BillieRN

Bump. I would really appreciate any info or opinions anyone could give, even if you leave out the salary information. My biggest concern is choosing the right hospital. Thanks again, Billie

Hello to you all and thank you in advance for any help you can provide. I've been a RN for four years working Meg/Surg. Recently, my husband accepted a transfer and we'll be moving near Joliet. I was hoping some of you could provide your opinions on these hospitals and maybe suggest some I have not considered. So far, I have applied to, or am intending to apply to the following: St. Joseph in Joliet Silver Cross Morris Hospital Adventist Bolingbrook I'm trying to avoid too long of a drive, but I guess that's somewhat relative, we'll be living between Joliet and Morris. Also, and I apologize if this has been beat to death, but any guidance any of you could give on what I can expect for a salary would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again, Billie

Our facility has a schedule posted each year with set holidays that we are required to work. If you work Christmas, you are off Christmas Eve. No you can not put in for vacation during your holiday but you can swap out the day with coworkers. Is seems to work well on our unit.

We will occasionally have the dialysis team come up to the floor to do dialysis for a patient who is on isolation. The dialysis nurse has a book on the cart with meds that are flushed out of the system with dialysis and which ones are not. They are always more than willing to help you out. The doctors who write dialysis orders usually tell us to give certain drugs after dialysis. That said, I would advise calling the dialysis unit and asking them if the specifics drugs you need to give are flushed. Billie

I have often considered just that but with family here am not sure I want to go anywhere at this time. I leave that option open though.

I have my personalized Littman, the stethoscope I used as a student, manual bp cuff (adult size), multiple pen lights, pens by the handful, carpajet, bandage scissors, tape, gloves usually round out my pockets.

I order quite a few of my scrubs from all heart also. Always prompt delivery.

A fellow Quad Citian

WOW. I do not live in small town and 2 years experience has me at 20.20. I just love living in the armpit of America! And all the snow just makes me love it more...ok not really.

Our floor has 36 beds. 1st shift has 8 nurses, 4 CNAs, a charge nurse with no patients and a secretary. 2nd shift has 8 nurses, 2-3 CNAs depending on number of patients on the unit, a charge nurse with no patients unless short staffed, and a secretary. 3rd shift is 6 nurses with 2 CNAs, charge nurse is included in one of the 6. Of course this is in an ideal world when all staff actually are there but that is the guidelines we use.

I wear Croc's for working. I have worn them for a year. I can work 8-14 hours and not once have my feet been sore at all. I have previously had problems with my legs being sore and my heels but since getting the croc's my feet are most comfortable. I wear the ones without holes and the only downside is that your feet will sweat. Billie