in Burn/trauma icu at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah and I could not have asked for a nicer experience. I was a new nurse, new wife and hundreds of miles from home. Talk about stress. Plus ,I'm from the south where we have our own problems with predjudice, so I didnt know what to expect. The hospital was top notch, my orientation was excellent (much better than anything I've received back home) and the people were very friendly and accepting. I had heard the same stories re:LDS and was cautious but everyone was great. People went out of their way to help us and boy did they love our accent. We eventually moved back home and I am glad we did , but SLC will always be a special place for me. Bottom line, don't knock a state until you tried it -you just might like it. Nicki
4. 

   Thanks to All

   NickiP posted a topic in Nursing

   Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who posts here. I am in a place in my life where I want out of nursing most days. I wonder if I made a terrible mistake and all my hard work and time was wasted. When I read these boards its comforting to hear what other nurses are going through and know that you're walking in my shoes. I feel as I know so many of you and feel such a strong connection. I have no idea what I'm going to do( have so many college catalogues around my house,don't know where to walk and every other day I'm going to be an computer guru, engineer,"fill in the blank" etc,etc)and am so tired of being tired, frustrated, exhausted and constantly in a state of confusion-but wanted to say big thank you to everyone who speaks their heart-it gives so much to this tired RN
5. 

   length of orientation for ER

   NickiP posted a topic in Emergency

   Im having a problem with my length of orientation to the ER. Ive been a RN for 2.5 years working in burn/icu for 1.5 years and in SDS last year and have forgotten many skills in sds (except for IVs). I wanted a change and went to ER. I was told 3 week orientation for full/part timers. I decided to go prn to "test the waters" and was told orientation was 2 days! which makes no sense to me- Im still doing the same work. I did my two days(24 hours) which were okay but very busy. I asked NM for more orientation and she said take or leave it. the problem is I reallly like Er with the fast pace and actively using my brain but am getting overwhelmed. I worked last Friday 3-11 as one of 2 nurses for 10 patients-luckily most were routine clinic type but I think I was just lucky that night- still was drowning. Staff are very supportive but that will only last so long which I can understand. I cant begin to possibly pull my own weight and am starting to get resentful. I know NM screwed me but what can I do? Bottom line is I like Er and think I can be good at this but am seeing the beginnings of burnout. Any ideas, please!
6. 

   NERVOUS ABOUT STARTING HOME HEALTH

   NickiP replied to Jhope's topic in Home Health

   I am also considering a change to home health, but am not sure if I have enough experience. I have been an RN for 2.5 years, working in Burn/Burn ICU and now in same day surgery as relief charge for past year. I loved Burn but had no support from staff (basic sink or swim attitude from managers) which was scary for new grad. I love Same day Surgery and the variety I see, but am missing the long term relationships I had with burn pts and families. I am thinking of going into HH but am uncertain. Any opinions? I am comfortable with basic wound care from burn and of course can do IVs. I also know most area docs from sds and used to work as an intake coordinator for state non-profit agency. I would appreciate any thoughts from experienced HH nurses or any tips. I have been reviewing my assessment and disease books from school to reorient myself but don't want to get in over my head. Thanks for the help.Nicki