kgpatterson87

I have started studying for CCRN because I am about to qualify for the hours restriction... What's your favorite book? I purchased the Kaplan book, and I don't really like it. Any suggestions appreciated. Kimberly

I'm 26, and I have been told that I look 16. My favorite, which is the most insulting to me, is: You're so young, isn't this sort of dangerous for you? How condescending! First off, I am 5'9" and a bigger girl, so it's not like I really am 16 and weigh 100 pounds. Second of all, is it dangerous for the 30 year old staff nurse to go to the grocery store? I see no difference. Then typically, it is followed by, "You must be rich to have no kids and to be doing this." No, I'm not. Thanks. I drive a 2011 Kia Soul with a dent in the bumper and some weird scratch down the side. I also have debt and monthly bills just like you. Rude. I take this all in stride and try to laugh people's privacy invading comments. It normally works. Kimberly

@thelema13: I worked at that hospital full time as a PCU nurse. I TOTALLY AGREE. I feel your pain. Kimberly

I was a full time staff ICU nurse in central Florida for two years. Almost all of the hospitals are becoming for-profit, bare bones, and miserable. The economy there has taken a terrible hit, and morale is low in almost all of the hospitals. I have worked in four hospitals in central Florida, and almost everyone was miserable in every one. I heard over and over, "I'm only here because of my family," "I'm only here because I am upside down on my house after the bubble burst" It's pretty demoralizing. Kimberly

Hi everyone! I'm new to traveling. I'm an ICU nurse. I've taken my first assignment in Pennsylvania. I love it!! I can't wait to go to the west coast. I scrolled through and couldn't really find anything about meeting new people. I have joined the local Meet Up groups for my area that are geared toward my interests, and I found a good local coffee shop so I can at least be around people. I also have my dog, so I go to the dog park. What else do you guys do to reach out to non-medical people? They don't have to be non-medical, but you know, people in public. I have had a lot of extra time on my hands until I make friends, so I started a blog about new travelers, and I started to study for my CCRN. I also applied to start my bachelors degree. That fills a lot of my time, but I need social interaction outside of the unit. Any pointers appreciated Kimberly

I had the same problem you had. I was under a $5,000 contract for two years. I became a high-acuity ICU RN after one year of medical training. When I went to ICU, it was a SICU, a trauma ICU and a neuro ICU. I got all sorts of experience, and was glad that I trained there. However, I only got ten months of experience before I decided to go traveling due to some personal reasons. It cost me my last $3,000 paycheck to break my contract. They took all of it. I was devastated. I got $67 on my last check. They didn't give me an opportunity to make payments, or to even work on a plan to spread it over a couple of checks. No sympathy. So be careful. I am super glad I left to travel, however. I have honed my skill at thinking on my feet, and I have gained a ton of confidence. Just trust your instinct and do some studying outside of work. Purchasing a CCRN exam book is a great way to gain knowledge and it starts you on the path to obtaining the cert. Good luck!!