Nic2003

My expectations were to be a secondary nurse on the covid unit to an actual PCU nurse, which I’m happy to do. I want to help. I went in one night for my shift and I was given my own patient assignment. It was only one patient but still, I’m not a PCU nurse so I brought my concern up with the charge nurse and was told basically to deal with it since everyone’s out of their comfort zone trying to help. I took that assignment that night and did my best. I was also told that night that I could be given up to 3 patients to take on my own. I spoke with my manager and the director the next day to clarify this and was told that it was expected for me and a few other float nurses to take on our own patient assignment. I did let them know I wasn’t comfortable with that. I’m happy to help but only as a secondary nurse. Since then, I haven’t had an issue. There are several other nurses that have been re-allocated that are having to take on their own assignments. Whether they’ve volunteered to do that or not, I’m not sure. My last shift was fine. I was secondary nurse and did whatever I could to help. I like to stay busy so it’s nice to be able to run around and help. Thanks for everyone’s responses:)

WOW!. Rose Queen, I’m sorry you guys are getting hit so hard. What state are you in?

Thank you both for your replies. At this point I’ve had thoughts of leaving nursing. I told them I’d be happy to help wherever I can as a second pair of nurse hands. I’m ready to give meds and do other tasks but when they force me to become a PCU nurse overnight without the proper training, I can’t even put in to words the disappointment I have. There are protocols and policies floor nursing has that I’m not familiar with as I’m not a floor nurse.

I totally agree. I wish I could quit. I might tell them to take me off the PCU schedule and see how well that goes. I didn’t mind helping, I wanted to help but they’re forcing myself and other nurses into unsafe practices. It’s so frustrating. They keep saying, “Everyone’s out of their comfort zone but when we get this influx of patients then we’ll need all hands on deck to take a patient assignment.” Well, if that’s the case is management going to put on a pair of scrubs and come to the floor to help? Let’s see them reuse a N95 mask and see how they do.

I realized pretty soon after I graduated that floor nursing wasn’t for me. I’ve since moved on from floor nursing, I did triage in an outpatient cardiology clinic for about a year and a half. Now, I work in the EP cath lab and I really enjoy it. It just takes some time to find where your happy place is. Luckily, once I did leave the bedside I was so much happier immediately. I now realize I will never be happy working the bedside. I love caring for people but the bedside nursing just isn’t for everyone.

I just want to hear from other nurses about their experience being forced to re-allocate at work. I work in a procedure lab and I have been pulled to become a floor nurse at the hospital I work in. If I could go back in time and choose, I’d stay at home without pay until my department opened back up. But here we are, I’ve been forced to take on a patient assignment and go back to working the floor. I know everyone is going through so much right now. I‘m having a hard time adjusting and would like to hear from others on how their employer has handled this situation. Are a lot of nurses being forced back to the bedside? If so, are you taking patients on your own? How are you handling it?

I’m interested in becoming an EP lab nurse. I’ve recently interviewed for EP lab. My question is, I have 2 years of experience, I live in the Midwest and I’d like to know if anyone would care to share their hourly wage for being an EP lab R.N. When I spoke to HR, they mentioned the rate would be around 25.50 hourly. After shadowing in the lab, I feel like that might be a little low for all of the responsibility that comes with the position. They do a lot of procedures using conscious sedation and I would expect the pay to reflect that level of responsibility. Is this typical or is this a low ball offer?

I'd say you have a pretty good shot with those scores:)

So exciting! I'll see you at orientation. I wonder what's up with the Anderson campus? I got the same letter.

Accepted to Lawrence as well! :)

I didn't get anything from Anderson yet either. I think they're still sending them out. I wouldn't worry yet. The application said they'd send them out between the 25th and the 30th.

We probably have another week or so. So anxious!

Kelrae3K, that's a great score at any campus. I'm sure you'll get in:)

Don't stress! You still have a chance and if you need to you can always retake it and apply next semester.

Good luck! You'll do great :)