just1

My hospital sends the staff home when the census is down. I work 36 hours per week, and have been sent home 1 or 2 days per week. Can I apply for unemployment since I am not getting the 36 hours per week that I was hired for? I live in Ohio.

Sure--you are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of FMLA annually provided you complete the correct forms, have worked at a place for 12 months, etc. I have a nurse who takes FMLA a few days at a time to care for a handicapped child. She reports off "FMLA" and our HR Director keeps track of the days.

I agree--you need the clinical experience as well as the education to enter a management position and especially for a position in administration. I worked 12 years as a staff RN then another 9 years in UR, Asst Head Nurse, Head Nurse positions before my current job as COO/Chief Nursing Officer.

How about a nice stethoscope or a watch with a second hand?

I'd call her if she told you to. Could they have checked your references and/or job application and found out that you had an attendance problem, changed jobs frequently, etc? "Would you rehire her?" is a legitimate question when checking references. A "No" response makes me take a second look at the job applicant.

Are you able to make schedule requests? Ask to work 2 or 3 night shifts in a row, then be off at least 2 days before coming back to work. Should help.:zzzzz

Days are busier--baths, meals, physician rounds, visitors, tests, etc. But you have the extra support of a Unit Clerk, management, etc. Try it--it's worth it to get back on a "normal" schedule of sleeping nights.

If you are interested in studies on alcohol and health, how about: - Maternal alcohol use and effect of infant birth weight - Alcohol use and effect on cardiac health. Difference between red and white wine? - Alcohol use and breast cancer risk.

SFSN is right on the money. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau and was on the Board of my chapter for years. Big complaint was members who are inducted and no longer pay their dues. But once a member, always a member whether you pay your dues or not.

Find out what staff nurses in your area are making and take it from there. I worked in UR in the mid-90s, made $4000-5000 less per year than staff nurses supposedly because we worked no weekends/evenings/holidays, no lifting or exposure to body fluids, etc. I had surveyed multiple hospitals across the country at the time and found this to pretty much be the trend. It was a good job and I enjoyed it, even at the lower salary.

An easy way to handle the "What are your weaknesses" question is to point out the obvious. For example, if you are a new graduate, you could ackowledge that you have limited (or no) actual work experience but emphasize your clinical experiences in school. Always worked in Long Term Care but looking for a job in the hospital? You can answer, "no acute care experience" but emphasize skills that transfer from LTC to acute care. You can address qualifications as listed in a job ad--"Not ACLS certified but registered to take course in June". Recognize your weakness but demonstrate a willingness to learn. Good luck!

I received my MSN from a private university where all of the instructors listed their name, followed by their degree, then their RN. The thought--they can take away my RN but not my MSN. I don't plan on losing either one though! Hope this helps.

Heparin usage is a biggie with Joint Commission. How about looking into whether IV lines can be maintained with NS flushes instead of with heparinized flushes? While I know that many facilities have done away with heparin and flush their lines (PICCs, TLCs, etc.) with 10 cc. NS q 8-12 hours, it is a bit tougher to locate the research that supports this. If you find anything, let me know! Our hospital is looking to make the switch.

I work in a small hospital without computerized order entry. Is anyone having luck getting the physicians to note the date & time when they sign their telephone orders within 48 hours? I think that the physicians here are boycotting the whole issue! They will sign their orders but refuse to note the date and time.