RHF RN

I lived in the Bay Area as well, but moved to Southern Illinois just after graduating to take an ER position with an RN residency. I've lived in Illinois for 2 years, and I don't regret my decision to move. Lucky for me, I didn't have kids, a boyfriend, or a house to leave behind! I sure miss my family, friends, and the Bay but I would have been absolutely miserable as a floor nurse! I sympathize with your situation though. If you really can't consider moving, I would suggest expanding your search to consider med surg, tele, etc to get some experience since California hospitals just plain don't hire new grads in the ED! Many of my classmates ended up moving out of state for jobs, even those looking for med surg/tele jobs. It's a rough market, but keep your head up! And good luck!

Hello! I am a new grad nurse who started in the ED in July. I have such trouble with female quick caths and foleys. I have spent a lot of time going through the old threads about tips and tricks, but honestly at this point I feel like I have almost psyched myself out about not being able to do them, which makes it harder. I make a point to attempt as many as possible (although If I am really slammed, I do have my ED techs do them since techs are able to cath at my facility.) Just curious if anyone else had troubles with any particular skill (not just foleys) and how you got over this? I am not asking anyone to reiterate tips and tricks to female foleys, just curious if anyone has insight as to what I can do besides actively seeking out opportunities and practice, practice, practice. Thanks!

"A Donorcycle? What an original & creative term. " I wish I could take credit for coming up with donorcycle, but it is a term I have heard many places. I am actually rather surprised you have never heard it. It is, however, my preferred name for motorcycles! And it is honestly not my driving ability that I am worried about, but all the drivers out there that I cannot anticipate or control for their decision making or driving ability.

A donorcycle? Not a chance! I used to love to ride on the back of my uncle's Harley, but ever since learning about TBI's and motorcycles in EMT, I won't go near it!

Thanks hoopschick, I absolutely love it so far! No, actually the Versant program is in southern Illinois.

Esme12, I plan on it!

I want to express my thanks and my awe to all you experienced ED nurses out there! I am a new grad who got hired into an ED straight out of nursing school. Right now, I am 2 weeks into my Versant New Grad program, and have had one 12 hour shift. So far I absolutely love it, but recognize that I have a TON to learn! If I can grow to be half as awesome as the nurses I see around me, I will be one happy camper! So thank you, because I'm not sure ED nurses get thanked and appreciated often enough!

I am so happy to hear that things are going better. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your well earned pedicure and margarita!!!! Good luck with your new preceptor, keep us updated!!!!

I can't even imagine having to make a decision like that.. one that feels wrong in some senses no matter what you decide! Good for you for doing what is best for you though. Please keep me updated, and good luck to you!

Let me start out by saying that I am so sorry for the experience that you had! I am a new grad as well, and have my first 12 in the ED on Tuesday. So far, I have only shadowed for 2 hours with no real hands on patient care. I am sorry to hear that you allowed that nurse to chase you away. I would have told you to take your experiences up the ladder - from charge nurse, to unit manager, and even farther if neccessary. Just because the educator is bff's with the nurse does not make it OK for her to get away with treating you that way. I know that some nurses still feel that new grads should pay their dues in med surg for at least a year before moving up to ICU or ED, BUT someone in that hospital/unit hired you and someone believed in you! Since they hired 3 new grads, my guess would be that your unit has hired new grads before and have been successful integrating them into the unit. I really wish that you had tried to fix the problem in other ways before giving up! That being said, I 100% understand that mental and emotional health is so much more important than a job!!! Good luck to you, and I hope that you find a unit that is nurturing and allows for you to grow into the best possible nurse that you can be!