Louerrn

So far, every place I've applied contacted me within 2 weeks for an interview. I have interviews set up for after I am officially moved in a few weeks. I considered a travel job but wanted a full time if possible. Based on responses so far, I'm not anticipating an issue at all. I'll keep you updated! BSN, Certified, 4 yrs exp.

I'm never outwardly rude to EMS but can get "crispy" at times as one poster said. Here are some reasons: Brings in full arrest without any type of line bc he couldn't get one (um, IO???) with no visible signs of attempt. Has an actively vomiting pt who is covered in puke and tells me he didn't start a line bc he didn't feel the pt needed one (they have Zofran they can give) In report from the field we are told MVC with no signs of injury/distress. Receive a fully clothed pt c/o of sob who is bruised and cut from glass from head to toe and had to be transferred to the level one. The EMT who tries to give me report in another pt's room or to another nurse when they have literally been there less than five minutes total. The EMT who was screaming at the desk that no nurse has come in to take report, proceeds to stop every nurse that walks past her asking who was going to take report, then fussed to her coworker that somebody better get in there now bc she needs to go back to bed. (I was in the next room placing a catheter.) Her total time in ER? 12 minutes. Sometimes it is bc I'm overwhelmed and you are bringing me more work but 9/10 it's a reaction to their attitude/laziness. I know several great EMS that I'm great friends and there is never anything but good feelings and respect from both sides!!

The BSN requirement does start in 2017 but if you start nursing school in 2015 that means you!!! If you read the criteria, it says Methodist Lebonheur Healthcare (MLH). That is the name of the entire Methodist system not just Lebonheur Children's Hospital. i graduated in 2009!! Seems like a lifetime ago!

Hey guys!! Good luck to all of you hoping to start nursing school!! I wanted you all to be aware that as of Jan 2017 Methodist will no longer hire ADN nurses (clearly stated on their website). St Francis also does not hire new ADNs (clearly stated as well). Baptist takes their own graduates first, then BSNs, then others. I am not arguing who is better and am an alum of SWCC School of Nursing. I just want you all to be 100% informed and hope that you make getting your BSN part of your future plans!!

We have the same policy for CTAs and I understand that. I even get rejecting a 22 g in a finger or the inner wrist. What bothers me is seeing multiple pt's get rejected for CTs with great hand veins and an 18g IV. The pt I was referring to in my original post had an 18g in her cephalic vein at the wrist/radius. Flushed like a champ! She was a dialysis pt with a restricted extremity so we had very few options and felt grateful to get the line we had. The EJ was an 18g as well (placed by pt request who was getting upset with the multiple IV attempts). I understand not using an EJ for CTs too but at this point we were completely out of options. This was for CT of the abd not a CTA. Pt got a CT without contrast which lead to basically an inconclusive CT result, pain 10/10, and told to f/u. I just feel like we failed her because her IV was an inch too low.

I used Solheim's and Boswell's reviews as well as the Sheehy's manual. I also kept my taking the test private. I never really scored that high on practice tests but a friend kept encouraging me that I could do it. When I went to take the test, the weather was a nightmare and I was already stressed out when I sat down. After the first 15 question with about 10 that I was unsure about, I figured there was no way I was going to pass so I just relaxed and answered each question as if I was in the moment - gut reaction. I passed and actually did really well! I think if you are an experienced nurse and study you will have no problem. At least 75% of the ques I could answer based on experience alone (work in a very busy, high volume ER). You can do it!!

Our radiology dept has started to refuse IV lines, regardless of gauge, for sites below the forearm. They also refuse to take an EJ saying only an IJ is acceptable. I'm curious what the policy is at other hospitals. This seems like bad medicine to me. I am seeing many pt's not being able to get CTs with contrast due to this policy. However, in my 3 yrs of ER nursing, I've NEVER seen an infiltrated line in the hand from CT though I'm sure it happens. I also think the alternative of placing a central line in the IJ just for a CT also seems like bad practice! I have had a CT tech tell me that if my IV was 1 inch higher, she would take it.