kmd199

Hello, I have been an RN working at an urban community health center for thepast 3 years IN Boston, MA. I work in the FamilyMedicine Dept which sees both pediatric and adult patients. I recently became interested in working as aschool RN and have been trying to obtain additional information. I have my BSN from a local 4 year college, and 3 yearsworking in the pediatric/community health area. I plan on enrolling in the MSN-CNL program in the next year or so. I am trying to figure out what the next step maybe. It appears that I would need to do aschool nurse training program through Boston Public Health Dept and pass one of the MTELs. Any idea where there is training is offeredand how else I would proceed forward? Thank you for your time!

Hi There Everyone, I am a young nurse from Boston, MA. I have my BSN-RN and have been working in an outpatient primary care setting (Adult/Peds/Some UC). We do meds, nebs, immunizations, wound care, INR reporting, med recs/refills, pt teaching etc. We get our occasional CP patient in UC who we give Oxygen, ASA, call 911 and send them off. I really do like the office job, nice hours, focusing on one patient at a time, and the adminstration side of work. However, the pay is not what other nurses are making in the area and I am interesting in trying to save some extra money and buy a home. I know with this economy it is great that I even have a job. My question is.. what to do next! I have not done any med-surg and would much rather not. I never really like much of the floor when I was in nursing school. I was wondering what my chances would be of maybe getting into a private clinic (cardio/onc, endo/gi), L&D, maybe dialysis? I would really love feedback. Also, can anyone suggest a type of floor that may not be the nightmare that you typically hear when you think "med-surg". For all you med-surg nurses out there, I give you more credit than anyone! I know that I could not do it for years! Any help or advice would be great! Thank you!

Hi There, Congrats on the job interview. I currently work in a Clinic very similiar to the one that you described. I started as a brand new nurse back in Jan 2010. I really enjoyed working with the population and it is very good experience. I was never really that interested in working on a floor even though I know I will have to at some point to gain that experience. In order to succeed in this role you should talk about how your culturally competent, understand of different populations, be familiar with meds (BP meds, Cholesterol Meds, Coumadin etc), be a very effective communicator, and also also have strong documention skills. My facility does use MA's. They bring the pt's into the room, do VS, obtain urines, assist with PAP's, clean rooms, schedule follow up appts. Nurses do all the MA tasks PLUS do prescription refills, desktop/answering calls, triaging patients on the phone/ walk in, meds (IM. Subc, nebs, PO meds), call pt regarding lab results and much more! My clinic is very busy and that best part about working in Family Medicine is that you will be more than likely working with children as well. It is very valuable to be able to work with pediatrics and adults. If you have any more questions let me know!