mslema

I work at a level III but the facility I mentioned above is actually a higher level III as you mentioned. They have body cooling and surgeries (non cardiac). Thank you so much for your response and input.

You are correct. Thank you.

The regional NICUs in CA such as UCSF, CPMC and a Kaiser which I know for sure. These are the only ones that I'm able to travel to. Everything else is a pretty far commute. One hospital didn't state that surgical experience was required, but the manager asked if I had the experience. After I explained, I found out that they weren't able to train. I guess it all comes down to their willingness to do so or their budget. I'll keep looking out for postings and applying anyway.

I work at a smaller 20 bed community level III NICU. I have 7 years experience. We care for micropremies and sick neonates, but our facility transfers out patients who require body cooling and surgery. I would really like to work in a higher acuity unit, but I feel it's impossible as most places require that you already have surgical experience. I'm not a new grad so I'm unable to apply to those positions. I feel like I'm just hitting every road block in my desire to work in a level IV NICU. I see many posts about people going from level III to level IV. How were you able to do so? Thanks.

Sorry I have no advice but I am also wanting to work in a level IV NICU. My issue is that most places won't hire unless you already have the experience. Was the level IV position a training position when you applied?

Yes, I've tried wasting more than 3 drops with no change. Jory- yes, we use this system with our radial art lines and I do keep the arm down to increase flow. I think I have my syringe ready fairly quickly, but maybe the air is affecting results.

I forgot to mention that I'm talking about a peripheral art line where it has a port very close to the insertion site. You clamp the line, put a cannula through the port, waste 3 or so drops, and collect specimen. Other nurses do it without a problem. I notice it happens when the blood drops too slowly, perhaps, not clearing the art line fluid adequately? For UACs, I would of course draw up about 2ml or so of waste and return it after I collect my specimen.

I think it's just me, but a lot of the times it appears my samples get hemodiluted. I have asked others and they explain what to do and it seems that I'm doing it the same way, but the results are always off. I do clamp off the line and "waste" a few drops before collecting. Any tips or specific techniques? Thanks.

Ok. I think I'm okay at lady partsl exams when patients are under 6cm dilated. Above that, I think I'm supposed to go by how much cervix I feel, correct? I had a patient where I found her cervix and I felt there to be

Just curious if anyone knows the starting salary of a Certified Nurse Midwife in the bay area, California.

Thanks for your replies!:wink2: Maybe I'm thinking too hard about this but if 10cm or complete is when there is no cervix, how can someone be 100% effaced (cervix thinned out) and still be 6cm dilated? That's the part that's confusing me. Doesn't 100% effaced mean you can't feel cervix? Thanks.

Just to clarify, position them on the side where there is still cervix?

I'm a new grad RN in L&D. I seem to have more difficulty determining cervical dilation when the pt is 8cm or more. How can you tell the difference between 9cm and 10cm. How do you know when a patient's complete? When I feel I can't even tell the difference when a nurse said the pt. was 9-10 (9.5). What is an anterior lip? Station is also difficult for me because I can't ever feel the ischial spines. Any tips/suggestions? Sorry, I just feel lost. Thanks.

It all depends. You should start speaking to recruiters now. This is the time when they will be hiring for new grad programs beginning January or February of next year. Some kaisers will hire you with an RN IP while you wait for your results, but usually, this happens when you know the manager or someone on the inside. In my experience, it's very difficult to get a job at Kaiser if you don't already work there or know someone. My advice is to start looking now. Good luck!

Does anyone know how much Washington Hospital in Fremont pays New Grad RNs or a Staff Nurse I? I heard that they pay their nurses really well. One experienced per diem nurse said she gets about $85/hr or something base (day shift, I believe). I also heard of a nurse getting like $90 something. I was shocked! I'm just curious as to how they can pay their nurses so much. Is this hospital a good place to work? Thanks.