debelair

Sadly, my relocation will be postponed. The reason I was considering relocation was because the hospitals here tell me that I would not be considered for an acute care position because I am a Hospice nurse and they are requiring 1-5 years experience in the field I was applying for. No hospice in acute care!!! The LV hospital website did not indicate that experience was required, but I found out that it is. I wish I would have known that before I got my Nevada license. Anyway, the folks in HR down there are very nice. The Valley Health System is made up of 5 local hospitals. I have a friend that works there and she is very happy there! Good luck to you!!!

I have one co-worker that I have lunch with once a week to vent with. I printed this out and read it to her. Now when ever we get frustrated with our jobs, patients, families, doctors we just smile at eachother and say..."and it's all going to be your fault" and somehow it makes the whole situation less miserable. I, too, have created a "warning" for wanna-be nurses though yours is much better.Thanks!!!

I am an RN relocating to Las Vegas. Anyone out there employed by the Valley Health System care to tell me what the hospitals are like and what you like/dislike about your job? Thanks!!

Where are you, Newgradnurse?

You are only one person. Why would you think you should be able to do the job of two?

I received a $1000.00 sign on bonus for a job I took in a LTC facility when I was an LVN. I live in the Monterey area and from what I have heard, this is one of the highest priced and highest paying areas in California. The only opportunities for LVN's around here are nursing homes or prisons. I did briefly work at a hospital but they were only trying out LVN's and ultimately decided not to use them. The difference in LVN/RN pay is mind boggling to me. Here, LVN's make $22-$25/hour compared to the RN's $35-$45/hour. In acute care, there are CNA's that actually make more than the LVN's. Good luck on your schooling..........rush to that RN so you have more choices!!

If you really want to spend time with the residents in a LTC facility, find a small one and work 3-11. There are fewer pills/treatments, very little PT/OT and only one meal. I worked 3-11 in a LTC facility for years and I had time to talk, cut nails, even play the piano for them on occasion. I will say, though, there were more behaviors to deal with because of sundowning.

I think getting a job as an aide on a mother/baby unit now would greatly benefit you because you will get to know the staff and the routine. I went into nursing because I wanted to be an L&D nurse but imagine my disappointment to find that I could not get a job without experience in that field! (catch 22, huh?) Your chances of getting hired, even as a new grad, will be much better if you "know someone". Good luck to you!!!