nursebea02

The CTICU was a good unit. Small enough to know everyone, but big enough to get the super sick kids. The nurses were friendly. They did have a lot of travelers. Several travelers stayed on for several assignments. The hospital it's self is old, but they are building a new tower. The pay is lower than other hospitals around, but you learn a lot. It's a young staff. (at least when I was there) I was going to sign on there as staff, but didn't for reasons unrelated to the hospital. I would recommend it.

Harsh? Great. If I knew I'd have to read a fetal heart monitor strip than I would make sure I knew how to read it. Thanks. Nurses are suppose to be ACLS certified to work in PACU. Yep, that's right. And if you take ACLS you better know how to read an EKG monitor strip.. not a fetal heart rate monitor strip. I am very aware of specialization in nursing, but somethings are just Fundamentals of Nursing.

Go to an acclerated program and just get your bachelors in nursing. They have some great programs that make it quick and easy for full time students. Do not take Nursing classes online unless you are already a nurse. Nursing is hands on learning. You can read it in a book all day long, but until you touch a patient it means nothing. Good luck!

Pay is lower than others. But it's a good place to work. I was a travel nurse there and worked in the CTICU. You will gain a lot of great experience. It's a good place for nursing autonomy.

I worked there as a travel nurse in the CTICU. I don't know anything about the internship program, but I enjoyed working there. Good Luck.

If the nurse give you attitude, then get the charge nurse. If you get no where with that, then go up further. The nurse should be wearing gloves, period when drawing blood. Furthermore, the patient is MRSA positive and they are suctioning without gloves. NO NO NO NO! This is NOT up to the nurse's DISCRETION! (as someone mentioned) That is DIRECT patient contact and the nurse should be wearing gloves. It's to protect the nurse as well as protect the rest of the patients from getting MRSA! It's a resistant form of staph....Where are these people being educated? Anyway, SPEAK UP .... "YOU Touch my cousin, YOU wear gloves. Period. Don't like it, get your charge nurse in here. Thanks."

Great question. Use the formula's that the other nurses gave and figure out what works easiest for you then write it down and put it on your badge to help you. Always check your drips at the begining of your shift and with changes. The pump is to only be used as a triple check. (double check is with another nurse, using her own calculations!) This is so important that all the drips are running appropriately. Good luck.

My First questions is why do you NOT know how to read a monitor? As an RN you should at least be able to look a strip and tell if it's normal or not. Second, please go above your manager if you feel you are giving unsafe care due to lack of education. Answer your question.. Yes, two people in recovery. ASPAN.org Look it up and give it to your manager. Side note.... If you are worried about your license then quit or educate yourself and stop whining about what you don't know. CEU's and books are available to keep up your skills and knowledge.