topnurse

ADDCTNSG is a listserv for addiction nurses, where they discuss clinical, research, and educational issues as they relate to the field. Here is the email for the listowner if you want to get more info about the group or have questions: Elaine Feeney, Listowner [email protected] Assistant Professor of Nursing York College of Pennsylvania This is a very bright group of advanced and progressive nurses! You could get info about protocols from them, for sure!

I feel your pain!!! I turned 50 this year and have been a RN for 25 years! Just saying that makes my neck and back hurt! Many less physically demanding things to do. I agree - case management is a great option - depending on where you live, you can work on hospital staff or for a managed care company. I know many RN's that are happy doing that. I used to do CM for a large metro hospital and had a ball - I was very very busy, non-stop, walked around alot, but not too physically demanding. I know when you work for the hospital you earn what a staff RN earns. Others do well, depending on the HMO, I guess. Also, telephone triage would work - I did it many years ago - for me, it is not a good option cause it is too much sitting - I like to move! It is also not good if you don't want to gain weight! Seriously! Another option - working for hospice - my best friend worked at Childrens Hospital for 25 years, decided it was time to move on, and absolutely loves her hospice coordinator job. She does the consults, so she is still with patients and families and gets to teach them about hospice care and the program and do the warm and fuzzy stuff. She doesn't do any clinical care at all! She just moved into a position with this company (after 2-3 years) where she divides her time with sales. She is earning commission and doing very nicely. If you've got your BSN, go back and get your MSN - it wouldn't take too long, you could do it online (I am currently working on my MSN online) and then you could teach. Or, if you have the BSN, you can still do clinical teaching for an RN program. Just be prepared - teaching full-time does not earn what acute care earns. Even when you consider the off time - cause bottom-line, are you gonna go work elsewhere during holidays, or summer? I know I wouldn't - it would be too hard to get a temp gig, like registry. It might be too physically painful....my body would go in to shock!! Other thoughts - if you live in a metro area, things like transplant, ID, etc. may work....or occupational health...infusion center.....dialysis...oncology clinic. I agree, PACU is a also great place to work or day surg or GI clinic. That's why I love nursing so much - always something new to try, new to learn. Good luck, whatever you choose! We have lots of experience to draw upon and offer others! :)

I would consider San Diego - fantastic weather, lots of hospitals, Childrens Hospital has great NICU, pay won't be as high as LA but you'll have so much to do - beach, mountains, hiking, biking, cultural events, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, casual and comfortable atmosphere, ranges from urban to rural, desert to mountain, really a terrific city, lots of pride. Good luck!