rbekt2010

consider yourself lucky that you got an offer

I agree 100% Family members are the bane of my existence. When my family members were is the hospital, I went out of my way to show my appreciation to the entire staff. Nurses in turn, would come into my father's room for "no particular" reason. I think it was to hide from the crazy family next door. One day I bought a large basket of treats for the staff. As I was taking it to the desk, the "next door family member" was at the desk She was ranting about something stupid and insignificant. I went to the desk and delivered my gift and loudly expressed how wonderful the staff was and to enjoy the treats. Then I turned around and said to the woman, "That is how you treat hospital staff; stop being a *****, they are doing their best." This was a different hospital than I worked at. They had no idea I was a nurse and I never told them.

You can just run up to the OR and get clean scrubs, but you must sign for them and have them back tomorrow.

On your applications just put down looking for a different environment. Someone trying to get out of a LTC is very,very common. But if you are applying to another LTC, state that you are looking for a job that offers more career opportunities (education, advancement, different types of patient)

One consistent thing here...Management doesn't care. The won't hire to fill the holes. I hate the term "benchmarks say that x number of nurses are all the is necessary to do the job." But in actuality, there are never enough bodies to do the work. I feel so sorry for all the new grads on this site. They sound so eager and want a job, but can't find one. Those of us on the floor, at the bedside, or in the speciality units would love more help. But management won't over hire or even hire to fill the holes. And for the new grads "hovering" around age 50. You may want to rethink your goals. 25 year olds are having a hard time doing 16 hr shifts, you think you can? Most of the time saying "no" to mandate is not an option. You will miss family get togethers, birthdays, sporting events, holidays, etc.etc. Not to mention the lifting, sore back, sore legs; and time off for taking care of your aging parents is not a valid excuse. My department used to be very good at coming in extra. But not any more, no body will offer to come in. So mandating is the only way to cover the shifts. We are working with bare minimum staff. From what I am hearing, this is the same everywhere. Don't go into nursing because you love being around patients, and want to help people. You will spend over 1/2 your shift with charting either with the paper chart or computer entry. Meds take up another huge portion, mandatory meetings, dealing with crazy family members and baby-sitting the doctors/residents/interns take up the rest. Spending actual time with the patient is very limited.

If you posted this 5 years ago; I would have said a BSN is a waste of time. Right now, it is vital to get a job as a new grad. I received my diploma (3 year program) 30 years ago. I NEVER was turned down for any position or told I needed to get my BSN. But my daughter will graduate in Dec with her BSN. I am so glad she didn't listen to me and pursued the degree. Out area is flooded with ADNs and her BSN degree will give her an extra boost. Not because that makes her a better nurse, but because that is what human resources and hiring managers want. It really makes me nervous to think she is ready to graduate and has so few clinical hours and has no clue what to do. That is the way the pendulum is swinging right now. I have seen many shifts in nursing education, and I am very glad I am not a new grad.

Unfortunately nursing is a 24/7/365 job. All students know that going in. I interview and hire many people. As soon as a new grad starts telling me that they want certain hours, on certain days, in a certain area....sorry. No call back from me. One of the few benefits that nursing longevity /seniority gets you; is to be able to work your shift of choice.

She just finished a shift with Dr. "XYZ"

Amen sister!!! Finally, someone posted what I have been feeling for almost 30 years.

take him to the doctor and fill out your own DNR forms that are specific for PA. Especially, if he is competent. Just make sure he wears the DNR bracelet. I work in EMS and ER in PA, that's all we need to forgo resuscitation.

I have a diploma in nursing (3 years) and a BA in theatre and arts. I have worked as RN for 30 years. I have NEVER been told I do not qualify due to education. I have worked in 6 different states and 10 different hospitals. I am also a CCRN, CEN, and LNC. The CEN has more "clout" than anything.

Every interview is the opportunity to learn something. Since you knew you didn't want the OB job, you wouldn't even been nervous for the interview; but you had the opportunity to learn what questions the interviewer would ask. Many institutions use the same interviewing format for every position; you would have been a step up if your application moved to the med- surg interviewer. I had a new job all lined up. I was supposed to start in 5 days; I was relaxing on a 2 week break between jobs. I received a phone call from a recruiter for a job I applied for 3-4 months previously and never heard anything. I had nothing better to do, so I went to the interview. It was a perfect fit for the position and myself. I quit the other job, before I even started. This provided me with an extra 2 weeks off before my new,new job started. AND after 30 years as a RN, I am finally in the "perfect" nursing position.

I have taken ACLS 12 times over the last 25 years and also have taught it. Relax, everything you need to know will be taught in the class. it's good to go over the ACLS book and take the pretest. The rhythms mainly talk about "too fast, too slow, and blocks." Congrats on having the initiative to take it, many nurses (as well as, physicians are afraid of it)

It is almost July; maybe the new residents arrived early.

precipice, I agree with your post 100%. I've been a RN for 30 years. So many times I hear people say," I just lost my job, I signed up for nursing school." Are they crazy? I can't say I love my job. I've had 12 different nursing positions (in different hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes) in different cities. I think that may be my coping mechanism. When "things" get to stressed or I get too frustrated, I move on. I did find my niche in emergency. I can be the hardest a$$ you ever met or I can be the most compassionate person in the world. This can occur within 20 minutes of each other. I've had doctors cower at my feet, and have roses delivered by my patients. I truly believe; in order to survive, you have to let things roll off. Good or bad, don't take anything too personal. You can only be as good or do as good as what you have available to you.