Psyched Out RN

Yep! Just got hired as a new grad in an acute psychiatric hospital. There are only 2 weeks of orientation, so we will see how that goes... but I'm lovin' it so far!

I just got hired at a psychiatric hospital as a new grad nurse in TN, getting paid $29/hr including the $4 shift differential for nights.

Hi! I'm curious if there are any current or former TN Oncology nurses out there... I submitted my resume for consideration of a staff nurse position there, and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me more about the nursing responsibilities here, as well as what the work environment is like. I'd also love to hear from anyone who has experience with chemo infusion and/or cancer care. I appreciate anyone's input! Thanks!

Hi all, I'm a senior nursing student precepting in SICU. I want to start getting comfortable w/giving report to other nurses and MDs because I am nervous about leaving out important information and/or sounding like I don't know what I'm talking about! Does anyone have any advice or want to share their own method of giving report? I appreciate any input! Thanks!

Hello! :) I am a soon-to-be new graduate of a bachelor's degree program (3 more months -- yay!), and I'm interested in beginning a career as a NICU nurse. I really haven't had any experience in the NICU, although I've been through an OB/postpartum rotation and I have visited my local hospital's NICU, spoke w/the nurses there, and loved the atmosphere! I would have loved to do my preceptorship in the NICU, but unfortunately there were limited spots for students, and I am doing mine in the surgical-trauma intensive care unit instead. Though it is several months in advance before I graduate and earn licensure, I am thinking about applying for NICU jobs in the city I plan to move to upon graduation. I have several questions about this: -- What are the chances of a new grad being hired into a NICU, especially ones like me without the experience? -- What sort of interview questions can I expect to be asked? -- What steps can I take to increase my chances of being hired at this moment in time? I appreciate any advice and input you can give me! Thanks so much :)

Yes, all the answers are statements we could expect from someone w/schizophrenia, but the point of the question is to pick the answer that you would be most concerned about investigating further for the possibility of risk/danger to the patient. Does that make sense?

My guess is 4 because I'd want to know what the voices are telling the patient to do (could be a situation where pt. is a danger to him/herself or others). What is the answer and why are you confused?

What are the differences between nursing in the MICU vs. SICU/STICU? In your opinion, is there one that is better than the other? If so, why?

I think I will go and look for that book! Thanks for the helpful info!

I'll be precepting at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. Several of my fellow students will be at Brookwood in Birmingham as well!

Thanks for the wonderful info! I hope I have a great experience. If you don't mind my asking, what hospital did you precept at? I see you are in AL, and I will be precepting there as well!

Hi all! I am a senior nursing student, about to begin my preceptorship in an SICU. I chose the unit because I felt like it would be the most challenging of units, that I would learn valuable information for my career as a nurse, although I'm not sure that the ICU will be the direction I take post-graduation or not. What knowledge do you think would be the most helpful for me to take into this experience? I'm not really sure what will be expected of me on the first day. I am nervous, excited, and scared all at the same time! Any advice/tips you can offer me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance :)