kittle81

Okay fellow nurses: I'm an RN with 1 year experience originally from the central KY area, looking to move back soon. Which hospital in Lexington is the best? All inclusive- pay, benefits, atmosphere, morale, you get the picture. I called the 3 biggies today- UK, St. Joe and Central Baptist, and got a better idea of the pay, but I am still unsure of the working conditions and other benefits. Salary isn't everything, it helps, but if you hate where you work, it doesn't matter. Any info would be much appreciated. I would LOVE to hear from some of you that currently work or have worked at one of these hospitals. Thanks!!

Funny you should mention cost. Just last night a new memo was posted about these swabs stating that the hospital pays for them and they should not be done if the pt is already known to have a history of MRSA/VRE/Acenitobacter to save on cost. If say they are a known history of MRSA in the sputum/nares, we would not do that swab- only the peri-anal for VRE/acenitobacter. Who knows. But yeah, I doubt they'll start swabbing any of the staff. How many of us have been in a room, right in a patients face for 3 days only to come back the next night and see an isolation sign up? Tons, I'm sure.

OMG. I'm glad we're not the only facility that is doing this. LOL I haven't read all the posts, but the nasal swabs are for MRSA and the peri/anal swabs (we actually swab the arm pits, then groin, then rectum) are to test for acenitobacter and VRE. Our facility is only doing these on transfers from nursing homes and from other hospitals, but I'm just waiting for the day that they start doing these on all new admissions. My first swab was on a young, attractive male transfer from another hospital. Boy that was fun! LOL We actually have caught some acenitobacter and MRSA that were not disclosed to us on admission by doing this, so I guess it's serving it's purpose, but yeah, what a great way to start your stay.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am meeting with my 1st choice hospital HR guy tomorrow to make sure that I am making the right decision. I think once I speak to him, my gut instinct will let me know if it's right or not. I had a better day today and have finally been put with a nurse. Thing is- I won't be with the same one throughout my orientation. I was told in school that I would and that concerns me too. The other hospital does that. Also, I'm not just orientating to one unit- I'm going all over the hospital which is very frustrating because I don't know where I'll end up and may not be proficient in that area. I guess I'll make my decision for sure tomorrow. Any advice on quitting this early? Like about what I should say--- LTMJA what did you friend say or do when they quit?

Hello fellow nurses! I need some advice. I recently graduated RN school and had 2 job opportunities. One hospital is closer to home, but smaller and is union, the other is a larger hospital (was my 1st choice) and is a little further from home-(about 21 miles). I interviewed for my 1st choice hospital back in February and was very excited and pleased with how things are set up, how things run, just the overall atmosphere of the hospital was very attractive to me. I was offered a job on a telemetry floor- full time- night shift. I accepted the job, but was unable to start until I got my temporary license (so said HR)even though the person I interviewed with suggested that I go ahead and come on board as an extern. So, due to financial reasons, I took the job at my 2nd choice because they were willing to start me shortly after school as an extern to get me used to the unit, etc. Downfalls to this hospital are many- it is union and some may view that as good, but as I'm unsure of how this all works, the things I'm hearing are not good- for example- I'm told that I can get bumped out of positions by someone of higher seniority. The employees are not happy with their jobs, most simply stay because they have been there so long. Also, I am unsure as to what unit I will be working on, what shift, if I will be "relief" and work various shifts as needed to cover. Also, the pay is a little less, and I was told that I would be making about 2 more dollars on the hour than what I will actually be making. I don't know what to do. I've only been there for a couple of weeks and have only been following around nurses aide's, not working with nurses and learning any paperwork, etc. I finally have my temporary license and have not told my 1st choice hospital that I will not be coming there, so I still have that as an option. I just don't feel that I will be happy if I stay at this hospital, but at the same time, think it's poor practice to leave during orientation. Any advice?? Thanks!