harley_fan

I just got back from Cincinnati this weekend. I went to check out the area to see if I would like it or not. It is so nice!!!!! Another question... has anyone ever worked in the area as a travel nurse - not relocating to other areas. Someone suggested to me that I should work in the Cincy area but be employed by a travel company. I would make probably $10 more per hour and have a housing allowance. How are the travel nurses treated at the hospitals? I was never told about U of C sign on bonus! That makes a bit of a difference. I have awhile to find a job. I won't be moving until Dec/Jan. Thanks for leaving the comments. They all help with decisions!!

I am planning on moving to the Cincinnati area and need some help deciding what hospitals to look into. So far I have talked to Good Samaritan, Christ, and St. E's. St. E's HR nurse recruiter seemed to not know anything about nursing at the hospital at all. Something I am so shocked about is the pay!! Most hospitals starting wage is $21. I live in MN and am making $31 base pay with only 3.5 years experience. If anyone can offer any information (good or bad) on the hospitals or the city I would really appreciate it!!!! Thanks!!!

"But I just was unaware that nursing facilities take people who are on contact/airborne isolation and are still that sick." A lot of people who have MRSA probably got it from residing in a SNF. We put everyone from SNF on isolation because 80% of the time they are infected.

I thought there would be a clear cut answer!!! My thought process was along the lines of telehead but I always like to see how other people explain things. So, thanks for all the input!

This may be a dumb questions but.. I had a patient that was in A. Fib and would have a couple beats that some nurses called PACs. I'm wondering if someone is in A. Fib could they have PACs or would this just be A.Fib with RVR for a few beats. Any clarification at all would be helpful. Thanks!!

I work in SE Minnesota and right now they are starting at $25 with an increase this spring. Every year there is a $2-3 pay raise to stay competitive with the Twin Cities. I've found this pay to be excellent for the cost of living and haven't found anything comparable yet throughout the US. I have no clue what the starting pay for an LPN is though.

Just a quick question--- When a patient is aspirating thin liquid what is the action that you take? I'm just curious to see what other people do in this situation. Thanks

The summer 3s can't pass meds and flush lines, but they do get hands on experience. The summer 3s last year did dressing changes, PICC site care, assesments (they didn't personally chart, but along w/their preceptor). They also got some wonderful experience w/calling doctors and working with the other teams in the hospital (urology techs, IV techs, Transfusion teams, dietary). That is all such invaluable experience that will make the transition into nursing so much easier. And, if you show up on time, and prove yourself to be a responsible employee it will make it that much easier to obtain a position as a nurse! Good luck w/the decision!

Their intership is called the Summer III. I don't have any personal experience w/doing that program, but I know on their website you can read about it. I know the pay isn't too bad for this internship-about 13.00. Good Luck!

I don't like taking care of the noncompliant patients. They come in the hospital and stay for an extended period of time not really committing to any treatment plan, or refusing cares. It stinks that they waste the staff's time, the taxpayer's money, and they occupy a room that could be used for someone who probably would be more appreciative of everything we do!

I really like room service for patients. It does save nurses so much time. When a patient asks for me to just get him some toast and dry cereal "quick" all I have to say is " you can just call down for your breakfast." Some patients like to confuse nurses with waitresses. For the patients w/dementias we don't use room service - a tray just automatically comes up. It is also nice for the patients because they can eat on their own time.

I have a bike and I love the feeling of fresh air hitting me. Everything seems so much clearer when I am on a bike. I finally talked my husband into getting one this past spring. I have to admit, since becoming a nurse, I have definitely become slightly more hesitant to ride. I took the safety class which helped with a lot of defensive driving skills. That is the most important thing when riding a bike!! And of course to always wear a helmet. That does take some getting used to. Good luck with your decision.

I live in the Midwest and I am making a decent wage. I started at 24.60 and not just got a pretty nice pay raise (about 4.50) only after working there for 1 year too. Pretty nice Christmas present! The cost of living in my area is not overly expensive and I do work for a Catholic Hospital. Just to add to what the other posters have been mentioning.. I don't feel my life revolves around nursing. All of the stress and work burdens are lifted off my shoulders when I rip up my report sheet at the end of the shift. Its a good feeling :)

Has anyone ever seen a diagnosis of a DVT from just a positive Homan's Sign? If there are no risk factors (no smoking, no BCPs, active person, and younger) do they automatically r/o dx of DVT? Thanks

During days we are staffed anywhere from 1:2-4, depending on the acuity of the patients. Honestly, I only remember a few times it was actually 2 patients.. but it does happen. Along with that we typically have 1-2 CNAs on our floor helping with the baths. If anything else needs to be done we basically have to beg. We also have 2 secretaries during the day and 1 on evening shift. The majority of the nurses on my floor work 12 hour shifts so on evenings it stays about the same - 1:3-4 with only 1 CNA for the evening shift. On nights we usually have 1:5-7 with no CNAs. It is usually busy also. I don't remember the last time I just sat around waiting for something to happen. During days/evenings the charge doesn't have any patients and they help out where needed. On nights they take about 3-4 patients.