RN6617

Hi! So the PBDS is no longer given! You just need to pass a typing test (I think it’s still 40 WPM). I would highlight your excellent Nursing judgment, your strong prioritization skills, and your friendly customer service. Always triage up when in doubt (can’t decide if they need to be seen today or within 4 hours? ALWAYS pick within 4 hours if you’re on the fence). They are huge on punctuality, so even 30 seconds late is late. I know they’re on a hiring frenzy right now, so your chances of getting hired are really good. If you have anymore questions I am happy to answer them! Kaiser is a fantastic company to work for. They’re strict, but the compensation is worth it, to me. I would still be there if I didn’t have babies back to back. I am still close with most of my coworkers, so let me know if you take the job and I can give you some names of people to introduce yourself to. Most nurses work from home now, but you’ll have coaches that will come in to the call center to guide you through orientation. Good luck! I hope it works out for you!

Hi! I ended up working at KP for 6 years! I worked the Advice line for several years, then trained nurses to become Advice RNs. It is super busy, very little down time. You get two 15 min breaks and a 30 min lunch during an 8 hour shift. It’s stressful in that you have to meet call handling times, and some patients are difficult. But if you’re looking to get away from the bedside it’s a great way to do that. You use triage protocols, pretty much answering no to each question until you get a yes answer. Then it will tell you your disposition. It sounds mindless, but I used my nursing judgment more in this job than in the hospital because there’s a lot of grey area. Are you applying in the mid Atlantic states? Kaiser definitely pays better than any other organization, and the benefits are amazing.

Hi everyone, I just got hired with Kaiser as an advice nurse and I am going to be taking the PBDS in a few days. Anyone have any advice on what to study/how to study for this? I have reviewed common problems relating to medical, OB and peds, but other than that I don't know what to do. I really want this job, and although I'm already hired, I have to pass the test to keep the job. I've searched the internet but the study guides are all geared toward floor nursing (ie interventions you would perform in a patient's room, to a pt.) Also, if anyone has worked this position, what did you like/dislike about the job? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi all, I know this is an old post, but I just got hired with Kaiser as an advice nurse and I was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas of what to review before the PBDS test? Ive searched the internet but it seems all material is geared toward the PBDS test they give you for floor nursing, not advice/telephone triage. Thanks for any help!

My schools also got my transcripts out quickly. Within a week WGU had received and processed my transcripts. I start April 1st.

I'm also starting RN to BSN April 1st! Can't wait! Good luck, Sheryl18, see you in class! :)

I have worked on a surgical unit with medical overflow for a year. I gave it my best, but I just can't anymore. I work night shift, which is fine. I don't mind nights. But I have never worked a shift that I wasn't terrified. With 8 pts (or 9), it's not a safe situation for a new grad. I either cry before or after my shift. I can't stand working in the hospital. I feel like I'm not experienced enough for the burden. A few nights all of my pts are easy, no issues. Most nights I have low bps, high bps, bleeders, vomiters, pain seekers, and the worst, several confused pts who don't abide by the "call don't fall" policy. I've had MDs SCREAM at me. I feel like I'm always asking my coworkers advice (and they are all WONDERFUL). I just am not cut out for the acuity and the stress. I'm looking for a job in a doctors office. Now that I have a solid year of med surg experience I'm told I can go anywhere...we'll see. I love people. I often wish I hadn't gone into nursing. I envy my friends with desk jobs. I wish that someone told me the realities of nursing before I went to school. I'm sorry to be a downer, but for those of you on the fence, this job probably isn't for you. If you have a passion, go for it. I feel stupid quitting after just a year, but I can't stand another minute in the hospital. And I'm not alone... I don't know one single person on our unit that lives it. Though there are some nurses with 20 years on our unit! $50/hr might make it better, I suppose :)