wish2bRN

I did find this article on EPS nursing if anyone else is curious :) http://community.nursingspectrum.com/MagazineArticles/article.cfm?AID=8850

hi all! i'm jennifer, a 43 yr old student graduating in june 07. i came across a job description at a hospital for rns in the electrophysiology lab, and it sounded so interesting i'm trying to learn more about it. the job description was as follows: electrophysiology (ep) lab description a highly technical area which performs diagnostic and interventional procedures to patients with electrical conduction problems ep rns utilize their critical care skills and knowledge to ensure the safe delivery of patient care responsibilities include assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care as well as performing circulating functions during procedures, providing conscious sedation, scrubbing for surgical implantation of pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (icd), evaluation of pacemakers and defibrillators during procedures, to in-house patients and in device clinic high level of decision-making and autonomy is criticaljust wondering if anyone can share their knowledge or experience with this cardiac specialty? thanks!

You are getting some great advice! One little bit I might add that I've started doing, is before I leave a patient's room, I start at one corner and go clockwise around the room looking at everything...the IV, the O2, the tables, the sharps box, the foley bags, etc. and of course the patient, mentally checking off that everything is in order before I walk out. You can do this pretty quickly and it's saved my b_tt a few times! I actually do it when I go in as well. I'm a little OCD.....

I am a student graduating in June (hooray!). I think we all know that we will have to work nights, but the reality is we may not enjoy working nights as much as the other shifts, or vice versa. I've heard some nurses say they LOVE night shifts and really do not like working days. I'm a 43 y old mom of 6 (ages 4,7,13,16,20,21 :)) and I know some nurse moms who choose to work nights and sleep while their children are at school and they wouldn't want it any other way.

I call it "interviewing the unit" because it really is a two way street, right? You want to be sure you find the right fit...the type/length of orientation you need, etc. I emailed a clinical instructor that I'd had my second med-surg rotation. She works at the hospital I was interested in. I explained that I was interested in talking to someone about working in either the med/surg unit or ICU, and asked if I might use her as a reference. She answered that yes, I could use her as a reference and she told me to contact so-and-so in HR, and gave me the names of the unit directors. I called HR and said I was interested in the ICU, and they were happy to talk to me and set up an meeting...she said to basically be prepared for an interview, and that I could probably also shadow in the ICU afterwards! She also said they would explain to me about their signing bonus! I am so excited!! I know June's a ways off, but I have a few hospitals to consider and want to compare/contrast.

Hi :typing I have been reading on this forum for a year or so, have rarely posted but have been following this thread. I am a 2nd yr. nursing student graduating in June '07. I am considering going to an ICU, but a smaller one with a very extensive orientation. I'm trying to keep my mind open to doing some med surg first also. Anywho, I saw this quote and thought it was fitting for all of us. Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end, requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them. - -- Emerson I appreciate all of the honesty on this thread. If I do end up going straight to ICU, I will have a much higher level of empathy for what my preceptors are going through. When I go to interview the unit next week, do you think it would be a good idea to come right out and ask some of the nurses how they feel about the new grads on their unit?

Hello! I noticed that East Tennessee State University has a growing number of online programs, and although their website doesn't state that they have a specific online LPN to RN program, their director may be someone to talk to. It seems to me that an online program offered through an accredited college or university would be a safe way to go. They may be able to offer direction if nothing else. I hope to enter an RN to MSN program online when I get that far (I'm just a beginning student so I have a LONG way to go!:) Best of luck to you! Jennifer