Belle2013

I start in the ER next week. What are some items you can suggest that are important to carry with you (especially as a new grad)? So far I'm thinking: -A small notepad to carry in my pocket and write things down I want to look up once I get home -a s...

I went through nursing school with a 3 year old (turned 5 by graduation) and a husband. There were many times my child was sick, had baseball games, school functions, Etc and I had to miss for nursing school or to study. I pulled numerous all nighter...

I graduated in 2013 and ATI was a part of our program including having to pass the final exam to graduate. It was nothing like the NCLEX and I don't think prepares you at all. It was more memorization than critical thinking. The nclex is nothing but ...

I currently work 7 12s (full time) every 14 days. Although I love my job and would be sad to leave, I am wanting to find a RN job that would be more family friendly. I've been told to look into GI/endo, PACU, or clinic nursing. I work ER now and am w...

Thank you for the info!

You'll do great! I've been in the ER for 9 months now as a new grad. It's a new experience every day but at the end of each day I go home saying I love it. You'll be amazed at what you learn after 4-6 months and the experience you will gain! Never be...

We have several nurses who are pregnant. They work in all the areas...triage, shock trauma, medical, minor, and hold over. One was put on light duty and she went to triage during her shifts. I think it just depends on the person. Most women work thro...

We got shirts to wear at work this week :-) we also get a party on each shift with food and cake to celebrate our awesomeness

When I first started the AC was easiest for me. Then I started moving down to the forearm area. Now I've gotten where I can do the hands. Those are tough because they a re so superficial. I would blow them at first because I would go in too deep. Now...

Level 1 trauma center. We get everything from medication refills to sore throats to abdominal pain to GSWs. We have a lot of traumas come in like MVCs 40+ mph, GSWs, stabbings, boating accidents, and assaults. On a typical day in medical you'll see c...

Just do lots and lots of IV starts! I've been in the ER for about 3 1/2 months and I'm getting 9/10 starts now and even having success on hard sticks like those who are chronic dz or former IV drug users. The more you do the more success!

How does your hospital or unit collect blood cultures? I'm looking for policy and procedure or step by step instructions. Our hospital lacks these and I'm thinking of taking on a project for this. Thanks

I work in a level 1 trauma ED. We have disposable/recycle Bp cuffs and pulse ox probes. We also have an omni cell where we charge supplies to the patient directly. This is done for pretty much everything.

Most recent: thirsty after smoking kush

I am brainstorming for an EBP Project in the ER. I have some ideas including Chlorhexidine wipes for vs alcohol when accessing an IV port, ways to reduce hemolyzing blood specimens, etc but I wanted to get some input from you all on all nurses. Are t...

I would really like to hear this also. I'm interested as well but would like to hear the different opinions on dealing with the cases and emotions that go with it however individualized they may be. We have 6 sane nurses where I work currently and th...

A 3 year nursing program seems crazy to me. I wet through a BSN 15 month program. Are there any shorter programs around you? A lot of time the BSN programs are shorter than ADN for some reason, especially when you already have all the pre-reqs for nu...

Understand how big team work is in the ER! Be prepared to answer questions on prioritizing pt care, dealing with the verbally abusive people and how you would de-escalate a situation, how do you deal with psych patients, communication with physicians...

We are a level 1 trauma facility and use EPIC. Most seem to really like it. It's pretty user friendly for the most part.

I think you're experience as a LVN is definitely going to help you. I would suggest getting ACLS certified, join the ENA and maybe AACN organizations as a student, and volunteering as much as possible to build up your résumé. You can volunteer at fre...

Good luck!

BSNs are definitely preferred. Most of the larger hospitals are only hiring BSNs. I think Hermann, UTMB, etc are some of the only ones that hire ADNs and want you to get your BSN after hiring you. Starting pay from Houston to Galveston varies from $2...

So after 3 weeks here's what's commonly in my pocket. 1) trauma sheers 2) tape around my stethoscope 3) pin light attached to my badge 4) sharpie attached to my badge 5) 2 pins 6) Chapstick 7) mints or a Baggie or raisins/pretzels since lunch is a ra...

Acute workitis! Love it!!!

I am doing a little research on nursing self scheduling. My unit currently participates in self scheduling but uses a system where nurses just request days to work. If there are too many nurses on certain days the managers shift around schedules to m...