DCCCRNn2005

Need some advice, getting ready for my third assignment. Had no problems getting things togther with my last two assignments. I was hoing to start in a new assignment next monday, I'm done on thursday morning, and still have nothing nailed down to go to next. My company is doing all they can to get things lined up, but I'm not getting any calls from the hospitals. I'm not being picky, anything paying decent money would be okay. I started looking early, though i did change areas once. And I have experience. I hear that it's not uncommon for nurses to have some unplanned time off between assignments, b/c they can't find anything they want. I know that this time of year everyone is trying to rush around and take vacation and this is a holiday weekend so all that doesn't help my situation. I was just wondering if this ever happens to anyone else? Have you ever had to take off unplanned time, b/c you didn't have anything else lined up??

I'm a traveler from the piedmont of NC, but I just finished up an assignment in New Bern, NC at Craven Regional Hospital. It's a beautiful area, and the people there are awesome. The town sits right on the river, and the beach is only 30 minutes away. You should check them out. Just make sure to ask lots of questions, some of the mangagers are different. Have you considered maybe travel nursing in the area for a while and get the feel of the different parts before you move to one specific hospital? Just a thought, good luck!!!

just finishing up my first travel assignment, and dragging my husband of almost 2 years along. WE LOVE IT!!! We get to be on vacation 4 days a week (I work 3 12s) We are enjoying every minute and plan on traveling for a long time. It can be done as long as he's okay with it pack it up and go!!!

I am getting ready to start my first travel assignment, for 13 weeks. My husband will be traveling with me. (non-RN) I'll be at least 4 hours from my home, and I was just wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what you usually take with you on a long assignment. I know every company is different and all provide different things with housing and such. Obviously scrubs, clothes, toiletries, ect., but I'm sure you leave the kitchen sink at home. I'm trying to decide on my nessesities and not take a bunch of junk I don't need or may already be there. Thanks for your understanding, just have those pre-travel jitters lol.

most of the companies i've looked into require at least one year of experience in acute care. But the more the better. You need to make sure you are comfortable with your skills before setting out in traveling.

I am so excited about getting started in traveling!!! I am a reletively new nurse, only been working about a year and a half. But I am very unhappy in my current job and was looking for a way out. A friend of mine from school has been traveling for a few years and is absolutely loving it. I was just hoping to get some pointers from those who have been in this game for a while. What things do you know now that you wish you'd known on your first assignment? I know it will be different and purpose a whole new set of challenges, but I think I'm ready. I need all the advice I can get so all posts and pm's are welcome. Thanks you all I know everyone has a wealth of info to share, can't wait to hear it all. :bowingpur

I seem to have misquoted by using "power" in my post. And others were right I should have replaced that with responsibility. I don't want the position so I can flaunt amongst the unit thinking I am something special, so that was a bad choice of words. (it just seemed to fit in the title better lol)

Hey there ya'll! I need some advice. I am a relatively new nurse, graduated May 2005. I have been working on my unit since I graduated and got out of orientation. My current schedule includes days, nights and weekends. (weekends gets "premium pay" which is significantly more than during the week) Well yesterday I was approached by my day Unit Coordinator, and was told that the managers and unit coordinators had discussed and wanted to offer me the position of night unit coordinator :monkeydance: (the current one has taken an immediate leave for fam. reasons and they aren't sure she'll even come back.) I was shocked and honored that I was seriously being considered, being so new to the field. They said the felt that not only was it a good career and growing step for me, but that I would advance the unit and help us improve. Here is the problem: I am comfortable at my current salary, (especially since my husband is out of work since he's in school), taking this position would cut my overall take home pay d/t not working weekends any more. I don't think that the manager will give me more than like $1 raise, which is average for this position. To compensate I would need like $2 to $2.50, which I don't see happening. So my question is.... do I take this offer which would mean growth, priviliges, and oppertunities along with authority BUT most of all an uncomfortable pay cut???

I was in no way thinking that I wanted to be in charge, all I want is to go in, take care of the pt.'s and be done. I don't want to supervise (not ready yet) The only reason i put in the comment about the nurse that knows it all (whom i don't have a problem with) was that she is the main CN, but they all rotate. I may have a attitude problem, but it is not that I think I know more than anyone, or want to be in charge. I am approachable and very liked by my coworkers. I know this just sounds like I'm pouting and fighting back, but I'm not. I had to work down at Dialysis today (very hard to go in there, really didn't want to) I discussed my situation with the main CN, and she said that as far as she didn't feel that I wasn't doing my job, and she didn't know of anyone else whom did either. One of my techs told me she overheard one nurse talking bad about me to the manager yesterday. The same nurse I busted my tail to do all the work she should have done yesterday. From that and the other info I gathered I think this whole stink was her trying to cover for herself for things she didn't do completely right. (hmm I can just blame the one who is never here, and she won't be able to defend herself) Whether or not i'll stay is still up in the air. I don't really enjoy the work anymore, so i'm not giving 100%. This situation just pushed me right to the edge and helped me realize it. I'm sorry that my first post was so angry, I needed to vent. I also apploigize that i came across as a smarty-pants know it all. I just think that you should be nice to your prn help, b/c most of the time, they have a choice to help you or not.

Kinda long, Sorry, Okay I graduated may 2005, I immediately started working at the outpatient dialysis center that I have been at since I started my last year in school. The manager knew when the offered me the RN position that I had already accepted a position at a large hospital in the area, in a neuro/vascular unit. She agreed to keep me on prn to help out when I could. Well since then she has gone through spells of needing me all the time to not working at all some payperiods. :uhoh21: It's not that I NEED this extra income, but it makes life a lot easier. Between the 2 jobs I usually end up with around 50 hours a week. My husband is currently in school but about to finish up and he'll go back to work full time, so this extra work would not be nessesary. I feel that I may be spreading myself too thin (although with my proportions I wish that were actually true. LOL) To top it all off, I worked today but after I left my manager called to tell me something to fix tommorrow (she won't be there), and said that the other nurses feel that they have to take up my slack, that it's like I'm there but not there at the same time. I was offended, since I feel that I do more than my share when I am there. She said it was just constructive critisism (SP) and not to be offended no one was perfect, just think how i can fix it. Well as I dwelled on it, I think I am burnt out on it, that's why I can't give 100%, b/c I don't enjoy it anymore. I love the pt's, and the techs are almost all wonderful. I'm not going to think about my fellow nurses b/c I obviously don't know what they are thinking(never said anything to me just went to the manger). :angryfire All that said, I think it's obvious I need to leave there as soon as my husband finishes school. The only problem is that the nurse that seems to always be in charge, and knows it all, is going out on maternity leave in april, and they've given me this sob story about needing me, since everyone else has to be retrained to do all the charge stuff, and all and agreed to raise my salary (just while she's gone them back down). I feel so bad to think of leaving in a time like this but I really don't know what to do. Has anyone out there been in a similar situation when just starting out, agreeing to help then getting stuck in a job you don't enjoy? I would really appreciate any suggestions, and thanks for reading it all!

i had a few pt.'s say that to me the other week but before that i had never heard of anyone tasting iv fluids kinda wierd huh

I know that I shouldn't laugh at others but this was a little personal victory of mine that I need to share. This made my day. About 2 years ago I worked in a nursing home as a CNA while I was in school. I didn't tell many people, because I was only in first year and several other NA's were "in nursing school" but really were taking like the pre-req's, and they liked to show out like they were better than everyone and the nurses hated it. I was actually in the program. But anyway one of these previously mentioned NA's (supposedly to graduate Dec. '04) found out I was in school and asked me what semester I was, I said the course number at the time (like NUR120 i think). Well he made this big deal about how I obviously I was not in the program and I was lying. And that when I actually got in the program that I could come talk to him, then I would know the correct semester #. Anyway cut to this morning about 2 years later, I've been practicing as a RN for 8 months now:nurse: , I go in to give report to the next shift. And who comes up all dressed in thier first year student uniform. None other than that same NA who told me that I was lying about being in school. The look in his eye when he realized who I was, erased all the anger I had about that little comment.:roll I know it sounds childish but it goes to show, never burn somebody, especially when you don't know the truth, b/c you never know (esp. in our field) whom you may be working/ reporting to next week. :chair:

I'm not a LPN, but can I say, go for the crocs!!! I am telling you, you will not be sorry. 12 hours and no sore feet, believe me, I love mine I wear them all the time (cleaning after I leave the hospital of course) you can get them online, or at hallmark stores and Dillards (dillard's have the ones with no holes in the top) Also FYI, if you have any problems with your crocs you can email them and they will either send you a new pair or send you the part to fix them. (I broke one of the rivets, so i know)

Has anyone found a book or website that helps in learning rhythms? I'm a new grad, that works in step-down ICU and I feel somewhat comfortable with interpreting but would like some practice. J/W if any one else had the same problem.

I didn't have a choice as to whether I wanted to open the "did I get in envelope." I was dressed up ready to go to the prom when the mail came. I didn't want to spoil the night if I didn't get in to I told my mom to hold on to it and I'd open it in the morning. Well that wasn't going to happen. She said we just can't wait on such big news and ripped open. Thank the Lord I got in, or that would have been a bummer. But when it came to state boards I was the one calling the number, I don't know how I would have been if I would have had to wait on a envelope for that.

Thanks siri and islandgirl those links helped out alot

Has anyone ever heard of these yet? They are supposed to be I believe Hcg (pregnancy hormone). I had a pt. ask me about them the other day. I have a friend who has been on them a lost alot of weight, but she is not a nurse and couldn't really tell me how they work. I've done a couple searches on the web but can't find anything really. Has anyone tried them, or know someone who did?

just a update, this week went very well. It was hard doing 3 12's in a row but i made it through. My main thing is the little things, like making sure all my orders are done, (I mean I catch the big stuff but it's those little last minute things) I'm sure all that will come in time.Thanks so much for all the advice. I'm sure i'll have another problem real soon that I'll need help on, LOL, well thanks and wish me luck:idea:

My first day out on my own is going to be on Tuesday. 7a-7p and all me. I've had a good education, and a great preceptor who has weened me away. But still it's the fact that I'll be alone, all problems come to me!!! I think I can handle it and I know that my fellow nurses on my floor won't let me drown. It's just the simple fact that I'm alone. I'm hoping for a good day. But I wanted to find out how all of you new grads are feeling about this subject yourselves, and a few words of encouragment from you ole' pros wouldn't hurt either

I was put on Micronor (estrogen free) BC pills in August. The combo pills were running my BP up through the roof. (not good for anyone especially at 21yo) Well anyway I haven't had a period since then. The info that comes with it said nothing about delaying cycles. I did find some info at webmd.com and that said some ppl only have like two cycles a year. I just wanted to see if anyone was in my same situation. It's kinda scary not knowing if you may be pregnant and all (but you all know that) I took a test like 3 weeks ago and that was neg. but they suggest taking a test like q45days. If anyone has been on this med or has some suggestions I'd love to hear them.

I have several piercings in my ears, but the only one i usually wear is my tragus (for those who don't know that little flap that's connected to your head in the middle of the ear) One of the techs tried to give me flack for it when i first had it done d/t the no facial piercing rule. But the boss said it was no different than a ear piercing, so it stayed. It's a little hard to get my steth in there just right sometimes but otherwise no probs.

I need some advice. First off I may be way too sensitive about this, but as you gathered from the title I am having problems with my preceptor. I am a new grad (may, licensed in June) in July I started at this hospital, which has a special new grad program where for like 10weeks you work in different units, and have classes to refresh from school, P&P (you get it) Well two weeks ago i finally made it to my permanent unit (thank God). I love the unit and have a great time but the preceptor I was assigned is driving me bananas!!! It's like what ever I do she reminds me of every single stinking thing (like "you need to assess rm 673" or "make sure you don't flick the bubble out of the lovenox") and when I let her know that I have done it or am aware, it's like she gets this attitude as if I'm supposed to bow down and thank her for reminding me to do something thats been done. Since I've been on this unit i've built up to 3 pt's by myself (they are assigned to her but we decide which i should take and they are then basically "mine) I feel very comfortable with this. And it may be my pride talking, but if they are mine, and i am responsible then let me do everything. If I don't then how will i know how/if I can handle it. Don't pop in and give my meds while i'm in another room, they can wait 5 more minutes till i get there, right? But the thing that kills me most, (and is another pride thing) is report. I think of report as telling the next shift what you have done, what's going on and what needs to be done. Well for the past week I have barely been able to get a word in edgewise. I did all the work and yet she is reporting like she's been devoted to only them all night. I want to say "shut up it's my work, my pt.s let me talk, you've told about the last 5 may I speak?" :angryfire but i don't want to be rude to her. I can't talk to my educator till at least Monday and I'm not sure if I should just see about a new preceptor all together, I'm thinking this may not be a good fit. I need some advice from you all, what is the best course of action???

1. do you delegate your basic care to cna's? 2. what area of nursing are you in and what is a typical nurse/pt ratio? 3. how do you feel about delegating out work? and any other thoughts on the topic.... 4. have things changed since you entered the nursing profession until now and how? 1. I delegate the duties of basic care to my cna, b/c that's there job. I have things to do that they can't. But I am not above doing those duties if the need arises or if my cna is busy (hense i stated busy not lazy) I won't go search them out if I can do it (i.e. have the time) 2. I am working in a critical care step-down unit on the monitored side it's 4/1 pt/nurse ratio and the non-monitored it's 6/1 3. I am more than willing to pitch in and help my cna as soon as all my work is done. I would never leave them hanging out to dry, but if they aren't going to help themselves (and in that way are helping me) then don't expect me to break my neck to help them. I've been there and done the cna thing so i know what it's like. I'm not above scrubbing a butt now but we have to do this as a team. 4. It's different on this side of the mirror (just graduated in may and worked as a cna before that) you have so much more responsiblity that you don't get to spend that extra one-on-one time with the pt's that you used to.

I'm Mandy, RN!!! I took boards on June 1st and passed with 75 questions!!! Got married on June 11th! I've been working prn in out patient dialysis for about a year as a tech, and I'm staying on prn as a nurse. All the while I'm fulfilling my dream of being a critical care nurse in a step-down ICU at a hospital close by!!! I love it and I am so glad to be in nursing hope you all feel the same!

I have found that PCT's make me nervous too. I worked as one for several months before sitting for boards, but it wasn't until I had that license that I realized how precious it is. Techs just don't relize that. In our facility they go through approximately 2 weeks of class work and 10 weeks of being with a preceptor and that's all the training they get. It's kinda scary. Thank God we do have good techs in our facility, but everyone makes mistakes. As far as "how do you know this is heparin?" NOTHING is drawn up until the nurse gets there, and then they have to show the nurse the bottle and say "i'm drawing up heparin.." and likewise with lidocaine. Luckily our bottles and volumes are vastly dif. of each so they do not get confused. Our assessments are on the computer and the nurse has to fill it out before the pt. can begin tx. In this the nurse answers several questions such as resp, lung sounds, HR,... and the last 2 are normal presentation of access (this includes bruit, thrill, appearance..) and site care done. I always listen to the access whether i stick it or not, but whether it's a nurse or a tech that actually does stick they are supposed to listen too. I don't care if the manager listened to it and then told me to stick it, i would not until i heard for myself. People who do not do that are putting thier pt.'s at a HUGE risk. Our techs can access caths, which I am thankful for. All in all you are not being too overprotective, whether you are a LVN, RN, or BSN an unlicensed staff member can make you lose that license before you can blink. It's important that you trust your techs b/c they can make or break you at times. But if there are serious problems (such as frequently wrong amt. of hep. or sticking w/o listening) you need to pull them aside and talk to them. They may just not have enough training or not understand the importance of it. If after that you still feel uncomfortable i'd take it to your CN or manager. Hope I could help a little. Sorry so long.