amarilla RN

I am leaving nursing for another health profession and it is the ONLY reason I'd leave the ER, *laugh. I could never go back to floor nursing and have no desire to work for a doctor's fiefdom in ambulatory care. I've worked in same day surgery and pr...

Hmm. While I may not be one of the more eloquent posters here, I'll try to be succinct: I triage people in danger of dying or nearly dead as '1', indicating immediate lifesaving intervention needed, i.e., arrests brought in in progress. Emergent trea...

I think the best thing to do may be to look up your local hospitals to take a look at the job descriptions posted for ED techs. It will tell you exactly what they want in terms of experience, certifications and the like. The few EDs I've worked for h...

Oh, so many things here that irritate me on a regular basis (and now I've been reminded of them on my day off!). Here are mine: Cosign the many who have posted about the cutesy cartoons and cut-outs that are posted on the walls. Just no. This is not ...

Please take this gently, OP, but sometimes we aren't always doing as well as we think we are. A month on med-surg to work on your skills may just mean that you're lacking the assessment skills and time management of your more experienced ED peers at ...

Hi all, I could really use some advice. I've been a nurse four years or so; a few years on the floors and about 18 months in the ED. I started a second job a few months ago for more hours and am contemplating whether to stay or to go - help me decide...

When you put it that way, definitely! I suppose it's just been surreal that none of the other nurses there seem to be bothered by the way things are there. I come home and feel bad about the care some of the patients have received because I couldn't ...

ICURNmaggie, I feel like a number of my free text entries in the chart are 'pt ______. Vital signs now _____. MD ____ made aware. No further orders at this time.' You can actually see the situation deteriorate through my notes. Ugghhh

Hi TLC, Thank you for your reply. Perhaps I should give a few examples to better illustrate the scenario? Let's say you go up to one of the docs with an update and as you open your mouth to speak, you get a finger held up to your face and then a 'WHA...

You might not always need consent to disclose to law enforcement though; know your state laws and hospital policy first. JME. Another link, this one specific to LE from HHS: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/special/emergency/final_h...

We get these - call them 'detainers'. For whatever reason, the police place the detainer and make us aware when we accept the patient into the ED. They leave and we treat the patient. When dispo approaches, we call and advise same and two officers ar...

I feel your pain, OP, and yes, I would LOVE to have a discharge specialist to coordinate rides home! My regular job does not give out vouchers or bus passes, (we're nearly bankrupt as is), but my pd job will do so if the patient isn't on the usual of...

Hi all, I'm about to start in a new ED, (ordering those scrubs must have manifested the offer, seriously), where they're utilizing a block schedule. Days are grouped and change every week; excluding holidays, you'll already know when you're working, ...

Agree with the previous posters to ask yourself why you want off the floor and what you're looking for. I started in med-surg, went into float pool and pursued an ED position for about six months before one finally gave me a chance. Like you, OP, I '...

1. NJ 2. 3 3. ED 4. 34.00 5. 2.50 for nights 6. Non-union

I (try to) do all the stats and anything that seems like a biggie to move treatment forward, i.e., giving units of blood, starting that heparin drip, making sure the blood cultures / ekg / trops / whatever got done, etc. You'd be surprised what seemi...

Oh...how sweet it is to check in and see this thread still going. :) Recent ones: Male pt, 50s, found in wheelchair in front of ED. Had IV and bracelet from another facility. Hrm. Called them up and they said "you're welcome!!" and hung up. Oh noes. ...

Samesies OP!! I had an interview followed by a contingent offer and bought new scrubs in anticipation. I've been trying to get into this particular ED since spring and felt so close to clinching it. I went to the 'hiring day' activities today - it mu...

I am three years in and agree with a few of the previous posters: yes, you settle in with a job and once you get comfortable, you begin to look for challenges once again. I worked the floor for over two years before moving to the ED; I've just accept...

I spent several years on the floors in float pool and have now been in the ED for the past six months or so. Depending on the floor, YES...unfortunately this is absolutely possible that the first you hear of a new admit is when the call is transferre...

Rant respected. I'm expecting a dress code change myself and am preparing my pocketbook. I'm just hoping it's nothing too ugly or, worse yet, all white. Ug! Maybe you can sell those gently used scrubs on ebay and make a few dollars for them? I've sol...

I've only been in the ED a few months myself but agree with others that your ratios are outrageous! I'm not sure how much better you can be at 'prioritizing' if you're babysitting a handful of admits as well as *ten* or more new patients - there is o...

Apply in the outer boroughs - Manhattan is overrun with applications and no harm, no foul if you're planning on living in Brooklyn or Queens. If you have recent (within the last year) acute experience and three good references, perhaps apply through ...

The orientation offered will differ according to the hospital, their available resources, and the background of the incoming nurse. I've worked for large, level 1 teaching facilities with strict programs in place for both new graduates and nurses new...

I wouldn't worry; I sign my regular 'civilian' name on work documents for HR, payroll and the like. I save the 'RN' for times it is necessary to indicate my position - like patient records, union forms, nursing education hours at work, etc.