compassionRN

I am curious if you would be willing to share info about Parkridge Hosp. I work for HCA in Colorado, but was looking to relocate to Chattanooga, TN. Parkridge had hired me as a New Grad, but I finally got an offer in Colorado where I lived. Now that I have 1+ yr experience my husband and I have done research regarding TN and are considering a move. Can you give info about a typical RN hours, pt ratios, poss pay range and whether there are options for bonus/ overtime? I greatly appreciate your input.

We are looking to relocate to the East area, Chattanooga. I work for HCA and would transfer within the company when available within the next year or so. Parkridge had offered me a position as a New Grad, so now that I have 1+yr experience I would like to investigate this opportunity again, but need to know the low down for an RN in the area. I need help knowing what to expect. Sometimes what the employer says doesn't really look that way in the end. We have been reviewing Chattanooga because we really enjoy the Mountains. I don't think we would be totally happy in a flat area. The elevation would be different, as our home is currently 6300 ft above sea level. Our research has found us looking forward to having a garden with beautiful flowers and rich soil. We will miss the Aspen trees, but look forward to lots of Maples, Hickory, and other various species. If anyone knows about what grows in the area that would be handy to know too. Our soil here has a lot of clay, so it is hard to motivate plants to grow. Hope I am not asking for too much. The most important question pertains to the job, however area info is good to know to, we want to stay and build roots for our children. Because we have kids it is important to get an idea regarding potential schedules, 8 hour day vs 12 hours and pay/ incentives is key too. The cost of living is less in Tennessee, but am I going to cut a salary in 1/2 to save 1/4%? This is the part that is difficult to get from internet resources.

My husband and I are considering a relocaion toTN from Colorado. I was intersted in knowing what things are like in Tennessee for an RN? The typical daily life for an RN at any hospital. Such as: The market for RN (unsaturated vs supersaturated), daily hours, patient ratios, bonuses, weekend contracts, etc... Also, a pay range would be nice to know too. We live in Colorado, which is pretty supersaturated with nurses, I am extremely fortunate to have a job. So this is a decision I do not wish to take lightly as I may not be able to return so readily. I am a New Grad with almost a year of experience and I am very happy to be employed. I LOVE my job, however, the housing market seems to be an issue and Tennessee seems to have many beautiful things to do "outdoors" without the high dollar price tag. Please, tell me if I am wrong. I would love to hear everything there is to know about Tennessee too. We have done research on the internet, but it would be great to hear from those who live and love/don't love Tennessee. We do not have family in Tennessee nor would my husband be employed until we get there. So your input would mean a lot to us to assist in our decision making. Thank you in advance!

This is a tough market for a New Grad. I am VERY fortunate to be employed as an RN. I graduated almost a year ago. Most of those I went to school with still do not have an RN job. Be strong, don't give up! Be flexible, go out of state if needed to get a job at a hospital. Rumor has it that as a New Grad, if you go work at a nursing home then want to work at the hospital: hospitals will not pass along your resume to get you hired. This is unfortunate, but reality. Especially as this rumor came from a Nurse recruiter in the area from a LARGE hospital! Keep that in mind when you get a job offer, Best wishes! This is a tough market for New Grads, which is SO unfortunate. Jobs are scarce and the employers can be very picky! Don't give up!!!! Congrats on passing!

My situation is this.... I recently medicated a pt with IVP Dilaudid 2mg (as ordered) for a pain scale of 10/10, at the same time I also gave 2 Percocet 5/325. The pt had an ACDF two days prior and was having continued pain issues that the MD ordered a CT of the cervical spine, which was positive, so a PCDF was scheduled within 48 hrs. Pt experienced N/T to BUE and foot drop in LLE. The pt tolerated this regime without complications as he has prior history of narcotic use. Regardless, I had been taught by one of our physisicans that this is acceptable practice to assist in "getting ahead" of pain. The rationale here is that when the IVP Dilaudid begins to wear off, the Percocet is beginning to work. Allowing the pt to experience a decrease in pain. Well, I had an experienced RN (as I am a New Graduate, practicing for the last 8 months) explain that this is poor practice and VERY dangerous. I was explained that the Percocet should be given, then if the pt continues to complain of pain in 40min, then I should have given the IVP Dilaudid for the breakthrough pain. The rationale for this is: to give the pill a chance to work, then if it does not, then give the IVP medication. This really seems odd to me, Would both medications peak at the same time? Increasing the risk of oversedation and possible need to Narcan? I really need to clarify... The doctor's rationale makes sense to me as well as the fact that I understand the peak times of such medications. I am concerned about the latter practice, from the experienced RN, as I feel this may cause oversedation and possibly a need to Narcan a pt. Which, at our facility any Narcan reversal is an automatic ICU admission. I would hate to make such mistake, then cause a pt to be transferred unneccesarily to the ICU. I want to do the right thing and to be safe for me, the facility, and especially the pt. In this situation, the pt never had any complications, was happy with my treatment and requested the previous nurse not return, then the pt began to need less and less medication over time. Things worked out this time, but I need to know if this is a good practice or if the experienced RN is really right and I should follow her advice (by the way, she is a charge RN too). Please advise,....