Valerie Salva BSN, RN

Valerie Salva has 19 years experience as a BSN, RN.

Valerie Salva's Latest Activity

1. 

   Tips for New Graduate Nurse Starting a job

   Valerie Salva replied to debragail105's topic in Nursing

   I used highlighters to color code on my report sheet various things that needed to done and info about pts. I designated different colors for different things. For example, a pink highlighter dot means the pt is diabetic. A pink check mart next to that means they are scheduled for routine finger sticks. Yellow means pt has a foley. I would make two short yellow lines- one for I, the other for O- and fill in the yellow lines with the amounts for my charting and report. A green mark means wound care/dsg change needed, and so on.
2. 

   which offer would you take?

   Valerie Salva replied to rabbitbowchou's topic in Texas

   The hours and pay at the SNF do sound really good. A SNF is a really good place to hone your skills- as long as it is a good place to work. Lots of various different kinds of pts @ a SNF. Not all are elderly.
3. 

   Dallas VA Hospital

   Valerie Salva replied to redraider1977's topic in Texas

   I know two people who have worked there- both left recently. They only had bad things to say.
4. 

   HCA Hospital

   Valerie Salva replied to barkscotty's topic in Texas

   I was a floor nurse @ an HCA facility, not mgmt, but I agree with your opinion of them. No ethics at all- just a miserable place. I especially agree with this statement:
5. 

   Nursing market becoming oversaturated?

   Valerie Salva replied to xpose85's topic in Texas

   Parts of Texas have been saturated with nurses for a long time. There were plenty of jobs in the large, metro areas in the past, but that is changing now.
6. 

   HCA Hospital

   Valerie Salva replied to barkscotty's topic in Texas

   I worked at an HCA in Texas. Worst experience of my career. However, every place is different. Just be careful. Watch your back, CYA, and mind your Ps and Qs. Be friendly, but don't reveal too much about yourself.
7. 

   Any VA Hospital employee's here familiar with the system?

   Valerie Salva replied to DirtyBlackSocks's topic in Nursing

   I would think that the best thing to do would be to approach your doc again, telling her that this is very important to you, and you really want her to take some action on this. If she is a good doc, she will surely be responsive.
8. 

   I cried somewhat over a minor incident with a patient...

   Valerie Salva replied to michelle_d's topic in Nursing

   It sounds like the pt had a vasovagal episode. She may need a stool softener to prevent this. I still get teary after all these years when I see a pt suffer. Don't worry- it's normal.
9. 

   Can RNs really make this much?

   Valerie Salva replied to MiahMSN's topic in Nursing

   I have been offered travel jobs to HI, but the pay has never been more than $19./hr- less than half of what reg staff makes per hr there. The agencies' take on it is that travel nurses in HI are "paid in sunshine and beach." Sorry, but sunshine and beach don't pay the bills.
10. 

    How do you know if you're cut out to be a nurse??

    Valerie Salva replied to psustudent5's topic in Nursing

    I showed your list to my dh and he said "Did you write that?" Lol!
11. 

    Can RNs really make this much?

    Valerie Salva replied to MiahMSN's topic in Nursing

    I've never met a staff RN making more than $24./hr in Texas.
12. 

    Can RNs really make this much?

    Valerie Salva replied to MiahMSN's topic in Nursing

    I agree, but I'd take the $50. !
13. 

    NO LUNCH??? NO BREAKS??? Is that common in nursing?????

    Valerie Salva replied to CleveRN2008's topic in Nursing

    About 1/3 of new grads leave their new jobs. According to this article, 41% of new nurses (less than 18 mos experience) regret their decision to become a nurse. http://www.nursingcenter.com/Library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=757386
14. 

    What do RN's make in California?

    Valerie Salva replied to Peanut06's topic in California

    Even travelers make about half that. I did not know any nurse anywhere was making that much, I do know that the cost of living is high where you are, though.
15. 

    Conflicting test question...

    Valerie Salva replied to DirtyBlackSocks's topic in Nursing

    :up::up::yeah::yeah::nurse::nurse:
16. 

    Tenet/CNA Election Procedures Agreement

    Valerie Salva replied to PICUPNP's topic in Union

    Exactly!