nursenancy27

I worked at the VA, left for ICU job in the private sector (because I needed a new challenge ) and was applying back to the VA within 6 months! I wouldn't have the awesome job I have now without that experience but it's very different in the private sector (especially if you've been with the VA your whole career). Only you can decide what's right for you!

My worst shift ever was the first time I'd worked charge. Supervisor called up an unstable admit for our med/surg floor and I unsuccessfully tried to advocate for the patient to be sent to the ICU. So this patient arrives on the floor with his son and as we transfer him from the litter to the bed he codes (my first code). We worked on him for about 20 min before the code was called (my first patient passing). Then, as I'm cleaning up the 2 code carts we went through, I manage to get a needle stick injury from a needle left exposed. I spent the next two hours in occ health crying as they did blood work and as the doctor had to get consent from his grieving family to rule out any bloodborne pathogen exposure. That's one day I'll never forget

I'm not familiar with the Oklahoma City VA but I worked in medsurg at a VA in the midwest for 1.5 years after graduating. I left to pursue critical care in the private sector as there were no openings within the VA. Needless to say, I am returning to the VA after only 7 months as I quickly realized how much I loved working in the VA system. The atmosphere can't be beat- wonderful patients, co-workers and nurse satisfaction, at least in my opinion. The grass is not always greener.

Hello all, We recently had a patient on our unit who had OD'd on beta blockers and one of the treatments was high dose insulin. I'm curious if anyone has experience with this and could explain the mechanism of action for how this would help. Thanks!

Hey all, I'm a relatively new ICU nurse and had a few questions regarding sepsis as I see these patients often. I know the SIRS criteria are low/high temp, low/high WBCs, tachycardia and tachypnea but what would cause the low temps/low WBCs vs. high temps/high WBCs? Also, what causes the ionized calcium to be so low in these patients? Finally, our sepsis protocol includes drawing a baseline cortisol level and starting IV steroids - how exactly does adrenal insufficiency play in? I have looked into my critical care texts but haven't found any straightforward answers. Thanks to all in advance!

Thank you everyone for all the information. The VA I'm interested in is indeed a teaching hospital so hopefully that means more opportunities to learn and care for the critically ill veterans. I'm interested to hear more about others' experiences!

I don't have any advice but wanted to offer support as I am in a similar situation - I left a good job for what I thought was a better opportunity and it turns out I'm not happy there. Wishing you luck with your interviews and please let us know what happens!

Hi everyone! I'm currently work in critical care in the private sector, however, not in a trauma center. I'm curious "how critical" the patients in ICUs in a VA hospital are, I guess in reference to technologies used, patient ratios, etc, as I have seen posts on AN that the VA tends to move slower than the private sector. Any experiences from nurses that have worked in a VA ICU would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for all the thoughtful advice! I did decide to apply and am now just waiting to see if I will get called for an interview. In response to Havin a Party, I am finished with my orientation and have been working independently for 3 months already.

Thanks solneeshka! Does anyone else have any advice or opinions?

Hello all! I am new to allnurses and am looking for some career advice. I've been a nurse for 2 years now, I spent 1.5 years at a hospital I loved working in med/surg/tele. I became bored/burned out and decided to leave to pursue critical care at another hospital. I love critical care and can't see working in any other specialty. However, I am kicking myself for leaving my original facility. There were so many intangible things that make a job enjoyable that I naively overlooked as a relatively new nurse. Fortunately, a few positions opened up in critical care at my old facility and I'm very interested in going back (if they will take me!). However, with only 6 months at the new job, do you think this would be a poor career move? Thanks!