Meriwhen ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

Psych ICU, addictions

Member

All Content by Meriwhen

  1. Very interesting and insightful article. I'm still never practicing without my own insurance though. I don't expect miracles from my coverage, but I'm looking to protect my own interests because,...
  2. Meriwhen

    Does this violate hipaa?

    If a patient tells you something about their medical care--such as, "oh, I was a patient at X hospital"--then there is no HIPAA violation. Even if the patient tells you every graphic detail about...
  3. Meriwhen

    HR posting day positions that don't exist...

    Also keep in mind that even though they may have their desired candidate already picked out, they may still be required to post the position for a set
  4. Meriwhen

    days off- a rant

    I actually used something similar as an excuse. I just had a root canal and the pain was so bad I actually broke down and took the prescribed narcotic for the pain, even though I knew what it'd do to...
  5. Meriwhen

    I need help choosing the right Nursing Program

    It should be fully approved by your state's BON. It should have a good NCLEX pass rate. It should offer a good number of clinical hours and experiences. It should be NLNAC or ACEN/CCNE accredited....
  6. Meriwhen

    days off- a rant

    No worries :) It's because I have encountered staffers who do comment to management about who they can--and can't--reach, and what's said always isn't positive. So I prefer to cover my
  7. Meriwhen

    days off- a rant

    Voicemail can be your friend in this situation. You can't stop them from calling you, but you can choose whether or not you answer the call. That being said, I would at least answer the first time,...
  8. Meriwhen

    Do you have Malpractice Ins?

    I will never practice without
  9. Meriwhen

    How do I know if a patient is dangerous?

    This too. Assess the patient and look at the whole picture. If you're not sure, get the opinion of someone who is more experienced in psych to give you their
  10. Meriwhen

    How do I know if a patient is dangerous?

    This. ANY patient has the potential to be dangerous. The most dangerous one we had this weekend was a 70 year old woman who came out swinging, throwing chairs and barricading herself in her room....
  11. Meriwhen

    Engagement/Wedding Ring Question

    I couldn't tell you about the metal as I don't wear any rings to work :) But as others have said, consider that any jewelry you wear is a. an infection risk, b. a physical safety risk, and c. could...
  12. Meriwhen

    to work or not to work

    Working as a CNA can help you get into a hospital because you're an internal hire and people get to know you and your work. Plus you're getting healthcare experience, which makes you an more...
  13. But why would you want to do
  14. Meriwhen

    Better city to work in

    Kaiser is good to work for if--and that's the big challenge--if you can get in. They pay very well, have great benefits and also offer retirement. They're up and down California (including SD, LA...
  15. Meriwhen

    Interview at Sharp

    To be honest, the final call on whether any facility will hire a person with a temp license rests with that facility's HR department. I would shoot them a call/email and ask. Best of
  16. Anytime I've had to contact the California Board, I've had the best luck with
  17. In addition to an agency position, I have per-diem positions at two hospitals. Between the three, I can usually get full-time hours if I want
  18. Meriwhen

    Per Diem

    Most agencies require at least one year of experience. That's because they will offer you little or no clinical training--they expect you to be competent in your practice. You could try applying for...
  19. See here for more info: http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/end_intlgrads.pdf You will have to provide your transcript from the school in Nepal to the California Board of Nursing for review. If the...
  20. Meriwhen

    Jobs San Diego vs Sacramento

    Kaiser will always hire internally first, and they'll tell you that upfront. Getting into Kaiser is hard, but once you're in their
  21. Meriwhen

    Jobs San Diego vs Sacramento

    You NEED experience to work in either SD or Sacramento and only getting 10 months while the kids finish school won't really cut it. You won't have enough experience for staff nurse positions as they...
  22. Meriwhen

    Where to buy cheap scrubs?

    I get a lot of mine at Walmart. I still have scrubs that I bought from them more than 5 years ago and that are still performing well. Tip: if you're a female and buy unisex, go down a size (e.g., if...
  23. Meriwhen

    accidental violation?

    Yes, yes and yes. It's pretty easy for whoever is monitoring the EMR to figure out when someone entered a chart accidentally and when someone is in there on purpose. Accidental clicks happen--we've...
  24. Meriwhen

    Vacation Schedule

    Last facility I was at broke everyone up into two teams. Each team had specific holidays for that year, and the following year they'd switch. You knew in advance what holidays you had to work that...
  25. True that. Not long ago I worked with a new grad who planned to transition to outpatient as soon as she racked up enough experience to qualify. And I know quite a few younger (experience-wise)...