casnee

I'm about to complete my clinical health practicum here in CA and my project topic is Substance Abuse Prevention in Youth. From what I have learned, the topic needs to be "prevention" oriented and involve a specific population (youth, elderly, Hispanic, etc.). The topic has to be an active issue within the community, and your "hours" must reflect your assessments of efficacy of programs, interventions, etc. through interviews, site visits, classes and you must develop a "plan" (your paper) to help combat the issue. Because of the additional requirements for the practicum taking place in CA, I had a frustrating, lengthy process of finding a preceptor. In particular, my county was not familiar with this school and its processes, so explaining what I needed with the Public Health dept was time-consuming. So, after about 3 months, I finally was able to have the county's Nurse Practitioner (who works in substance abuse treatment) be my preceptor. Through her, I was able to get in touch with the different health dept (particularly youth prevention) and explore the programs and classes they had offered. So far, it has taken me 9 weeks to complete 76 hours. I anticipate finishing within the next couple of weeks. Then, I will just have the paper to complete and I'll be finished!!!

What type of electronic charting is your facility using? I may have an idea how that had happened, as some systems can be confusing. I'm sure when you ordered the medications it asked for an order from the physician. Make sure to know that's a red flag if it happens again, as documenting meds by history shouldn't ask for an order. I wouldn't worry about any disciplinary action as it was corrected.

@ responder thanks for your tips! I have issues with not being able to drop my angle without losing traction. After I get a flash, I drop the angle to advance the needle more but I must move my other hand anchoring the vein out of the way to do so. I've lost potential starts because of veins blowing after doing this. Any tips for hand placement or anything?

First off I'm a new grad RN and I had the hardest time looking for my first job (I know my story isn't unheard of). I finally landed a job in a SNF a few months ago. They were very supportive and friendly. I even had a two month orientation (now THAT is unheard of). However, before I had applied to this SNF, I had applied to numerous hospitals. Well, one of those hospitals gave me a call a couple weeks ago and asked if I wanted to interview for their new grad program. I jumped at the opportunity and went for it. Yesterday they offered me the position and I accepted. (woohoo!). Here comes the bad part. So I'll admit I wasn't the most professional in the way that I told my bosses that I would be leaving at the end of the month. I had every intention to tell them in person. However, I work NOCs, live an hour away and have a hard time seeing them in person. So I tried to call them, couldn't reach them either. So I resorted to texting both my DON and ADON. Just as a heads-up kind of text, I do plan on writing them a formal letter, ASAP. I even apologized at how unprofessional it was, and gave them the reasons why I resorted to it. My DON did reply back, however. She accused me of lying saying that I had promised to stay with them long term. Now, I don't remember making any promises, and I do remember her mentioning they were looking for someone long term and I had every intention of staying for the experience. Now I just don't know where to go with this. I don't think I should bother texting her back. Should I just write the resignation letter and leave it at that? Or make another attempt at talking with them in person? Ugh, I knew it would be hard but didn't think it would be like this. Thanks in advance for all your help.

I attended an Advance Career Fair for Nurses at the Pasadena Convention Center back in September and I thought it was beneficial. Received a lot of info on new grad programs, but nothing more than what I could have probably found online. I did not like, however, how many of the HR reps there had their name badges turned around or had a piece of tape covering their name...they did not accept resumes or handed out business cards or their phone number. What a way to network, huh?

I think so...I'm also a new grad who has been looking for a job for months too. Today I had my very first interview in a SNF and was offered the job! So I'm definitely going to take it to gain some experience.

FYI this is a facility that houses rapists and others that have committed sexual crimes. The more you know.....

Also, I've been getting a lot of customers accidentally offending other customers by this exact scenario....I'm in the process of giving a flu shot to the customer who has medicare...another customer approaches the table and asks how much self-pay would be, I tell the price and the other customer says "Don't you have Medicare???" Other customer has offended look on face and says "I'm not THAT old!!" then awkward silence...I try to make mends by saying anyone of any age may have Medicare for certain reasons but by then it's too late!

I'm doing the flu clinic thing too and it has been more entertaining than I had thought it out to be. Had a customer tell me that he doesn't need flu shots because his doctor told him he has a special ability to fight off the flu after having it once. I told him yes, it's called your immune system, but the flu virus changes and blah blah. I proceeded to tell him everyone has that special ability, and why getting a flu shot would help to NOT get sick, but he was convinced, it was his own special ability, lol. At that point I didn't feel like it was any use trying to convince him otherwise!

I'm in a situation like yours, I moved to the LA area to be with my boyfriend (we had been in a long distance relationship while we were both in school) and we were set on FINALLY being together once we graduated. We're together, but I'm jobless. I too, graduated in May 2011 and it seems like all of my classmates are getting jobs. It really is about who you know, especially here in LA, where the job outlook for new grads is grim (and I know no one). Minot, ND keeps looking better and better.

Congrats! I keep thinking about the opportunities they have there. I'm still hoping I land something here in the LA area soon, but it's nice to know that there is still hope out there. Were you able to land a position in a specialty area? How about finding a place to live? I heard it's really competitive due to a housing shortage.

Congrats! I'm a former student of SJDC's ADN program and I had the best experience there!

I just signed up for a an IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal class specifically for RNs in Brea...they have gotten good reviews and a lot of convenient schedules too. You should check them out! http://www.genesismec.com/

The whole state of California

No, you're not crazy! Your feelings are completely normal. I'm in the same boat as you are, I graduated in May and now I'm searching for my first job. I know once I do land one, I will be freaking out. I've always been told that the REAL learning begins when you start working, and that it's not expected for you to know EVERYTHING. So having that in mind, just put your best foot forward, and charge!! lol, and congrats on landing your job too