Superman_RN

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback. I think I will be going back to do my Master's since the H-1B seems a little tricky and not guaranteed. At least when I finish my NP I will have better options in terms of OPT and possible sponsorship.

Hello everyone, I know this question has been asked a few times but I'm hoping since this is a pretty specific situation someone will be able to help me out... I am a new grad RN with a BSN. I'm transitioning into a new job next week *hopefully* which is an ICU position in a magnet facility hospital (meaning entry level is bachelor's, which is one of the requirements of H-1B visa). Also, it is a non for profit hospital. So my questions are: 1. Do I qualify for an H-1b visa? 2. Is this hospital exempt from the H-1B visa numerical cap? 3. How likely is it that the hospital will sponsor me? I really want to maintain status and stay and work in the US. If all else fails I was going to go back to school for my master's but I would like to work and get more experience before going back to school. Also, IF I do go back and get my master's can I still work full-time and go to school at the same time? If anyone has any answers on these questions I would really appreciate your input. Thanks.

Thank you for your answer Christy. That clears things up. And yes, no complications with meds whatsoever. This doc just has a nasty attitude but I wanted to know the correct info for future references.

You are right. The possibility of her aspirating occurred to me afterwards but my thinking was so distorted at the time I didn't realize until afterwards. Po meds went down fine and there were no complications although next time just to be safe I will always do IV instead of PO. I just wanted to know if it was contraindicated or if it was a preference.

Ok, so I was working a shift where I had this nightmare of a patient who was severely anxious, experiencing extreme shortness of breath, and had laryngeal edema. Patient came from outpatient center and was immediately put on Bipap, ABG, Mag sulfate, solumedrol, breathing treatment, the whole nine yards. We managed her without the need for intubation. ABG's showed slight respiratory alkalosis because of her asthma exacerbation and anxious hyperventilation. Since then, saturation at 100% on Bipap and RR 20. That's a little background. Now the question is, RIGHT before she went up to the floor, doc decided to order 40 PO of potassium chloride. Mind you, I had been in this patient's room almost every 10 min because she was freaking out about everything. So I gave the PO potassium. Now I realize it may have been better to do IV BECAUSE she was on Bipap but her potassium was not extremely low and to be honest, I wanted this lady up as soon as possible because she called me literally every 5 min. Next doc comes on and as she was reviewing her chart she freaks out because of the PO meds scolds me as to why I gave the PO meds. Knowing this doc, she may even report me. So was I right in giving PO meds to a pt with Bipap or is that contraindicated? Please help shed some light on this issue. Thanks.

Lauren, I am also a new grad who started in ED. I've been working for about 5 months now. First thing you should know is YOU WILL FEEL LIKE GIVING UP SOMETIMES AND QUESTION IF THIS JOB IS FOR YOU. That's perfectly normal! Happened to me a few times the first 2 months and trust me, I have a strong personality lol. Secondly, it is a HUGE learning curve starting fresh from nursing school and completely unrelated. Know that you will know nothing when you first start. Accept it and be open to learning new things everyday. And like someone else said, take notes, and review notes. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Lots of them and get close to those who know their stuff. Great nurses can be very helpful and eye-opening. That being said, stick with it because it will pay off once you get the hang of it. I love the rush in the ED and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I look forward to going to work and learn something new everyday. You will realize that although many things are different disease processes you essentially do the same things for them. Master your IV skills because it will make the difference in saving that patient's life. The last thing you want is a crashing patient and not being able to administer meds because you don't have a line. Oh, and learn your meds too. Other than that, keep a positive attitude! Mike.

Hey Matt, I am a new grad who started off in ER and let me start by saying that the whole "you need to do 6 months on medsurge floor before going into a specialty" crap is just that, crap. My friend from school and I both got ER jobs at different hospitals with NO experience, not even tech experience. Moreso, my other friend got an ICU job at a different hospital. Also no experience. If you want something bad enough, go for it and don't let anyone else tell you what's not possible. That being said, I would prioritize a EKG course, ACLS, and PALS certifications way before your CEN. That's what I think helped my friend and I land a job in the ED. I wouldn't recommend CEN till at least one year in. But that's just me. I've been working for 4 months and everyday is still a learning process. It's awesome in the ED but definitely a HUGE learning curve as a new grad, so just be prepared for that. Apply apply apply and venture out into different locations too. I ended up getting another ER offer out of state also just before I landed this job. And the last thing I will say is follow up is key in the applying process. If you think you're being annoying, you're still not even close to being so. My friend called a certain hospital every day for 2 weeks and left the same message until they finally caved in and asked him to come in for an interview and he got the job. So that's a little overboard but you get the picture Goodluck!