larniegrl

Just had to tell someone...my family/friends don't really understand, and I don't want to appear TOO excited to my co-workers...but I put in my FIRST PICC LINE! I feel great, it went so smoothly on a fluffy older lady with saggy skin. (you guys know ...

Kind of a silly question, or it makes me feel that way. I've been doing IV's for 3 years, but recently I've been getting a lot of bright/red blood return when my IV's. I palpate for pulsation, check for valves, follow basic anatomy with my insertion....

I've been using a skill based resume, instead of chronological. It makes more sense to me, based on the varied locations and units I've been too in a month. It also doesn't look as wordy...you can google search for resumes specific for RN's.

There are some agencies that have an exclusive with Providence up there. I think Cross Country has one.

It was hard for me at first, and I still struggle with it when time comes to look for the next assignment. I have to remember that I am kind of on my own when it comes to jobs. Most agency care about the bottom line, and work for the hospital, not fo...

Well said. I love mentoring, teaching something new to someone who genuinely wants to learn. I've only met 1 or 2 bad eggs, with LARGE egos that were new graduates. Most of these people got into nursing because they have a desire to help others.

So...I'm heading to southern CA. My company has it in with Kaiser, so my recruiter is pushing for Kaiser hospital in San Diego. I have heard horror stories about Kaiser Oakland/LA, but nothing and San Diego. Anyone have experiences with Kaiser. I am ...

Geeze, what a shift! On busy nights like that I always had the sinking feeling in my stomach that I was forgetting something. I would go over the charts several times, and make sure I'd remember the most important things, because so much had happened...

I have confidence issues too, but I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing. It keeps me on my toes, always second guessing myself, keeps me from making big mistakes. Your nursing style is unique. If your goal is to do the best job possible, and t...

Hey guys. I just got offered a AWESOME location job that is paying LOW rates these days, but I am more concerned with my brain not able to put the pieces together to figure out what I will be making an hour. My company is quoting me: $16 taxable pay ...

I'm glad I didn't take it this time around. A couple weeks ago I read an article about the 10 highest paid states for RN's and HI was on the list. It was pretty shocking that they were willing to pay me almost 50% less than what a permanent RN would ...

It two almost 3 weeks to get my last assignment. Very frustrating, but keep with it, and maybe branch out to other states.

The best responses I've had... "Are you going to call me about this all night." (3rd call, BP still 158/110) "Just order whatever you want." (thought that was funny) "No, the answer is no, and don't call me again." (first call by the way :)) My favor...

I had a situation like that at my old job. I had been nursing for 3 years, completed my CMSRN, actively involved as a mentor/preceptor to new graduate/hires, always the superuser for new equipment/programs, and was interested in the educators positio...

I would be very cautious about giving a unit of blood that quickly unless it was in a massive transfusion situation. It is just too much, too fast. I've seen a few older patients go into respiratory distress from a unit of blood transfused faster tha...

It was Hawaii. Great location, awful pay...

I struggled with that in the beginning too. Now I usually give my current company a few days to put together some options, and then contact the other two I have on board as well. Make sure you keep everything straight though. Either keep a book listi...

They were supplying a rental car, but it wasn't those numbers. I can understand only giving me so much in travel reimbursement when they have to supply a car for the 3 months. I was more concerned about the crazy numbers the recruiter was coming up w...

Maybe getting a bigger agency on board, at least until you get into the "game" would be a good idea. Some of the bigger ones are American Mobile and Cross Country. They don't get great reviews, but I haven't had problems with either one. Been where y...

All of my assignments have taken 2-4 weeks for me to get an interview. This is after submitting my profile to 15+jobs that I meet all qualifications for. My first travel job I took closer to home because of the issue some new travelers have getting t...

Go somewhere completely different like ED. I've always wanted to go to ED, will transfer once I settle down from traveling.

Exactly. Which is why I almost croaked when I was told those numbers. I guess some places are so wanted by travelers that they post rates WAY below normal...the worse part is these companies/hospitals get away with it because travelers take the assig...

Thanks for the help. I just can't stomach the low rate. I also am having problems figuring out where they are getting the final take home numbers, and that is a MAJOR red-flag. I really need things above board. Especially when I specifically went thr...

Just be flexible. Have your own routine down, because you will most likely be on your own. I love float pool though. Usually always somewhere different and new patients every shift. For the most part all my assignments are fair, sometimes you have a ...

Traveling is awesome! Its also challenging, and frustrating. You are expected to hit the ground running with little to no orientation. You get to see the "world", meet new people and find out how nursing changes state to state. Pick your agency with ...