RN_Sara

I work at a level 1 children's hospital. We have RN's who are specifically assigned to our trauma/critical care area 24/7. When that area is not being utilized, those nurses float to help others, help out in triage etc.

I started in a small town ER. Moved to a big city Psych floor, hated it. Went to level 2 trauma ER and now at a level 1 peds ER. Love it.

I went to cscc. I thought it was a great program with a solid reputation with the hospitals. There probably would be a wait to get into the actual program. I worked on my pre-reqs while I waited for admission.

It took me about 14 months. I was in no hurry.

I always said their program was more about knowing APA style than anything nursing related. Any points I lost in any classes were related to APA not content. I thought it was easy. Fast paced.

What kind if floor is it? When I switched to peds, I brushed up on respiratory stuff, sickle cell. I work ED and we see a TON of asthma, croup, bronchiolitis, etc

My grandpa died within my first 90 days on my job. Our hospital gives 8 hours bereavement for a grandparent death. I could not use any PTO since I was still within that 90 days. I was pretty much forced to work two days due to not being able to use PTO. My mind was clearly elsewhere and it sucked to be there. It would be nice if hospitals took better care of their own staff. 8 hours didn't even cover my whole shift. Had to take 4 hours unpaid.

At most places of employment there is some kind of stipulation that you must work a set amount of time in exchange for the tuition reimbursement. It should be in the policy for your hospital.

I have really high arches. I find good ol' running shoes the best for me. I recently bought a pair of grey's anatomy clogs and I really like them too. Great arch support in them.

I worked full time while in nursing school. I studied during lunch and after work. I did classes in the evening and clinics on weekends. It was a long two years but you have to be prepared to give up things and miss events. It can be done if you are organized. It depends on the person.

Urbane Ultimate have longer tops if you need them for a long torso.

I bought a pair of Grey's anatomy "Meredith". Love them. Like them better than danskos. Awesome arch support. Try a pair on if you have high arches. Mine are extremely high and fit me better than danskos

I just bought a pair of greys anatomy shoes. Really like them. Like them better than my danskos. Also, plain old running shoes are pretty good. I have three pair of those I alternate with the greys anatomy shoes

I just had to get a booster when I showed up non-reactive. Next titer showed I was reactive.

Riverside is a stroke center and has a neuro critical care and a great ED. With a year experience, I think you would be good.