roxybabe84

Thanks for the info, was just curious about the uses for arterial lines and situations that would require a pt to have one. So now i know they are mostly used for shock, monitoring effects of inotropic drugs, and for monitoring ABGs.

Hello, I encountered a patient with an arterial line while shadowing a nurse on ICU during clinical. Observed as she took a blood draw from the line and saw how careful she was in maneuvering the stopcocks. Why does a pt need an arterial line? And how long can it stay in w/o risk of infection? Was curious on the topic, but didn't want to bombard the nurse with all my questions during her shift :)

Hi guys, So it has been 8 months since graduation and 6 months since i received my RN license and I am still job searching. I have applied to jobs online at hospitals, but haven't gotten any replies. Admittedly, one interview did not go well during the summer (perhaps I was not competitive enough in my interview) and I did turn down a potential offer in November bc I had already planned to be out of the country (my finance and I finally got married overseas where we have lots of family). Anyone have any tips on how to make an application stand out or tips to get that interview? I had called HR in the past before, but there really is not much they have said except that my application is under review and I'd be contacted if chosen. Another recruiter told me no new openings were available now, but to check back later. Job searching in the DC and Va. area has been hard, and I am really hoping to start working now that I've got the marriage done and family visits out of the way.

Hi Nalon1, What was your previous experience at Hermann? My only peds experience was at Children's Medical Center for clinicals and had a good experience on the heart and kidney unit. Besides school clinicals I did work as a tech on an adult Med/Surg unit. Do you think that kind of experience would look well if I applied to hermann? And besides NICU, do you know what other units new grad are hired in? I could see myself on an oncology unit or heart unit. Not sure ER is my thing although some ppl say they could see me there

Thanks for the input and information! I do have a BSN from a university and a compact license. I'm hoping that will make me more favorable? I haven't applied to Hermann Memorial yet but have just checked out the website. I responded to a NICU ad and emailed the recruiter but hadn't received any additional information from her. I live in DC/VA area and there is also a surplus of RN grads... that combined with older nurses staying in the workforce and nurses from overseas coming to the U.S. makes it difficult and frustrating. I'd really like to find something in Texas. I have family who live there and would be nice to have hot weather for a change!

Hello all, I've been a new grad since May and have been looking for RN positions in DC metro area, but have not had any luck. I graduated with a 3.2 GPA and worked as a PCT on Med/Surg during nursing school. Lately I've been thinking of moving to Texas (I have family here, love the affordable standard of living, and warm weather). I've never moved from the east coast before and would love to live life and make a move! That being said, how is the job market in the Houston area, and how would one go about landing a position out-of-state? I've looked at Hermann Memorial hospital system, but am worried it will be too competitive unless I know someone......

In Virginia standard of living and cost of living is much higher than probably what you are used to in Nevada. Having to pay taxes and higher housing costs will be difficult with a family to care for. I live in northern virginia and pay $1400 monthly mortgage for a 900 sq. foot condo. I'd say stay in Nevada where you may already have connections and networks to help you find that next, higher paying position.

Hi TurnfortheNurseRN, how would you say the job climate is in Texas right now? I graduated RN school in May and am still looking but not finding any luck where I am in the east coast (MD, VA, DC area). I have family in Houston and have thought of looking there, but not sure what my odds would be right now.

wow, ok! I will definitely keep on applying now that I've heard from you all. Was starting to feel discouraged with so much to do and testing to prepare for. But now I feel much more hopeful that I will not be jobless.

Hi everyone, I am finishing up my last semester of nursing school and cannot wait to get my BSN and pass the NCLEX. I also have edited my resume and have applied to some positions online. Should I keep on applying for jobs before I actually pass take the NCLEX and get my license or should I apply after? It seems like there are so many applicants, and I want to get my resume out there, but how do hiring managers consider upcoming graduates? Many people have school have told me to just apply, but is it too early? How long does it take for them to consider all the applicants?

I think it would be interesting to work on clinical trials, perhaps as the RN who provides the bedside care or med. administration for new therapies and studies. I suppose to conduct and write my own nursing research I would need much more experience. During my last semester we heard from an RN/nurse manager at Washington Hospital Center who was conducting research at the hospital regarding family presence should be allowed during cardiac resuscitation. It sounded like she had collected experience at this hospital and interest in this topic for a while before beginning her inquiry.

Hello, I and the nursing students in my class have been urged by our professors to start looking at jobs and applying for jobs before we graduate in spring 2013. I enjoy the academic environment and have been interested in nursing research. I feel like my dream job would be to work at the NIH Clinical Center and working alongside doctors and researchers on new interventions, clinical trials, etc. There is a posting for a clinical research nurse in the peds clinic, and I am wondering how likely is it for a new nurse to land a position at NIH hospital? The positions there seem so few; it must be competitive? Does anybody know what it's like to work there, and what is the application process is like? Does anybody have any personal experience working as a nurse at NIH? Do you like the environment there? Is it truly as exciting as it seems?

Did you enroll in a community college cna course? I've been looking around and it seems like perhaps the advantage with doing it at community college is getting help with job placement...? I don't think I'm a total idiot and have taken several science courses, so I'm hoping I can pass the gna test alright.

Yes I had heard of the MC courses. I'm sure the ones attached to a community college are legit. I think that class has already filled up though. I just don't o get ripped off.

Does anyone know of any good CNA/GNA training programs in MD? I am dying to get into nursing and have finished my prereqs this past year at community college. I want to apply to a nursing school for next fall and I'm thinking of doing a GNA training program this summer so as not to waste time and to get healthcare experience. Right now I'm not working and would like to start with entry-level work now that I have more time. Are there any GNA programs anyone could recommend? And how easy or difficult is it to find a CNA or GNA job? I checked the mbon list of certified programs, but I'm not sure which to pick. I'm thinking of registering for a program with NurseOne Inc. in Lanham. It is a 4-week program. Has anyone heard of this program and do they prepare you well for the GNA exam?