jamkpb

I would suggest being proactive (if you haven't already) and call HR departments directly, you may get lucky!

I work at a Magnet Hospital and it is only my second job as a nurse of 2 years. I thought standards of behavior would be different and I am getting very discouraged and disillusioned about the situation, In short, many of my co-workers bad mouth others and certain individuals run back to the NM if they think someone looked at them the wrong way...I am not joking. The pettiness is beyond my comprehension. Unfortunately the NM (who has only been in the position for 2 years) will speak to the alleged offenders, doesn't reveal who made the allegations, and doesn't seem to want to hear another side of the story. She actually told a nurse that if she had to do her review that day, she wouldn't get a raise (mind you when she had her original review less than 6 mos ago, she got the highest raise that was allowed)...how unprofessional is that? I have been told by others that nurses are "catty" ...I'm wondering, is this behavior more of the norm for this profession?

Thank you all for your input...I decided not to take the position b/c of my safety concerns. Hopefully it brings me one step closer to my dream job!

I have my 2 years of hospital nursing in (I graduated in 2007) and I am looking for non-hospital based jobs. Prior to my BSN I worked for over 5 years w/addicts/HIV..so that's my "behavioral health" experience as most of the clients had dual-diagnoses. I've facilitated groups and have done case management/addictions counseling. I've experienced the addictive personality...manipulative, liars, staff splitters, victims of trauma, etc. There is a position I interviewed for and they are interested and they are offering close to a $7/hr pay increase from my current position. So here's my dilemma.. 1) am I really qualified? 2) they require home visits, whether they be in an independent setting (i.e. apartment) and community based settings. I did ask about safety, as that is a concern of mine. They assured me that initial assessments are done w/a mental health clinician and if I feel unsafe to call 911. Unfortunately, the area is very "shady",a lot of crime and drugs. This is a newly created position, so there are no other RN's to get feedback from.

My NM told me that she doesn't think I have a good understanding of my patients given the info I provide (or don't, from her perspective) during rounds. The other day she actually cut me off (b/c I started with why the pt was admitted)and said "We know why he is here" with a not so nice tone. AUGH..throw me a bone, I'm trying! Here is what I present: Abn VS, any issues overnight, any issues w/meds(not taking,need,etc), if they want parameters for any abn BP/HR, PT/OT, fluids. (Usually I go over any abn. labs, but NM said I don't need to do that either, b/c the MD's can look up). My patients are high acuity and I'm not sure what else to include. I try to figure if they may need tests or consults; that's an area I know I need to work on. I know I go into rounds very frazzled most days because I am trying to get my tasks done (meds, minimal assessment for 4-5 pts while dealing w/families, sending people off the floor...) So maybe some suggestions on how to organize my thoughts for rounds would be helpful as well. I feel like I need to bring it up a notch, but not sure how to do that.

Thank you all for your support...to daytonite..I appreciate the message and maybe I wsn't as clear as I needed to be, but while I am at work I don't have much time for research..I do take the time when I get home so that I have a better understanding. I was simply looking for some support and suggestions...I feel your response is rude and condescending and really not helpful when I am simply trying to become more proficient in my position.

Not sure if I should post here or general nursing, but here goes..I am a new RN on a med/surg floor after working 8 months at a rehab. I have been on orientation for 4 weeks and have asked for more time b/c I feel like I am not getting certain things. Any suggestions/feedback would be helpful. 1) pt's come in with all different problems and some stay longer than others. at times I don't feel I am grasping their disease process and feel incompetent. 2) Medical jargon in report (paraspinal mass...lacuna infarct, etc.). I don't know what these things are and don't have time for research..I feel like I should know these things before caring for pt. and so I feel incompetent. 3) medical tests. CT scans, bone scans, MRI's. Why are they ordered...if someone has no evidence of a fx with a CT scan, then why 2 bone scans? When do we get results? 4) I really suck at lung sounds! I have spoken w/my manager and she is aware of how I am feeling and have asked for assistance but I would like to know if others have felt the same way and what has helped.

Our whole unit is on contact prec., one of the patients had an emergency situation, and needed a line put in...the RN who went in followed protocol (gown, gloves) the charge nurse didn't (I overheard her dismissing the precautions to the nurse, and as I entered the room, she started to back pedal and say it was b/c it was an emergency). I am stumped. I can't talk to her b/c she is not approachable and there is alot of gossip, back-stabbing, and bad practices that are systemic to the unit , so I would rather not put myself in a predicament. (and besides, I need to find another job..very toxic). Is it me, or should she have followed standard precautions.

I've been interviewing for jobs and all of them want a night committment..here is my dillemma..I'm in my 40's and my schedule has been up by 6am, bed by 9pm..honestly!!! I am not a night person, but I do need a job. I'm very nervous that if I take a position that requires nights, I won't be able to do it. I've read a bunch of threads on the pros and cons of the night shift, but thought if I could get some feedback if anyone has been in a similiar situation. I'm not getting any younger!!

I know someone who works at Mt Auburn: $26 with not so great differentials(eve $2, nights $3, wknd days $1.50, wknd eves $3.50, wknd nights $4.50)