mauser

Outside of work, I can banter around with the best of them. But at work, I am a professional and I act like one. I expect others to also.

I graduated in 2006 from nursing school and we were not taught how to start IVs. We were told that if our employers would teach us if it was necessary. Both hospitals I worked at (in addition to the one I trained at) had an IV team and they are the only ones allowed to start IVs. I too, would like to learn so that I am ready for a job that requires IV starts. There was one such opening recently in the hospital and one of my coworkers who had the experience got the job over others who did not.

I start my final semester of nursing school next week. It is in Community-Based Nursing and Maternal/Child Nursing. I chose this as my last (rather than the usual Advanced Med/Surg) because I wanted to be a L&D Nurse and would be able to get a job there when I finished school. Things have changed for me, and will now be moving immediately upon graduation. New area, new hospitals I am unfamiliar with and will be unfamiliar with my skills. My question: What can I do during my rotations to "shine" or standout to get a great letter of reference to give to my prospective employers? What qualities, what skills will give me an edge. I am not exactly sure what I am asking for - but perhaps just "hints" to pass along to a nursing student entering this rotation. Just as a background - I am in my late 40's, have two grown children, and spent 4 weeks in the OR at the Women's and Baby's Hospital as an extern this past summer. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

I am not sure what the pay is like. I have lived in this town most of my life. It is a great place to live. I have been an independent contractor with this hospital for close to 20 years as a medical transcriptionist. I have done this for other places, but this was the best place for paying on time, etc. Also, have been at ECH as a patient. I would recommend it to anyone. Having said that - Good luck!

Good Job! You did it!

Thanks for trying Tony. I usually have no problem with the tests - but never was asked this "factor" question before. When I was observing in Trauma Neuro the RN talked about using the "factor," but I just figured out the dosage/rate my usual way - I end up with the same answer she does. But if the question specifically asks me what the factor number is - I will be lost.

I start class on Monday with the dreaded drug calc test. While working as an Extern, one of the facilitators gave us a worksheet to help get ready for the test. However, she is asking what the patient's factor is. I am not even sure what this is. Ex: Dr. orders dopamine drip at 2 to 5 mcg/kg/min and you have dopamine 800 mg in 250 mL. Pt weighs 90 kg. Calculate the factor. Answer: 0.59. HELP! I am really feeling stupid right now.

I saw one on TV during a high school rodeo that said: "Ride bulls.... meet nurses."

Alright! Congratulations. I kept checking back to see if you passed - but then missed a week - and forgot your name!! (sorry) I just love happy endings.

Great Job! I kept checking back to see how you made out. I just love happy endings!! (and beginnings)

Just wondering how you made out.....

I just completed my second semester. I love it. I have also been accepted for an externship at the hospital over the summer at LGH. They give our students first shot. While in clinicals, the nurse manager has told us to come to her when we graduate - she will get us a job. And of course the NCLEX pass rate has always been in the 90s and currently is 98% I believe!

"Get 'er done!" Sorry, that is a STUDENT nurse phrase. =)

That has changed. I would go to the open house and get the facts. Lancaster General is now a college. The gen ed courses have been accredited for some time. Many LGH diploma students have gone on to get their BSN without any problems. But I believe, as of this fall, any student entering the program can opt to receive their ADN.

Way-to-go!!!