Keri8680

On my report sheet I write out alittle "to do" list for stuff that pertains to that patient, before I start my rounds. (Before you start rounds is KEY for this to work out) I look on their med profile and check out their orders for this list. For example, 8am VS (vitals on our unit are Q4H) Lab (if they have a lab due) Meds (if they have AM meds due) 12p VS Meds Lab 2p Meds 4p VS Meds 6p Meds I use a list like this, highlight it with a colored highlighter and when I finish I cross it off the list. If orders get added in throughout the day I just write them in around the time they need to be done. It keeps me on track with who needs what when. Hasn't failed me yet!!

I started applying the December before I graduated (which was May 2009). I had job interviews set up for my spring break in March, and job offers quickly after that. I had my job waiting for me once I graduated. You can never be too early!

i did notice just last week an open posting for the NICU at Magee in Pittsburgh. go to www.upmc.com Not sure if it's still there though.

It probably depends on how much you really want to challenge yourself. I work on a stepdown floor, and can get a 4-6 patient assignment each shift. We see patients right from the CCU, on drips, etc. This was right for me at the start, now I feel I could be better prepared for a more acute floor such as an ICU or ED. I wouldn't have felt comfortable in the ED right after graduation, and was not interested in a med surg unit. I currently work on a cardiac/tele floor. My suggestion would be to start on a tele/step down unit, that's just from personal experience, I'm sure you'll get other responses and suggestions as well. Good luck, and happy turkey day!

we still do paper strips but i think they eventually get scanned into our system.

FIrst job: July 2009 Unit: cardiac/tele Orientation: 3 months I am still here!

Congrats....It's hard work, but once you're finished you will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment! As for prep work, see if you can get the copy of the syllabus for that class you are starting with, that way you can get a head start on the readings (and also know what book to buy) Sounds like that first class will be about honing your head to toe assessment skills, and what is worthy of your attention (depends on what the patient's individual issues are.) You can find a pocket guide at any bookstore for nurses about assessment skills. They are very handy, I'd suggest you pick one up, if anything to have for reference. Your assessment skills are going to be KEY when you begin your profession as a nurse. The sooner you understand what and why, the more confident you will be in your skills. I hope this helps you.

buy the book prioritization, delegation and assignment by linda lacharity. it's all those sorts of questions and it's only 14 dollars. it helped me bunches!!! good luck.

i bought a book that helped me alotk, let me think of what it was called....

I went into Cardiac nursing right out of school (started summer 2009) I really enjoy it, I feel it's a great first step for me. I've gone thru basic arrhythmias and ACLS all paid for by the hospital! I've learned so much and I love knowing how to read rhythm strips too. I think the next step for me may be to an ICU eventually, but I'm not ready just yet.

In response to your questions, I moved from CT to the Pittsburgh area last summer (2009) after i graduated with my RN. My fiance was out here and we wanted to be together. I found a job right out of school (after looking and applying and interviewing starting the winter before my graduation) You have to start early, don't wait until graduation from your program. Also, if it helps you, the cost of living out here is SIGNIFICANTLY less than new england. My starting salary is around 22 dollars per hour in Pittsburgh, and I hear it's more outside the city. I know I'd be making alot more back in CT but it's all relative to the area now. My now husband and I bought a house in March for under 200k...4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. This home was built in the 90s and is gorgeous!! This would cost well over 300k in CT, I'm assuming it's similar in NH. I'm sure with your new degree you wouldn't have any trouble finding positions at LTC facilities. They are always hiring and I think the starting salaries are similar to what you said you'd make at home. if you have any further questions feel free to PM me.

i think it's going to start getting harder to find a job here. several of the local hospitals are downsizing, therefore leaving many nurses to find jobs elsewhere. However, there is a new UPMC hospital opening just east of Pitt in Monroeville in the summer of 2012. So that may help the area with open positions. Keep current on the job postings on the UPMC website, they always have stuff posted.

I moved out to the Pittsburgh area this past month and Pitt seems to have RN job openings. I'm a new grad and had 2 job offers back when I interviewed with UPMC. It may be a better job market out here than eastern PA.

1.what kind of floor are you working on? cardiac/telemetry 2.where are you from? ct, but just moved to pitt to be with my fiance 3.how did you get that job?-- once i decided to move out to pitt this past winter i started sending my resume around. had my interview set up for my spring break in march, and got offered the job a few days after my interview. i started earlier than all of my other classmates and i thinks thats why i had the advantage of being one of the few with jobs waiting for them! i'm working at a big hospital in pittsburgh and i'm so excited, my orientation starts on monday!

I was told by a new nurse on my clinical med/surg floor to buy "Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment by Linda LaCharity. It's got tons of questions with the rationales r/t prioritizing and delegating, two of the hardest concepts to learn in my opinion. So far it has been extremely helpful for me. I use it in conjunction w/my Saunders review. Its easy to find too, I bouhght it at Barnes and Noble.