Walden-Puddle, RN

Thinking about maybe reposting to international forum?

Hi everyone. Hope you are all having a good day. i attended a recruiting session with MSF. They indicated that they were generally interested in my field, skill set. I'm in contact with them and will submit application pretty soon, but wanted to reach out to people not only for "tips" etc., but also for any experiences you may have had. what did they like or not like when you spoke to them? Did they ask you to sharpen any specific skills or look for specific certificates etc.? They really emphasized that even with good skills etc that they can only accept a tiny % of applicants, so I'd like to make sure that I am meeting their needs and will be able to make strong contributions if am fortunate enough to be chosen. But it's hard to prepare when u don't know where you are going etc.... any returned volunteers out there in allnurses? Any still on their roster? thanks for any information you can offer! edit for keywords: Doctors Without Borders. Médecins Sans Frontières, medicine sans frontieres

A-Yup. It's that bad. Funny....I had no idea when I was in school. I had never heard about floor nursing being like this. I have a good work ethic, lots of corporate experience etc....and I figured I'd be fine. I just wasn't ready for the general level of chaos and insanity. It's the only job I know of where I regularly (not occasionally) see co-workers hyperventilating on the way in....and quietly taking some time to cry on the way out of work. And I work in a supportive environment with a great manager etc., but there's just simply a lot of work to be done, a lot of doctors (And medical students) to deal with, lots of orders (that seem to change each time you blink) and lots of sick patients. I'm very new, so take it with a grain of salt. Plenty of the experience nurses on my floor accomplish all this and more with quite some grace.

Thanks for the reply and details. From your description....it looks like I fall right between the cracks! I want to practice at a higher level in critical care myself (I like bedside nursing), but at the same time I really want to do education, EBP and care coordination as people move from ED/ICU/PACU/Stepdown to Telemetry and medsurge floors. Sometimes just giving the nurses on these floors a little more information about the plan of care and things they can watch out for on individual patients can be helpful (I'm learning this myself.) It's one thing for me to get report from the outgoing nurse. But my patients usually get MUCH better care if I'm lucky enough to get 5 minutes with the attending or the doctor who admitted the patient when they occasionally come to follow up. YES...I carefully read the h&p's, progress notes etc.....but even then...it's sometimes doesn't quite paint the full picture and often a few tiny details here and there escape. That's where I think an APN can make a difference in coordinating care as well as practicing care. I also want to help shape policy concerning these transfers of care. Basically...it strikes me as a game of "telephone" where the clarity of the original message USUALLY gets at least slightly dminished each time information is handed over. I'd love to develop formats that help preserve as much as possible. I'm in California and have seen a fair amount of postings for both CNS and NP's in my hospital chain...so I know they are both being utilized (which is good when it comes to preceptorship opportunities) So I guess the next step is to reach out to some of them and ask them about their roles / scope of practice etc. Some questions? Since the grad school admission process can be long (which is why I'm starting now) I was wondering whether I should get my CCRN in the interim...or whether it's unecessary if I'm simply going to do what is (essentially) a masters in critical care nursing (NP and CNS both receive an MSN? or no? Am I mistaken about that?) Would the CCRN be a good trial run for the masters program (and/or help me get more out of the program)....or is it really unecessary at that point? Thanks again!

Hi, I'm researching online programs to do a CNS program with a focus on critical care. I am having a VERY difficult time figuring out the differences between all the MSN programs, what they REALLY offer, and which programs offer CNS specific training (vs NP route) I thought i'd take advantage of some of the collective wisdom here on allnurses and try not to reinvent the wheel. So the first questions is... Is there are list circulating somewhere of ONLINE programs that train you as an advanced practice nurse with a Clinical Nurse Specialist track that will prepare me to take the Critical Care subspecialty examination? (Whew!!) So I guess it's an ANP-CCNS degree? (Or did I get that wrong too?) Second Question: I was fortunate to do very well academically in previous schooling, so I was wondering if there are some selective programs out there that I can apply to that might impress future employers? From my limited research it seems that most online programs are not too selective and so I don't know how that affects the overall "value" of the degree when applying. (I suspect it doesn't...but I'm just putting it out there.) Am I correct in this? Should I not bother pursuing this? I guess the basic thought is....since I did very well academically...it would be kind of silly to let it just go to waste if I could use it to leverage my way into a highly competitive program that might carry some weight with employers. Does this exist? Thanks everyone!! BTW.....Would LOVE to hear from other APN/CCNS holders on their experiences.

Is this them? http://www.gripsors.com/ I use a basic model and really like them. I think they're kinda new. Don't really know where they are sold. A friend gave them to me. You're right...that curved grip is great for removing stuck IV's etc. Hope that helps.

Is it too much to ask? I mean seriously!! How much time have you WASTED running around your unit looking for a (working!) vitals signs machine each week. Does management not get it? Not to mention the infection issues dragging a machine from room to room using the same blood pressure cuffs etc. Anyways... Not only do I think there should be a dedicated unit for each room, but (and I'm going out on a limb here folks..so get ready to catch me!) I think they should be built into the darn beds..or at least attachable to the beds (Can I get an Amen!) I know. I know. I'm dreaming. It's too much to ask. Go ahead. Hit me with all the negativity and "reality" you care to. But a nurse has gotta have a dream!!

Just about any journalist worth their salt will provide sources, when asked. I'm sure the Atlantic meets that standard. I'd be e-mailing them about the answer to your questions instead of concluding, anecdotally, that they were wrong or misleading.... if you decide to follow up, I'd be quite interested in hearing what sources they cite.

There are "American University" locations that you may be able to attend, but they would probably cost quite a bit. The equivalent of an american private university, or, likely a few thousand $ per class. Not a great alternative, I admit. Plus, you would have to make formal application, as it is not a community college where you can just sign up. It is (somewhat) selective.

I can sympathize with the decision you are making. I agree with what most of the other posters have said and I just wanted to add an angle that is often left out. I went to a (very) rigorous BSN/RN program. We were all scared to death in those first days. And we responded by enouraging one another and determining that WE were going to get through the year TOGETHER. A bunch of strangers, standing in a room, with nothing in common but a goal. We had some good teachers, some great teachers and some absolutely horrible teachers. Same goes for clinical instruction. When there were problems, we approached the teachers...or if that failed...the administration TOGETHER.... We continued to really root for one another, share our notes, form study groups, e-mail each other and next thing you know...we were all done and standing on stage together during our pinning! An amazing feeling. WE LOST NO-ONE. Not one single person left the program. And the single most important thing in determining the direction that our class took was how we all bonded with EACH OTHER. Now that we are graduated, the same feeling continues..... We formed study groups and attacked the NCLEX tohgether. And now....anytime a new grad job pops up in our area, an e-mail goes out alerting the entire cohort so that we can all apply. we compile interview questions and send them out etc. Yup...we are competing with each other...but at the same time, we cheer each time one of us gets employed....because we know that these people, who are now located in many of the best hospitals in our area can advocate for the rest of us, internally. And that is exactly what's happening. As a result...our cohort has an outstanding new hire percentage in one of the worst downturns in modern nursing history. And instead of fellow students...in the future...I will have COLLEAGUES all over this area...in many different departments and specialties that wouldn't hesitate to lend a hand as we progress in our careers. And...the CHOICE to bond and look past any differences that (inevitably) might have divided us...turned what might have been a supremely difficult year into a great adventure that we can look back on fondly. Think about what you can BRING to this program you speak of....not just what you can GET out of it...and the whole experience can change!! I wish you the best of luck. I am a new nurse (employed!) and loving every minute of it.

....and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to fill out proper evaluations at the end of each class. Administrations need honest evaluations of these teachers so that future generations of nursing students may not have to suffer through the same nonsense. I agree with some of the other posters. Take it to the administration. As a GROUP if necessary. I've seen this work successfully when no one individual was able to make headway. I've seen nasty teachers get VERY, VERY afraid when a GROUP of students got riled up. Learning how to advocate can start with yourself! Good luck...and stick with it..I'm a pretty new nurse...and any nonsense I went through in school was totally worth it now that I'm out and caring for patients. I'm loving it!

In the South Bay Area, new grad friend just started (eye surgery) at $37/hr.

"Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists are still in high demand with significant sign-on bonuses." I agree with this one. Went to a "career" fair here in Norther California and the reps from the two big hospital chains showed up not to take resumes from potential nurses, but simply to inform us that "We are not hiring. We will not take your resume. We don't know when we will be hiring again." BUT.... they were practically BEGGING for PT OT and Speech graduates. Reps from some of the smaller companies were circulating through the crowds of people trying to find the PT OT and Speech people, I think to head them off before they got to talk to the bigger recruiters who probably had more to offer. They were quickly whisking them off to one side behind screens where they could do quick "interviews" and potentially hire "on the spot' (pending background checks etc., I'm sure) In a few years, nursing will be back 'in demand' but for the moment, we are the ugly ducklings....

Just wanna chime in and let you know you're not alone. I'm a new grad on a Stroke/Tele floor and completely overwhelmed. And I am only two weeks into my orientation!! Part of my survival tactic is to talk nicely to myself. And to acknowledge that there is NO way around the uncomfortable feeling. I was also an excellent student etc., with high standards for myself.... and I *HATE* not feeling confident and in control. But I am CHOOSING to allow myself to just go with the flow (and it IS a choice) I tell myself each day that "there are 1001 things that I don't know...but today I'm gonna learn two or three of them." And each day I acknowledge the little teensy weensy bits of confidence that I get from remembering the things I learned the day before. I've made it clear to my coworkers, MD's etc., that I'm really interested in learning and to please teach me. I learned how to say "I don't know." quickly and clearly. And I just keep focusing on pt. safety and TRYING to be kind to myself. How fortunate we are that we have this forum to come to!! We have seen the collective wisdom (And support) from all the nurses that came before us. We WILL get through this...we WILL become more confident and competent. And when the time comes....I have promised myself I will NOT forget how god-awful this feeling is and bring the same kindness and compassion to teaching those who come after me when I get the opportunity. Keep reaching out for support...and just know that it WILL get better!! WE ARE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!!

Saunders was excellent. Did as many questions as I could handle over the course of 2 weeks. 4000-ish. Took the test and passed with confidence. I've recommended it to others that have done the same and passed. grab it. PS....You can get used ones on eBay for a good price.

Well....that's not quite true. They're just hard to find....slowly but surely my classmates (and me) are finding jobs. (That's how I happen to know the current new grad $ at Santa Clara.) It seems that each week that goes by a few more people find a program and get in. Stanford new grad is ongoing right now. UCSF, Washington in Fremont, SF General, Alta Bates, the Palo Alto VA etc. All of these have had open positions for full fledged new grad openings in the last 6-8 weeks. I'm not gonna say it's easy...but there's a trend towards more and more places opening up. Frankly...the Kaiser website is not my favorite...and makes it difficult to find information. Keep your hope up!! They're out there!! Best of luck to everyone!

Kaiser (santa clara) starts new grads at $46.75/hr for day shift. There are differentials for nights, weekends etc... but I don't know what they are. Don't know if it's the same for all the kaisers within a certain geographic range. I don't think it would be the same out in stockton or tracy area even though those are considered NorCal...

Finasteride is a big no-no for pregnancy or trying. From what I understand, even if you've handled it in the last few weeks you should not be trying to get pregnant in the interim because of known risks of severe birth defects. Highly teratogenic.

Lots of room in the nursing field for people with a business background. In my program, there are quite a few people that were business majors in a previous life and are moving into nursing. I find that our perspective in these areas is welcomed and encouraged in classes and clinicals. It helps broaden the discussions beyond just science/health. And there is a real need for GOOD Nursing MANAGERS and ultimately Nurse LEADERS if you are eventually so inclined Check out the Samuel Merritt Entry Level Masters program. (ELMSN) you get your RN half way through and can start working as a nurse immediately (if jobs available anyways) while you finish the final part towards your masters. They may even have a sac campus like they do for some of their other programs. Expensive...but positive "NPV" I think. Best of luck. BTW...I traded an M.I.M (Master of International Management) for nursing...and am loving every minute of it....

2ndWind.... I'm starting preceptorship in ICU in about a week, and would love to see what you whipped up....especially as I'm a very graphic person and items like that help me to prioritize better than just "lists". I'm prepping myself in other areas like meds and vents etc...but I know that simple (or not so simple?) "time management" will make more of a difference at first. If you can figure out a way to PM me...that would be great. If this whole thing has turned into too much of a pain...then I understand that as well... Thanks!

Hi Everyone.... Happy New Year! I was wondering about "certifications" for being able to translate for Spanish language patients in the hospitals. (I'm in Nor Cal.) I have heard that there are two levels of certification and that you required to have passed one of these levels before you can "officially" translate for patients regarding medical / nursing interventions. Can someone confirm this information for me and/or help me find more information about what it takes to become certified? Is it on a hospital by hospital basis? Is it a BON certification? I looked around online and did see some language programs that offer CE credits, but that's not the same as being able to put a certain level of certification on the resume, which I would like to do. Thanks very much for any and all info you can provide.

Yeah....like the other poster said.....if you want any hope at all of speeding things up you're gonna have to spread things out at multiple schools...and that means REALLY being on top of things for registration. Everything having to do with nursing is being impacted, so often times you have to register in the first few MINUTES or the class will fill up.. Heck..it seems like just getting INTO nursing school is a full time occupation nowadays! Don't overlook Carbrillo in Santa Cruz as well asall the other schools around. ALSO.....ONLINE classes can be a good way to get some of the other classes in as well. I took classes at 4-5 different schools in order to get my pre-reqs done (one year) But it was a lot of time examining everyone's schedules and making it work out. I split up some of the responsibilities with friends to make the whole process more manageable. Don't give up!!! It's fully worth it. I'm almost done with nursing school at this point (6 more months...) and LOVING it!!

Just a note to be careful and check the residency requirements. A lot of community colleges have in place some kind of provision that you can't register for certain programs (nursing, dental hygiene etc.) until you have been in-state for a year. I think this applies to Washington, not sure about Oregon. But I would make sure to check it out before you go...otherwise..it may take just as long as it would to stay here and finish the transition programs. Good Luck!

I'm pretty sure that they take the last 60 units, so that pretty much includes virtually all of the pre-reqs that they ask for (including the ones you mentioned) and another semester or two beyond. I can tell you that we were told that the incoming GPA's were 'very high' because of the large number of applicants in the economic downturn. Don't let the sheer numbers get you down..... If you have some other stuff going for you as far as volunteer work, letters of rec, or other work experience then I would encourage you to apply anyways....even if you think it's a "reach". I'm in the program...and VERY, VERY pleased.....