pincush23

I feel ya! Have worked in ICU for almost 10 years. Have been at SS for a month. I have an interview for the ICU this week. SS scares the hell out of me. I saw the worst intubation the other night b/c RT was not asking for more sedation to properly intubate. It took half an hour=hypoxia! You cannot intubate someone with respiratory distress with only 2 mg of Versed. I was grinding my teeth the whole time asking charge to push more. Smh

Aloha 79Tango-Sounds like you know a lot, so I have a question for you. I got a travel offer from the nurse manger my profile was sent to-they want me. I have not signed or even expressed a verbal contract with the travel company. Just some testing. We have decided to sell the house where I am now. Going to take some time to do so. How should I approach the company to tell them that "now is not a good time for me" and cancel without them "coming" after me. Others can also give me you input, as well. THANKS!

What has been your experience with Cleviprex for pressure and Precedex for sedation in neuro patients? Just curious...Aloha!

Thanks NedRN!!

"I did a quick verbal agreement for an assignment in the lower 48 a month ago before driving 4500 miles to Alaska (Keep in mind-a month). I cannot fly back now and make the assignment on time-I have a crazy cold and strep. To beat it all, the company just emailed me a weeks worth of work to do by this Friday, and I am in AK and they sent it just before they left for the weekend and for Memorial Day. 1) I don't have all the things to send them. 2) I am sick as crap. 3) I have 2 ICU tests that I just received and couldn't log in and they were out of the office for the 3 day weekend. 4) My MD's office is closed for the week (he needs to sign a medical release). 5) Still need a urine test. There are a few other things to do that I can't. They could have sent this a lot earlier. But, I JUST received it. I contacted my friend at the assignment to check if they needed travelers. No interview. Hospital just notified the agency last month-So, I did 95% of the work. They knew my plans and could have sent me the info weeks ago. And yes...It's with the company already spoken of. Sorry for the rant, but I was just wondering if I could just dump the assignment and use my other company without penalties. I got the job myself from traveling there before. I haven't seen nor signed anything...Have not heard about insurance or ANYTHING, except that they want me for 13 wks. They have not even given me details about housing or who they use...It's a big city with A LOT of bad areas! I want to feel comfortable. Again, any info would be greatly appreciated!" Aloha-J

Same thing just happened to me 534!!!

Thanks again for the input, muircv!! I am now renting a 2 BR condo with a heated garage 5 miles from campus-still in the lower 48 until the 5000 mile drive in June. Question for you when ya get a chance: From what you have experienced and know from others, what do you think about Native compared to Prov? Any info would be awesome!!! You can PM me or post if ya get a chance. Aloha!

Tks for the input [COLOR=#003366]muircv!! Aloha Glad you found a place!

[COLOR=#003366]muircv Me no like "shady"! lol...I have been looking for a place for a couple of days online. We own a place in Seward (living in TN for now and was offered a job @ Prov a couple of weeks ago), but I could not make that long of a commute after working a 12 shift. Any suggestions on a place to rent when in the city for 3 shifts? Thanks and Aloha!!

Ditto!!! JH?

None to my knowledge. It's basically an excel format. Not that bad. Each facility has their own "tweeks" to the system. It does take some time to learn all the "bells and whistles" just as any computer system charting. If an employeer asks you about your computer experience, tell them that you are experienced with excel. Plus, you can copy and paste your assessment and make changes as needed...Good Luck!

Aloha! Would you mind posting or sending me a PM on what computer charting system you use in the ICU/CCU? Thanks so much!

Question... cause I didn't see it in other posts...But do you guys use the focused charting aspect of EPIC "DAR" Data, Action, Response? It totally felt like I was double/triple charting I worked for a hospital with EPIC and when I wrote a DAR note with my preceptor, it felt like I was writing it in front of an English teacher...I read other notes from previous nurses that cared for the pt. and there was not much to them...Maybe a reason that I didn't care for the program much. Didn't care much for the care plan portion either. Just curious cause my hospital is getting the system soon...Thanks for all for your posts.

Sounds like you've got a good plan my friend! If you decide to leave for a bit, enjoy yourself while you are there. Remember to throw a lei into the ocean to show that you will be back. Don't be like me and stare @ the same computer screens until the last seconds of departure. I really hope something comes your way in HI, and keep us posted! Aloha nui loa!

I was where you are now! It was crazy! I spent endless hours on the computer checking out all possibilities, calling, walking in to HR, talking to neighbors that knew people...At times, I was so depressed that I didn't leave the house to enjoy the island. It was a BIG move to the island...physically and $$$...But I can tell you that I have never been happier now knowing that CRNA school is in my future...Could have waited for a position to open up that I was not interested in, but now I have options. I forgot to mention that if you wanted to stay, get your advanced degree there...PM me anytime...You are so busy the first year or so any where you move for nursing...It flyies by! And then you will have a lot more options...After my first year in ICU, I had at least 5 travel agencies calling me for assignments in HI...So, keep your chin up! Aloha!

I may be "off key" here on this thread, but I believe that the union/hospitals should adopt a similar model for nurses as in California...as far as nurse/patient ratio, overtime, and pay there after. Having 5 really sick pt's on a busy cardiac tele floor or being tripled up in the ICU is too much IMO...It would not only open up some positions for other nurses, it would give nurses time to effectively take care of their pt's and have time to document assessments, care plans, and all the other computer/paper/crazy work that is involved...But, that's just my opinion...

I came to Oahu during the summer 06 between semesters for an extern program and then moved to my house near Diamond Head as a new grad. Took boards, got ACLS cert in Hawaii, and thought all was well. Even though I worked there during the summer, I could not find a job for 6 months or more, so I moved back to the mainland...Found a job instantly in the ICU as a new grad. Moved back thinking with over a year of ICU exp., I would find something. 6 months=NOTHING! This was back in 08, so I am sure it has gotten worse for you guys...And I do feel your pain! Good luck to ya, and remember that you are a RN and don't take it personally if there is nothing being offered now. The RN's doing NA's jobs was also going on when I was there in 08. IMO...not worth the wait. But, that's just me...

Aloha Lady Shmoe! Was going to start a thread on Asheville, but I found this one and didn't want to go through all 49 or so pages. Was wondering what the market is like now there now compared to 2009. I visited the Mission job site and they do have some openings. Been living in TN and in the ICU for around 3 years. Also wondering what the best way to approach getting a job there. Call and ask to shadow and meet the mgr. or apply. hmmm...Any info would be GREATLY appreciated when u get a chance! Many thanks!

"HUNG" that is what is "NOT" cool...! I came back to my house on Oahu of 5 years from the mainland from ICU for a floor position and was NOT welcomed by local staff nurses...I returned to the mainland, and my hospital is now paying for CRNA school... Take it or leave it...But, there are great hospitals on the mainland...In my option, it is better to experience other cultures to better serve pts. (that's what we went to school for)... And if HI grads have to travel...It will make them a more rounded nurse and not have the battle of finding a job... Good luck to all...

no worries...i graduated BSN on the mainland and moved to my house in kapahulu and took boards in HI...no jobs to be found then...so i moved back to the mainland and started in the icu..moved back to HI for a floor job that sucked... I would go ICU...MSICU for sure...for me at least...LOTS of exposure! Consider the mainland for a bit...HI is great, but the opportunities are better in cali etc...wish u luck!

Yeah...Went into ICU for my first job as a new grad...and back at it again...I love it! Orientation was good...Just the basics...At least 15 classes and 8 wks with an ICU nurse...When I was out on my own, I quickly learned to ask A LOT of questions...I used my pda a lot as well to look up disease processes/drugs... No CRNA schools in HI...part of the reason I left...@ my current facility, we loose at least 6-8 nurses a year to CRNA programs...5 schools in my state... I'm really glad that I started out in the unit...I would not do anything else right now...It's hard work but very rewarding... Good luck to u as well kid...:caduceus: aloha

Thanks for the post!...I was to report to the floor one hour early to "research my pt's and to find out everything about them and what had been done b/f I got report"...The whole time, I was thinking...I am a RN with experience and no longer a nursing student that had to do a care plan... So, I am happily back working in ICU planing to go to CRNA school...QMC just didn't do it for me for SO many reasons...From others comments, it is nice to have a job...But, it is unacceptable to work when your not getting paid...Kronos was not available...so I had to document my time on paper...Alteration on their part??? Aloha to all...Thanks WindwardOahuRN...

I completely agree! I had no other choice though...They told me that I would not be paid over 12 hours for a shift...That is only ONE reason that I left and will never return...Thanks for the info/comment! Aloha

I just made a general post for the heck of it...If you MUST know the real details, I was required to work one hour b/f my shift and two hous after without pay...The nurse ed and manager knew about it as well and did nothing...THAT is why I say QMC=JOKE...I even reported them to the union...Nothing came from it... I will post what I want when I want...Without any explanation...

Short and sweet...Just the way I feel...BTW, this is the only message on this post...