RNs without hospital experience

mindlor · Nov 20, 2011

The best advice that I can give is find a local school that offers a critical care certificate. I know that Saint Petersburg College does here in West Central Florida. There is a clinical component to this certification and it would serve you well in your quest.

I hope your dreams become reality.

RNCC1 · Nov 20, 2011

Thanks mindlor. That's great advice and thank you for your quick response. Are the classes geared towards nurses who have no knowledge of critical care? Should I take an ACLS class before enrolling? Do you know if St. Pete offers the classes on the weekends? I live on the east coast but would be willing to travel. Last question, do you know how far the campus is from Brandon, FL. I have a friend who lives there. Thanks

mindlor · Nov 20, 2011

Hey. And yes I think ACLS and PALS would be awesome things to get. Of course review all of your med surge, critical lab values, DKA, SIADH, all the types of shock and of course all the appropriate interventions.

Also I would brush up on burns etc. IV starts, hanging IV meds, piggybacks, pushes....gladgow coma scale, assessment esp resp, cardio and neuro, review all the different types of EKG strips, AV heart block, V Fib, etc....

NIH Stroke scoring, stroke interventions....so much to review lol.

I have to assume there is a school near you that offers this. otherwise, SPC is about 25-30 miles from Brandon, but the traffic is brutal. I am not sure about the online component....

RNCC1 · Nov 20, 2011

Thanks mindlor. You took me back with those subjects. I definitely understand and agree that knowledge of those subjects are CRITICAL to my success. Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving.

mindlor · Nov 20, 2011

Thanks and I wish you and yours a wonderfful Holiday season as well :)

Guest717236 · Nov 20, 2011

Sorry no advice here, but wanted to wish you the

very best with your nursing career goal!

RNCC1 · Nov 20, 2011

Thanks jahra