NightWatch

I've been working as a nurse in California for almost 1 year. My nurse tech notified me that he was unable to get a temperature on my patient. It was a busy shift. I made a mental note to assess later. I wasn't until I got home and was called by my manager that I realized I never did check the temp. When they finally got a reading, she was 93-94F. When I returned to work she was transferred to ICU. My manager said she was obligated to let me know I have the right to union representation during our meeting in three days. I feel so guilty and numb. This was 100% due to my negligence. What use is having a union rep there's no way around what happened? Has anyone gone through this? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm located in Florida. Hospitals here are constantly hiring due to high turn-over rates. I'm from out of state and was interviewed and hired within 1 week of applying. The cost of living here can be lower depending on where you are now.

I suffer from TMJ issues leading the jaw tension, pain, masseter hyper trophy. Rather than spending time thousands each year at the doctors office/medical spa, is it possible to buy Botox legally for personal use? I know the regulations vary from state to state (I live in Florida and California). Is it possible with Botox certification?

I'm currently working at my first nursing job at a med-surg unit. I can count on my preceptor to be a good reference. I'm considering volunteering at animal shelters/food pantries/other non-healthcare areas in order make connections and find references. Do hospitals find non-healthcare related references meaningful?

I'm preparing to move from California to Florida for my first job and unsure of what I need to do. Currently, I'm living with my parents. I'm planning on driving there by myself with just clothing since my car is so small. The furthest I've driven is to the airport... I'm the only person in my family who has ever moved away. Things to do in California: Wait until CA sends license verification and endorsement paperwork is completed, make sure car paperwork/mechanics are ready to move, ask cell phone company (t-mobile) about how things will work with the move, and that's all I can think of. Things to do in Florida: Find an apartment, change permanent address with USPS, find car insurance and cancel California car insurance, and that's all I can think of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I applied for Florida RN license through endorsement two days ago. I haven't heard anything back or gotten any instructions. I believe I will need to get fingerprints done. Do I do that now or wait until I get instructions? What other steps do I need to take to expedite the process?

Has anyone been accepted into Orlando Health System/ Dr. P. Philips Hospital new grad program? How do you like working there? How long is the contract? What's the nurse to patient ratio like? Any info would be helpful. Do far I believe that med/surg pay is around $22/hr, new grad training is 12 weeks, ICU positions require two year commitment, no relocation bonus...

My friend works as an ICU New Grad RN in Orlando. I believe she makes around $25 per hour, not including night and weekend differential.

Hi Everyone. Thank you so much for your advice. After much thinking, I decided to quit Starbucks. There were too many schedule conflicts that didn't allow me to fully pursue nursing, like having time to attend job fairs. For now, I'll just have to find whatever ways to make money until I find a RN position. I'm also going to start applying out of state. Again, thank you and good luck!

My recommendation is to start studying even before you graduate. Many of my classmates took and passed the NCLEX within weeks of graduation. Most of them found new grad positions not too long after that. It really depends on how you pace yourself and how you study. It may take time to find a new grad position so having your license ASAP would help.

This is my full head to toe assessment that I used during clinical. My instructor was able to do all of this in less than 10 minutes. I would probably take 10-15 minutes. Neuro LOC/AAO x3 balance/gait/coordination sensory/thought process PERRLA Cranial Nerves: symmetry, tone,pain Cardiac heart sounds, pulses capillary refill, perfusion ekg edema laboratory blood pressure skin temperature Pulmonary breath sounds respiratory rate and effort depth/symmetry coughing sputum spO2 blood gases use of O2 delivery Gastrointestinal bowel sounds, appetite abdomen: appearance, distention,masses Last BM, difficulties tubes and drain NVD I and O Genitourinary urinary frequency, characteristics foley assessment skin appearance bladder distention urinalysis I and O LMP IV Assessments check surrounding skin check IV fluids running in, checkpatency flush and pull back check correct IV fluid and rate Check IV tubing date, dressing,intactness check awareness of IV Skin issues back moistness

Any advice would be much appreciated. I don't know what to do. I feel trapped and anxious. I'm 6 months post-grad in Southern California. I've have been applying to jobs in CA for the past 2 months with no responses so far. Due to tight finances, I thought I'd get a part time job at Starbucks. I just finished my second week training and found out the scheduling is very inflexible for first 90 days. I can't make my schedule nor can I request days off. Which means a lot of my time is devoted to not applying to nursing jobs. Am I making a wrong career move by working at Starbucks and further delaying my entry into nursing? I don't have any nursing prospects so this job is bringing in some financial help. But I fear that soon I'll be a stale new grad and stuck making coffee. Stay at Starbucks and put in less effort into applying to nursing jobs. OR. Quit Starbucks after just two weeks and commit fully to nursing job hunt but minimal finances. I need to make a choice very soon. Any input would be very helpful. ty.

The reason I ask is because I've been unsuccessful in getting interviews for new grad programs within California. I noticed some regular RN positions say "1 year preferred" and some don't have any experience requirement at all. I was wondering it it's wise (from a new grad perspective) to pursue regular RN jobs without any experience.

New grad here. I was wondering how long/in-depth the training/orientation process is for a regular RN position? Is there a grace period where you're paired with a preceptor and gradually oriented to the unit? Or are you expected to be independent and high functioning from the get go?

I'm a California new grad RN. I've applied to a number of out of state new grad programs and have gotten rejection emails from most. I notice that for most of the job requirements, it says "MUST BE LICENSED IN ______ or COMPACT WITH MULTI-STATE PRIVILEGE". Would it help my application if a apply for a RN license in a random compact state? Then start applying to the jobs that require a compact license? I'm also applying to jobs within California. Can I have licenses in multiple states at one time?

Resume A: Recommendations by local library's resume helpers. Short, 1 page, meant to highlight skills. RN, BSN Professional Profile Dedicated New Graduate Registered Nurse with extensive clinical experience including medical/surgical, intensive care, pediatric, and psychiatric training. Computer knowledge and training in various charting programs, PYXIS dispensaries, barcode medication administration, glucometer machine; fluency in Cantonese Chinese and Spanish. Strong work ethic, team oriented, organized, focused, flexible, and constantly strives towards achieving standards of excellence. Passionate towards delivering high-quality client care in compassionate and respectful manner. Education, Certifications & Training Bachelors of Science in Nursing California RN Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Aromatherapy Leadership Project Clinical Experience Fundamentals of Nursing Practice | – Telemetry (90 hours) Medical Surgical Nursing | – Medical/Surgical (225 hours) Obstetric Nursing | – OB, L&D, PP, OR (112 hours) .... Externships, Volunteer Work, and Community Outreach Projects Student Nurse Extern; Psychiatric Step Down (120 Hours) Behavior health assessment and education, medication administration, charting, facilitated group meetings, maintained patient safety, assisted staff in various capacities. Student Nurse Extern; Unit: 2nd Floor, Surgical Acute/Oncology (120 Hours) Head to toe assessment, patient education, medication administration, dressing changes, foley catheter care, PIV/PICC line care, monitor laboratory results, blood glucose checks, charting, assisted staff in various capacities, assisted with daily routines. Healthcare Volunteer Hospital 1 Healthcare Volunteer Hospital 2 Administrative Volunteer – 2014 to 2015 Volunteer, American Red Cross – 2015 to Present Volunteer, Community Health Fair - 2015 Nursing Student Mentor; Participant, Medical Spanish– 2013 to 2014 Nursing in South Korea, University - 2013 _________________________________________________________________________ Resume B: Original resume, 2 pages, a bit wordier. This template was modeled after my friend's resume. RN,BSN Professional Profile A hard working, compassionate, and dedicated New Graduate RN seeking a nursing position at Medical Center. Maintains a positive,professional, and eager energy that strives to promote excellence.Well-regarded skills in maintaining patient safety, promoting positive communication, and committed to continual professional development. Possesses strong work ethic, dedication to supportive team work dynamics, and commitment to delivering quality client care and advocacy. Education& Certifications Pre-NursingStudies | Community College | President's List Bachelorsof Science in Nursing California RN License Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Clinical Rotations Fundamentals of Nursing Practice |Telemetry (90 hours) Medical Surgical Nursing | Medical/Surgical (225 hours) Obstetric Nursing | OB, L&D, PP, OR (112 hours) Pediatric Nursing | Various Units (112 hours) Gerontological Nursing | (45 hours) Externships Student Nurse Extern Unit:2nd Floor, East Wing II Psychiatric Step Down | 120 Hours Behavior health assessment and education, medication administration,charting, facilitated group, maintained patient safety by rounding,assisted staff in various capacities. Student Nurse Extern Unit:2nd Floor, Surgical Acute/ Oncology | Physical assessment and education, medication administration,dressing changes, foley catheter care, PIV/PICC line care, monitor laboratory results, blood glucose checks, charting, assisted staff in various capacities, assisted with routines on unit. [/font][/COLOR] Community Projects & Volunteer Work Healthcare Volunteer | April 2010 – February 2011 Healthcare Volunteer | Medical Campus September – December Administrative Volunteer October 2014 – January 2015 Volunteer| American Heart 5k Volunteer| American Red Cross Volunteer| Community Health Fair, Nursing Student Mentor | Participant| CNSA Medical Spanish Study Abroad & Leadership Project Nursing in South Korea, Immersion Program Design and Policy Proposal, Aromatherapy Program for Hospice Patients Skills Intermediate fluency in Spanish, able to perform physical assessment and provide patient education. Elementary fluency in Cantonese Chinese. Computer knowledge and training in various charting programs, PYXIS dispensaries, barcode medication administration, and glucometer machines. Organized, focused, flexible, compassionate, team oriented. References Available upon request

I've been applying exclusively to new grad positions with no success so far. I've noticed quite few non-new grad positions that don't require any work experience. What's it like to work a regular RN job? Is it a brief orientation period and then you're expected to be proficient on your own? I feel like I'm OK at nursing assessments and skills. For much of clinical/externships, I just followed my primary RN around and did tasks with her. But for other things like charting, working with lab/doctors/PT, knowing when to call other departments, and other non-patient care centered tasks I'm not 100% familiar with. Would you recommend that I just stick to new grad programs or branch out into regular RN posts?

I tried making it concise, to the point, objective information, and used excerpts from the job post. To Whom may it concern, I am writing this letter in response to the RN Medical Telemetry post in the employment opportunities at (website). I am applying for the full time telemetry RN position at Hospital. I have obtained my BSN from University and possess a current RN license in the state of ***. Through my bachelor's training at *** University, I am skillful in utilizing the nursing process and it's importance at each stage of patient care. I am able to anticipate the needs of patients and coordinate a plan of care. I collaborate with my team to ensure continuum of care and patient safety. I am able to take direction, communicate effectively to my patient and team, and I possess a passion for teaching and mentoring. In addition to BSN training, I have extensive experience in restaurant and customer service. I am passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate care to my patients. I have cared for a diverse population and individualize my care for each patient. I am confident that my work ethic, critical thinking skills, and positive energy would make me an ideal candidate for your department. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this opportunity. Thank you for your time and interest! Sincerely Yours nightwatch

I'm trying to find my first job as a new grad RN. I'm in Southern California and it's been quite challenging finding employment in my area. I'm the only college graduate of my family and I have never stepped foot out of my town/know anyone apart from here. I've been looking at out of state jobs and I am feeling overwhelmed with knots in my stomach. I'm the kind of person who likes familiarity so it's been stressful researching all these different hospitals, looking at all these potential new states, and feeling like I'm alone during this process. For those who landed a new grad position and/or had to do extensive relocation, how was your experience? What qualities did you look for in your facility? Any advice for a up and comer like meeee? Thank you in advance!

I had a needlestick from an used glucose lancet. Per my occupational health MD, the chances of contracting HIV through a small needle is less than 3% (or was it 0.3%) due to the virus dying in air. Unless I was worked in a prison and was held down and injected with blood, the risk of contracting HIV is small. My options were to 1) do nothing, 2) get regular blood checks for 6 months, or 3) take anti-retrovirals which cause really bad SE's. I chose to get regular blood checks and everything came out fine. Take to your occupational health doc and see what options are for you!

Congrats to those who have received the acceptance letter! Does anyone know what needs to be done before classes start? For those who want to get a head start.