DHnurse

Thank you for your replies. I felt better after reading them that it can work. I got an offer and decided to accept. I am very excited to start.

I just had an informal interview at a hospital. They do team nursing there. Has anyone had experience with this? I am used to primary nursing. I would love to hear your opinions. Thanks

I am so excited. I applied for my FL license by endorsement on 6/3 and the BON website now shows a temporary license. Yeah! That wasn't so bad. Now to find a job. Do the hospitals on the space coast give exams as part of the interview process? If so, what should I brush up on? I am a fairly new nurse and nervous about the whole process.

My patient who I took care of for 5 months passed away recently. The family wants to give me a piece of pottery that she made. I politely refused because gifts are against company policy according to handbook. The family said that she told them before she died that she wanted me to have it. I accepted and said I would be honored to display it. (They had seemed so hurt) Did I do the wrong thing?

Thank you smjlpn! I found all the courses I need and spent the day taking them. I am all ready to mail my application tommorrow. Hopefully, it will be quick like yours. I know I could have applied for the 6 month extension because I am out of state but was afraid that might hold it up. I hope you like Gainesville!

Where do I take the required courses? I have filled out my application for my FL license. I will be moving to FL 6/29. I can't find where to take the home study courses required for licensure on the internet. I have to take the HIV, med error and domestic abuse courses. Do I sign up on cebroker.com? Not sure whether to put down my PA address on application (which will allow me 6 months to take the courses) Or put down my FL address as of 6/29. Or should I wait until I get to West Melbourne, FL to take the courses? SO confused!! Please help.

I am a nurse and have been a patient at my own hospital. My husband was at my side most of the day and did simple things for me (like getting water, helping me to bathe) This allowed the nurse to have more time to spend on the more important aspects of my care. Don't wait until the pain is unbearable, request pain meds if you need them. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are having planned surgery, educate yourself on your condition so you know what questions to ask. Inform the nurse of any changes. Be polite to everyone. I have seen nurses give only the minimum of care to patients who were rude to them. The pleasant patients get those little extras. I know that sounds terrible but nurses are people too. I hope you never need this information. Best wishes for good health.

I worked nights for 6 months while I was in school. I really couldn't handle it. After graduating, I tried it again and again I couldn't take it. I had no problems while I was at work, it was just trying to sleep during the day that was difficult. My MIL kept stopping over. She would knock lightly but my dog would hear it and begin barking. She claimed she forgot what nights I work. The day I almost took off my neighbor's head when his car alarm went off was it for me. He is such a sweetheart and I felt so bad for yelling at him. My personality was changing and I felt like I was run over by a truck all the time. Maybe it will be better for you. Good luck.

I started doing home care in March as a temporary job until I moved out of state. I work 6 hours a day in one patient's home and occasionally 8 hour shifts with another patient. I love the flexibility that home care gives me. The problem I have is that on the 8 hour case I feel like a highly paid babysitter. I don't do anything that a family member or aide couldn't do. The 6 hour case, I do much more. I am a relatively new nurse and don't want to lose my skills. Now that I am moving, I must decide if I should continue in home care or try something else. The hours in HC are wonderful for me especially since I want to return home for a week at xmas to be with my family. This flexibility is really important since I won't have a support system around for my kids. HC can also be lonely. I am afraid that I will really miss having coworkers since I will be in a new area with no local friends. Should I check into visits instead? Is this area of home care also pretty flexible? Or should I be more particular about cases I accept? Or should I try something different? I don't know where else I can find a job that would allow me to go home for the holidays to see my sister and parents. I will really miss them. Sorry I sound like a whiner, I am just scared and sad to move and I want to make the best decision for my family and myself. Thank you.

I love working with male nurses because the mood is so different when they are working. No gossiping and plenty of laughter. I am a new nurse and felt like I got the most support from the males. I overheard many female nurses talking about the other new nurses. Of course, they would say "but we never talk about you. We love you." Yeah, right. The guys just walk away when the women get catty.

My patient has Multiple Myeloma, Arthritis, Hypertension, Gout and DM. So far, she has only taken Vicodin once. Tylenol works for now but I want to be prepared. There will come a time when Tylenol is not enough. Thanks

It will be the first dose. The doctor ordered Vicodin but said to try Tylenol first. Thanks for your answer

What is your opinion? Tylenol and Vicodin ordered for pain. Tylenol 650 mg given. One hour later, pain is at the same level or increasing. Would you give the Vicodin? Both contain acetaminophen so I know I need to stop Tylenol once I begin administering Vicodin (don't want to exceed 4 grams is 24 hours) Is it too early for Vicodin? Thank you.

I just got a call from the HH agency. They don't have a case for me right now but she said that can change overnight. I am going to go to orientation this Thursday. I am very excited and hope a case opens up. They have two vent cases open but don't want me to start there. Christine

Iyv33 - I am glad you saw my message. What kind of hours do you work? Does your agency give you additional training when needed? I am moved to West Melbourne, which is on the Space Coast of Brevard County. My husband is already there. I will be going in June when the kid's school is over. It is really hard right now, but I am hoping we will love it. Christine