Ebeza

I have a quick ques regarding what constitutes nurses "being on-duty" Recently, our hospital along with "our" union, agreed that nurses on their break are not allowed to rest in a supine position with eyes closed. Subject to termination. We are really upset about this, since we sometimes work three 12 hr shifts in a row (all night) and are required to work 4 out of 7 once a month. It's a busy L& D unit so you can imagine how busy it can get. My ques is, our contract states "while on duty" we cannot do these things, but... when we are on break, aren't we technically off-duty? Some of us walk to to get coffee or go meditate in a dark place. Please direct me to who we can get to assist since we are getting no support from our management. Thanks

Hello out there: I am currently an RN at a New York City hospital working in Labor & Delivery. It's challenging yet I long for the adventure of working in a foreign country. I was on the expedition Operation Raleigh over 10 yrs ago and am looking for that excitement again. I'm unattached and able to move around, any one know if I could get funding to work in a military hospital where I could work (on salary)? I'm currently making a LARGE salary at my hospital but they allow leave up to one yr ... any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Ebeza :paw:

Dear Cori.d: Thanks for the advice. I wound up staying on that floor for a year, which is now over. I'm going to California to do Travel Nursing for the winter while I pay off school loans and relax outdoors. I've done a lot of thinking and am trying to find a position I like and eventually go down to two days and then start my own wildlife rescue organization. Planning to build up to fulltime animal work, I've enjoyed nursing but realy long to be back in my old profession(which didn't pay), hence... I know I can find a good position SOMEWHERE as a nurse but the last 12 months at this New York hospital has really aged me. We're always short staffed lately and the attitude of the day nurses stinks (I work nights and fly solo almost the whole night), I can write a book on the subject "thinking about Nursing? read this first". I can say this because I've had some really great jobs, mostly blue-collar, working with men. I just can't believe the feats that my fellow nurses pull off on a nightly basis with very little notice from anyone. Anyway, I'm still going to give nursing another year in various states and we'll see what I come up with. I believe one should live their life to the fullest everyday! I'll post again once I 'm settled in Ca, cheers,

I had a new admit come in with this in middle of the night. Female, 40's pscyh hx. I needed a brush up and asked the intern what we should be watching for: She said the protein in her body was breaking down and they wanted to flush her kindneys that's why the NS was running at 250 cc hr. Yeah, I went and got an imed controller. she was gone the next night so I don't know what happened to her-- (transferred)

Hi Tutulu: Regards your question to globe trot as a nurse, I don't think you have to join the army to do that. I've been reading in on the Australian Nursing forum (on this site) and see that they have quite a different life than we american nurses. i'm a New York City Nurse on a medcial floor with one year of medical expereince and have now been calling travel companies to start my travel nursing. I'm going to Ca this winter then prob. Alaska this spring. However... I used to travel a lot in adventurous capacities, such as Australia England, Scotland, Germany. I know for a fact that Australia has a pleasant and not overloaded work environment. though it was ten years ago I was allowed to sleep overnight for several days while a man I was involved with languished away with a brain tumour. I was able to watch the nurses in action which shaped my background on nursing. I also know an Irish girl at my hosptial who says the conditions in Ireland aren't that bad but the money isn't there. I heard England has overcrowded conditions. Go on these forums and get a hook-up. I'm sure you could even find work in Thailand or other exotic locales. let me know how you do, I may follow suit--good luck--

hey Beausud, thanks for the info, I think it's going to be very good for me there. I plan on renewing my contract and staying for the whole winter, one more ques. any good hospitals near the Santa ynez (not spelled right I know)mountains/ i'm craving nature and a more inland location--cheers, happy travels to you (in future)

H i, i'm going to be a travelling nurse and I've chosen Santa Barbara due to it's gorgeous location and proximity to all of the things I need to be happy. I was wondering, can anyone reccommend a good hospital there to work at? I plan on staying for the entire winter. I've also chosen RNnetwork since I've heard so many good things about them, if anyone knows the area and can give me a few tips I'd sure appreciate it. It sounds like Cottage Hospital is very good but i'd like to pick the hospital if it's possible, they said jobs for October don't post until August. Thanks for your help--

Dear Ratchit: Thanks for the input on housing, I acutally already got a good offer with "private housing" for an agency that will let me bring my dog. I was thinking now of "travellin'" in Northern California because I love the mountains and may see about doing some ranch work while I have time (I'm an ex-stable hand) jonesing for some outdoor equine activities. Anyway, if anyone could reccommend any states where there are ranches nearby I'd be much obliged. I was thinking Ca might be a good choice since the nurse/pt ratio is low and the compensation is high (higher than most). I'm making bank right now at a New York City hospital but ready to get off the merry-go-round. any input from other travellers would be appreciated (It's just me and my dog hitting the road) I prefer the country but come from the city. Lived already in Ak, Az, Or, Ca and Pa. and would ove to revisit these areas. Thanks for your help!

Hi M Kae: Where did you travel to? I'm getting ready to find a good company to work for after I take some time off this summer. I'm interested in Anchorage or Ca, would like to hear what you think of your travel co and any things I need to be aware of before signing up. Thanks for your help--

Hey Brandon, just wanted to let you know, I've traveled A LOT doing other jobs, now I've been an RN for 7 mos, going to finish out the year and qualify for travel nursing. I was thinking about getting a boat myself, then travel nursing jobs in California and Alaska would REALLY be exciting, not to mention all of those gorgeous warm places. Get your experience first then the world can be your oyster, remember "The path to success is to take massive, determined action" (quote from anthony Robbins)--best of luck--

Dear Qanik: Wow, thanks for the input. You sure have a lot of experience. I will definitely put your advice to good use, thanks again for your help-- Ebeza

Hey Miki, thanks for the input. From the sound of the other replies it looks like most travel agencies use hotels to put us up. Any hope of getting a small apt or house if I stay 3 mos? I'm just going to start approaching agency's to see what they offer, thanks much for all of your help-- E.

Hi, wanted some input on good travel agencies that allow you to bring your dog (my constant companion). I'm planning on doing some traveling this fall after I have one year experience. Which specialities are favored by travel agencies--I want to work in the ER, in Alaska, Montana, California or Utah (yeah I know tall list-- yeeha!) Thanks for your help-- :rotfl:

Was hoping on getting some feedback. I'm a new nurse (6 mos. experience) working on a medical unit in a very busy New York City Hospital. I'm looking to switch out (transfer) to the ER in my hospital or a smaller one affiliated with us. Working Med-(Surge) is tough for me, I crave the action of a trauma environment and the quickness I hear the ER is known for. Now, I'm changing bedpans, fetching ice water and myriad of other demands my 9 pts make on me as well as dealing with uppity PCA's who dissapear when you need them etc... basically I'm ready to upgrade but want advice: do I stick it out for another 6 mos here or switch to Er? My bosses will not want to lose me. I want to begin specializing in certifications to get me ready for flight nursing. I'm single and adventurous, I'd like to work in Alaska or Montana, so I'd love to hear what I need to be focusing on to be seen as "desirable". Thanks!

Galamar, the massage to Tinker about recent hire and hos. in new York was directed to you! Sorry--!:)