volunteerpioneer

It's kind of pricey but the DVDs from Gasparis-Vonfrolio. I've read many of the previous threads on here and it comes up over and over again-- finally sucked it up and purchased it- VERY helpful. I can't sit down and read a textbook for hours, so the...

2 weeks is definitely not enough! We just got a veteran tele RN new to our CT ICU-- they put her on the same training program as everyone else (new grads, and new to ICU RNS): 2 weeks pre-class, 4 weeks in-class, and 4 weeks post-class training. At t...

I'm considering a position at LAC+USC, but if I take it I have to sign a 3 year contract to stay at the hospital (cuz of the training involved). I was wondering if there are any seasoned nurses out there who have worked/ do work at this facility and ...

Where do you live? I live in Los Angeles, here if you apply to one government hospital, it sends out your resume to all-- but it is a slooooooow process. I kept following up with the recruiter and one of the positions that opened up was CT ICU. The t...

I work in a CT ICU and when a pt converts into A-fib, usually 2nd or 3rd post op day, it's almost standard that the doc's write an order for a bolus of 150mg/min over 30 min followed by 1mg/min drip. I've seen a couple patients convert back to NSR ri...

I am a newbie in the CT-ICU and part of my orientation is admitting all the fresh hearts. Yesterday, the case scheduled was CABG x3; but ended up needing an AVR and IABP in OR. and when receiving report they stated he was going to have an open chest....

Everyone thanks for the input. Perhaps I jinxed myself because at yesterday's shift I got my first open chest-patient. start of shift the surgeons did a wash out at bedside and decided to keep the chest open since they were planning to do it again th...

Sorry for the confusion, 'fresh heart' is what we call a patient just received from the OR right after cardiac surgery.

I completely agree with the comment that it is the quality of the training, not the quantity. Also, with sugarmama's comment to take as many open hearts as possible. I am a new grad who was hired straight into CTICU, and have so far been training one...

No i was hired July, cleared August then waited.. and waited.. and waited.. finally 'started' mid November (2 weeks orientation, no floor), started my preceptorship on the Med Surg floor 2nd week of December, on my own now.. waiting for ICU preceptor...

It's us they are referring to. From my understanding they are bringing in the new hires in groups; there was a Sept group (~20), Oct group (~#?), a Nov group (this was my group, 12 of us), Dec group (~20), and now I'm guessing this is the next group...

Hey everyone sorry I've been MIA for so long, I had to work 2 4day weeks! and this week, I started on my own (after 6 weeks c a preceptor) so I'm a little stressed. They said there's another big group of new grads entering the floor soon, so I hope I...

Hi daisyrock, I am begining my training in one of the MS units, and there are some nurses who do an 8hr shift (7-330p), but most do 12. From my understanding the ones who do 8 hrs choose to. I did not have to sign any contract. Perhaps I am in what t...

Sorry for the late replies. I've been really tired after orientation even though it's technically only 8 hrs. I found out that didactic is only actually 1 week, so I will be continuing orientation on the floor next week (for my 2nd week) and will be ...

I'm in ct icu, but haven't beem on the floor at all. We do a 2 week didactic orientation -- I'm actually here right now on break. After this they said we are 3 mos on MS, then ICU

Ya the luncheon is informal and is for ppl who already started. My friend didn't get a start date and called, and they told her she stats dec 1. While on orientation I ran into someone who interviewed the same day as me, july 28, and he had already b...

There is a luncheon with all the new grads panned for dec 15, I will see you there! btw if there's anyone who hasn't gotten a start date, you should call.

From experience: if you already got hired into a unit and are just waiting for a start date then they are extremely hesitant, and pretty much will not allow you to interview for another unit or position.. BUT you can definately inquire and interview ...

Hi- Anyone try the Alegria shoes and how they rate on comfort? I've seen a lot of nurses and staff start wearing them at the hospital, but have not tried them. I don't know if people are just buying them for the looks or if they're really comfortable...

JillthePill- I don't think that will be the case for you, Nursing is also my second career/degree. I graduated back in May 2010, it can get hard but just stay positive that your opportunity will eventually come. daisyrock- I had my initial intervie...

Yes, the date they give me is when I report to HR. The recruiter said that whole day is set up to finalize all the paperwork with HR and Nurse Recruitment and that we would receive our schedule that day as well. She said we would be able to "visit" o...

Nurse recruitment

I received my health clearance mid-August. I'm suppose to be in CT-ICU. But I have a friend who finished clearance around the same time but for another ICU, forgot which ICU, anyway she has not gotten a start date yet so I think they're calling by un...

NOV 16!!!! (for HR stuff)

Hey ICU-ers, I just got a call on the start date!! Unfortunately, I didn't answer my phone and the msg didn't give an exact date, and when I tried calling back they were already out of the office I went on here hoping you guys got the actual date, b...