stelarRN

I'd like to know how you were able to apply for Kaiser's advice nurse position? Did you just look on their careers site often or did you know someone? Would love to apply for that position in the future.

I am looking to leave bedside nursing due to recent medical issues, and am interested in coding. Are there any RN coders out there who could give me some info on how to get started, where to study, which certification is best, etc? How much do you make where you live? (I live in the SF bay area). I know it would be a huge pay cut, but given my circumstances it's necessary. Is it possible to self-study and then take the exam? This would be ideal for me. What type of job environment do you work? (Hospital, insurance, etc.) Which is better, CPC, CCS, or CCS-P.. I'm confused! Are there more coding positions in hospitals or physician practices? I'm not sure which certification to get. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

every 3rd week i get a weekend off. usually i work 3 or 4 days on, with 1 or 2 days off (8 hour shifts), and it keeps rotating that way each week.

Vanillanut, the problem is I'm not sure who signed those initials. My DON is known to do whatever it takes to make herself look good, maybe it was her. Or it could have even been medical records, as they're the same way when consultants visit. But you're right maybe I am focusing on the wrong thing. If it was a fellow nurse and she was trying to help then I more than appreciate it. Even if I don't necessarily agree with it..

I'm more than aware of how to legally sign a MAR, and document why a med wasn't given.

thank you!

I agree, it has become harsh here. thank you for your response.

Good idea. I do check my MAR at the end of every med pass. Like I said, I'm usually 100% with it (with my special pen), but I had 2 emergencies that night where I had to call 911, and it happened, in my exhausted, no-break, no-time to pee state, that I must have overlooked 2 meds. Wow, I really expected someone to be able to relate, not make me feel like the worst nurse living. I guess I'm the only human nurse in this bunch. Sorry I shared my experience.

So none of you have ever forgotten to sign for a med in the MAR? I understand where you're coming from and agree completely. While I feel management isn't on my side, the usual protocol is that they call the nurse and ask them to come sign it, even on their day off if necessary. But they didn't do that, they took it upon themselves to fill in my initials. I use a certain kind of pen, and it's obvious that it wasn't me signing. I understand that I'm in the wrong for making an error in not signing, but IT HAPPENS. This is LTC with 40+ patients, and a huge workload. No matter how strict my managers are.. it happens because we're not robots. I still feel it's wrong, but maybe you're right. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

Today as I was doing my med pass I noticed 2 separate spaces where someone had filled in my initials for the previous day's meds on the MAR. Isn't this illegal? I'm usually on top of the MAR, as my facility is very strict on there not being any blanks when we leave our shift, but I'm only human. Also, no matter what the circumstance, you should never fill in another nurse's initials/signature anywhere! I feel like mentioning this to my supervisor, because it really upsets me, but I work in a place where management isn't on my side. They only care about themselves and not being audited by consultants. What would you do?

i moved from Idaho back to the bay area as an ADN RN. i was lucky enough to find a job at a skilled nursing rehab facility (after 3 months of searching), but i've been "stuck" here for almost 2 years. there is absolutely nothing out there for RN's at the moment, especially ADN RN's, and/or new grads. i've been looking for over a year. really do your research before moving, and make sure you have enough money to live off for awhile.

I would choose another profession if I could go back in time. I'm also in my 20's and am already burned out. I feel sad saying that, but it's how I feel at this point in time. I hope that changes and I once again love what I do.

I was just recently diagnosed with IST. My heart rate was in the 160s at times (after wearing a holter monitor). I'm now on Coreg 3.125mg BID. But i still experience palpitations and have had a few episodes of my heart rate over 110, usually while at work, so I think an increase in mg's is needed soon. It is very scary even if we are nurses.

Our policy is that we must give it within 4 hours of receiving the order. We have an e-kit with most common atb's. Sometimes it is 2 days before the pharmacy delivers the meds. I can't imagine waiting that long to start an atb.

I'm starting this August (RN-BSN) as well. I've read a ton of good reviews, so you have to take it all with a grain of salt I think. The only issue I have right now is finding out why some credits didn't transfer. So far they've been very professional and I feel positive about the program :) Good luck!

i have a pt right now whose sliding scale starts at 70 (70-100, 2 units).

49 residents total, and i care for 20-25 on my shift.

i switched from an HP to a Macbook 2 years ago and haven't looked back.

thank you for the suggestions akj777, and everyone else :) unfortunately i work at a small rehab facility (thank you CA for closing all the hospitals for us new grads..), i've been there for 10 months, and have done maybe 6-7 IV's. There isn't another unit for me to go to, otherwise I would. I'll keep doing my research and try to find a class, or maybe a hospital has an open lab, as suggested.

Recently me and a few other RN's at my facility have been having bad luck when it comes to starting IV's. We usually end up having to call an IV nurse in. We recognize that we need a refresher course. When approaching our DON about possibly having our pharmacy come in (they offer courses and come to the facility), she was hesitant, and then suggested we go on youtube to watch videos about how to start IV's. I wasn't expecting that answer. So I guess I'm on my own with this. I'm obviously familiar with how to start an IV, I just need a little refresher on tips or tricks. And practice of course, since the opportunity to start one doesn't come up often where I work. Does anyone know of any RN IV refresher courses for the Bay Area, CA?

i agree with the above. i've been an RN for 9 months, and it definitely takes time and experience. be as hands on as you can.

i would find a list or LTC's in your city/area, print out resumes, dress up, and go there in person to apply and introduce yourself. even if they're not hiring, put in your resume because LTC's tend to have a lot of turn-over. that's how i found my job in the East Bay. good luck.

i remember the familiar patients.. ones i've had for a month at least. i float between stations so it really does help me to remember a lot of the patient's meds. but i always double check before i give :)

it's also important to note that a lot of patients who we do make a priority and make them comfortable in their rooms after dinner, often get agitated, and we have to bring them back out for safety reasons. sometimes there is just no way around it. sundowners DOES exist and it's not something to be taken lightly.

i'm not sure, but i heard that with our last state survey we had no deficiencies. we're having a mock survey tomorrow (joy). i hate these things.