GGBRN

I transferred from a neuro surgical step down unit to Cardiac/Neuro ICU. Our unit will be splitting to neuro next month, so I still get some cards pts, but not as many. Anyway, at first I felt like I was really interested in neurology and I was eager and excited to become apart of the new neuro ICU. Now, I feel overwhelmed and burnt out. Working with neuro ICU pt's is frustrating and depressing. Not many neuro patients have great outcomes, but my frustration is equally based on pt outcomes and the collaboration and attitude of the teams within my hospital. For example, for the past 3 nights I've had a pt that neurosurgery was following but the primary team was neuro critical care. I called NCC at the beginning of my shift and asked if they were planning on another CT in the am and they said no. However I got a call at 545 (my shift ends at 645) from neurosurgery DEMANDING a STAT ct. Meanwhile this pt was hypotensive. I was trying to explain to the neuro surg resident that I'm not doing a STAT ct if the pt is unstable. In addition, the last THREE CT scans revealed a stabilized bleed. Not my call though, of course, I'm just a nurse. Ended up giving a bolus and went to the CT. At the end of the day, who cares about my complaints, but really this is a reflection of the collaboration of the teams within my hospital. Are you serious? this is how my hospital functions... I know that there are issues at every hospital, but is this normal? Also, the NCC team attitude is to trach and peg every single person they can. There seems to be no consideration for quality of life, but in quantity. I don't believe in placing a trach and peg in a 80 year old comatose stroke survivor, but that's just me. I have been around the team when they have conversations with the family decision makers and they explain the situation without equal emphasis on all options - their focus is on life-preserving efforts. Is this a numbers game? Sustaining a life that will be bound to a bed and at the mercy of care takers seems like a torturous way to live, but again that's just my opinion. I would like to hear some other RN experiences in the neuro ICU. Wondering if my experience within my hospital are unique or the norm.

I have applied to Tulane, Ochsner, East Jefferson and Slidell memorial Hospital with no luck. I started applying last week and haven't heard anything yet (maybe I'm being impatient). I'm not sure if I'm being anxious or if there aren't available positions for new RN grads. I came out here with my boyfriend who just started working at Ochsner this week... he applied and got an offer from Ochsner within 1 week. I have a CA license and I just applied for a LA license, but I'm not sure that's what is keeping me from getting a job? I'm really worried as the loan bills are stacking up! Any advice?

Yeah... I wasn't really listening when our preceptor told us that. Oh well, we'll see how this goes.

There's no need for him to do the walk of shame. We both know what went down in there.

I asked my patient why he was eating an entire can of re-fried beans, the only answer I got was "revenge".

It wasn't that awkward. I just made conversation like there was absolutely no lack of pants...like I'm doing now.

I volunteered at a hospital for ~ 7 months in school. A couple of my professors have complimented my resume... what is the deal? I wonder how many people actually apply for each residency position. My boyfriend and I graduated in the same cohort - he's had 3 interviews and has been declined from all 3 and his GPA is high. Just wonder when things will turn around or when the balance between supply and demand of nurses will level out. This is insane! I appreciate the responses! It's helpful :)

I have scoured the Internet and applied to a bunch of RN Residency programs around the country with no luck I am taking the NCLEX April 2... I hope that I will pass and be able to find a job soon, because all I keep hearing is that I won't. Why are RN residencies so hard to get into? I completed an accelerated program and didn't have the chance to do an externship or internship - is that the kind of candidate they are looking for? I thought I had a decent GPA (3.3), but it seems like I should just give up at refrain from applying to more and apply to regular jobs instead... any one have advice for me? Thanks!!!!!

Hey all - I have applied to a ton of nursing residencies and a few reg jobs. As a new nurse grad I'm having difficulty finding anyone that wants to hire me. What am I doing wrong? I have tailored my cover letters to specific units/hospitals... created a thorough resume. Is it really that difficult to get a new grad nursing job? I'm petrified as I have loans creeping up on me!!!

LOL thanks you are so sweet! It's my top choice for residencies, but I will remain positive and not beat myself up if i don't get it! Oncology & NICU, but also expressed that I'd work in any unit :)

I'm freaking out! I just wish that they would have updated my status to declined if they already picked their routed candidates...

So you think I should be concerned that I didn't get my status changed to 'route'?

Have you heard anything back from them yet? Mine application status just says screen and my boyfriend's says route... I'm hoping that they are not done screening or do they send e-mails out all at once? I'm a worry wort!

KKandes - so no need to worry even if I applied past the deadline...whew!!!

Ok... I'm freaking out b/c I don't see my FAFSA financial aid available on Albert. I applied at the end of march and noticed that for the fall we needed to turn it in by march 1? Is this correct?