rmcgrog

Hi..just wondering if anyone is using a shortened triage form or has a really efficient triage process. Currently, our triage form includes everthing from chief complaint, to a list of all medications, surgeries, past medical hx. etc. Sometimes, this can take up to 15 minutes on the complex pts. When this happens, it backs up the waiting room, registration, ED, and fast track. Ideally, according to ENA, a triage should only take 2-5 minutes. I really would like to know what works at your facility. Thanks!!

Hi everyone....I am doing a powerpoint on Nursing Stress today and would love to open this website in class. I would like to take an informal poll on what you think causes the most stress in your work environment and what nursing specialties you think generate the most stress. Thanks....

Thanks........but I did one similar to that last semester. I think I might do it on nursing stress/burnout. Not sure yet.

Hi....just wondering if anyone has any original ideas on what to write about for my Nursing leadership/management class. I can't think of anything interesting and original with enough resources to write about. Would really appreciate some ideas.............Thanks...... :uhoh21:

Because they do not offer much in the way of education and they have a very disorganized orientation. They are very limited in what they offer to their nurses. I believe a new grad will learn and experience more at a teaching hospital.

Nope, not a new grad. I've been an ER nurse for 12 years. So far everything is great at CHOP. I've been through many orientations as I worked as an agency nurse for a few years, and I believe CHOP's orientation to be the best and most complete orientation I have ever had. Everyone is so nice and so willing to teach. They have a way of presenting the material so it is easy to understand and they don't make you feel stupid at all. They are very proud of their #1 reputation and they want to keep it that way; that includes keeping the staff happy!! Very pro nursing. I really do love it so far. Anyway...the down side..... You don't get any compenstation for advanced degrees (BSN,MSN) unless you progress through the clinical ladder. Also, I believe their pay scale is a little lower than other area hospitals.....I think new grads start at CHOP at 24.50 while at HUP they start at $26.00.........not really sure about that. You also have to pay city wage tax....yuck....and traffic/parking can be a little crazy. Overall, the good outweighs the bad. What floor will you be working on?

I just started orientation so I won't be ready to have someone shadow me for quite some time. I have to say I am really impressed with the hospital and the orientation so far. I'm sure you could shadow someone if you call nurse recruitment. Good Luck!

At my hospital, it is required that we all work twelve hour shifts. Mostly, the staff prefers it, but now the administration won't accept any different. I have done 8hr shifts in the past and definitely prefer 12hr shifts. When I worked 8hr shifts I often would get stuck working 9 or ten hours....by the time you are done getting report etc... It is tough on your body though. I do not think it changes my ability to take care of my patients.

I didn't like Centra State as an agency nurse. I felt administration there wasn't supportive to there nurses. I frequently observed unsafe staffing and unhappy nurses. They do offer generally good salaries and bonuses. I am sure there is another position available; there usually is one in every department in every hospital around here. They are probably just jerking your chain. Hang in there and don't accept a unit or position that you are not happy with. Believe me.....there are lots of jobs!!

I work at SOCH and definitely have to say that working conditions are far better than some other area hospitals; however, it is a small hospital in the sticks that doesn't really have many resources or continuing education. The salaries are comparable to area hospitals....benefits stink. I do like working there in general as I think we are well staffed and tend to be like a big family. I would not recommend it to a new grad. We just voted in the union so benefits are improving. As a previous agency nurse, I have worked in just about every ER in Atlantic, Monmouth, and Ocean county. I chose to take a position at SOCH because I could safely take care of my patients. I hope this helps..........

Thanks guys for the encouragement and straightforward info. about CHOP. Not really into traveling to Philly, taking a pay cut...they are offering me about $2 less per hour than my current position, paying city wage taxes, and dealing with crazy parking; I just think that it is probably the best place to learn....Thanks Again :)

Just looking for a little input.....I have been an ER nurse for about 13 years and am looking for a change of pace. I recently accepted a position in CHOP's Cardiac ICU. It seems pretty intense, but I figured it would be the best place to learn pediatric critical care. Anyone familiar with this unit and CHOP as an employer? Thanks!!

I feel your pain.......having lots of holding patients is a real pain and it is one area of ER nursing that I do not like. It seems as if staffing ratios for ER nurses need to be instituted just like it is for floor nurses. On the floors in NJ, the ICU nurses have a 3:1 or 2:1 patient ratio, tele nurses have a 6:1 ratio. I doesn't seem to matter how many patients the ER nurse has. I think that once a patient is admitted, the same rules should apply to the ER nurse if that patient is held in the ED. It's just not fair. I really don't know how we can change this.

Just looking for some advice.......I've been an ER nurse for 12 years and it pretty much is the only experience that I have. I am interested in transferring into a CVU so I can learn hemodynamic monitoring and advanced critical care skills. I am hoping to get accepted into a nurse anesthetist program in the future (about 2 more years) and transferring into this specialty will greatly increase my chances of getting accepted. I prefer CVU over MICU or SICU as there is a high turnover of patients and probably a higher exposure to hemodynamic monitoring. The problem is I am completely in my comfort zone and I am afraid to leave. I am confident in my current position and I love my job.......I just can't do it for another 20 years! How long do you think it will take me to become comfortable in a CVU setting? and if anyone lives in NJ I would appreciate any info regarding a good facility to start in. I really appreciate any advice, info., and encouragement I can get...Thanks!!

Thanks for your really honest answer. I completely understand the rationale for obtaining ICU experience prior to entry into CRNA school now. You are right, initially I felt slighted that some schools do not consider ER as valid critical care experience but your explanation has completely clarified the difference. I have just contacted a few nurse recruiters regarding CVU positions. Thanks Again!!!!