Burnenup

oops, this should be a private message but I cant figure out how to delete!

Ok, please tell me this is some sort of joke! NO WAY would a nurse with 3 or 4 yrs experience ever get paid this much, particularly in a contract situation! I am offended at such an offer if this is real, and you should be as well. Do more research is all I can say; and DO NOT sign that contract! They are completely taking advantage of you and please do share the agency's name because they should know better than to even offer such a wage...... yes this is an emotional response because this is a ridiculous offer. by the way, a good/average rate is anywhere between 32-37 and hour if you accept the housing, with shift diffs and OT and contracted hours

I agree, it seems like once a place gets an impression of you thats it, unfortunately! A year of experience at a level one should help you land another good job; I also hear that often times the first ICU is the toughest! so hang in there (I tell myself that very same thing) and good luck!!!!

Im going Walden University and it seems fine so far!

You will see A LOT of interesting things at Denver Health, but Exempla has a great ICU training program. Also, you can try Centura-St. Anthony Central is a level one in Denver. I am trying to be PC here, but I would go anywhere else before Denver Health.....they are actually NICE at Exempla, St. Joes is downtown! try that

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Hi Divegirl! I live in the Centennial area too! so Welcome (soon)! I think you will enjoy it, but I am biased. How old are your kids?

Hi! I have been interested in Agency nursing since nursing school, mostly for the flexibility, travel, you know-the perks! :) I elected to get some more ICU experience and ended up in a BCC class, hoping to take my CCRN in about 3 months or so. Heres the dilemma (you knew there had to be one, right?): I have this full time job, but sick of call offs! already 2 within a month, and no more PTO time to cover. Bummer, especially right after Christmas, son's birthday. I am nervous about making the leap, but am thinking I will meet with a recruiter for an agency, then check into contracts. Ultimately, I want/need/see myself working a contract, even traveling for the 13 weeks or so, then coming home, and working PRN while baseball season is rolling. My son is in 10th grade, and I want to be able to go his games, have some fun, then pick up another contract. I am also interested in pursuing CRNA school, but not until he graduates. Is this what I can do with agency nursing? I am interested in the reasons one chooses this over a full time position. and oh ya, I figured a few months is long enough in any hospital! Thanks.

Wow! That is pretty frickin' awesome. I was in a smaller ICU for about 10 months, then transferred and took a BCC class, finished orientation and have been there for about 4 months. Unfortunately, everyone knows you just finished this class and end up being treated like a new grad! and I really want to move forward with my CCRN, but they wont pay for the test until youve been there for about a year. I am feeling like this transfer may actually be holding me back now. I have always had my sights on CRNA, but am getting burned out in "the unit"....... point is, Thanks! I know that no one can stop me from my dreams, so time to find my CRNA book and plan on applying by next August if that is what I really want. and good luck!

There are three main players in denver, HealthOne, Centura, and maybe Exempla is the other. why a level 1? I have some recommendations; feel free to contact me and I will make some suggestions!

Hey Knobby! oh, you sound so frustrated! Sounds like they are hanging onto you while youre still obligated! My suggestion is to work like you have never worked before, if you are not already working yourself to the bone, get some good references, but then know when to look elsewhere for some REAL ICU experience. I mean start circulating your resume at other facilities if you have to. You will have an awesome resume because #1-you will have fulfilled a contract obligation, and #2-step down after being a new grad looks good too. Another year in an ICU somewhere is not going to hurt when applying to schools. I just finished a BCC course with a 2 year obligation; this after working as a house sup and in the ICU for about 10 months in a smaller level 4 facility. Hopefully I will have a strong resume and more importantly, KNOWLEDGE by the time I am ready to go for it! so my advice.....fulfill your obligation and then move on! but put your best effort forth now, it will pay off.

Oh, yes, I have read some of the ICU book; the blue one, I have been told reads like stereo instructions, and yes it sure does! very dry, but great resource. Thanks!

I actually just moved, so no I cant move again! but good idea..... Also got a call back from the CNS, and feel more like this is where I need to go! such great educational opportunities. Thanks!:wink2:

Should I be picking up more chem courses (or others) while I am gaining ICU experience? or is it best to apply "cold"? I graduated with BSN in May 2006. I am planning on applying for CRNA school between 1-2 years. Love ICU, but my goal, similiar to some others I have seen, have been anesthesiology for a LONG TIME. Thanks:bow:

Good luck in school!

Hi! I just wanted to prove I can post a nonrambling post.....not really! I enjoy doing the focused assessments, and total nursing care! and I feel like I am never alone. The teamwork rocks! oh, and diprovan is cool.....

Sorry to have to start a new thread, but I have a situation. Thoughts and input appreciated! I was in a small ICU for about 9 months. Loved it, but had to relocate for various reasons. My company dillydallied around until moving day, literally, to solidify a transfer offer, unfortunately NOT to another ICU, but another med/surg type unit. Great manager thus far and coworkers, but man do I ever miss critical care!! so now I have been offered a position at a place I applied during my mass applications before being offered a transfer, but it is about an hour away. It is a B-A-U tiful ICU, (trauma, neuro, med, surg-in different pods but the opportunity to work in various areas is GREAT!) new, so pretty....LOL but they are all about education, which is huge for me, pretty much my dream job, great benes, etc. only down side really is the commute, and the change in jobs. so I guess I am just contemplating my options. I have only been a nurse 2 years, love it, and if anyone else feels my pain/dilemma, sigh.....(literally). I so miss responding to RRT alerts, Code blue, you name it. I have also asked about a transfer to ICU after 6 months, but was told "no guarantees." SO heres the question: Do I tough it out for a while hoping to get another position elsewhere-though I have applied locally with NO success? or go for the great job a bit further away until my resume is stronger and experience can bring me closer to home? ARGH:bugeyes: I often wondered if I would find my niche, and bam! my lightening struck. Its true, you either absolutely hate crit care, or you love it. I not only love it but I live it:redbeathe........and miss it already:crying2:. by the way, I am also the only one with ACLS on my new unit-what does that tell you? Thanks guys.