*lorie

Hello all. What do you guys think about online job applications that ask for SSNs? Some hospitals I'm trying to apply to have their have their apps through healthcaresource.com and you need to provide your SSN to complete the application. Do you think it's safe?

Thanks all. I go through my ups and downs (and confused times hehehe).

Hello all. I started working in a level one trauma center ER 11 months ago (first 6 months in orientation). I'm starting to get into the swing of things and I really like my night shift staff, but I still feel uncomfortable in some situations. For example, I had a cardiac arrest last night 10 minutes of starting my shift and I didn't feel confident and felt like I was trying to keep up with everyone. Last week I received a cardiac arrest s/p trauma from MVA, it was the first time I had to do blood transfusion and I was struggling with the rapid infuser and documentation involved with it, plus being to asked to assist with intubation, chest tube insertion, and what seemed like a million other things. Sometimes I just feel stupid, and I hate this newbie feeling. Despite my still adjusting to the job, I like working in the ER and I (mostly) feel good at the end of my shift. There are so much to learn, I am enjoying the challenge, and I see a lot of interesting stuff. How long does it usually take to feel more comfortable in ER? I would appreciate any comments, advice, suggestions. Thanks!

Hello hmellish. I just want to ask how you transitioned to medical review nursing. My story is no different from other overwhelmed, new nurses

Thanks for the responses. My background check came back and I'm relieved. It took 5 weeks. It could be the out-of-country education that took a while. It was also a city hospital...maybe they need an extensive background check, maybe processing just takes longer. Good luck lapoRtaN and Spydered.

I've been calling HR, once or twice a week. I'm afraid HR will get annoyed :) but my contact doesn't seem to mind. There is nothing in my background that is suspect. Could it be the high school diploma and non-nursing degree from out of country that's taking so long?

It's been 4 weeks for mine and result is still not out. I guess I am worried and anxious to start working.

My first job was at a nursing home, 2-day orientation, full census of 42 patients per unit. In the morning shift, there would be 2 nurses: the charge who does the charting, appts, treatments, meetings and all those extra things that always come up; and the med nurse, who is supposed to pass meds to 42 patients with gtubes, crushing meds to be mixed with apple sauce/thickeners/etc, some fight you as much as they can before taking their meds, prn pain meds, ocassional IV and you are supposed to do morning and noon time med pass in 2-hour windows (nope, not possible), and some notes/charting as well. Both nurses are extremely busy, and rare to see them leave on time, esp. unit managers/charge nurses. In the evening/night shift, only one nurse with up to 42 patients. It drove me crazy. Anyway, I worked with them per diem while I was working on my BSN. The supervisors were supportive and I liked my coworkers, but I was relieved when I finally had to leave.

Thanks simplyhb, I just saw your post. Can you describe the hiring process for you so far? Would appreciate it very much :)

Thanks, caliotter. I guess I needed someone to tell me that. Been out of work for months now due to relocation/tough job market. I'm a new nurse and would be very excited to work in ED. Lucia- Harlem Hospital

Hello, this is my first post here on allnurses (yay), but I've been lurking the forums for a while and found great advice and information. so here's my question... I recently went to an interview for an ER position and I heard back from the nurse recruiter. The ER manager interviewed me (not the recruiter), and when the nurse recruiter called she asked for 2-3 reference letters but didn't say anything about the interview. So now, I don't know what to think. Is that a good sign? Edit: I just realized my title for this post is not right. Sorry 'bout that.