KaraThrace

Just wondering if you have settled in anywhere, started on your unit (was it cath lab??). Just generally how you are faring. Please let me know if there is anything I could help with and good luck. ^_^

In my very humble and subjective opinion, the facility failed this nurse. Security measures should have been in place such that "just anyone" could never have called directly to the staff caring for a princess, period.

Agreed. I also wonder how having a "stranger" sign a document that I am assuming is stamped/stickered or some how labeled with the pt's name, dob, age--or even involving them in witnessing--is not in violation of HIPPA law? Very much worth further discussion/evaluation. At every facility I have ever worked, it has always been a family+MD conversation= MD order. Maybe you could provoke this very much needed second look at your facilities policy somehow? Inquire with the QI folks or even ethics committee? Just thinking off the top of my head...

Hello, I am not a traveler (but interested, hence browsing this forum). But I did just finish working one year in Las Vegas, at SHMC. Small world. I was able to find a one bedroom apartment very near the hospital for $650/mo, which was a great deal (and I got it through a friend who was moving out, so a lucky/rare deal). But, if you look hard enough, there are very affordable rentals all around the hospital. If you want to stay at a hotel, there is an off-strip casino/hotel, right on the corner of Canyon Run and Rampart. I forget the name!! Might even be "Rampart", but pretty sure it was one of the "Station" casinos. I actually had to stay there for one night during the summer because my AC went out on a 117 degree day--and the room was very nice and clean, but that is all I can say about it. Lots of apartment/condo complexes/communities. Too many actually, which is good for you because it has driven the prices down. As far as safety--Vegas is odd...it has safe and unsafe "pockets" all around, so one cannot definitively say "you are fine anywhere within Summerlin" because it's simply not true anymore. You will get a feel for it though,it is an easy city to navigate-- and some of your co-workers might be your best resources. To be very honest, I absolutely hated living in Vegas, and I especially hated nursing and the state of healthcare in general in Vegas, and I worked at Summerlin. But I did make some great friends there who were lifesaving to me. It is not a problem unique to SHMC, but Vegas in general (I cannot speak to other Nevada cities)--and given that, Summerlin is one of the "nicer" hopsitals to work at. I don't want to put you off or make you nervous, this was my own unique and subjective experience, and I am not a "party-at-the-strip" kind of person. I ended up there through unique circumstances, hated it immediately, but braved out a year to show some loyalty to my peers and hiring manager. But there are some people who absolutely love Vegas life and are willing to work in there circumstances (some I believe because they maybe grew up there and never experienced anything different/less horrifying). I admittedly have been spoiled at some amazing academic Level I shocktrauma centers. I might be able to answer some of your more specific questions if that is helpful. I remember being new to the area and being nervous--and I HAD a friend there! I only check in here at allnurses sporadically, so I would probably miss responses here (I am terrible about consistently checking in at my social media sites). feel free to email me anytime at [email protected] if you have questions, and I will try to get you some answers (or at least steer you in the right direction). I DO know some nice places to relax, hike, rock climb, get your spa-relaxation day on (Red Rocks Casino!!!) and such, so maybe that could help too. Stay strong! :)

Thank you so much for the reply (I too am traveling with my Dog...the main man in my life! I know all too well how items tend to "breed". I moved from Vermont to Washington State a year ago and am couch surfing right now until I am on my way. Still cannot believe how much STUFF I aquired while I was here! I have found only a couple of online resources that speak to this subject (I have some printed out material from a site that had a "travel nurse's toolbox). Here are some specific questions... Quite a few folks speak to carrying a scanner/fax with them so that they can send hand signed documents quickly to thier agencies?? Is it really that hard to do on the road??...I would imagine that I could find a store--say a Kinko's or Staples-like store that would have fax services? What would I be so hurried to receive or send I am wondering? I have also never purchased wireless internet time so that one might use their laptop freely in "hotspots". Assuming that I would have cable access or internet service at a given housing locale--wonder how neccessary that is? I definately would want a few comfort items. My own "special pillow" for example, and most definately my own linens...I am just a freak like that! Oh...and I did just upgrade my AAA service to AAA "plus" for peace of mind. I have also slowly been shopping travel items like toiletry bags, duffles and packing cubes. I found these "under the bed" stoage things that have a clear top and two grab rings (soft sided). Just one of these gagets held all of my scrubs and the shirts I wear with them very nicely and seem easy to stack (say in a car). If anyone has any packing or organizing gadgets that they LOVE--would love to hear about them! Thank you all again....this site is so amazing, welcoming and informative. Any more comments or ideas very much appreciated.... Respectfully, Elaine VT :prdnrs:

Howdy All! Long time lurker, first time posting here. I have finally made the leap and have a recruiter "presenting me" to several accounts. I have searched high and low for some packing tips, lists, organizational help or tips for the Travel Nurse. (I did use the search tools here too btw...and I apologize if I missed a glaringly obvious thread!!) Would like to hear of any "must-brings" and such... Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts, ideas, helpful tips, or just links to the aforementioned possibly glaringly obvious threads or websites that I SHOULD have found! Oh....and I will be traveling by car. Have a Jeep Cherokee so I have a little more room. I should aslo state that I have traveled quite a bit outside of the nursing world, I am an avid rock climber and hiker....so I know the basics of bringing what is neccessary for various climates and such. I have "the layering thing" down! Thanks for any input or ideas. Respectfully, Elaine EVT

I am a little jaded yet to maybe speak to E-charting. I spent the beginning of my carreer hand charting as many of us--and still kind of liked the convenience of jotting down significant points right at the door--in the moment--while things were still "fresh". I have since now worked at two hospitals--both with the same program, meditech. I do feel that the time spent at the computer seems to keep me away from my patients more than I ever had been in hand-charting days. Perhaps though--this to might improve. There is talk of tablets living in every room, and I like that idea for the reasons I mentioned above--being able to chart in real time. We also have electronic bedside medication verification--which I think is great conceptually--but flawed in reality (as of now and with our set-up). The med carts with the computers and scanners are big and clunky--and the scanners are just awful--they simply do not scan the patient's ID band as they should too often. So then one ends up leaving the bedside and scanning a code from--say a patient sticker or paperwork--thusly eliminating that bedside check that the expensive units were intended for. I guess in the end--I think we are on the right track--and our generations to come will enjoy a convenient and safe system. But for now--it is simply not either of those. I am absolutely sure that there are some facilities that have some true, state-of-the-art fancy stuff that works much better. Can't wait to experience that! Good luck! E :)

Well howdy back! :) As an LPN student awaiting her acceptance to our colleges RN program, I appreciate the offer for information or help! And hardy congratulations! :w00t: ElaineVT

Well thank you very much. That was very helpful. I do enjoy those little Sunday morning research projects! A little coffee goes a long way! (Ok...so, a lot of coffee....) :)

Thank you both so much for your replies. I honestly had not even known such bridge programs (LPN>RN) existed until recently! I am still digging around. Texas, while appealing is a bit far...but if accredited and affordable--might just to investigate further. I am in Vermont...hence EVT...Elaine VT. :) Thanks Again.

Hello All, I posted this in the LPN/LVN forum before I saw this one (pardon me!! newbie still fumbling around!!:imbar ) Has anyone researched around about the few LPN-BSN programs out there? I am nearing the end of my LPN program and have applied for the RN (ADN)program at the same college--but have grown curious as these programs have come to my attention. I should add that I already have a B.S.--wonder if that would help in either LPN or RN-BSN bridge programs and to what extent. Just wondering if anyone has any information or feedback at all. Thank you in advance. :) Respectfully, ElaineVT

{{{{Super good NCLEX Vibes your way}}}} Well...both of your ways! Taking mine in June. Respectfully, ElaineVT

I actually gave this subject thought--but have landed heavily on the side of attending my ceremony. My performance in my undergrad. degree program was...well....lets just say mediocre at best, and while that graduation was a nice day-it lacked something. This time around, I am working so hard and doing so well, that I too want to sing from the rooftops when I am done with the LPN piece--even though I am moving straight on to the RN program in August. That LPN pin is going to mean a great deal to me. And I want my family to be there with me as well. Respectfully, EVT

I am new, but was inspired to respond and offer you the most sincere CONGRATULATIONS! I was diligantly printing off your tips, and then followed the thread through, only to see that you passed. What a great place. I too am a emergency/trauma/emt aspiring student. Best of luck and I hope you have treated yourself to some well deserved CHOCOLATE! :) Thank you for the inspiration! Respectfully, EVT