ernest68

I am quite certain that Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore offers a comprehensive Critical Care Orientation program that offers both classroom and clinical orientation for new grads wanting to pursue the field.

Well, it looks like the big move to Houston is a done deal. The only problem is, I still haven't made up my mind as to which hospitals to consider for employment. There's A LOT of good hospitals in TMC. I was hoping someone could shed some light on which are the top three, since I won't really have a lot of time to go job-hunting. I'm also interested to see which hospitals offer relocation $$ and have good programs for RNs interested in post-graduate education. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Assuming that the transducer is in level with the heart after flushing any air bubbles in the tubing then rezeroed, plus a properly inflated pressure bag with a nice waveform...Art line sounds like a winner.

Since I've started doing 12s many years ago, I have lost any interest in 8 hour shifts for many reasons, namely: -The idea of working 3 shifts a week, instead of 5 is great. True, 12 hour shifts can be longer and more draining but once you get used to it-you get used to it. -If you're married(or w/ kids) it is easier to schedule your life around everything. Most people shy away from Nursing because they don't like working nights, or holidays, or weekends. It's actually an advantage to most people since there is more flexibility with work hours; my wife and I can both work without any childcare issues, ergo-cheaper. -And speaking of cheaper, working less days during the week translates to less commute(cost of gas is ridiculous), less laundry loads which means less energy consumption, less food(unless you pack lunch) expense, etc.. Bottom line is: 12 hour shift ROCKS. Call me Cheap, but I prefer FRUGAL. :chuckle

RN Fine' If you're licensed in MD as your primary, then you don't need a Texas license, since it is included in the Compact States. Good Luck..

As with everything else in Life that one commits to-One has to do it for the right reasons, or else one fails in the endeavor. While others have considered Nursing as a mere "career", I was indoctrinated to treat it as a vocation(Once a nurse, always a nurse!) where you are expected to uphold certain codes and standards in order to deserve wearing the title. And for the last 15 years that I have honorably served as an RN, there is not one shred of regret for choosing this path. I, too, am like the many who come from around the world to the land of milk and honey. I was born, grew up and trained as a nurse in the Philippines. I made a painful decision to leave everything and everyone I loved in the early 90s to come to a foreign land in search of a bright future, not knowing what to expect. I faced criticism from my friends then because I was accused of contributing to the national "brain drain", but my commitment to help my widowed mother get my other siblings through college(including a brother through medicine) strenghtened my resolve to leave. I felt the bitter taste of being discriminated against because of my foreign accent and my skin color but I did not let that tarnish and blur my genuine desire to care for them. Perhaps my sincerity to help will help others see past my physical aspects and convince them that I am there to help them through their pain-physical or emotional. That I will care for their father or mother like they were mine, so they can go to sleep at night knowing that someone cares. The whole point here is that it really does not matter which part of the world you come from or what previous field you were in prior to deciding to become a nurse -as long as your heart is in the right place. Life will be rewarding if you find happiness and fulfillment in what you do, and people will notice it in you. When others see that you are happy with your "career", maybe it will become the biggest recruitment tool to get more people into it. My wife is also a nurse and my kids are already showing a lot of interest in the field. It has become a tradition we are hoping will continue with the next generations. Pay it forward. Mabuhay.(Long live)

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your move there. Is the traffic really getting worse there? What about the commute to San Francisco? Any suggestions as to which hospitals I should consider interviews when I visit this summer? What about the school system-how is it like? Thanks and best of luck!

What's the pay scale there like, anyway?

I guess we're just ready for a change in climate and lifestlye. Our 3 sons are outdoors fanatics and frequently comment that they wish they were able to spend more time outdoors even in the winter. All suffer from eczema and allergies, and the cold weather really does a number on them. We are also at a point now that we are ready to find a bigger/new house but don't want to limit our options in the same state alone. I am aware that CA life is very expensive but how expensive it is will really be defined by crunching the numbers. Are there any other places in Sac that are not as expensive to live in? If so, which school districts are better?

My family will be checking out the Sacramento area this summer to see if moving there from Maryland will be financially feasible w/ 3 little children. I need some advice as to which hospitals I should setup for an interview while we are there. I am an RN of 15 years with the last 8 in critical care(ICU). My RN wife has done some part-time medsurg. work in the last couple of years due to the kids. Will also need some info on which ares to consider when househunting...Elk Grove seems like a reasonable place so far. Any comments will be highly appreciated..

i'll update you as i get more info on the program

I am glad to know you are progressing well. I am confident that things will look great by the 10th of Jan. One more thing...granulation tissue thrives better in moist, not wet(they will macerate easily and slough off if too wet) environment. Trust in the moist to dry dressings...And don't forget your dietary proteins!! ;)

I have used the VAC System over the last 10 years when KCI first came out with them. The key to optimal therapy is establishing a clean wound base. This means first getting rid of the necrotic tissue, usually thru surgical or enzymatic(i.e. collagenase) debridement methods. Assuming that the dressing remains intact with no notable leaks, changing them is usually done in 2 to 3 day intervals. Frequent changing is not recommended unless there is gross contamination suspected, since granulation tissue may also adhere to the removed dressing and/or wound packing material. I have had wonderful results with the VAC system where I have seen a lot of Stage IV decubiti heal dramatically over a span of a few weeks.. I am confident that it will work for you also. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I heard that University of Maryland just started a new CRNA program. Anybody know what the 411 is? If true, then this would probably be the ONLY program in Md(except DC and those in the military)!!

Although I generally get the impression that surgeons have the propensity to be megalomaniacs who "look down" on nurses, there have been many exceptions. In the last 10 years, I have noticed a new "breed" who are true teamplayers who are entitled to a few "tantrums" in the OR once in a while..