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oops I meant ml not cc. And yes the order was to give 1 gram.

I need help understanding antibiotics through burette. So today I had antibiotics to hang-- ticarcillin sodium with clavulanic acid. I looked at "the book" It said " dilute recontinuted solution with an appropriate volune compatible fluid to give concentration between 10-100mg/ml and infuse over 30 minutes" I asked another nurse to help me and we did the following: so I diluated the powder with 10cc water---> put it in burette---> filled burette until 100cc. --ran over 1hr. so infused over 100cc/hr. Can someone tell me why it's 1hr...instead of 30min? why fill burette to 100cc!? I tried asking the nurse who helped me but didn't get the answer I fully understood. or what I should have done???? thanks in advance.

Today was my second day working. It went so much better than the first. I gave my first morphine SC!! I have never given morphine SC before, only via IV! Is morphine IV not used in AU?

I survived my first shift in AU! I went to a private hospital on resp unit. Major Culture shock! At least I was worn about not having nursing assistant to help me with ADL's. I was teamed up with this EN? to take care of 10 patients. -Things that surprised me were: 1) Everything was in paper! It was difficult to read dr's handwriting. 2) meds were kept in pt bedside cabinet locked up. Each meds were in original package ( like you see in the store, in a box)--- I had new patient and I was shocked that pt were taking their own medication. Where I came from, that wasn't allowed. 3) Showering patient..... I don't understand why I have to wear nice black pants! when it's gonna get wet and etc! 4) none of the nurses were auscultating patients. they said " that's dr's job" 5) In and out aren't measured unless ordered by doctor. 6) It's difficult to find gloves. I used to wear gloves to do everything. even helping pt Out of bed. I think those were the ones I can remember now. Overall it went well. Staff was great, very helpful. My partner was great. SHe did most of the work tho.... I can't wait to go back to work!!!!

I see. Thank you. I came from a hospital that had CNA ( they took my vitals, ADL's, feeding, and walking, and emptying drains) so this will be a big change. I'll definitely ask about policy and procedures! thanks for all the tips!

Thanks Bringsonthenight and etoile88!!!! I feel little bit better =) I'll probably find out soon but how do you communicate with the doctors? are they usually around in the ward or do you page them? text page them?

never mind. I didn't need to do CRC myself =) Thanks for your help Bringonthenight!!! I am now with Nursing Australia. They are very helpful and very nice. They had a shift for me the next day I got registered but I wasn't available.. Now I'm scared! I was told I just go in and take patients. Do you have any tips for my first day? Any good book for me to have or read, for medications? I heard some medications are called differently in AU?!

HI Bringonthenight, I was going to PM you but I didn't meet the criteria to start PM-ing yet. So I will ask you questions here. ( thank you so much in advance!!) I am going working on job application and it's requiring CRC (criminal record check) document. It said "state police CRC or CrimTrac CRC." Do you have to do this everytime you get a new job? Do you know how long it takes to obtain it? It seems like you can do this online or go to police station, do you have any recommendation? In USA, my employer did the background check for me so this is new for me.

Thank you for your reply. I have better understanding about "clinical nurse" =) I just moved from Washington USA, now in Brisbane. I love it so far! I have experience in med-surg for 4 yrs. Hopefully I can find a job, I can't wait to experience the nursing world in AU!

hello, just joined today. How long did it take for everyone to hear back from HCA? I heard back from 'nursing australia' Does anyone have any experience from them? Just for clarification: When I am looking up for job, I see "clinical Nurse" that doesn't meant nurses that work in clinic. That just means clinical nurse specialist right? Thank you so much in advance.