jemrn56

I am not from the Jacksonville area (live in Lake County) but I can certainly relate to your situation. I've been out of acute care settings since 1993; took a refresher course last summer and just landed a position in the hospital setting. I didn't start applying until Feb 08. It's been a very frustrating process. I'm a peds nurse and was told by one hospital that I needed to get a yr of M/S again. Many of my classmates in the refresher course accepted jobs at Hospice, a few went to acute care settings. The position I just accepted is specifically for RNs wanting to re-entry into acute care; its a 12 week orientation into different areas of the hospital and I can spend all of it in Peds. I really didn't even need the refresher course for this position but I too enjoyed the refresher course. All I can say is keep plugging along; I wish you the best!

My first PNP job was in NC in 1994. I was able to function as a NP Applicant until the NC Board of medical examiners approved my license at their scheduled meeting 2 months after my application was rec'd. I worked in a private practice so I did not apply for hospital privleges until I rec'd my "official" NP license. Does your supervising MD have a private practice where you can work until your hospital privleges are final? I rarely worked a 40 hr week in a private practice; I negotiated for a half day off and the following yr a full day off and more money. Good luck on your new position!

#3 would be my choice; especially since reading threads you see so many different policies/protocols that change weekly or daily. Since this is an issue that affects reimbursement, you may have hospital support. You could work collaboratively with infection control and come up with a great research project. Good luck!!

I don't think you need a refresher course. I agree with Suesquatch, find a position in an acute care hospital; some facilities offer internships for new grads. Good luck!

I don't think you'll have a problem. I took a class and my CPR was expired over 2 yrs. The class format has changed; it was fast moving with lots of opportunity to demo. Good luck!!

Apply for your FL license online now; it can take 4-6 wks (and longer so I've heard). Apps are online; if you've only held a license in one state it shouldn't take too long for FL BON to verify but the verification can be the hold up. FL offers a temp permit to practice but it stil takes a little while. Where will you work in Tampa? I applied at TGH and ST Joe. I also checked out craigslist for room shares; sorry I don't know any other suggestions for apt shares. Good luck on your new job and welcome to FL!

Do you have your MSN? You won't need to renew your NP to teach at the community college level, just need your masters. There are alot of openings for educators. I'm a PNP and have not worked for the past 4 years as a PNP. I took a refresher course for RNs this past summer and the director approached those in the class who had MSN; asked if we wanted to teach. This is definitely an option for you and your skills. Good luck!

FL hospital and ORMC have tons of positions posted on their websites; are you trying to find an asst nurse manager position? There are also hospitals outside of Orlando with positions (Leesburg, Health Central, South Lake). Maybe you should consider a travel position to take a look at the facilities before you make a move on your own. FL hospital uses travelers. Good luck on your search!

The MDs in the Peds practice I worked saw ill pts every 10-15 min and during busy periods were double booked. I saw ill kids in 15 min increments and negotiated to see well kids every 30 min; most times they squeezed in 2 wells and a sick every hr. This is definitely an area you can negotiate. Good Luck!

I went to grad school in Pgh in '94. At that time the PNP/CNS program was undergoing a change in curriculum so ours was the last class to graduate under the old curriculum. I could clearly see the newer program was a better one. However, I had great clinicals & preceptors; our program found preceptors but I had worked with some MD's as an RN and requested to do clinicals with them. I liked having a mix of NP's and MDs as preceptors. Be assertive if there is a particular interest of yours for clinicals. My relationsip with the professors was more collegial than when an undergrad. I chose to go to school full time; worked per diem the first yr of grad school and also was a reservist. I then accepted a GSA/TA positions at the University. As a GSA, I precepted undergrads for their peds clinicals; it was fun. I also assisted another professor fwith her research study. 6 of the FT students got together for study groups for some of the classes (i.e. developmental physiology), which was very helpful. There is a tremendous amount of reading to do so you have to remain focused. I was a much better grad staudent than undergrad; I did not procrastinate. I did not have a PDA but I can see where that tool would be useful. I also used an index card system to make notes of articles I felt were imporatnt. I don't recall making copies of syllabus; our program provided copies of the reading material/syllabus. All of our classes were face to face. I wish you all the best of luck!

Hey Shannon: I worked NICU in 1993 and want to return; are the nurse managers/educators at Winnie open to hiring nurses that have been away from the bedside? I took a refresher course this year but of course the clinicals were adult M/S floor. I am not an adult nurse...my experience is peds/NICU. I've applied on-line for NICU II position but can't seem to get pass HR. Any advice in getting in the door at Winnie is greatly appreciated. Judy

In our practice, LPN's did Ht, Wt, hearing, vision, immunizations, and asked brief history dealing with food/formula/urination/BM and if had any concerns for the provider. We had one RN, sometimes LPN on the phone all day doing phone triage. We had 3-4 providers seeing kids so the staff hopped all day to keep the flow moving. Babies weighed without diapers and all infants/toddlers remained undressed in diapers for the exam. As child got older, we provided paper gowns (preschoolers love em). We followed AAP guidelines for routine screenings: UA, Hct and Pb. Adolescents (male and female) were down to underwear with a gown. Breast exams were done on teens; its a good opportunity to teach self breast exams. We did not perform gyn services for sexually active teens (decision that was made by the Medical Director.) Every office seems to have there own system in place. Ask questions!! :wink2:

I'm feeling frustrated as well trying to get back into hospital nursing. My last hospital job was in 1993, NICU. I'd like to return to Peds/Neonatal...I worked out patient peds from 1994-2001. I took a refresher course from the local community college and it was free (they were offered a grant to fund the couse) with the exception of buying books. It was good and very helpful, however, I still can't get back in the door. Keep being told by HR dept that I need to start out in med surg again (don't want to do that!). I'm in an area where there are several large hospital systems and there are alot of peds openings posted on the hospital websites. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.