thorRN

To the original poster - you say that you'ld rather go home without pay than work with an agency nurse. Perhpas you should go home with a sick headache, or leposy attack or something or other--you'ld be less likely to blow an aneurysm. It sounds like the problem is with the staffing "powers that be." I have worked as an agency nurse in the past also, and have had not problems except for the attitudes of some of the nurses such as you have voiced. I tend to be quite flexible, so have always had a "can-do" attitude. Some nurses are great, some not so great. I'm sure that nurse you had to deal with won't be back any time soon. And, if he is, you too have an option...

Alot of the programs out there for this type of formatting are crappy. It doesn't help matters also that there seem to be changes to the rules almost yearly. Our instructors last year didn't even want us to bother using a program. We just used the most current issue of the fancy red manual. Gosh- I love to write papers!!!!!!!

Try the Purdue University site APA formatting-easy. You'll get the hang of it quickly.Any search engine can take you there if you enter those words. Actually most major universities have examples too. Just print it out and copy the formatting. You'll do fine.

You don't start a relationship sleeping with a butcher knife next to your bed, "just in case". Everything happens very gradually. Don't allow even the littlest disrespectful comments from the get go, or they will grow and grow and you will ignore, then accept them. Next you will expect them. Don't wait and hope for a change. IF he does change--how wonderful for him. The second chance (if you get it) should not be to make the same mistake again.

Hi Sabrina- I moved to Wisconsin about 4 years ago because my husband is from here. I have lived all over the US and Canada, and my feeling is that WI is not culturally diverse. I have met a few people that are accepting, but for the most part, I fined that alot of the people are from WI and don't go to far from home. They are cordial, but usually that stops there. I have discussed this with other nurses from European countries(Russia, Scotland, Germany and PHilippines) and they seem to have the same feeling that I do. If you have a choice- don't move to WI. Marshfield has a great hospital, but is isolated. If you have to leave HI to go to WI, maybe try Madison. Of course anyone from WI things it's the best. But if you'r looking for diversity, I'ld keep looking. I'm working on my husband to move.We're actually looking at Hawaii.

Do your school now. You will see that the time does pass quickly. You will do better without the "mommy-guilt" and be able to not get distracted by duties that really should be more important. If you have littel children, they need you so much just to be there. I too have a wonderful, supportive husband, but I miss too much of the special moments when I'm gone for school. If you start having kids when you're 33 or so, it'll be better for all of you. There is plenty of work to be had, and much of it is part time and willing to give you flexible hours to just have you on their team. Not an easy decision, but better to get the hardest work(the longest hours) out of the way first. Good luck!!!!!!!

As you have heard, it is beautiful there, especially if you love to dive. Pay is pitiful, but the beaches are free. Take some extra cash for island hopping (if the ferry doesn';t go to the islands you want) and if you like jewelry(great deals). Say " good morning" to everyone you see in the morning. Be polite and be flexible with a can-do attitude. The standards of care are a little lower simply because they don't have money for the needed supplies. You might end up being part engineer while you're there. The place that I worked had a newer hospital, but didn't maintain it. For example, the room at the far end of the hall from the nursing station had a callbell that didn't work. They did not fix it. Instead, the patient rang a big cow bell whenever he needed a nurse. It also might help to look up a bit about the rasta culture. One thing if you go in January, is to take an extra blanket with you for the night. I moved into a place (through the agency) which was to be furnished complete with linens. Oops. no blankets. The winter nights are cooler and you'll need it. Have fun!!

I was in your shoes once exactly. Best to stick with med /surg to be safe for now. You really need to be pretty comfortable with the area you are going into--especially if it is a specialty unit. If you do decide to take an ER position, really question the ER director on patient acuity and staffing loads issues. They obviously very short staffed, otherwise they wouldn't need you. If you have the opportunity to work at a trauma center at home, take it. Make sure you get every certification you can--CEN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc even NRP if it's offered. These letters will look good on your applications wherever you go. I worked at Winnipeg HSC to get my feet wet before heading south. That place was quite a bit different than any of the smaller ER's I've worked at. Personally, I'ld take the Med/Surg in Hawaii --but only during the winter:rolleyes:

Diddo on the St. Thomas, or other US Virgin island jobs. When I worked on St. Thomas there ALOT of travel nurses. The surroundings are beautiful of course, but the pay is very low compared to the cost of living($5.00 gallon of milk+). Once you get on St. Thomas, it is very easy to get around to the other islands, also Puerto Rico. About the PR nurses. I did meet a few nurses on St. Thomas from PR--sometimes practicing as nursing assistants just to have a job. Good luck and have fun. Better off not going to St.Croix though. Also take some extra cash for the great shopping. Another option is Bermuda...