trailblazer59

you remember placing dirty mercury thermometers in a small alcohol boat to soak you remember scouting around for the list of things some "busy resident or doctor" needs in a hurry:idea: you remember to wear your fingernails short and only apply clear nail polish, white shoes and oh----no long ear rings, only small gold or pearl studs you remember glass urinals and those heavy metal bedpans pricking your finger when inserting those needle driven IV med boluses in a patient's heplock:angryfire

Applying for your first job can be a bit like peering into a poorly lit tunnel. Just how should you proceed? Yes, it appears that the internet with job opening which implore you to just email your resume and/or apply now online seems to be the way to go. However, I would be a bit "leery" of posting your resume for the world to see there. Your resume is very personal and nearly anyone can view it there. It would be a good idea to speak with some experienced nursing friends to receive recommendations on facilities which might appeal to your interest and job goals. Then you could call the nurse recruiter or Human Resource office to email them your resume directly. Be sure to attach a short text message summarizing your job goals and important accomplishments (even if not extensive yet). You may find yourself in the "front seat" for an open position not yet advertised and thereby be the first/or possibly the only candidate they will need. One good source for job hunting online is careerbuilder.com. Best Wishes!

Hi, I've been an agency nurse for past 6 yrs. while in grad school. Pay rate of 35/hr is quite good for LTC. Working on a perdiem basis is difficult at first when trying to find where supplies are kept, how things work, etc. Your best bet is to continue to accept assignments in the same facilities if possible, and don't be bashful to ASK! You might find a little list helpful. Perhaps they will let you come a little early for orientation (and---maybe your agency will pay you also). Many agencies in the country now offer health insurance and other types of benefits. Of course, one must usually work at least 30+ hrs./week. Good Luck!

I have over 20+ years in home health in the Mass. area. The job requires someone who loves teaching, is good at organizing and has a head for geographic mapping, not afraid of driving in the elements (snow, rain, hail, whatever), and has a fairly good handle on major adult diseases (HTN, CHF, Diabetes, PVD, ie.). Oh yes, you are required to complete a good amount of documentation, especially when a patient is admitted. The Medicaire guildelines require the completion of something called an "oasis" which maps the details of a patient's medical and physical background and ADL skills. But despite this, there is a great deal of satisfaction in caring for a patient along with their family's help, and watching them progress with your teaching and the help other interdisciplinary staff: the P.T., O.T., Speech therapist, etc. You will usually be required to visit 6 pts. daily, perhaps with one of these a new admit (takes about 1-1.75 hrs. to do the visit). You will be expected on occaision to complete venipuncture for collection of CBC, P.T./INR (now using small machines similar to glucometers, so easy), obtain a urine for UA/CVS. I advise you to go for it! Home care nurses are now very much in demand