babblingbrook

Things actually ended up working out well for me. I finish my MSN-PMHNP degree in May. I worked in psychiatric nursing after leaving NICU. One door closing led to other doors opening for me. I had originally planned to become psychologist long ag...

I've been a nurse almost 2 years. I started off in NICU. Loved the teaching side of it, but not being a highly detail oriented person seem to bite me in the butt in this dept. Can a nurse ever learn to be more detail oriented or is it just the way...

I feel like I have little quality of life. I only work 3-4 12 hr shifts a week, but I have a 2 hr commute tagged on to it. I work every other weekend and get 2 -3 days off in a row between work. I feel like I never see my 6 and 7 year old children. I...

I will be moving to MI. Have only practiced in CA. Trying to find out differences between regulations, etc in MI compared to CA. Interviewed today for a VA RN job and they mentioned "mandating". Had to ask them to explain what it was as they don'...

Thanks for all of the great info. I'm a Nebraska Corn huskers fan so other than the school in Ann Arbor had no idea there was another big 10 school. Lol. You mentioned your friend works in Psych at Sparrow. What town is that located in? Does your ...

Thanks for the response. I currently work at a VA in San Diego and they don't allow you to work over 12hr. Why are they needing so many RNs? Curious, since high turnover can say alot about management, etc. What did you like about the unit? My hu...

Looking to move from So California to Kalamazoo, MI area. Have been Psych RN 6 years. Hubby from MI. Seems like jobs are scarce in this area. Any advice? Plan to go back to school for Psych NP. Is this or Psych RN with BSN marketable in this ar...

I recently was dx'ed with moderate cervical DDD. About 2 months ago s/s of cervical radiculopathy began. I tend to just tough things out and push on, but the pain was unbearable at the end of 12 hr shift. I didn't think it was caused by work as it...

Hello- I have 3 years RN exp, but rarely had to transfer pts to/from bed. ( I worked NICU 10 about a year and almost 2 years primarily adolescent psych). I have a new job which has a Geripsych pod. I feel totally out of my element. I would like t...

Thanks for the tips! The pts usually have dementia, very little muscle tone, hard of hearing so they don't follow directions very well. I don't work consistently on the Geripsych pod, about every 2 months just for 2 days, so hard to get a rhythm. ...

I'm a INFP myself. I think it's wise to see how your personality relates to different careers. Problem is that it would be hard for nurses to tell you whether an INFP personality would fit other health careers better than nursing b/c most of us hav...

Interviewed for a job that turns out to be night shift (ad didn't specify). It would be a big pay increase so I'm considering it even though night shift was hard for me when I tried it almost 2 years ago. It was hard for me to stay awake driving th...

Just to clarify...about 95% of drive is on the same interstate, so can't vary route too stimulate my brain as there's no other way to get home. I wasn't a coffee drinker on the previous night shift job. Might have to try it again and get over the t...

I know money isn't everything, but...it would mean my salary would increase by 1/3 (about $30,000). Plus, in the future I could move to days.

I have an interview for a Psych RN position at the VA hospital. I was curious what questions other candidates have been asked in interviews for VA RN jobs. THANKS!

Thanks for the link! It was very helpful in preparing me for the interview tomorrow. I have some basic ideas in mind of what I'll be asked and the format now.

I'm a veteran. My friends say I'm a shoe in b/c of that (veterans preference), but I'd still like to have a good idea of what to expect b/c it's a panel interview w/6 people. My friend that did her psych clinical rotation there said it's a great pl...

Just to clarify: we do paper charting, so pretty easy to lie; our policy is to give meds 1 hr before or after time it's scheduled. If it isn't done within that time you should write down time actually given, I get floated to this unit usually at le...

I am getting assignments as a team w/me as the RN and an LVN. I caught her not giving a med on time (which she then gave me attitude when I brought it to her attention as she's talking w/the charge nurse-her best buddy). I've caught her marking med...

On my 2nd RN job and doing well (psych nursing easier for me). However, I want to apply for a VA position. My 1st job was as a new grad NICU nurse. I lasted 10 months. I was basically told off the record to quit before I was fired. (for me ICU w...

I currently work primarily in adolescent psych. However I am considering a move into adult psych. What are important things to remember regarding med-surg type issues? (it's been a few years since I was in school and went straight into working w/...

Thanks for everyone's input. The PA program would be cheaper ($8,000 ) vs NP ($36,000). It's a certificate w/ bridge to Masters degree. ( I have 2 bachelors degrees already). I was primarily interested in OR or family practice. Didn't really plan...

Contemplating going back to school to become a physician assistant. Seems like most RNs take the NP route, but PA would be cheaper for me and might allow me to work in the OR. From what I understand NPs aren't in the OR. I'm under the impression t...

You are Correct! The school part doesn't phase me. I took a 12 month accelerated BSN program. I love to learn and figure things out, not just follow a dr's orders. I loved A&P classes. The PA program here allows applicants in w/ just 2,000 wor...

We're considering a move from CA to OH. I'm a psych RN with experience in NICU also. Are there many opportunies for an RN near Wright-Patterson AFB? We were considering moving near Yellow Springs, OH as have heard many good things about the area. ...