tifftaff81

Go for it. I spent 1 1/2 years on a neuro floor before going to CCU. I felt so clueless about hearts and was so skiddish about them, that I said I will never learn if I don't just dive in. So I did, and am so happy I did.

I think this a good list. The thorough assessment is key. I do an initial head to toe first thing and multiple focused assessments throughout my shift. Labs/ABGs are vital, they tell you so much about your pt. BMP/CBC are musts. Vent, are they weaning, having trouble weaning, acidotic/alkalotic?. Gtts-Levo, epi, vasopressin, amio, dopamine, neo, etc. If you have gtts look them up, know them, know the ranges for titration, etc. And good luck and have fun.

When I first started in ICU I was actually part time, I was FT at another hospital and wanted a slow transition. I eventually made it a swift transition because I found it too difficult. However I was juggling both jobs at the time. I felt that I needed to devote so much more time to learning ICU and needed those off days to educate myself and take educ. classes at work. Not to mention they put me through a 6 week critical care class monday thru thurs. with clinicals.

We use them mostly in CCU and ICU here. They prefer them not to be in our MICU, primarily because it is somewhat a detached unit, location wise, from our main unit. They are on all our fresh open hearts as well as patients who are severely critically and the MD drops them in at the bedside. That is rather seldom though, and usually used if a patient is declining rapidly.

Interesting points you all have made. I have never even thought about it. We do not require blood form consent for albumin. I think I will keep an eye on this however with patients who refuse blood products. I think they have a right to know where it comes from in that instance.

You didn't mention which company you were with. I am currently in Vegas with a new contract, yes from the evil empire, for 29.00 plus benefits. I have been here for 6 months doing agency and travel. PM me if you want more info on Vegas, its terrific out here.

My agency is Premier Healthcare Professionals. I have talked with Fastaff and they are looking towards Desert Inn for me, however I would really like to look into St. Rose Hospital. Anyone else know if there is an agency that goes to this hospital. Thanks for your advice.

I currently work at an HCA facility at Sunrise in las Vegas. They do not need an extension and my contract ends 1/20. I want desperately to stay in Vegas however my travel company only goes to a few hospitals here that are not looking for travelers, it's an HCA and they stopped taking a major insurace carrier. I am trying to find an agency that goes to the Valley hospitals or St. Rose, does anyone know of a good company that goes to these facilities that need nurses. Thanks for you help.