mommyof2grls

I work under a Rad Tech Manager, No nursing manager to speak of. They are very defensive and say that they have taken the test(10 basic questions), and are ACLS certified, and that the hospital policy supports them giving CS under supervisioin of a Dr. THis is an Interventional area, that runs all its RN's off because they are under the impression that they can do pt assessments themselves. I feel like I am banging my head against a wall with these people, they keep going back to their "Hospital Policy", I go to my NPA, they have suggested I go higher if I am not happy with this plan of care, but that makes me the bad guy of the Unit. I guess I signed on to be Pt advocate first, so wish me luck and thank you so much for all the great information. The support is greatly appreciated!!! :monkeydance:

Wow, thanks for all the informatioin! I have contacted SBN in Tennessee, where I work. Their response was "qualified persons as stated for each individual hospital policy" JCAHO said the same thing. Both feel that if the hospital wants to say anyone can give CS if they have ACLS, and have taken a 10 question CS test, then that is OK. I Guess if a physician sees the pt for 20 seconds that counts as well as a thourough nursing assessment, and anyone can give the drugs and monitor. It is a big territory thing, If I don't do the assressment, I don't push the drugs, If I don't push the drugs I am don't have anything to do with that case. It is not meeting Standards of care issues, but apparentyl they are not worried about giving each patient the same quality of care. :-) Thank You for the input!!!!

JCAHO says "qualified Persons", state board has no stand on it as long as the RN is working withing her/his scope of practice. Risk management, I have no idea. I think if they had a family member on the talbe they would request an RN. I know I would.

As an RN, I am having a hard time with this. I came from a hospital that was very by the book, no ambiguous policy's etc. Things were very clear. If you were not atleast an RN, and have ACLS, and a CS class you did not push any form of sedation, narcotic, or any other IV drug for that matter. I have techs giving Benadry, fentanyl, versed, and the list goes on. The unit has recently decided they need to be ACLS certified, but I can think of plenty of nurses who may be ACLS but still have no business pushing sedation. I have contacted the state boards of nursing, and JCAHO. No one is giving me anything but "qualified persons=ACLS and yearly competency", per each hospitals policy. Can I get some feed back. I work in IR, and they are very anti RN, i get the feeling the techs think they can do my job! I just feel there is more to giving drugs and monitoring the patient. It goes to the whole system and understanding it as a whole. Any input either way is greatly appreciated.

Our Hospital Policy says"qualified" personel, therefore Rad Techs are allowed to push all drugs under a phys orders as long as they are "present". We all know how that goes. THey have recently added that you must be ACLS as well. We all take a 10 question moderate sedation test annually.

Hello all, We just moved to Arkansas last August. My Husband is a CRNA, and I am n RN. We are from Kansas, but really like it here so far. I live in Arkansas, but work in Memphis, love the hsopital and unit I work in. I am used to Trauma, and Bruns etc, and am working Out Patient Specials right now, so it is quite a change of pace, but canot beat 8-4:30 shifts! :)

I live in Marion and drive to Germantown, about 30 miles, take the old bridge takes 30-40 minutes. I have 7 years exp and if I were to work full time with benefits I would only make about 22/hr, and pay 200-400 a month for family Health insurance not counting co pays etc. PRN is 26-28/hr at the big hospitals. The Med said 21/hr FT, even with Level 1/Burn?Trauma experience. Nursing pay is horrible and while I am happier with 23 compared to 12.67 when I graduated in 1997, we still don't make squat! We can however, move anywhere and get a job, change specialties etc. As well as have an impact on peoples lives, that's why I do this!!!

Thanks! Actually we are waiting to sell our house then looking seriously at a house in River trace. Also one in town, older, but very nice. I have been talking to Linda @ the med, hoping to get a position in Trauma or TICU. Thanks for the input!!! Do you live in Marion? West Memphis? What about Day Care? I have a 16 month old and a 4 year old. Do any of the hospitals have CDC's? Thanks!

[Thanks! I have worked 4 years Burn Trauma ICU, and am looking to get back into that area. Thanks for the info, My Husband would be working at Crittendon, so we have to be close to there.

Hello all! We are thinking of moving to the West Memphis area, are actually coming down to look at realestate this weekend. I am an RN with 6+ years over all, 4 in TBICU, 1 year as a Trauma Specialist, some PICU, SICU and PACU. I am thinking of taking a Travel position but would like more inside info on the area, the hospitals and the over all do's and don'ts. Any advice, or info is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks, Devi :)

Congratulations!!!!

I am so glad to hear all your hard work has paid off!!!! Keep us updated on your progress and again.. CONGRATS!!!!!!

I am told that 18-20/hr is the going rate, and that is for experienced. NOt sure what it is for new grads. Much better in the smaller towns.

I am told that 18-20/hr is the going rate, and that is for experienced. NOt sure what it is for new grads. Much better in the smaller towns.

Yeah!!! Wonderful News Ian!! Congrats!! :balloons:

Yeah!!! Wonderful News Ian!! Congrats!! :balloons:

Congrats to all of you, and fingers crossed for those still waiting, wishing you all the luck!!

I saw 1 or 2 on Barnes-Jewish Jobsite. http://www.barnesjewish.org/groups/default.asp?NavID=1163

2 of my classmates from BSN program were torn between CRNA and Becoming a Phys. ( had not decided which areas to go into) Both had at least a 3.9 overall GPA, and did Excellent on the MAT(is that the right one?), and both were accepted to atleast one program I know of. They had taken the basic undergrad courses required, but instead of taking say..Chem 110 for health professionals they took 111 gen Chem etc. Neither one went that route and both are CRNA's now and very happy with their decision. Both say that for the time, education and money they are very happy with their role as CRNA's and if they had to do it all over again would go the same route.

Wonderful News GC! CONGRATS!!!! :balloons:

Thanks RNLou, May contact you later for more info on areas to live, won't do anything for a little while. Thinking about trying to work a day a week or something and driving from here, its 120 miles. Not sure if that will work with the kids, etc. Hey there Trauma, I have been so busy, just lurking when I get a chance. Working on Patho, playing with the girls and contemplating my next move etc. :-) Are you excited yet???? :)

We are thinking of moving to the St. Louis area. I am curious about the area, the hospitals, and work as a CRNA as well as an RN. I would like to work in a large ICU for awhile then poss apply to Webster, or the new Jewish Hospital Program. I have heard the area has good schools and hospitals, just looking for more input on this potential plan for our future. Thanks ahead of time!!!

28 month program. Application deadline, April 1st Pre requisites: 1 year ICU, Stats, Physics, A&P, and I think Chem. Most of the rest seems to be run of the mill stuff. Hope this helps. :)

I work PRN at a little hospital. They pay 33/hr for PRN. I wanted to go to Evansville to work Trauma, but PRN pay is only 20/hr (yeah I about fell over when they said that). So by the time you add in a 2 hour round trip commute and gas, boy haven't made that little for years!! I personally thought it was an insult considering I have 5 years at a Level 1. The draw back, is this little hospital really doesn't have a "TRUE" ICU, it's more of what would have been a step down unitl where I am from. Anything that would be a IV, V, or a VI gets shipped out immediately. Boy I miss the big Trauma's & ICU!!!!!! :uhoh21:

Check with the KSBN. They have a list of accredited schools, actually that info is online. If I were you I would say get your ADN. The cost may be a bit more, but you will def. see the diff. in pay as well as opportunities. I know there are MANY online programs emerging, Washburn has a good program, but $$$. Do a search for ADN programs, you can always get your BSN later in an accelerated program that will allow you to work as an RN while doing so. Just my .02