cruisinRN

Oh, I guess I never answered earlier about the money. The school is pretty tight with the money for the nurses. For me it is not about the money, I mean, sure more would be appreciated, but it's the actual time I spend here, away from my family. Thanks to those that have responded. I now know what I need to ask for, and what need to be done if I am told no.

OK, please first tell me what a dect phone is? I'm guessing it's like a cell phone that many hospital staff now carry. (I no longer work bedside, but have been a pt way too much over the past year).

So, now I started computing/figuring out the time/money aspect. If I do NOT include my summer hours, do NOT include the additional 6 days during the school year that I am on-call for for 36hrs straight (tournament time), and I divide my salary by 30 wks (general time school is in session), and then divide it by my total hours I am available (see I need to be here, in uniform within 30 minutes, and it takes me 25mins to drive here), I am making (BEFORE taxes just about $10/hr). Quick can someone check my forehead, cuz I think sucker or stupid is written all over it, UGH!!

Thanks for the replies. I do like working here, I enjoy the students. Also the fact that one never knows what is going to walk through that door. Today was stitching a leg (luckily the medical director was available to come in). The only EXTRA perk will be AFTER three years, my children will be able to attend tuition free. That's is a huge reason I took this position. Just not sure it's the right thing for my family. My 15yr old is ill, and I'm wondering if I should be home, so that we have more family time during the week. Otherwise I do not get home until 8pm, and that's IF I am able to leave on time. My next child is the one that is drooling to come to school here. He is bright, but there also is no guarantee that he would be accepted. A very small % that apply actually get in. If I went part-time, I would lose the "salary" type benefit of tuition should he be accepted in another 2yrs. If the new medical director chooses not to make any changes with my hours, then I will have to leave. I do not want to, but I have to think of my family first. It didn't sound that bad, but jeez when one gets called back 4 out of 6 nights in a row, plus come in and do my regular hours, it's an absolute killer!! Gee, just maybe that's why the last 2 RN's left after their 1st yr contract was over........... I appreciate any and all input, gives me more info to think about.

Ok, here's the deal. I am "salaried" and have to be onsite 25 hours a week. Every evening M-F, and every other w/e. HOWEVER I am on-call 12 out of 14 nights (7:30pm-7:30am), AND do not get paid anything to carry the beeper, or get paid extra when I do have to go in. Like last night, I had to stay @ work, and pull an extra 10 hours beyond my regular shift. (I am an RN at a boarding school). All of the students play sports, get sick, gets LOTS of sports related serious injuries. Not only do I get called back in, but then I transport to the hospital, and stay there until either they are admitted or discharged, and we all know how long one is at an ER. There have been nights that I get called back more than once, and do not get home until 4am. (This is after starting work @ 3pm). I guess I had no idea how involved this "on-call" position was. I have figured with this current position I have to be available 99 hours/week, 30 weeks/year. In the summer, I still work, just no on-call. My salary is about the equivalent to a local day shift school nurse, so again I am not making a good deal of money to be available. I also only have time off during the year when school is off, no other time off. Here's the deal, we have a new Medical Director starting, and will be renewing our contracts for the next school year. I physically can not keep up these hours. Thanks if you read this far. Ideas? Suggestions? Anyone else in the same boat?

I have a friend that happens to be an atty. The stories I hear from her, I would NOT be without my own. Sorry to say but I wouldn't trust a hospital, or health care employer to point the finger,a nd try to place blame elsewhere (the nurse), to get themself out of it.

If possible I would suggest shadowing in each area. This will give you a better idea what the job is REALLY like, and may help you to choose.

Yes, the commercials are so convincing. If I didn't know better, I'd probably be on all of them (except for the male specific drugs, ha!).

Hi, I'm not the original poster, but I am in CT. Curious to work in Corrections. Any idea what RN's base pay is? I've been an RN for 18yrs, if that matters, thanks! CJ

Hi, I've lived here all 40yrs of my life! RN for 18yrs. Have done many different types of nurisng jobs, and trying to figure out what to do next. Have had a couple of job related injuries, and no longer can work critical care. I do have an interest in pre/post op ambulatory surgery. Doing Camp Nursing for the second summer, and would like to find a new RN position in September. Currently work per diem in LTC-which is awful! Take care, CJ

Hi Sarah, Can you please email me one on seizures, and also adverse reactions(medicine)? Thanks so much, Christine [email protected]