buenavidaRN

Yes, they have a contract with all the HCA hospitals. Just like anywhere else in TX, all M/S or M/S tele will have up to 5. on more straight tele floors you will have max 4 and I think the PCU is three?? You have an aide, most of the time ... there are the days that they are all sick, or something like that. :/ Overall not bad. HCA in general is fine. They use MediTech comp system, which kinda reminds me of the Apple computers from the late 80's, it's not my favorite computer documentation system, but ok.

I really liked All About Staffing (now it's called Parallon Workforce Mgmt Solutions). Depending on what area you are looking at working in depends on the shift availability. I had ample work (it was my only job at the time and I worked 3-4 shifts per week), and they were easy to work with.

I worked for 3 months in Houston (after a travel assignment and before I left for my next one), I was able to work full-time hours each week and at one hospital. I have worked registry before, and am currently picking up shifts in my new location. The deal in Houston was definitely NOT the norm. In those three months I got cancelled only once. I floated between 8 different units (m/s, tele, step down, obs) at the one hospital. I worked through Parallon Workforce (formerly All About Staffing) and the pay was pretty good. I don't know the yr requirement, I think it might be at least 2 yrs (I have a little over 4). I am not sure if they staff in Dallas, I know they staff all HCA hospitals, so check them out if you want. They were easy to work with and do offer benefits. Good luck!

berna1126: ahhh ... I haven't logged in for quite a while ... so, maybe you already found your answer, but in case you didn't ... It just depends on what state. For CA it's about 5 weeks, for Hawaii it's about 1 week, for WA it's about 3 weeks. Usually the state board site will give you an estimate and they are usually pretty accurate. Good luck.

I thought Kaplan was really helpful. I was consistantly in the mid to upper 60's, but as I got closer to test time my scores kept dropping. Two days before my scheduled test day I got a 55 and about freaked. I took the test anyway and had 75 questions and passed. Make sure you take at least one day off before your test. Good luck!

It's kinda a broad question/statement. I am a travel nurse ... There are so many companies, I don't think you will find a website that says this one is good and these are bad. All have pros and cons and I am sure every travel nurse could tell you about their great or horrible experiences with each company. I researched multiple companies and looked to see where they had jobs at. I submitted my info with multiple companies until one found me a job I was interested in. I have stayed with that company just because they have always been good to me and had jobs that suited my needs. Figure out 1)where you would like to go, does X company staff in that area? 2) what perks are most important to you, and talk to X, Y, and Z company and find out what perks they offer. 3) Do your homework, I got a lot of leads and then called my recruiter with them. I know, this should be their job, but sometimes you gotta do things yourself to get them done. Also, check out the travel nursing forum of allnurses.com PM me if you have any specific questions.

Hopefully you have both found a job ... but I would suggest to stay away from any agency as a new grad. I have a little more than 3 years as a RN and have worked for agency/registry and as a traveler. It is inticing to think about being a traveler and getting your housing paid for. I remember as a new grad I wanted to do that immediately, but experience is essential before doing traveling or agency/registry/per diem. I have worked with Maxim (different state, but same company) and several other agencies. With agency work you are called at 5 am and told to go to XX hospital on XX floor. It may be a floor you have never worked at, it may be a hospital you have never worked at. You get there and get a quick 5 min orientation ... this is the code for this door, this is the clean linen, dirty utility, med room, etc (you get the jist) and then you get report and start your shift. It is up to you to not only organize you day, but figure out where MD #'s are at, who you MD's are for your pts, hospital policy and procedures ... you get it? It's not like a hospital new grad position where you get 3-6 months of help with someone holding you hand at the beginning and showing you the ropes. Ultimately these companies (travel/agency) are getting paid for the hours you work. It is a business and their bottom line is the money. You have to be responsible for you and your license and your hard work getting to where you are. I know bills pile up, but don't jeopardize everything for a pay check. Also, I would question any agency or travel company that hires you without any experience. I have found per diem/agencies that will hire with 1 year acute care exp, but almost every travel agency wants at least 2 years ... Good luck to you guys. Just protect yourself and your patients! :)

I'm a little late, but I got my CA license (originally from TX) and I am assuming the process is the same from CA to TX as it is from TX to CA. Go through all the steps ... background check, fingerprints, nursys license verification, fee, application and if necessary proof of your CE's. Hopefully you got you license by now! :)

I have done two assignments with Aureus and I am about to submit for my third. I would like to stay with Aureus, but I am still decided on a position to go for. I have had a great experience with them. Any pay issues (very few) have been taken care of quickly, issues at the hospital (being totally dumped on) were taken care of promptly and my recruiter is always available or gets back promptly. It is all about your recruiter. If you want names you can PM me. I hope this helps!

Does the nursing school do drug tests? We were all drug tested at orientation. Just a thought ...

If the patient has the med bottles it is best, most of the time (even with AAOx4 pts) they can't remember dosages or things like that. It's no big deal, we just get the info and then send the bottles to the pharmacy, a note is placed in the chart so the staff remembers to get them out before discharge. It's ideal if a family member is available to take home the meds. A lot of times the ED nurses are able to compile the med lists before the patient is even brought up. Sometimes the patients are really organized and carry around a written list of meds and dosages. You just do your best ... call the patient's pharmacy or PCP. It's worth it to get an accurate list together ...

I had a non-nursing job during all of nursing school. Knowing what I know now, especially with the current job market for new grads in many areas, I advise everyone to try to get a hospital job. I agree with TheMrsRN, maybe find a different area, get into a hospital, and really evaluate what is driving you to want to pursue nursing. The tech/CNA experience will only enhance your skills, and it is a great opportunity for networking. You will always have challenging days, whether it's having '30 residents to 3 CNAs' or having 3 out of 4 patients that are really critical. (fyi: many units I have been on have the CNA ratio at 8:1-12:1). If you really want to do nursing, and you are really passionate about it, you will learn to take those days in stride. There are just as many touching moments as there are tough ones. Good luck. Stay in the hospital if you can!

I am a bit late with the reply ... but I worked at QMC and absolutely LOVED it! It is a great hospital, all around. If we ever moved back to the island QMC would be my first choice. I worked on a tele floor (only observed in the cath lab), but I had a great experience with the cardiologists, cardiac np's and staff nurses. It is a teaching hospital, which I like, and everyone was willing to help and explain things (I was a new nurse when I was there). I lived far away from the hospital (1 hr each way), but for me it was ok because I was only going in 3 days a week. You can find decent housing, and we found that we didn't really spend 'entertainment money' because we were always at the beach. I am a bit biased towards QMC, but this is just my two cents!

HawaiiRN808: do you know of any hospitals (especially on Oahu or the Big Island) using travelers? If so, what agencies? I was a perm staff RN on Oahu a couple of years back and have been thinking about traveling back there ... thanks!

jimbr1: how have you liked your assignment at MMMC? I've been looking at it as a possibility ... thanks for any input!

I really loved Kaplan. Going to the class and having them teach you about the 'golden tower of nursing.' That may have just been my teacher's thing ... But, you have to imagine, for the test, that you have everything you need at your fingertips, the doctors are always right there and able to readily hand out orders ... all sort of things that make it confusing when we try to think about real life in the hospital. It's been a while, so I am not the best source of information. The thing that did help me was to relax. Don't study the day before the test, arrive in plenty of time, eat a good breakfast ... do something that will calm you before you go in. For me, I went to the gym at 5:30 in the morning just to do a bit of cardio and clear my mind. Good luck!

No, I don't bring literal work home, other than the occasional studying for extra classes or courses, but you do have cases that touch you emotionally. Some will affect you for a couple of hours and some you will never forget. As for staying over ... I agree with pharmgirl, most hospitals monitor overtime closely. However, I was recently on a travel assignment that was desperately short almost every shift! I frequently stayed for 16 hr shifts, but other times I told them no. They never made me feel bad for not staying, they were always very appreciative when I could, but they didn't expect you to stay longer than 12.

I am so sorry for your loss. A thank you note to the staff is always appreciated and very meaningful. I know I was not involved in your Grandpa's care, but thank you for the 'thanks.' It is always nice to know that what you are doing is appreciated. I still think about many of my patients and their families. We, as nurses, have just a brief moment to share care, compassion, empathy and respect ... that is one thing I love about my job. May you find comfort in your memories.

I moved to Hawaii right after graduation. I did not work in a hospital during school, so I did not have any CNA/tech/general hospital work experience (something I would highly recommend now). I spoke with one HR and they told me, 'there are approx 100 applicants per 1 new grad position.' This was at the beginning of 2008, and I have heard from other friends that the job market for new grads is still pretty grim. I managed to find a home health company that would hire new grads with no experience and I worked for them for a couple of months. I then was offered a job for a new grad program at a hospital, and the only reason I got it was because of the home health experience. I'm not trying to be a downer ... I have had several friends (one of whom went to school locally and one from the mainland) who have found positions as new grads. Find anything that will give you experience, even if it isn't your 'ideal' job. Good luck. Call HR and speak with them, apply for any and every job you are qualified for, and keep your head up! Most of all, enjoy the islands!!

I may be misunderstanding you, and maybe I just don't know about the residency programs you are talking about ... usually the residency programs are for 12 or 16 weeks, some with classroom training, some have classes with your 'new grad' group for the first year, and some are closer to 6-8 months (preceptorships etc) for critical care. The 3 year committment would entail at least 2 years where you are a legit RN (out of preceptorship, on your own), right? If so, I haven't ever heard of any problems with maternity leave during this period. Depending on how your hospital works, you should be accruing PTO hours starting your first day of work and those can be used towards maternity leave. Good luck! Try to get a job in the hospital (tech/CNA) during school, this will only help you when it is time to look for the RN job!

Be encouraged! Remember, we are technically working for the hospital/supervisors/etc., but we are really working for the patients and their families! It is part of our job to always treat each patient with respect, regardless of the situation. I have had other nurses, CNA's and even family members tell me, 'he/she doesn't understand you, you don't have to talk to him/her.' It is always our responsibility to explain what we are doing and why. I know this can help to alleviate fears, even with the alzheimer's community. We are all gifted with different strengths to work in different areas, and it sounds like you are definately suited for the aging population. Good luck with your nursing career, and stand firm in your beliefs!

I've always been taught, and practiced, returning all of the residual regardless of the amount. With that being said, if you are checking residuals regularly you shouldn't end up with an obscene amount. When the residual is more than the syringe I use a clean cup and empty the syringe out. After obtaining an accurate measurement I return all of the residual back to the patient. From what I have found, it isn't realistic to aspirate the residual (if more than 60 cc), put it back in the patient, go to the equipment/supply room, get a new syringe and do it all again. Nor, have I found this to be the practice at any facilities that I have been at. Just my two cents ...

Although it may seem like a hassle I am so thankful for required CEU's. I have been licensed in a state that does not require any continuing education, and to me that is a bit scary. CE is only for our benefit, things are constantly changing and it only helps our profession as a whole if we are knowledgeable and up to date on current practices. I have found medscape to have really good articles that are relevant to our current practice, and it is a nice resource to have if you find yourself 1 or 2 hours short. I'm glad you got all your CEU's done in time, but definately check out some classes that maybe your hospital offers, it will only benefit you and your patients.

I know it is frustrating as a new grad to try to find work. I was told by one HR, 'good luck, there are about 100 applicants per 1 new grad job.' That was more than 3 years ago and I have heard it has only gotten worse (in that state). I was able to get a new grad job there and have since worked agencies and as a travel nurse. The more you learn the more you realize how necessary a solid preceptorship is. You will only be hurting yourself if you 1)found an agency that would hire a new RN and 2)worked as an agency nurse with no nursing experience. Your CNA experience is an advantage because you are used to the hospital setting, etc., but it is very different to work as a RN. Remember it is your license, don't jeopardize it! Stick with it and find a new grad job. Good luck!

Everything in life is about balance, right? Nursing too. I love working 12s because I LOVE my days off, and I find I am almost as tired after working an 8. So, for me it is worth it to stay an extra 4 hours and get 2 more days off each week. I know many people do it, but I couldn't imagine going to a job 5 days a week! :) I love the flexibility that the profession provides. I am a travel nurse now, and I love it! How many other professions do you get paid to travel and live, get to see amazing places, and work a little too?!? Many times I think about my patients long after I leave the hospital, but that just comes with the territory. Part of being a great nurse is being empathetic, and sometimes when you aren't phased by anything you need to check yourself. I'm not trying to sugar-coat it ... my husband would tell you, there are many days when I am exhausted, frustrated, stressed, etc ... but, like *nydctx*RN11, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Find balance in all you do. Allow yourself to decompress after crazy/stressful/emotional shifts. Exercise is crucial! You will feel better, it is a stress relief, and it will make the 12's a bit easier. There is always junk food, bring healthy snacks that you can carry in your pocket for the times when you have 1.5 minutes to eat ... Pursue something that you are passionate about, it will make life immensely better!