HouTx BSN, MSN, EdD

Critical Care, Education

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All Content by HouTx

  1. HouTx

    Can my hospital force me to go back to school?

    Yep, it's legal because they have basically "eliminated" the old job (that did not require a BSN). The new job requires a BSN. It happens all the time. Employers are free to manage their companies...
  2. hmm Any organization that involves peers in the interview process should ensure that they are prepared to do so. This should include some content on how to establish and maintain a professional and...
  3. Sorry, but the scope of this issue seems inappropriate for an undergrad student. If this is an area of interest for you, I would suggest biting a much smaller piece of that apple and finding...
  4. HouTx

    Awkward at interacting with patients

    LOL - just think - in a couple of years, you will be able to ask a complete stranger "are you sexually active?" and not even bat an eyelash... At some point, you'll realize that your uniform &...
  5. HouTx

    Failing....? Your school's policy?

    Schools that grant exceptions to their rules - for whiners, fit-throwers, or whoever - are opening the door to charges of discrimination. Subsequent students who do not receive the same consideration...
  6. HouTx

    Getting scary out there....

    Yes - the "value based purchasing" aspect of Health Care Reform (not 'Obama Care - this pre-dates his administration) is kicking in.... reimbursement may be heavily impacted for some organizations...
  7. HouTx

    Pregnant and working full time

    HR is your new best friend. If you are in the US, there is an enormous amount of case law pertaining to pregnancy. It is NOT a disability so your employer is not legally required to make any...
  8. I don't see how your poll relates to your question. If you are trying to position yourself for career advancement, you must distinguish yourself from the pack that also wants a 'better' job. You need...
  9. Have you considered Medical Social Work rather than starting all over in nursing? They are absolutely essential and extremely valued partners in health care. I fear that you may not have a...
  10. HouTx

    Masters in Nursing Education - job potential?

    WOOT WOOT!!! Welcome to my 'tribe'. I'm a (non-academic) nurse educator - in a health care system educational leadership position. We desperately need more qualified nurse educators so I am very...
  11. HouTx

    Pre-employment personality assessments

    Oh Good Grief! [Full disclosure - I have education & work experience in IO Psych so I'm familiar with the development and use of these instruments] Warning - this is going to be a mini-rant....
  12. In most organizations, the progressive discipline process has time limitations... in other words, the events must occur over a certain time frame. Each counseling/ write-up 'disappears' from your...
  13. I can pass on some sage advice I received from a very wise colleague who has devoted her career to elder care. LTC and even SNF to a certain extent is a very different environment & patient...
  14. HouTx

    highest paid nursing specialty

    It is unwise to try to project future in come based on clinical specialty in light of what is happening in Health Care Reform. We are in a period of profound change in health care financing and this...
  15. It is very good practice to question medication admin that is not specifically ordered by a physician. OP should check the hospital's policies & procedures because this practice may reflect a...
  16. You're on the right track - communicating interest in that particular employer. But in areas where there is a huge surplus of new grads, potential employers are unlikely to take you seriously unless...
  17. HouTx

    Career Change from Administration to Nursing

    Hmm - if your primary goal is to make a difference in HCAHPS, you will be leaping from the frying pan to the broiler. Patient sat surveys - all varieties that I have seen - slam nurses for "hotel"...
  18. HouTx

    Complicated Job Search - Advice please!

    I would advise you to begin by clarifying your priorities. What is most important right now? Getting your BSN since you need it to be eligible for the ICU training program? If so, choose the job...
  19. HouTx

    Observation Unit for new grad

    These days, the best place for a new grad to start work is wherever a job is available - LOL! Seriously, an obs unit can be a great launching pad for you. You'll be caring for a wide variety of...
  20. Oh for heaven's sake. Those are all "system" related errors typically associated with kludgy paperwork systems - none of them impacted patient care at all. You were not provided with an adequate new...
  21. HouTx

    Bentaub Hospital?

    For one thing, it is "Ben Taub" - named for a very prominent benefactor. Probably a good idea to get this right so you don't tick off anyone. We're serious about the history & legacy of...
  22. HouTx

    Why we don't hate nursing?

    I have always loved the machines that go "bing" - reference from Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life". Seriously, the technology is amazing & getting better every day. There is no better job...
  23. HouTx

    night shift

    How did it go on Night Shift? New things are always scary but that disappears when they become familiar. I enjoyed working nights - much more teamwork & camaraderie... fewer road trips...
  24. What are your organizational policies & procedures related to these issues? That should be your first line of defense. Also make sure you review physician progress notes & all PRN orders to...
  25. HouTx

    Im in a PICKLE! Help please!!

    Keep us posted on how your transition works out. I hope they have adequate training and orientation. Most new nurses do not have any Home Care exposure during their education, so there is very...