BKCinNOLA

Congrats!!!!!!!!! Best Day Ever!!!!!!!!!

Hi All! Let me start off by saying I absolutely love my current job. Love my coworkers, the MD, and all (ok, most) of our patients. Unfortunately, my current job is 1500 miles away from the person I absolutely love the most (my fiance). After spending 1.5 years apart so I could get experience as a new grad, I'm revamping my resume and cover letter for my D-R-E-A-M position in the OR. Every since my first experience in the OR during nursing school and then working as a CNA in L&D and spending as much time as possible in the OR, I know this is where I am meant to be. (I think my strong affinity for list making, organization, and working as a team also contributes to this desire to work in the OR) Any and all comments, suggestions, constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks AN Community! Cover letter: Dear Ms. A and Ms. B, (I have these Nurse Recruiters names) It is with great eagerness that I am applying for a position as a Registered Nurse with Surgical and Recovery Services at Hospital Medical Center in CITY. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from XX College in addition to a STATE Registered Nurse License. As a consistently detail-oriented nurse with the strong ability to multitask, I anticipate the operating room is an environment where I can thrive as a new addition to the Hospital Nursing team. My work as Nurse Supervisor at a busy pediatric primary care office has prepared me to be able to collaborate as a supportive and supervisory team member, and independently prioritize situations by integrating critical thinking and good judgment. By working closely with an expert pediatrician, I have come to value effective communication skills in promoting quality patient care, respect, and team spirit in an organization. I recently participated in a complete transition to Allscripts Electronic Medical Records, and currently serve as the in-office resource for trouble-shooting and continuing training in system updates. I believe that a challenging environment such as the operating room will provide an excellent opportunity to both utilize and develop my skills while contributing to the CITY community. I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to discuss with you personally how my skills and strengths can best serve Hospital Medical Center. Thank you for your kind consideration of my application. Sincerely, BKC, RN, BSN

Hi All! Let me start off by saying I absolutely love my current job. Love my coworkers, the MD, and all (ok, most) of our patients. Unfortunately, my current job is 1500 miles away from the person I absolutely love the most (my fiance). After spending 1.5 years apart so I could get experience as a new grad, I'm revamping my resume and cover letter... Any and all comments, suggestions, constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks AN Community! Cover letter: Dear Ms. A and Ms. B, (I have these Nurse Recruiters names) It is with great eagerness that I am applying for a position as a Registered Nurse with Surgical and Recovery Services at Hospital Medical Center in CITY. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from XX College in addition to a STATE Registered Nurse License. As a consistently detail-oriented nurse with the strong ability to multitask, I anticipate the operating room is an environment where I can thrive as a new addition to the Hospital Nursing team. My work as Nurse Supervisor at a busy pediatric primary care office has prepared me to be able to collaborate as a supportive and supervisory team member, and independently prioritize situations integrating critical thinking and good judgment. By working closely with an expert pediatrician, I have come to value effective communication skills in promoting quality patient care, respect, and team spirit in an organization. I recently participated in a complete transition to Allscripts Electronic Medical Records, and currently serve as the in-office resource for trouble-shooting and continuing training in system updates. I believe that a challenging environment such as the operating room will provide an excellent opportunity to both utilize and develop my skills while contributing to the CITY community. I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to discuss with you personally how my skills and strengths can best serve Hospital Medical Center. Thank you for your kind consideration of my application. Sincerely, BKC, RN, BSN Resume: (please excuse loss of formatting) Also, the volunteer service is at the same hospital to which I am now applying Objective Registered Nurse Position with Surgical and Recovery Services at Hospital Medical Center in City Experience Registered Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, XX COMPANYSeptember 2010-present nAccurately triage acute situations, assess history of present illness, and provide patient teaching and care instructions for pediatric patients in office and via telephone nObtain history of present illness, relevant past medical history, vital signs, and specimens for pediatric patients from 3 days to 25 years of age nCommunicate assessments effectively with expert pediatricians and clinical staff nPerform and assist in a wide range of in-office procedures nSafely and appropriately delegate tasks to, and act as a resource for clinical and non-clinical staff nAssist in and provide trouble-shooting for the implementation of Allscripts Electronic Health Records Registered Nurse, XX Pharmaceutical Clinical Research TrialMarch 2011-present nCoordinate scheduling of research subjects with principle investigators nMaintain adverse event, concomitant medication, and vital sign logs nCollect specimens and perform ECGs according to IRB protocols nAccurately complete daily count and dispense Schedule II controlled substance under physician supervision Registered Nurse, XX Early InterventionJuly 2010-Sept 2010 nSystematically assess growth and development of children ages birth to 3 years of age nDetermine eligibility for Early Intervention services based on XX State guidelines nProvide and coordinate developmentally appropriate nursing care, speech, physical, and occupational therapy for eligible children and their families nAdvocate for low income, medically fragile, and developmentally delayed children and families Volunteer, Hospital Medical Center, Child Life Services October 2009-June 2010 nProvide developmentally appropriate activities for pediatric patients nVisit privately with pediatric patients confined to bed, room, or ICU nAssist Child Life Specialists in planning events and activities nReceived ‘You Can Count On Me’ Award for Outstanding Reliability (Page Break was here) Education XX College, City, StateMay 2009 nBachelor of Science in Nursing degree, cum laude nHonors: 3.6 Grade Point Average, Dean’s List Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Alpha Chi Chapter Member of Golden Key National Honor Society Current Licensure nRegistered Nurse – State1 nRegistered Nurse – State2 nBasic Life Support for the Health Care Provider nPediatric Advanced Life Support Skills nMultitasking ability without compromising with the quality of work nSuperb organizational, interpersonal and communication skills nEagerness to learn new techniques, skills, and procedures nComprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, sterile technique, and medication administration

I would look into nursing positions at ambulatory clinics, primary care offices, public health, etc. Lower acuity patients = less chance of 'killing someone' = generally less daily stress and fear for you! If you like peds, see if there are Early Intervention Programs in your area. In addition to nursing care, in EI you'll do a lot of social work, physical therapy, speech therapy, etc with children and families who have disabilities, chronic health problems and/or are impoverished, homeless, undereducated. Its a great start if you do want to go back to school to for Social Services. Hope that helps a little!

rnsrgr8t answered all your questions about my post! and more! I'll definitely be taking some of those tips myself! :) The only two kids I've ever had faint on me were big tough football players. So it's also important to tell anyone of driving age: 1. Ride in the passenger seat on your way home or 2. If you drove here on your own, wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes after your shots. Set a timer and let them know when it's ok to go. It's better that they pass out in the waiting room, than while driving home. We usually only give injections in the vastus lateralis to non-walking infants. As soon as they're walking around independently we 'graduate' them to their deltoids (unless, of course, they have teeny tiny deltoids).

Hi Marpola, As the main vaccine administrator in our peds office, I know exactly where you're coming from! It's important to remember that the crying comes mostly from fear of 'the shot.' Children and teens, especially those with sensory sensitivity or at age 4&5 when they are first beginning to fear bodiy mutilation, build shots up in their head as "this event that is going to be unbearably painful, with a lot of blood, with the possbility that their arm is going to fall off!, and they're going to die!!" We as nurses (and parents, too), know that 'shots' only last about 2 seconds max, and that they prevent deadly, debilitating diseases, so you really shouldn't ever feel too bad about giving shots. All that said, here are some tips I've developed: 1. For children over 3 make them feel like they are in control of the situation as much as possible - Let them choose which arm they want to start with, which color bandaid they want after, where they want to sit (on the exam table or in mom/dads lap). Some precocious kids will try to haggle their way out of shots..the number of shots is never an option, sorry! 2. Don't lie - When they first arrive, don't tell them they aren't getting any shots today if they ask and definitely don't let the parents tell them this!, Don't tell them it won't hurt, Don't say it's only one when there's two, etc. 'It will be a quick pinch, but we have super magic bandaids that make everything all better after' 3. Explain everything as its happening..Roll up your sleeve to see your big strong muscle, Cleaning with smelly cold soap (alcohol wipes..P-U!), I'm going to give your arm a hug, I'm going to count to three and it'll be over.. 4. If you use the count to three method.. Give the shot on 2! Then inject on 3. Their body will be pumping adrenaline already, but most won't jump because they're expecting the pain on 3. Works like magic..especially with our needle phobic adolescents. 5. Lots of praise when they're done! 'All done!' 'You did it!' 'I'm so proud of you!' 'You were so brave!' **Our lesson we tell kids that get embarassed when they cry: You can't be brave without being scared first. And don't worry, no one likes to get shots. Dr.__ doesn't even like to get shots! It makes them feel better about the whole situation. 6. Bribery - stickers, lollipops, silly bands. We generally give one prize for each shot. No one should be above bribery.. 7. Remove other siblings from the room if possible, especially if the infant is getting the shot and there's school age siblings there. Nothing is worse for a scared child than a room full of other scared children. 8. For squirmy, wiggly children: Sit them in Mom/Dad/Guardians lap. The big wigglers can face the parent while the parents give a nice tight bear hug. It feels less like restraining to the child if its the person they trust giving them a big hug. 9. For older children who are generally ok with shots, it still helps if I remind them to relax their shoulder before the vaccine. Explain it'll hurt even less if their muscle is relaxed, then gently press on their shoulder..usually I get a good 4 inches of relaxation even from our big brave football players. 10. For older children/adolescents who are needle phobic we have a backup plan. We use 'Painease' (ethyl chloride) before the shot. It's a topical skin refrigerant that numbs just the injection area. It works in seconds and the anesthetic properties only last 60 seconds. Much more practical than Emla cream. It's important that YOU are confident (or at least appear confident), and don't get tunnel vision when you walk into the room. Keep talking to the kid: ask about school, summer plans, favorite books/movies. It'll keep the tension in the room to a minimum. That's all I've got for now! But I'll let you know when I remember more of our tricks of the trade!

Hi Elprup, I work in a peds office and am in charge of all vaccines, so I hope these tips help: 1. Always leave vaccines in their original box in the fridge. All vaccines that are peds formulated will be clearly marked as so. And the large font on the box just make things easy to find. 2. Label all purchased vaccines in your fridge/freezer with an easily distinguishable mark: I use bright yellow circle stickers and put a big $ in the center. 3. If you are confused as to which patients are allowed which type of purchased/private vaccines, contact your state immunization program. They will have literature (usually in a clear concise chart of who can get public vs. private vaccines) that you can post right on the front of the fridge for easy reference. 4. Your private vaccine vendors are also extremely knowledgeable about all things to do with vaccines. I've found my Sanofi Pasteur Rep to be the most helpful person ever! She even came and organized our fridge/freezer with labeled containers for each vaccine - and put them all in age appropriate order! And don't ever let anyone push you to go faster! Take your time and make sure you're doing your job correctly. Your patient and your license depend on it. Hope this helps!

Check out Early Childhood Intervention programs in your area. I got hired as a new grad into an Early Intervention program, and I'm sure they would LOVE your ED experience. Even if EI is not where you want to end up in the PHN world, it'd definitely be a way to get your foot in the public health door because most (if not all) programs are overseen by the DPH. Best of luck to you!

Kaplan, definitely. I also used Lippincott and Mosby's to supplement my studying in school and prepare for exams since our professors were really into writing NCLEX style questions. The more practice you have with the NCLEX style questions, the better!

If you enjoy working with children, look into Early Childhood Intervention programs in your area. As nurses we do a lot of social work type stuff, speech therapy, physical therapy, psych issues, working with kids on the spectrum, supporting young and/or impoverished families in the community. Depending on what state you live in, EI Programs might be independent companies or part of the department of public health... maybe something to look into? Good Luck!

I didn't start working as a Nursing Assistant until I was in nursing school (I didn't have to take the course because the hospital accepted my nursing school clinicals in lieu of the actual CNA course). I worked on an a Labor and Delivery floor and it was such a valuable experience. The nurses I worked with knew I was in nursing school and went out of their way to make sure I got to see/assist in many different procedures. Of course, not every unit treats their CNAs like this, so that's another thing to consider.. I'd say you should definitely work as a CNA before you get your RN, but you certainly don't have to do it before nursing school. Honestly, you're going to be a nurse for many many many years after nursing school..mine as well have some fun (if you like your other FT job, that is) before nursing takes over your life :)

In a word, YES.

Hi! I was a nursing assistant on a labor and delivery floor during nursing school. I did the same things as regular floor NAs and also was responsible for: -stocking 15 labor rooms/3 ORs/PACU/Triage with the appropriate equipment/instruments -setting up sterile instrument tables for lady partsl deliveries -assisting RNs during and after deliveries (coaching mom through ctxs, weighing/measuring newborn, cleaning up mom after delivery) -assisting RNs, MDs, Scrub Techs in the OR -transporting patients from L&D to anywhere they needed to go (post partum, xray, to the OR, etc.) -finding chairs and some juice for all those dads who suddenly get a little light headed once the pushing begins Hope that helps! Good luck to you! Don't be afriad to ask questions!

I did the traditional undergrad route: apply in the fall of senior year of high school, wait for the big packet in the mail on April 15, orientation/freshman bonding over the summer, move in to the dorms the last week in August. No prerequisites to take, as everything (core curriculum, nursing theory/lab, clinical rotations) was completed in my four year program. LOVED IT!

I was a May '09 and spent 12 (yes, TWELVE) months on the job hunt before I finally was offered a full-time position. It's going to be a long, frustrating, often depressing road, but it will come to an end! Stay positive and as optimistic as possible, this is just the beginning for you. I can tell you that I worked flu clinics, retail, and volunteered at a hospital during my hunt for a nursing position (couldn't work as a CNA because I had my RN license), and the thing that paid off for me the most was my volunteering. I volunteered with the Child Life Dept on the peds floor of a major teaching hospital. While I as devasted after I interviewed for a nursing position on the floor and being told 'we just need someone with experience,' I found a job as a nurse with an Early Childhood Intervention program. What impressed them most was my time spent volunteering with Child Life. If you can/have time volunteer (even if its just once a week). Best of luck with your job search. Keep us updated on your progress!