Pompom

OMG "Hellray" I worked there more than 15 yrs ago, it was awful then. The ruddest patients and doctors in the world. Horrible nurse to patient ratio,never enough supplies. Definately a FOR PROFIT hospital with no consideration to patients and staff. RUN RUN do not walk away from there, your license is in jeopardy.

If she redoes your documentation isn't that fraudlent charting on her part? I would leave my documentation as it is, if they don't like the truth it is time to change jobs.

I left Pittsburgh about 2 yrs ago, I am in the Gainesville FL area now. One hospital here AGH is closing but Shands and the VA are still hiring. I don't know about the Jacksonville area. You could probably look up some hospitals on line then call the nurse recruiter. Good luck with your move. You won't be disappointed. Go Steelers !!!

Yes, it is overwhelming for a new nurse no matter where he/she works. Sorry, but I truly believe new nurses need at least 6 mos to 1 yr on a med surg floor before going into any ICU. I say this because of years of experience seeing many close calls with new nurses that don't even realize there is a problem. I know people can beat this to death, remember, just my opinion.

1. All rooms should be private ! (no more isolation issues) 2. A large shelf for nurses to write on or prepare medicine 3. Large red bins for contanimated items 4. Plenty of plugs within easy reach 5. Good lighting 6. Raised toilet seats with secure grab bars 7. Sensor sink so you don't have to touch knobs to turn water on or off 8. Storage for patient items with a lock for security 9. Large needle disposable boxes in convenient locations 10. Glove storage of all sizes Just a few of my favorite wishes.

I have worked at 2 different VA's with unions, I am not a member by choice. It seems they only protect the workers that deserve to be fired but we could debate that forever. Many of the nurses opt out of the union when the time rolls around because they are not what they thought they would be.

Do yourself a favor and work at least 6 months on a med surg floor. You will need to gain the experience, become familiar with the facility, learn the doctors, labs, etc. before you take on the added stress of ICU nursing. I do realize that many ICU's hire new grads, I precept many of them but I still believe the better nurses have a few months of experience under their belts.

I moved in the Gainesville area 2 months ago. There are 3 major hospitals to work in, VA, Shands, N. Fl. The area is nice but I was quite suprised at how expensive the houses are. We decided not to buy in Gainesville, most of what the realtor showed us were old that needed major renovations for about 200,000. It is a beautiful area, lots of places to eat & shop. Definately a college town. I don't miss the ice & snow of the north but I am still learning my way around. The local newspaper is called the gainesville sun. I have only heard good things about the University of FL. Good luck with your move.

A nice coffee mug is always appreciated.

I just graduated from Waynesburg's accelerated RN-BSN program. I really like the co-horts, the group you start with is the one you finish with. Small class sizes and every 5 weeks or so a new class. The co horts are very supportive of each other and when you just don't think you can write another paper in APA format your new friends will give you the encouragement you need to pull through. Although everyone says it will go by so fast when you are enrolled it seems to be forever but once you graduate and look back it really was a good experience. There is a ton of research and writing requirements but it is manageable. Good luck to you.

We use biphasic defibrillators and defit at 150 Jules.

I found a wonderful site for women who had hysterectomies, www.hystersisters.com Check it out, I hope it helps.

My personal opinion is that rotating shifts benefit management only. If you choose a fixed shift because if fits your lifestyle then management forces you to switch shifts to meet their needs it doesn not benefit the worker at all.

I worked for VISN 4 and the biggest difference between civilian and gov. hospitals is that the VA has better staffing ratios, plenty of supplies, no borrowing from other ICU's for BP cuffs, monitor cables, pumps, etc. I never ran out of linen at the VA. 5 weeks paid vacation the first year too. I originally was hired for a high obs. unit then transferred to ICU. I am currently relocating to another state and will start in a VA ICU on monday, so I will let you know what this one is like. During the interview I noticed all the same equipment, monitors, etc. I have been a RN for 12 yrs. and went back to get my BSN 2 yrs. ago, the VA paid for that too.

Why don't you transfer to Presby? I am sure they would love to give you a chance in one of their ICU's.