caseywestt

Cheat sheets aren't very useful in the ED. Honestly, you don't have time to write too much down because we see so many patients in one day. I am a new grad as well and what I have found helpful is just making a to do list for each patient once i have a minute to sit down. It helps to me to see all the things I have pending on each pt in one spot and prioritize what I need to get done without forgetting anything. I also use that same sheet of paper to write things down when i don't have time to get to the computer to chart right away (time MD at bedside, communication with other staff that I need to document, etc.) Also most meds are stat in the ED, so you don't really need to worry about mapping out times to give meds. I don't know how it is on the floor, but in the ED I try and get my "workup" done right away when seeing the patient. That means getting them on the monitor, drawing labs/starting lines when necessary, letting them know you need urine, and doing a physical assessment all before leaving the room if possible. Getting all of that done off the bat means you can get to the computer and chart it all at once and has saved me a lot of time and keeps me organized! Good lucK!!

Fast facts for the ER nurse! I am a new grad in the ER and I keep it with me when on the floor. It's a good quick reference as far as making sure you're ordering the right labs and anticipating what meds/procedures might be ordered. It also has a few pages in the back with common labs/meds Amazon.com: fast facts for the er nurse

Every interview is different! It depends what hospital, what department, etc. If this is your first interview, be prepared for screening types of questions. Be able to explain why you want the position, why you are a good fit for the hospital, know the hospital's mission statement and incorporate it into your answers. Think back to your clinical experiences and be prepared to give examples of times when you acted as a leader, were apart of a team, were challenged, etc. Drug questions are fair game, I had to take a med math test before my first interview! They are usually very common meds (Dig, lasix). I also was asked patient scenario questions. Usually these are kept fairly basic! Good luck tomorrow! (:

I was hired into the ED back in December! It's good to know they're still making calls and interviewing. Good luck!! (: what department are you interviewing for?

I think they are out of the office for a few more days for the holidays! If that helps (:

I saw that as well. I'm not sure but you could always try contacting HR to find out for sure. Wasn't one of the positions for ICU? I did hear that the new grad ICU positions were full, but in not positive! Couldn't hurt to apply (: good luck!

I recently interviewed for an ER spot in a versant program and I got it! Out of the different units that I interviewed for, I would have to say that ER was the most intimidating. For my second interviews (with the units) some are only with the floor manager. ER was with a couple of the floor managers, some of the nurses.. there were 6 people total on my panel! Definitely dress professionally! That should be a given. Be ready to answer more basic questions (tell me about yourself, why nursing, why ER, why this hospital). Know the mission statement and try to incorporate it into your answers! Show them that you WANT ER!!!! With my panel, I know that they had a TON of people interview before me, many of whom said they were between ER and ICU or another unit. Obviously, be honest- but if you really want ER and nothing but ER, let them know (: (: ER is a unit that you really have to love to be successful in, and I think they will probably want to know that from you! Be prepared for questions about dealing with difficult doctors, upset patients, prioritization, etc. I was also given 4-5 scenario questions in my interview regarding commonly seen diseases/disorders in the ER, as well as some medications. Most of mine was basic stuff (they don't expect you to be an expert!). Also, if you are really serious about ER- look into taking your CEN if you haven't! It's something that I started pursuing before I even knew I had the interview, I let them know, and they loved that! Just try to stay calm and be confident in your education!! Don't worry if you mess something up in a scenario (I did!). They know you are nervous! Good luck, let us know how it goes!!

Well, technically two interviews. But for my second interview the ED and float pool will be on the panel (at least that's what they said). Thanks so much for your help! :)

List any awards/honors that you have! Ex: dean's list, nursing honor societies, etc. It looks like you have great experience!

coffee, energy drinks, cliffbars and cheddar munchies!

Always brush up on your skills BEFORE clinical! (: Showing up and not knowing what your doing is pretty humiliating, everyone has been there at least once. Obviously, its hard to read something in a book and then know how to do it online. If you're really struggling, I would look into ATI skills modules. We used that in school and it was invaluable. There have been times where I search on youtube for skills videos, obviously it's not always reliable though- so be careful. (: Good luck!

Loved WCU! I recently graduated (november 2012 cohort NOHO campus), passed my boards within two weeks of graduating, and already have interviews lined up. It's not an easy program, I don't think I've ever had to work harder for something in my life. Know that it is worth it and you WILL get through it! I agree with the other grad- take advantage of your professors and study your ass off (: GOOD LUCK! and Congrats!

Congrats!!

I am a new grad and have an upcoming interview for the CCU. I would love to hear from some CCU nurses about why they love working in this field! What kind of patients do you see on a regular basis? Also what do you believe are the necessary skills/ knowledge to have for this position? (: Thanks in advance for your responses! Any advice would be helpful to me!

Does anyone know if CCU and DOU are the same unit at white? Is CCU critical care or cardiac care? I was also asked to come in to interview with CCU/DOU and I don't know if it's the same unit or two different! Help! (:

Hi nglaurenRN! I will definitely try to find out more and let you know what they say! (: I am curious to find out when we would be notified by as well. How was the DOU interview? Also, kind of a stupid question but do you know if the DOU is the same as the CCU at white? When I was asked to come for the interview, they said it was for DOU/CCU. Not sure if it's the same unit, or if there will just be two different units on the same panel! I just want to be prepared! (: Has anyone interviewed for the float pool?? Also, Lauren- did you interview for the ED as well? I have that interview coming up and the ED is my top choice. I'm already getting super nervous and trying to prepare myself as best as possible. Any advice? Good luck to you!! I'll keep you posted with what I find out next week. Stay positive!! (:

Thank you everyone for your responses! Any advice is helpful to me (:

thanks so much, super helpful!

I had my interview today! (:

Hello everyone! New to this forum. I had my first interview and it went well. I have an interview next week with ED, float pool, and DOU. Any advice going into this next round of interviews? I have no idea what to expect. So excited to move on to the next round and to even be considered for my dream job in the ED!! Thanks in advance for your responses!!

Gunny- Thank you so much, that is great advice! I actually had clinicals in this particular ED and totally loved it there. It would seriously be an honor to work alongside the nurses that I precepted with, they are all so talented! I need to remember that they don't expect me to be perfect, just willing to learn and ask for help when needed! Thanks!!

Hi everyone! I have a panel interview for the ED at a fairly large metropolitan hospital. I am a new grad, and the position is for a new grad versant program. This is my dream job and I am so excited to have this opportunity! I believe the interview will be with the manager and maybe some charge nurses on the unit. I am expecting scenario questions and medication questions, but would love (any and all!) advice on other ways to help prepare me for this interview. Thank you in advance for your help! (:

Definitely dress up! I've heard you're not supposed to wear scrubs to an interview. (: Good luck!

Hello fellow nursing students! I am graduating in October and want to start preparing for my boards with either Hurst or Kaplan. I have looked into both and so far have noticed that Hurst seems to be more concentrated on mastery of content while Kaplan seems to be more about how to approach questions. I would love any input from anyone who has used either reviews. Obviously, each one is a big $$ investment and I want to make sure to choose the best one! Any input would be greatly appreciated.. Thank you!!

Hey everyone, I was wondering if any current westcoast university students (LA campus) could share their experience with the BSN program. I haven't had a chance to talk to any current students to see how they like it. I feel like they've been so pushy and it seems as if the admissions reps are more interested in meeting some kind of quota then about my education and whether the school is right for me or not. how are the classes/profs/schedules/tests/etc. If you got to do it all over.. any regrets with chosing the school? any input would be appreciated!!! thanks guys :-]