Noc_RN

At my hospital we utilize PICC nurses when we need US-guided PIVs. From what they tell me, that specific vein (basilic, proximal to the AC) is notorious for becoming dislodged (primarily due to the bicep muscle and the way that vein articulates under the muscle, or something to that effect), so at all costs they look elsewhere regardless of what length catheter they are able to use.

SAC isn't a bad program. Just like any other nursing program it boils down to how much each student puts into it and how bad they want it. I busted my a** in that program, studied for 2 weeks with those silly online Kaplan questions and passed the NCLEX on question #75. IMHO I was certainly prepared for the NCLEX based upon my lectures in that program. Mila was great (she had her moments, sure), Rowena was excellent, Alice was great, JoAnn and Dale were outstanding. (If Dale is still there, take him at all costs. You will not regret it.) Sure from time to time minor inconsistencies arouse between something said in lecture and what your text (or god-forbid Kaplan, ugh) said. Expect it. I'm genuinely curious though, could it because of the ECP program that SAC's #s for NCLEX pass rate is lower? I'm not knocking the ECP program either, I had many friends (who became co-workers and great nurses at that) from the ECP program but maybe it could be that working while going to nursing school was too much for some peeps. I'd be interested to know if Golden West, Cypress, etc also have similar programs to SAC/St Joes. Plus, does that pass rate only consider first time taking the NCLEX? (Rhetorical question). I worked per diem through my 3rd and 4th semesters at SAC, wasn't too bad. (Traditional program though, not ECP.) But 1st semester I'm glad I didn't. Between concept maps, 2 clinical days a week, lecture and studying for that damned Kaplan/CNI tests while trying to bury basic nursing concepts in your head til they're subconscious, no thanks. But good luck to you.

So I know this topic has been asked before (and I've read through those posts) but just looking for additional/updated input from locals... So I'm moving to Texas in the near future and looking for input from local RNs regarding overall experience in Dallas/Irving hospitals. Specifically, if possible, I would like to know which hospitals are considered to treat their RNs "well" (with either "competitive pay" (for the area, I guess??), free healthcare, don't threaten their staff with being "Group One'd", or make some (or any) effort to uphold nurse-patient ratios). I figure a Magnet hospital would be a safe bet for overall better work experience but what is the reality from those who work there? If it matters, I have a BSN with over 5 years in (current) acute care experience. Generally speaking, I'm looking in Dallas area but most anything north and west of Dallas itself I'd consider. Based on prior posts on this topic my take away is that UT Southwestern, or one of the Tenet hospitals would be a good place to work (compaired to an HCA hospital, or Dallas Medical Center, for example). Does the overall consensus say this is correct?