seva

Rockport is about (I don't remember exactly) 30-60 minutes north of Corpus Christi, where there as a tourist. Also, there may be a hospital in Aransas Pass, which is about 15-30 minutes south of Rockport. Don't forget to check out Victoria, the largest city other then Corpus Christi. They have several hospitals (though, the city pop is about 50,000 - I think, it's been awhile) Depending on how far south you are willing to go, Brownsville should have a lot of work, as well as Beeville, though that isn't on the coast. In Texas, CNA's usually do VS, I&O's, personal care (bathing, linen change, BR, etc.) But it would likely vary from place to place. Keep in mind, that I am nightshift and should be in bed. seva LVN

Heh. I would have tilted my head at her, and acted all confused, then said, "I'm sorry, I don't recognize you. Are you a patient here?" (possibly followed with "Do you know where you are? What is today's date? heh!) Totally agree with the "marking her territory" thing. seva

As a woman, you may instinctually put your husband's needs first. May I suggest that you tamper this and approach this issue with caution and research. Whose education will lead to the most immediate financial rewards? That may be the route to go. seva

I found nights to be a safer place for a new nurse. I had time to (OMG) read the chart and look up meds. Big difference. If you're feeling swamped, I would suggest nights. The pace is different, and I actually learned more. At nights I learned how to give nebs appropriately, including pre/post assessment. This is also when I learned to function on the Code Team. And do EKG's. And had more time to do better assessments. Yes, you're supposedly much more "on your own." During crazy, busy days no one has time to help you. At nights, at least you have the time to ask for help/advice. And other nurses may actually have the time to help you. Good Luck! seva

"Everything I Do, I Do it For You." Bryan Adams, from the movie Robin Hood. seva

OMG! I have totally lost 40 IQ points during 0700 report. I have also done the two different shoes thing. Last Saturday, I couldn't get an IV in a 14 gauge vein! Had to ask for help, so embarassing. The only (very rare) time I ever get the "jevity bath ™" is when the family is watching. Got a good laugh out of this. seva

I understand you're on the fence about this. No one wants to be a meanie. Ask yourself this: If this situation were to come to light, including the fact that you knew about it, what would be YOUR legal liability? seva

Okay, already tried to post a response. Here goes my second: Just remember that we Med-Surg nurses tend to get slammed at/near shift change. We are usually juggling mx patients/demands/medications etc. We tend to get stressed out by admissions on top of our other, sometimes overwhelming, obligations. ("Mother needs another blanket/fresh ice/coffee for her guests") on top of scheduled meds/treatments, etc. Bearing all that in mind, you're just doing your job. Try to let other people's stress roll off your back. Call your report, do your best, and don't let the rest bother you. Yes, we med-surg nurses can be under a great deal of stress, but that doesn't have to affect you. Be flexible when you can, be professional when you should. Think of others and do your best. You're right when you say we have to stick together. We are all just nurses, part of a larger system, trying to do our jobs. Good Luck! seva

My nursing instructor liked to say, "What will you be doing a year from now?" As in, why not see your goal through, versus wallowing in lack-of-goalness. Actually, she said it much more effectively. Actually, I am 40 years-old. The kicker is that I'm probably 70 lbs over-weight. And, I can do it. It's not the age, so much. I do find that when I am exercising regularly, and my posture is good, I can walk up and down those halls all night. So, you have plenty of time. Keep yourself strong. You can do it. seva

I have found that, in an absolute pinch, you can crush the meds in their packages using forceps (or any other smashing/crushing implement) to crush the meds then pour them, very carefully, into the cup. I used to have a problem with the Silent Knight not crushing the pills at the top, until I recently figured out that you could fold the plastic envelope over and invert it, as the crushing action seemed to be the best at the bottom of the device. Make any sense? Probably not. But the forceps thing works a charm. seva

I lived in Leon Valley, and that was a nice area. Can't remember much about the other areas. Generally, you want to stay North/NW. It's a great place to live, especially for families. Good luck! seva

I can say that McAllen is on the border with Mexico. It is way out in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. Per other nurses, there is a lot of work there for OB as Mexican nationals cross the border to bear American Citizens. That is the sum total of my experience. Except that there are a lot of travel assignments to this area. seva

Hi! As an agency nurse in San Antonio(worked for Nursefinders, and also MBC), I found the Methodist shifts much more reasonable. I was really concerned about some of the Baptist(downtown) shifts. I mean, I was happy to function as a med aide (LPN), but I could clearly see that the RN was in safety danger. It seemed to me that the patients were sicker, much more acute, and in much faster turnover (downtown, anyway.) Patient care there seemed very chaotic and out of control. The Baptist that was in the Medical center (St. Luke's I think) was much safer and I had much more positive experiences there. Also, the Baptist that was NE? Though the shift there was usually very hard. Hope that helps. seva

Okay, I don't know what BMT means, but I did work for Nursefinders in San antonio for several years. It's a great city, and I wish I hadn't had to leave. seva

Just ask. 95% of the staff I meet are very willing to help, and most recognize that if you weren't there, they would totally be scrambling. Good luck! seva