pseudo_name

Hey...I got the job! :)

I think I'd probably have to resign from the stepdown position at some point if things work out with the ICU position. I'm still trying to find my niche as a nurse. There are days when I hate it to be honest, but then there are days when I feel good that I made a difference or saved someone or learned something new/valuable. Sometimes I don't feel up to par on the stepdown unit. Certain nurses make you feel dumb during report (whether they mean to or not). Is this normal also during the first year of nursing? Sorry I'm going off topic, maybe I just need some better organizational tips. I use a good SBAR sheet that the hospital created which is very helpful. On top of that I use a piece of paper that I make 6-8 squares/grid out of with my morning vitals, assessment, tele box #, patient label, pertinent labs, etc. Any other tips? Also, there are other nurses who kind of pressure me into agreeing to work almost every weekend for them. I know I can say no, but they'll emphasize "but you're single and have no kids"... Um okay... Sometimes I feel like saying "It's not my fault that you have 5 kids" (no offense) and I do have a family, a fiancé, friends, life outside of work... Should I speak to my manager about this? She's already tried enforcing a "3 switches per schedule" policy because it gets out of hand, but no one really adheres to it... I'd rather work during the week as well because there are many more resources/opportunities to learn (Tuesday through Thursday especially -- our heavy post op days). The weekends have their perks too, but while I'm new and am fortunate enough to have a day position I want to get the most out of it that I can.

That's what I'm a little worried about, the scheduling. Both jobs world have to be willing to work with me... Hopefully it'll work out. Well I don't even know if I got the 2nd job yet. Won't find out till next week.

Hopefully I'll get the other PT position, just going to have to keep my fingers crossed...

Anyone?

I kept applying, everyday, everywhere (I almost moved from NY to North Dakota for a job). I went to job fairs, spoke to a career counselor on how to sell myself and spruce up my resume so that I looked good on paper. I got a lot of rejections, which depressed me for a while but I kept trying. Took me 8 months but I landed something. Also during the interview make sure you ask a lot about the unit, the patient population, the ratio, etc.

Wow that's terrible. I also have a co-worker that's very unpleasant and nasty (in general not just to me). I just try to ignore her on the dreaded days I'm stuck working with her. I was so happy when she was FMLA for 3 months after having her son lol. I have addressed it with her personally and I just let whatever she says roll off my back because I know that I'm doing the best I can. Her opinion doesn't phase me anymore because when I look at her I just see a miserable, hateful, pathetic person with no life if she's so focused on me & what I'm doing. Sometimes people try to make you look bad too in front of bosses just because they're competitive. There are a lot of miserable, jealous, and competitive people that you simply can't stoop down to there level. Just keep doing your best and treat her like YOU are the one who feels sorry for her. Don't get involved with gossip and hopefully you have some "buddies" on your unit that you could turn to for help. If all else fails just finish your year, and look for another job. Don't quit nursing all together; what you worked so hard for and studied countless hours for because of this one insignificant (in the grand scheme of things) little witch! Good luck!

Has anyone ever worked two part time RN jobs at once. I know plenty of people work FT and per diem...but honestly would working two part times be do-able?? I interviewed today for a part time ICU position at a hospital I worked at previously as a nursing assistant... I think the interview went pretty well actually. But I would like to stay and keep building my skills at my current job too which is on surgical stepdown. Things are going better over (for anyone who's read my previous posts -- not 100% but definitely an improvement) Long story short, has anyone out there worked two PT nsg jobs? And for how long? Thanks. By the way, my goal since my last year in nsg school has been to work as a Critical Care nurse. That and emergency nursing were my two favorite areas. I did my preceptorship in ICU for 2 months and really enjoyed it.

Any tips for an upcoming interview in the ICU? It's at a hospital I used to work at as an aide. I've been working as an RN since April 2013 on surgical stepdown, but my former employer is willing to interview me for the ICU position which would be part time days... I really want to work in the ICU or ED. Its been my dream since nursing school. Anyway I have tele experience, I'm ACLS certified and I have used drips.. Only cardizem, heparin and octreoide though... No vasoactive or sedatives like propofol.

Surgical stepdown (abdominal sx and ER overflow/tele pts) 1:5 to 1:8 depending on census/staffing

How does your resume look? Is there any chance that you'd be willing to apply as an nursing assistant or unit secretary just to get your foot in the door at a hospital? What type of nursing are you interested in? Are there any job fairs coming up soon in your area? And I learned that you have to kind of be a stalker to land a position lol. Call, email every week, it makes you REALLY stand out and seem interested. You worked hard for that license and on your schooling... Relocate if it's a feasible option for you... Nurse residency programs, fellowships, etc.

I'm back on days again, and although it's more stressful (in my opinion) because it's just non-stop tasks (sending pts for tests/procedures, OR, fresh post-ops, discharges, admissions, new orders all the time, etc.), I'm really trying my best to see the positive and stay A LOT more organized & focused. I keep saying to myself that this is a rough patch but one that will open many doors for me in my nsg career... Knowing that it's temporary and that I'm definitely not "stuck" is motivating.

Thanks all for the replies... I've been reflecting a lot about my career and what I want out of nursing. I'm starting to realize that the people/personalities you work with is SO important. I was placed on nights for 3 weeks as part of an extended probation plan because my manager felt that I was struggling a little too much on days. I found that the night nurses were more positive and seemed to handle the stress better than the day nurses, which made for a much less stressful work environment all together. The day nurses seem to be so burnt out and I know it's easy to become burnt out in this stressful field we chose... When I find that other people's attitudes/tones are "rubbing off" onto me, I just try to recognize and stop the cycle (in myself) remain positive and try to make it through the shift as best I can with what I have and who I'm working with at the moment.