Shanlee79

Shanlee79 has 2 years experience and specializes in NICU & OB/GYN.

Shanlee79's Latest Activity

1. 

   new to L&D & feeling a little discouraged...

   Shanlee79 posted a topic in Ob/Gyn

   Hi, Recently transferred over from NICU and feeling a little overwhelmed. I understand this is normal because change isn't easy, it's just not only is there a lot to learn but in general it is such a different atmosphere than what I'm used to. Going from order & structure in one little space, to 'go with the flow', all over the place and the unknown....which I thought was more my personality anyhow?? My orientation so far has very little structure to it and again, I think maybe it's throwing me off because I came from the complete opposite. I'm going to keep at it because I don't wanna just take the easy way out and quit..I truly wanna know if I was meant to take this path. Maybe only certain personality types can survive it here?? Perhaps someone else has experienced the same...??
2. 

   New Grad Looking For Opinions!!

   Shanlee79 replied to britrn2010's topic in NICU

   Totally agree with karnicurnc, that's a great book and also just on the job is the best way to learn. I bought a few books as a keener going into NICU as a new grad but honestly, I never even used them. I found the best way is to ask your fellow nurses and look up the policies when you need. Best of luck!
3. 

   Moving from NICU over to L & D....advice??

   Shanlee79 posted a topic in Ob/Gyn

   Hello, NICU nurse here, recently accepted a new position over in Labor/delivery. Super excited, yet nervous to make the leap but have always had a strong curiosity for this area and interest to follow this path (I also think maybe my personality may be a better fit here). I will greatly miss my little peanuts but am looking forward to the many learning opportunities ahead. Looking for any advice to help me out in this transition....
4. 

   NICU Observation - What an experience! What to do next?

   Shanlee79 replied to livelaughlove09's topic in NICU

   I can strongly relate to your post. I was having difficulty deciding on where to be placed for my final practicum this past winter as I experienced more of those negative nurses you described during my rotations prior. I thought that was just the way it was. I set-up my own shadow day in NICU and boy was a glad I did b/c it helped me to see I was wrong. There I found the teamwork, the respect, the autonomy and the positive attitudes I was looking for. Not saying this isn't possible in other areas...just as a student being there for a brief glimpse in time it was hard to pick it out in other places. Everyone said .."oh how sad"..when I told them of my interest to pursue this area and I found it quite the opposite. Sure, there is some sad circumstances but for the most part I see a lot of hope and positive outcomes. Long story short...I felt what your feeling and I ran with it. I did my practicum there and was offered a full-time job in the end. This may not be the case for you then I agree with taking PALS/NRP and for surely send a card/letter to the unit manager to let them know what a wonderful staff/shadow experience you had and thanking the nurse who spent her time with you. Positive feedback is what keeps those units running well and I think the manager will keep your name in the back of her head and be more considering of someone who is passionate and excited to work there in the future. Good Luck to you. It truly is a wonderful place to work!
5. 

   Funny Names

   Shanlee79 replied to nurserynurse55's topic in NICU

   We had twins. Not named at birth. The mom was saying hello to one of them, calling them Infanta. We asked the mom where she came up with their name...she replied seeming confused 'you did, it's written on their sign'. She was referring to the name card that said "Infant 'A'" on it.
6. 

   Orientation length??

   Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in NICU

   Yup. New Grad. I did a 3 month student practicum in there as well but still wanted to gage what the standard responses were. Thanks for your reply!
7. 

   Orientation length??

   Shanlee79 posted a topic in NICU

   Hello, I have accepted an offer for my dream job in a level 3 NICU. Yay!! Wondering how long of an orientation should be reasonably expected? thanks!
8. 

   Externship :)

   Shanlee79 replied to sophie<3's topic in NICU

   I was warned that I wouldn't get to do many skills by my advisor but in no way was this the case! I worked with CPAP & trach babies (alot of respiratory care), NG insertions and gavage feeding, IM injections, administering blood products, catheterization, obtaining blood sample via heel pokes & arterial lines for lab testing, IV meds and fluids...just to name a few. I really found that I learned thorough assessment skills and interpretation of lab values, which is essential. There really was no typical day. Some days I would have one really sick post surgical babe needing monitoring, the next may be 2 stable grower/feeders where you spend most of your time teaching parents about caring for their little one ie) bath, bottles etc. I also got to follow our resuscitation nurses and watch triplets being born and transported to our unit. Pretty cool stuff! Hope this helps.
9. 

   Externship :)

   Shanlee79 replied to sophie<3's topic in NICU
10. 

    New Grad...ambulatory oncology clinic?

    Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in Nursing

    I am still awaiting the call back but I am mostly leaning towards staying in the hospital. Even though I have been there for 3 months already as a student, they have me scheduled for a 12 week theory/buddied orientation period. That appeals to me a lot. Also, my preceptor showed me the list of on-going educational courses that is continously offered through the hospital's centre-wide nursing program (which I am paid to take). I was told by the clinic mgr. that I would only be offered 4 weeks orientation and then I would be responsible for taking an online distance certification course within my year, which I would have to pay for myself. Perhaps a better move for me down the road. Thanks for all your replies!
11. 

    New Grad...ambulatory oncology clinic?

    Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in Nursing

    Sorry, I will clarify. It is a term position in the onc clinic for a nurse who will be off for a yr on maternity leave. But by the time I get registered and orientated, it really will be more like 9 month term I would be hired onto.
12. 

    New Grad...ambulatory oncology clinic?

    Shanlee79 posted a topic in Nursing

    Hello, I am a new graduate who has was offered a position in the ICU where I completed my practicum today. I also had an interview for a 1 yr. Maternity position in an ambulatory oncology clinic, which I believe went very well. Both places appeal to me for different reasons but of course the M-F hours of the clinic sounds fantastic! I am worried that if I turn down the hospital and go for the clinic, I may have a real difficult time getting a job there again afterwards if there is no longer a place for me when the term is up. Love some insight....
13. 

    New grad...ER or NICU?

    Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in Nursing

    Your reasons for picking NICU mirror my reasons when deciding what skills I wanted to develop for my final practicum. These are areas I had not yet developed in school and I feel that I had great exposure with this and am grateful that I had this learning opportunity. I definately found the unique social issues challenging at first but I enjoy tackling these unique challenges now as well and have had great opportunities along the way building relationships and teaching that I had not yet experienced. Food for thought as well. Thanks!
14. 

    New grad...ER or NICU?

    Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in Nursing

    Thank-you for your insight! I'm really not sure if I prefer neonates yet. I know that it has been an interesting and enjoyable learning experience and I have been facinated by many aspects but I have always worked with adults and sort of miss that relationship too. I have never been someone wanting to stay somewhere forever and seeing that majority of the unit is comprised of such is daunting at times. My preceptor has reassurred me that this isn't always the case and that many get accepted into the critical care course that's offered by the hospital and this leads to other doors being opened. Definately gave me food for thought. Thanks.
15. 

    New grad...ER or NICU?

    Shanlee79 posted a topic in Nursing

    Hello all, Wasn't sure which spot to place this. I am completing my last week of internship at a level 3 NICU and have an interview slated. I also have an interview at a community hospital emergency dept that I have previously worked in as a nursing aide. I was always torn between choosing emerge or ICU during school. I do enjoy the NICU and the staff, however I am wondering if I should be starting out in emerge where I would be exposed to a greater variety of skills/pt's? Not trying to make this an ICU vs. Emerge debate...just trying to see where I best fit. Thanks in advance!
16. 

    NICU, PICU or Children's ER?? Need to choose for final practicum..

    Shanlee79 replied to Shanlee79's topic in Nursing

    Thanks for your reply! I will keep you posted. I should hopefully know within the next few weeks. All my resumes are sent out...and my fingers crossed!