NurseSnarky

Great info! I'm also going to print it out. Invaluable information for sure!

I'm not sure how other SC's do it, but where I work (OR/PACU at times), only a couple of DC nurses do Phase I recovery (hence why I am pulled from the back sometimes). Otherwise the Admitting and DC go back and forth.

I'm not a CRNA...I'll get that out there now. I've wanted to pursue a degree in the field for some time, so I do know about the politics involved. I've also went toe to toe with a MD over what a CRNA can do, has done (i.e. history), and their huge ...

Sometimes the issue is being able to balance multiple patients with multiple issues. ICU gives you 1-2 patients with multiple issues. The ER? That's multiple pts, multiple problems in a short period of time. That's tough. I don't know...some post...

I am glad you got the interview and you're going to shadow. Observe, take notes, ask questions when you can about the working environment, call requirements when you're off orientation, etc. Be friendly...make the OR nurses and scrub techs LOVE you...

You have to be highly organized and able to multitask in this role. Skills you need to work in a hospital. You would have a leg up as far as a non-nurse receptionist in that if an important piece of info comes in you will know to get that to one of...

Oh boy! I had one too. My instructor seemed to be "okay" but a little distant with me. I was not her favorite. She showed me my written review one day and it was excellent across the board (maybe midway through clinicals)...the very next week I h...

I've worked both. Cath Lab is a different pace than PACU. The patient is awake, groggy instead of out. So it's like recovering a heavy MAC. You do groin checks, pt has to remain flat so you will be giving pain meds. Pulling lines/sheaths can be ...

I second the University of Iowa. I've worked with SEVERAL students in their final rotation of clinicals over the past several months and they really know their stuff. Anesthesia has even hired one and he hit the ground running. It's just and excel...

I worked in a hospital that was "color coded" as well and I strongly believe it's a great thing to do. Nurses wore white, navy, or a combo of the two...and on special holidays we could wear prints or printed jackets. Techs would wear burgundy, unit...

I can sprint pretty good down the OR hallway in them. I would never be without my Danskos either. My legs and feet don't ache at all. They are not for everyone, but 99% of the OR staff and docs wear them. When I worked on the floor and while I wa...

gr8ape...holy cow! I would give my first born for ancillary staff! LOL! I do work ASC, and I "thought" I knew how it was going to be (i.e. in the interview, "you know how same day surgery works, right"...ummmm, sure! Not so much after all). Now ...

I have never looked down upon a MA, a CNA, or ST because they are not a Nurse. I don't think anyone has implied that MAs are idiots...I think the gripe is that some (not all) think a monkey can do an RN's job. And that SOME present themselves as N...

cardiac/telemetry floor is my vote just because it gives you a great start for critical care if you choose to go that direction. When I worked tele, we had to take the critical care class and talk about gaining knowledge! And if you decide to work ...

LOL! I just CRINGE when I hear that as I scan the half empty room! ARGH!! And there are some that just want ALL of the other's toys from the playground in the room. I know who they are and my coworkers will always get on me for bringing everyth...

Don't forget the doc's stash! I also have the size issue (need smalls, none available)...so I've raided the men's locker room many times. I know you've already been to work today, but I agree about emailing/contacting the manager.

I agree...and don't do pop if you don't have to have it. Water, water, water. Mid-morning I'll have a quick sip of 100% OJ with no added sugar. Oh and I forgot, I also second the Naked juices. Some Starbucks will sell them, so I ask them to blend...

Breakfast...it really is the most important meal of the day when heading into the OR. I can oh so feel it if I've not eaten well. Don't be stingy on that btw...eat a healthy BIG breakfast with the protein and whole wheat natural bread (no high fruc...

"Witches"...yikes! I worked PACU Phase I for over three years and I really loved it. I had no time to knit or surf the internet because if I didn't have a patient or one coming in I would be trying to help the OR nurses or anesthesia. Also it was ...

I see this sometimes...yikes! Most just take off their watches, rings, and place on the desk with their cell phones.

Leave them at home...I put mine in my scrub pocket once. Went home late on a Friday night only to wake up Saturday morning realizing they were in my POCKET!! I called an ED friend, laundry hadn't been taken luckily and she kindly dug through the la...

You tell the charge or ask a coworker if they can get you out to go. Many (not where I work) have two circulators to a room and you can run to the bathroom if needed. Now not so easy if you're the only OR nurse around. I've worked late where only ...

Stop the "no news is good news" mentality. I do like some acknowledgment during Nurses' Week. Nothing was acknowledged where I worked...not even a printed or handwritten "Happy Nurses' Week" flyer...nothing, nada, nil. In contrast...the doctors got...

EXCELLENT (as usual) Canes...#9 is my biggest pet peeve I think. I am a quiet circulator as I'm trying to pay attention, etc. We had a med student recently who was a CHATTY Cathy and the surgeon was getting more than annoyed. I could see he was ab...

I get my lunch everyday (albeit late lately)...I get my breaks 99% of the time and if I have to get out to go the bathroom or whatever, I ask someone to give me a potty break. No one wants a crabby, half starved, full bladder OR nurse around. No, n...