BeccaznRN

I can only answer your third question - most Seattle RN positions are union represented. The two main unions are SEIU 1199NW (https://www.seiu1199nw.org) and WSNA (https://www.wsna.org). You can find the pay structures for different facilities by looking at their contracts. Just know that these are very difficult financial times for the hospitals and some are on a hiring freeze for external candidates. This might be an extra challenge for you if you need to be sponsored.

Most of the RN positions in Seattle are union represented, so you won't be negotiating for salary. Most will place you on a step that recognizes your past RN experience and pay other compensation (BSN pay, differentials, etc.) per the contract. Here are the links for the union pages/contracts to both facilities: https://www.seiu1199nw.org/chapters/smc/ https://www.wsna.org/union/virginia-mason-medical-center

I think it would depend on what school you're looking to continue with, but Chamberlain credits will have a higher risk of not being accepted at other schools (besides Chamberlain or other for-profits). Have you considered accelerated BSN programs at state universities? I know UMSL has one, albeit with some time on a wait list. My best advice - there's usually a reason behind schools that don't have a waiting list. It's up to you to do your research and find out why.

Count me as another that refuses to mix my personal and professional lives; as such, I have never friended former NICU families or current coworkers. We have plenty of nurses that do, but that's on them. I like my personal life drama-free, and friending former NICU families seems like trouble waiting to happen.

Yes, look into student externships. I was chosen for a summer externship going into my senior year of nursing school that included time in the NICU, among other units. You could also become active in nursing organizations such as NANN, which would provide opportunities for self-study and networking.

I'm with you. Nothing solicits an inward groan from me more than going into the room for safety checks and seeing a pile of sweet-ease, one of which is open, half-used, and sitting right at the head of bed.

My facility is implementing barcode scanning of breast milk.

I also had the certification as a professional goal. I enjoy staying current in NICU nursing practice and the certification ensures that I do just that through required CEUs. I regularly attend educational conferences for the same reasons. The extra $1.35/hr. (an extra $2500 per year for my full-time hours) more than pays for my continuing education.

Top-notch incentives and benefits for senior, experienced nurses to stay at the bedside. We need their knowledge and expertise to help keep our patients safe.

Our vascular access team is involved with all infiltrates and extravasations. They perform initial assessments, make recommendations for treatment, and follow until resolved.

Atheists are lazy? Says who? Ah....the one that is imploring everyone NOT to judge.

All of our recent new hires are required to do one 12-hour call shift per 6-week schedule (call is on our normally scheduled shift). We work every other weekend and are guaranteed the other weekend off, but otherwise we don't get to choose the call shift - assigned per needs of the unit by the scheduling committee. Call is almost never cancelled. I'm thankful that I got hired before this new policy took effect and I don't have to take call; however, for all of us that were grandfathered in, call will be required if we take another position on the unit (ex: going from a straight night position to days or rotating).

The River parking lot is indeed free, but it's meant for patients, families, and visitors only (including volunteers). Staff cannot park there without risking disciplinary action up to and including termination.

I'm unsure if they pay for the initial cert since I already had the RNC when I was hired to my current unit, but I get an extra $1.35 per hour for having it.

THIS.