ORNerd BSN, RN

Like the previous poster said, utilization of the call team is going to depend on the facility. As far as feeling overwhelmed, that feeling will lessen as time goes on. It is generally accepted that it takes 1-2 years to feel competent as an OR nurse...

I used to work 3 12’s overnight at a level I trauma center. There were 6 of us all night; usually 3 nurses and 3 scrub techs. The shift started by finishing cases that were still going from the day. Some nights there would be add-on cases to go and w...

I'd take the L&D job if it was me.

When I worked inpatient I wrote down my patients, their injury/surgery (I worked ortho), any relevant medical history, tests they needed that day, medication times, etc. That gave me an overall plan for the day. However, things could and did change o...

20 miles, takes about 25 minutes. During rush hour, it can take me 45 minutes to an hour. My previous job was about 15-20 minutes but I lived in a snowy area and my commute could easily take much longer than that in bad weather. I personally would ...

I don't think that exists...

It might be awkward but do you want to be stuck on a unit that you see no future on? It is what it is, don't feel obliged to continue working there because of awkwardness and poor staffing if you leave. Pursue the specialty you want. Managers should ...

I used to work on an inpatient orthopedic unit and yes, I did a lot of heavy lifting. Spine patients who can't roll and need to be boosted up in bed multiple times a shift, ankle or femur fractures who need help to the commode, etc. and if they were ...

Where I used to live, I was able to get a job at a level I trauma center, teaching hospital, etc. with my ADN. However, it was at a slightly lower wage than new hires with their BSN. I completed my BSN and got a new job in a new state, similar hospit...

My husband and I had our first son (unexpectedly) when I was in my ADN program. I had 2 semesters left. We made it work but I have to be honest, it wasn't easy. My DH and I worked and went to school on opposite schedules and we were lucky enough to h...

I personally do not like rotating shifts and it was a major reason why I went to straight nights at my first job (only option, day/evening shift was granted based on availability and seniority). That said, if it was a PRN position it might be differe...

I'd never heard of MUSC until I moved to SC.

I didn't fail out entirely but I did have to repeat my psych nursing semester after I failed that class by 2 points. It was an ADN program and I felt like I was never going to finish it. Well I did, graduated in December 2012, passed NCLEX the first ...

I didn't place IV's while in school, I learned on the job. I did get to practice on a few fake arms prior to the real thing, though.

I used a sleep mask, earplugs, and had a fan on. I also used black out curtains and had my phone on silent. I was never able to sleep before the first night shift so I always ended up being awake for 24 hours, which was rough. Drink coffee at the ...

I started in a PICU because I thought both peds and ICU was my dream. Turned out it wasn't, at all, and I was let go after 3 months. Terrible fit for me. It was too overwhelming for me to learn how to be a nurse, navigate an ICU, and effectively ...

RoseQueen, thank you for this thread! I have an interview coming up on the 12th and this has been so informative!

Just wanted to update and say that I was issued my permanent license today. My license number is available online. Didn't take very long at all in case anyone is planning on becoming licensed in SC soon :)

Hello everyone! A question for you. I recently moved to SC from NY. I'm licensed in NY through December 2015 and I submitted all of the necessary documentation to become licensed in SC. I discovered today on the LLR website that they received all ...

Good point-I will have to check! Thanks :)

Yes, I considered doing this as well...although I would like to avoid paying the additional fee to renew it!

A year and a half 2 units PICU and Orthopedic (primarily trauma and spines) Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Bring lots of water and healthy snacks! Welcome to the dark side :) Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Thanks so much! I think I'm on the right track too :) Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

A question for everyone. Well, some background first. I graduated in December 2012 with my ADN. I started in the PICU in February 2013. It ended up being a poor fit for me and I was let go in May. I started on an orthopedic unit in the same hospital ...