gigglymo

ICU AND massages? Hello! I'd go with option 2. :)

I think you're freaking out unnecessarily. They won't report it to the board or withdraw their offer - because as someone else said, the level of ETOH in your system by morning would be about the same as it would be if you had a mimosa at breakfast. I'm not judging you here, so please don't take this next statement that way - but if you're worried about keeping a job, you should probably think twice before going in, even to sign paperwork, buzzed.

They called last night - got the job! Thanks for replying. :)

I know they're not doing it because they love us - but if the threat of having to pay a meal penalty is all it takes for us to get to sit down for a total of an hour a day, then I'm all for it.

I think it's going to have to open up at some point - I just think for right now, hospitals aren't hiring as many staff nurses because benefits and training are expensive. I definitely don't think your career is doomed - you sound like me. :) I think it's just a matter of having enough on your resume to be able to get an interview. I was finally able to check the elusive 1-2 years of experience box when filling out apps, and got a callback three days later, so there's definitely hope. $30/hr does sound really low for this area - no one can blame you for wanting something that's closer to the going rate. Have you tried talking to your boss about a raise, or is the money just not there?

I work in Cali also - we get 8 hours of straight pay and 4 hours of 1.5x pay for each shift worked. We also get 2 30 minute lunch breaks per shift - and if we don't have a break within the first five hours, we're paid a meal penalty of $35 or so. (I'm not entirely sure what it is because my hospital is really good about getting us out.) It sounds like you're getting screwed - I'd talk to either an attorney or the labor board.

Take the MedSpa job and give me the contact info for your surgeon - I've been trying to find a job in the Bay Area for months! Seriously, though - would you enjoy the MedSpa job? Is it something you could see yourself doing for a couple of years, and then going back into a hospital position when the economy improves and the job market opens up? I don't think it's entirely worth making the switch for the money - but if it would help you pay off your debts now, travel, start a family, and then go back to a job you really enjoy, it might be worth it.

I had one interview on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. The one on Tuesday is in a great unit at my current hospital - that's three hours from my house. The Wednesday interview was also for a great hospital - 20 minutes away. I've already heard back on the spot at my current hospital - I was offered the position. The hospital where I interviewed on Wednesday said they would be deciding on Thursday. I haven't heard anything, so I'm assuming I didn't get it. At what point is it appropriate to call to follow up, just so I can confirm and move on?

It seems that right now it's hard to get a job in the SF area with ANY nursing degree. I've been looking for 8 months, and my experience doesn't seem to be terribly unusual.

That helps a lot - thank you! I have an interview for one of these positions at a hospital that's 20 minutes from my house, instead of the 2+ hours I'm driving now. I'm hoping that if I get my foot in the door, this might turn into something more long-term. Thanks again for the explanation!

I'm seeing job postings for a non-exempt contract position at a unionized hospital. I understand the non-exempt part, but does the "contractual" imply a set time limit? I was under the impression that the hospital would just hire travelers/agency for that. Forgive my ignorance on this - can someone explain?

I recently switched from nights to days - hands down the best thing I've ever done. Most of the doctors are really nice, and while it's true that management IS around - they have their own jobs to do, so it's not like they're peering over your shoulder all the time. The pace is definitely different, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I don't feel like I have the flu all the time, and I'm actually productive on my days off. Also, I've lost weight. Day shift wins, in my opinion. :)

I know this is an old thread, but I just wondered if any of the OPs are still around, and if anyone ever wound up getting in at Children's. I've been applying since Feb. with no luck - I'm currently working in an outlying area and renting a room there. Any updates from any of you would be appreciated - I sincerely hope things worked out and you're all happily employed!

With monetary incentives or positive written evaluations. I can buy my own candy, thankyouverymuch.

Well, if you feel like they have a good orientation process, and the floor is supportive, and you want to work there, go for it. Your first time dealing with an emergency is scary regardless of whether or not you have experience, and you're gonna have to do it at some point. :)

It sounds like you did what was right for you - and we all know the floor needs caring, competent nurses who actually enjoy it.

Is it the OB unit of a hospital or a stand-alone birthing center? What's the training/orientation like? Do they have admitting privileges at a nearby facility? Is this position in an area that you're really passionate about?

Our hospital told us that sitting down with the patient makes them think you're a better listener and that you've spend 2x as much time with them as you actually have. Good for you for being on top of it enough with your other patients to be able to do this - and for having the intelligence to recognize that you needed to. You really helped someone that night.

153 miles one way. I work 3 in a row, rent a room in the city where I work, and go home on days off. Tell your mom you lucked out. :) And on a side note, if anyone reading this is a hiring manager in NorCal, please call me.

This made my night. :)

I completely agree with Old.Timer. But it depends on your tolerance level, how bad the job is you're leaving, and what the position would do for the rest of your career.

Did you chart that you'd informed the physician and the charge nurse? From what you're saying here, it sounds like you did everything you should have, and as long as you charted what you did, you're fine.

I'm going to agree with the PP here - follow policy. :)

Thanks for the replies - I've really been struggling with being a "good employee" vs. having some semblance of a life.

I currently have about a year's experience as an RN. Nursing is a second career for me - I was an editor for two years, took a position as a copywriter, was laid off, waited tables for three years during prereqs for nursing school, got a job at a hospital where I worked as a tech and then transitioned to an RN position. I was there for a year, (half as a tech, half as an RN) then my husband got a job elsewhere. The closest nursing job I could find to his new job was three hours away. I've been commuting for about six months, but it's killing me, and is really hard on our family life. Don't get me wrong - I'm super thankful to have a job, especially in this location and with the economy. Also, the hospital is amazing - if I could move it 2.5 hours closer, it would be perfect. I have an agency who's offering a 13-week contract close to home. Am I making myself into Nurse JobHopper if take the agency job? Do I try to just tough it out with the commute for another year or so? Can I just go back to being ten years old when being a grownup looked easy? Any thoughts appreciated!