jennybean14

I just left my Prior Authorization job 1 week into training. It wasn't what I thought it would be.....at least not at this particular company. I thought I'd be spending my time reviewing the patient's clinical picture against NCD/LCD/MCG criteria for medical necessity but instead it was a lot of verifying coverage, verifying providers in or out of network. THEN if they were out of network then you're hunting down in network providers, calling them to see if they'd take a new patient, THEN calling the ordering provider to try and redirect the service. Felt more like a patient navigator. I'm hoping it's not like that everywhere because I enjoy doing the actual clinical reviews, not making phone calls all day.

The coudes do work great! I hate when those caths coil. You can feel it bunching up......just imagine what it feels like for the patient......

Actually, it is in Camden, not Voorhees.

You are an amazing and beautiful person. The world is a better place with someone like you! best wishes and blessings.

OP and new nurses.....it does get better. You have to give yourself a chance and realize learning comes with experience. You can't know and be sure of everything right off of orientation. Find someone who can be a mentor for you and who you are comfortable with. As far as that rude nurse you gave report to......stick up for yourself and let it be known that you won't put up with being disrespected. Some people just like to be miserable! You'll be fine :)

You DID do a great job. I think it's natural to think back and scrutinize everything you did.....esp. your 1st one. I'll never forget my 1st code....my legs were shaking so bad. They felt like jello. You got her to ICU, so kudos to you. The patient would be in much worse condition if you hadn't followed your instinct! Good job!

You can always make sure no one else wants it first. If no one else takes it, then go for it! Don't worry about what other people think :)

We always went in order on my unit according to seniority. Whose ever turn it was to stay home, would be offered first with the option to say no.

The usual where I worked was 4 hours on med/surg, but the doctor orders it when they want it. All depends on what's going on.

That is such a wonderful thing to do for your patients! I have had to work Christmas many times and I can't recall doing anything quite that special!!

I am a total Type B! Don't worry!!

There presently is legislation in NJ called "BSN in 10". I for one am behind it, although I'd be grandfathered in.....I am getting my BSN anyway to expand my knowledge and opportunities. I believe it will only help the nursing profession :) http://www.nj-ena.org/BSNin10.pdf

I believe regardless of what specialty you may get into, Med/Surg is an excellent place to start right after graduating. You get to use and perfect all the skills you learned, and there is nothing like doing that on the job. I really don't know if employers would like to see that experience first, but it would be great experience for you to get personally. You wouldn't believe the vast range of patients and diagnoses you will come across and learn about. I think Med/Surg provides a strong basis with which to build upon.......maybe not necessary, but certainly an advantage.

Good for you for going back!! I've been out for about 8 years except for some school nurse subbing. I decided to go back to school and get my BSN before deciding what field to enter into. I paid my dues with Med/Surg and floor nursing, lol. So many things interest me like Infusion (I MISS starting IVs!), Public Health/Community Nsg, maybe even ER. So good luck to you and heading back. Home care may be a good option. I am loving school, but sometimes feel like I am in a NP program or medical school. It's all good :)