karleigh

My husband has just been offered a position outside of Toronto we can't pass up. I am an RN currently working in home health. Can anyone give me advice on what I need to do to be able to practice as an RN in Canada? If you have any information on the Markham area as well, that would be an added bonus!!! Excited, but very nervous!!! Thanks!

What are some helpful apps you have on your smart phone/ipod that you use for home health nursing? I have a new droid and would love to know how I could use it for work.

I am a relatively new home health RN, was a case manager for several months, now in administration. I am wondering what other agencies do about creating 485s. I want to create a template but not sure where to start. Are there general statements you use for every one regardless of diagnosis and interventions? Are all 485s the same format regardless of agency? Does your agency have a template you use? If you have any information that can help me in generating/reviewing 485s I would greatly appreciate it!

I have a non-nursing bachelors, and an ADN. Currently working in home health in administration and love it. I see my self working with the elderly population indefinitely, which is why I would consider a Masters in Gerontology. However, I'm not sure if that will be too limiting and I should consider a MSN (non-clinical) or Masters in Health Administration. Can anyone offer any advice? I would also love to hear advice about online programs as that would be the only way I could manage it. Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone, I am a home health nurse, but not hospice. My neighbors mother was just brought home to her house on hospice. She asked me to be there when hospice came, and I was, and wasn't impressed with the nurse that came out. She did not give them any information about what to expect, signs to see that may mean the end is near. I realize you can't really give a time line, but can any of you help me with what you would normally explain to a family about what to expect? I know cheyne stokes, and the organs will begin to shut down which will mean decreased output, mottling, etc., but is there any approximate time frame as to how imminent death is when these symptoms occur? I sincerely appreciate your help.

Very overwhelming at times! I'm a new nurse, just passed boards last September, worked in surgery/trauma ICU from Sep through Feb, and wasn't happy with the 'hospital work life'. I've always had an interest in geriatrics, and home health allows me the flexibility with my family and I love it! I struggle with the autonomy in the field, wound care for one. Still trying to figure out how to decide on the skilled needs of the patient and how long it will take to meet goals, ie frequency. I had one week of orientation where I watched videos and read through policy and procedure manuals, but other than that it has been in the field training. I've been on my own since the second week, and have 9 patient's I'm case managing now. Granted, the clinical coordinator I work with is great about asking if I need anything. I think the agency just doesn't have a set procedure for orienting and training. Would love to hear about your orientation and training.

Such great information! Not too much info at all, all very helpful. I have been in home health for three weeks and noone at the agency I'm at has a good handle on organization or efficient management of paperwork or supplies, so this is very helpful. I am still struggling with completing the oasis and identifying specific patient needs that justifies the patient getting skilled nursing unless it is obvious, like wound care. Always a learning curve!

I am so excited to have an interview on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of a teaching hospital with a well known cancer center. I'm wondering if anyone out there may have suggestions for good questions to ask the interviewer regarding the specific treatments or care of the patients up there. Are there specific certifications I should ask about? Any suggestions or advice would be very appreciated!

Just curious, what is a travel position? Does this mean you will travel between floors at the hospital, or travel between hospitals? Thanks! And congratulations, we're doing our clinicals at CJW, impressed with the hospital so far!

I'm starting school next week, and was told at orientation that we were to wear a nursing uniform, not scrubs. Can anyone explain the difference? I went to a uniform store and they didn't know, only suggested the pants not be drawstring. I bought some pants, but still need tops. Any suggestions on comfortable brands? I haven't received a reply from school for clarification yet, this forum seems to be such a valuable resource! Thanks for any help!

I think we do start clinicals right away. When I registered for my classes it said Thurs, Fri 5-9PM and every other Sat. 7-5. I haven't been able to get the bundle yet. When I called the book store about it they told me we also have to purchase a 'nurses kit' which has some supplies necessary for clinicals, but I don't think a stethoscope is included in that. The PDA suggested is the HP iPAQ hx2790 Pocket PC. It runs about $500. I asked about it because I wanted to shop around before I had to get it. How many kids do you have? I have three, 8, 6, 5. Here is my e-mail address if you want to keep in touch when the program gets started rather than keeping this post going for only the two of us! My 5 year old just got up and if he doesn't eat something when he gets up right away he's a bear. Later! Karyn

I'm a student, just starting the core curriculum and clinicals in January. I can't see myself working anywhere but the ER, in fact, we have a level 1 trauma center here, and that's where I want to be. I love the adrenaline rush, craziness, and always changing atmosphere. Much like my home life with three kids (four if you count hubby :-), I call it organized chaos! I was just hoping to get advice from experienced ER nurses as to what I can do during school to prepare myself best for the ER. Are there any additional classes or certifications I should look to do to better prepare? Is it likely that I can get a job right in the ER out of school, or will I have to work somewhere else for experience first? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

No, I don't know anyone else. I'm nervous too, not sure what to expect, how I'm going to balance everything. We have our orientation on 12/17and there will be current students there. Do you know where and when your clinicals are yet? I also wish I knew what supplies to get other than the e-book bundle. Do you know anyone in it, or through it? I'm curious what to expect from clinicals, what specific supplies are must haves, etc. What hospital are you doing your clinicals at?

I'm beginning the program through John Tyler Community College in January and I'm excited/nervous. I feel like I have so many questions, but we don't have our orientation until 12/17. Just curious if anyone here has gone through the program and if you have any advice. Thanks!