RN44

Hi there, I received my conditional offer June 7th. I have done everything for both background checks, my physical is booked, and I have written up my nursing criteria. My question is how long the firm offer takes after conditional? I submitted everything last week. I can't get in for my physical until beginning of July. I am just trying to plan because they are asking me to start in August and I need to give my current employer notice. However, I do not want to do that until I have a firm offer (obviously). Just looking for insight into how it worked for other people. Also, really hoping that my write up shows enough participation to get a decent offer. Anyone have positive stories to share about that, especially those who started at a level 2 nurse.... Thank you.

Curious about working in the ICU. I have worked med/surg, cath lab/ep lab/IR lab/vascular peripheral interventions (combo lab), and also the prep/recovery side of those procedures. I feel like not having any ICU background kind of inhibits me. I feel like I should have gone med/surg to ICU to cath lab. At any rate....do you think after doing procedural nursing and prep/recovery it is possible to really get back into the swing of bedside nursing and ICU level nursing? Obviously I have run emergent drips, given sedation, had vented patients, etc in the lab.... but not all day everyday. I have been involved in many RRTs and codes being in lab. Just curious what you guys think about ICU nursing right now with everything going on around covid. Tks in advance.

Old post I know but thought I would comment. Our EP is combined with Vascular/Cath/IR. What do I love about EP....well, it is an ever growing field. There is a lot of different kinds of equipment to learn and know. What did I not like....honestly how long some of the cases go. You ever had no relief at 830pm and have to pee...not fun at all. Our teams only had 1 nurse at the time..... so no one else to give meds. You had to stay in the room.

If you can get your cardiac vascular board certification. My facility highly encourages this certification for RN's in cath lab. Once you are in the lab you should also consider getting RCIS and/or RCES.

We have 3 people and the doctor. It is the circulating nurse (who also does the sedation), the scrub tech, and the CVT. The scrub tech in my state is always a rad tech...the CVT is usually a rad tech but can be a nurse too.

Well....I am almost to my 1 year anniversary of working as a nurse! In some ways I still feel as green as I did the 1st month, in other ways I've learned so much. I started on med surg. I'm still on med surg (days instead of nights now though). I have a couple of thoughts about all that.... 1. Why is med surg such a soul sucker some days? I mean honestly, some days I come home and can barely walk the next day, just physically exhausted from running, running, running. AND mentally/emotionally drained from demands of family members or abuse from patients/family members. 2. I come in 30 minutes early every shift and look up my pts (unpaid). I make my sheets for the day and review orders, etc. I also make my PCT sheet if we have a PCT. Even doing this there are days I get out late, most days most of us get out up to 30 minutes late BUT I have days occasionally where I get out an hour late. It is just really draining.... and I usually "eat lunch" at the nurses station while charting. I have started doing more for myself, I am getting massages monthly, practicing intentional thinking and relaxation and eating healthier. It is helping ... but man, some days still I feel my energy is just zapped. 3. New grads ... med surg is a great place because us new grads really bond. Also there are generally some seasoned team members on each shift to learn from. Also my skills are pretty good as far as variety. I've done many different drains, dressings, NGs, several drips, etc. I've been exposed to many medications too, and tons of doctors/staff from multiple specialties. AND I must add working med surg nights is worth it for the fun breakfasts after shifts with your coworkers, nights has a special camaraderie I have not found on days. 4. I'm thinking about starting to look at other positions....I'm finishing my BSN (have a bachelors in business from previous career). I eventually want to get my Master's or DNP. I really want to specialize in an area where I can provide teaching...teaching to patients and families. Also I want to teach, precept, etc. I do like med surg but I feel like it is a young nurses field, what I mean is all the running is hard on me already, in a few years how much harder will it be to keep up? This is my second career and I am no spring chicken. ALSO I hate when people say oh your a nurse, whats your specialty....when you say med surg the general response is oh. People don't even view it as a specialty even though prompt attention to detail on those post surgicals really helps prevent negative outcomes! ALSO prompt assessment on new arrivals from ED and direct transfers, getting them to the ICU when you realize they need higher care asap, that makes a huge difference! I am looking at the big patient picture and notifying all the team when there is a flag! I minimize negative outcomes daily. Frustrating that people view it the way they do....I truly feel med surg nurses are honed on assessment skills, you will get great assessment skills in spades after time spent on med surg. 5. Will I ever get better at IV starts? I seriously had such a good roll....but I have been on a bad run for what seems like months now. Any tips on getting better? Any resources? Short of trying to start a new IV for every A/C the ED sends that is. I just feel so defeated with every IV I miss or blow when trying to advance. 6. Taking my ACLS next month, that feels like a lot of responsibility. We get overflow from all floors except labor/delivery, mom baby, peds. So we do see a WIDE VARIETY of stuff and are expected to be capable of running a code situation after ACLS. As of now I usually scribe, get needed supplies, or do vitals during our emergency response situations. Also very much needed roles, and I am more than okay with pitching in wherever help is needed. Anyhow.....that is kind of my year in review. Any advice from others out there finishing up their year? Any experiences you have to share? Any career advice you've learned that the rest of us could benefit from?

Wish I had the perfect answer for you! I switched to days months ago and still question if the best fit for me is where I currently am. Days are much more busy....and just so many interruptions.

Thanks for all the great responses! And the headlight idea!

So I am a newer nurse.....and started in med/surg. I'm still in med/surg and honestly I was really thinking that it was for me. I enjoy the variety, I enjoy the people and being busy. However....last week I had some really rough days.....and a 6 patient load on day shift pretty consistently, sometimes with no tech, it made me think maybe I need to look at my skills and look at my career goals long term. I worked over the weekend and it went really well .... but then yesterday happened. I had quite possibly the worst work day I've ever experienced. Now I know I can't evaluate my career on one day....BUT.....it was pretty awful. I didn't get a break, I didn't eat all day, I didn't get water until about 3pm, I didn't get done charting until after 9pm. Today I was so sick from running on adrenaline only yesterday....I was literally physically ill until about 3pm. Yesterday was just, well it made me think I might be wrong or just plain nuts for wanting to put myself in that type of situation. How do you guys leave a bad day behind and move forward...or when do you say too many bad days maybe it isn't for me?

I would do this in a heartbeat!!!! I don't work in peds but we also have low census in the warmer months. We have nurses called off every shift and you have to use your paid time off which means many are short paid time off for their actual scheduled vacations. I would gladly put a little aside every month or pick up some OT in the busier winter months to sit aside for when I am off in the summer. I have been a single mother for many, many years. What I wouldn't have given to be able to spend more time with my kids when they were younger! They are now older teens and getting ready to leave the nest...... so long as you can budget well this could work I think.

My current and new grad job as a R.N. is on a med surg floor at a hospital, overnights. We have had a lot of new grads on our floor. I think it is a great place to start as you acquire so many skills...it can be quite busy and chaotic at times when you are new because time management skills are still being developed..... BUT .... I feel that time spent on this unit is preparing me to work in ANY other area of the hospital. We see just about everything....not vents of course but we do most everything else including drips.

What is the best bag or tote for takin all your stuff to and from work? I want it to be organized.... currently I use a bag but it is full of mini bags for each of my groups of stuff. I can't stand everything just dumped into one large pocket. Suggestions?

FIRST OF ALL - Congratulations on your recent graduation and license! That is an accomplishment! Secondly....I too am a brand new nurse. I have been working since Nov 13th, I have two weeks on the floor. I am up to 4 patients now. AND guess what....I too don't know everything. AND get nervous and anxious...AND that is okay! We are brand new nurses! Of course there is stuff we don't know, and stuff we are going to be nervous about. If we weren't they def shouldn't have hired us...ppl's lives are in our hands! It's okay to feel that way....just go in everyday and do your best. It will come. It will get easier. You will get it :)

THANKS :) I appreciate the advice!

Hi there :) I start my FIRST R.N. job after graduation and passing NCLEX. I start on Monday. I am so nervous, this is a second career for me and I have not worked in medical before. Is it normal to question did I get enough experience during my clinical times, did I do well enough in school, am I ready? Is that normal... Any advice for someone brand new starting out in med/surg?

Good luck to all of you!!! It is a wonderful hospital, several friends are there for their kids onc treatment.

Go for it!!!! Many women choose male ob/gyn's - for many years most ob/gyn's were men. There will of course be some patients who don't want a male nurse for personal or cultural reasons, but I believe most ppl in the present age do not mind a male nurse.

Hi there, I have a couple of questions..... I have a Bachelors in Business and now my ADN. I need to get my BSN per hospital policy. I eventually want to go on to get my Masters and I really want to keep my options open there, to go to a place like Duke where I can pursue specialties that aren't always offered elsewhere. My question is what is a good and AFFORDABLE RN to BSN online program that is recognizable. I have heard that some in hiring positions do not care for non-recognizable schools. I have looked at Univ of Wisconsin, Western IL and Eastern IL. Are most schools $300+ a credit hour? I just wondered if anyone had found an affordable online program that also has a brick and mortar home facility. Tks :)

My understanding is that is the good pop up.

Hello there, I would def really absorb the Hurst review, they have a lot of good information! Also you can do it at home too after the live review. I would HIGHLY recommend re-watching all the videos and following along in the workbook the week prior to your NCLEX. The other resource I would recommend is UWORLD. You can buy monthly subscriptions, or a year. It is worth the money. The test bank has many varied questions, the rationales reinforce all the information as well. In addition it will tell you what areas are your weakest and you can design a quiz with just those areas to improve those concepts. I believe anyone who successfully finished nursing school can pass with Hurst and Uworld. AND remember....if you complete Hurst they have a money back guarantee! ALSO I was told b my Kaplan instructor that statistically ADN NCLEX takers are more successful than BSN. It may be related to clinical hours and the amount of time from those clinical hours. I know with BSN there are a lot of mgmt type classes, papers, etc. So Hurst and Uworld would both bring you back to core content. Good luck!

Hello there, I have a question for all you RN's out there. I am a new grad, as of yesterday when I passed my final. I haven't taken my NCLEX yet but will be as soon as my transcripts are released and received, it is already paid for, just have to schedule once I get ATT. I have been sending out my resume and I have two interviews set up for next week. I am very excited. My question is this......one is in an area I think I really like. It is a cardiac position. The other is a med surg floor. I would like to hear pros and cons from ppl who have worked in either type of unit. I have done a clinical rotation both in med/surg and cardiac so I am somewhat familiar with both...but I know there are many of you with years of experience who could offer some good insight. Thanks so much for your input

Hello there, I have a question for all you RN's out there. I am a new grad, as of yesterday when I passed my final. I haven't taken my NCLEX yet but will be as soon as my transcripts are released and received, it is already paid for, just have to schedule once I get ATT. I have been sending out my resume and I have two interviews set up for next week. I am very excited. My question is this......one is in an area I think I really like. It is a cardiac position. The other is a med surg floor. I would like to hear pros and cons from ppl who have worked in either type of unit. I have done a clinical rotation both in med/surg and cardiac so I am somewhat familiar with both...but I know there are many of you with years of experience who could offer some good insight. Thanks so much for your input :)

I really dislike everything about smoking. The smell of it, the cost of it, the consequences of it.....every time I see someone smoking it looks ugly to me. That being said both my parents smoke....as a kid I was pretty sickly and smoking gave me migraines for days (allergies). They tried to use the air conditioner and air purifiers to help me but they just couldn't quit smoking. Sadly. My sister and b-i-l smoke now as well. My boyfriend was a smoker but quit before he asked me out on our first date as he knew my history and I appreciate that. As a person if I smelled smoke on a health care provider I would make a judgement....I know that sounds terrible.....but it is the truth. It would also potentially trigger a headache for me. I know it isn't fair to be so harsh on smoking because there are plenty of other unhealthy habits out there (McDonalds, Starbucks, crazy driving, etc) that I don't feel as strongly about. I also know there are so many sophisticated tests now for nicotine and very COSTLY consequences to your insurance premiums. That being said..... smoking is a choice and it is not illegal. Your instructor should not publicly say anything to you about it. IF you were smoking on school property they could have consulted you privately. I would def advise not to smoke on property anymore. AND I would also tell the instructor in future please address concerns privately.

Hi there, I wanted to drop a comment about my experience commuting. I go to school in Rockford, IL and originally lived outside of the area in a small town, it was great! Unfortunately due to my daughter being diagnosed with ALL while I was in fundamentals and insurance ridiculousness we ended up moving to Madison, WI. When we moved I still had about a year of school left. I have been driving about 60-90 minutes one way since the move to Madison. It has been worth it.....I graduate in Sept with my ADN. I have 2 kids...one is 17 and one is 14. Obviously the 14 y.o. who has ALL has multiple doctor appointments and stuff too ... and we make it work. Sometimes the drive actually helps with the studying as you can listen to lectures, make videos of yourself going over notes and listen to those, listen to videos on topics you need...and also focus on transitioning from home to school. Good luck to you! :)

Hi there, I will be graduating with my ADN in late September. I have a Bachelor's in Business as well....this is a career change from me. I am going from aerospace auditing, project mgmt, planning, procurement, quality fields to Nursing. I have a bit of a stressful situation I would love advice on.... My daughter was diagnosed with ALL during my fundamentals class. She is still in treatment and will be until 2018 late Summer-ish. She will then have at a minimum 5 years of follow up along with the life altering side effects she has currently and may acquire more in future. We unfortunately had to switch hospitals for 6 weeks due to insurance and it was hell....the other facility committed many errors and her health was impacted. We moved to WI w/in weeks to get her back to her treating hospital. Therein lies my problem....I am not willing to take another "chance" on a different hospital so I need my first job to have insurance that allows for her to continue care at her current facility, UW-AFCH in WI. Since I will have my ADN and NOT A BSN I am unsure if I will be able to be hired by UW. My clinical work has been done in IL, all my references are in IL and while the job market for me looks super wonderful at my clinical sites they are NOT affiliated with her hospital and would want her to go to Chicago instead. My question is does anyone know how the job market is around Madison for new grads? Do any hospitals in Madison allow for care at UW for pediatric oncology? Has anyone here worked for UW with only an ADN? I am fully committed to continuing my education as soon as I find a job, plan on starting within 6 months of employment for sure. I plan on pursuing my BSN at UW and then eventually moving on to my Master's. ALSO what is the polite way to find this information? Bottom line for me is her insurance unfortunately. I really would love to work in PICU, critical care float team, NICU, or LDR....however I know that generally they want experience. I also think PACU, hematology, oncology would be great areas. BUT knowing the insurance situation I know I can't be picky, and as a new grad I know I cannot be super picky. My daughter's health crisis has not affected my performance at school or in clinical sites. I have been able to do very well and still get her to appointments, treatments, and inpatient stays. I don't want prospective employers to worry about me being a bad candidate due to being a mother of a cancer fighter...but I also need to find out from any prospective employer about insurance for pediatric hem/onc which is a bit of a giveaway to the situation. Sorry if my post is a bit rambling....I really am looking for honest advice that would be helpful to this unique situation of ours. Tks to all!