Southern Maryland Hospital

Published

Specializes in Cardiac, Telemetry.

I'm going to start a new job there on September 21st. Anyone want to fill me in on working conditions, things to beware of? I'm going to be in the float pool for the telemetry units.

I already know about the white uniforms

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

I would NOT recommend it. I turned down a LOT of money but losing my license wasn't worth it. It felt quite dysfunctional and out of control. I learned working for a stellar facility was my only option. If they're not the best department I've seen (or have the willingness/potential to be the best) I move on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Telemetry.

Unfortunately, I'm out of work and my wife just lost her job and I have minimal savings. Thanks for the heads up. I figure I'm going into to nursing "hell", but I just got fired from WHC so the transition should be easy. I heard WHC used to be a good hospital, but its a war zone now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

how'd ya get fired? Is there any way you can get that corrected in your personnel file? That will follow you forever.

Once upon a time I heard of a facility in never never land on Michael Jackson's property. A psychotic dictator willy wonka started making decisions for that place the executive board had no power to overrule regardless of how petty, unreasonable or unsafe these decisions were (at the threat of being fired if you don't comply). Tito Jackson interviewed staff down to a secretary who was controlled all the way down to the very paper clips she used (or lose her job). The executive board of the Jackson family tried to stop willy wonka from making these decisions but suddenly feared for their own livelihoods leaving willy wonka cart blanche to do as he pleased making bizarre creations with his chocolate. I heard a tale once that said much of the staff were hired straight from willy's chocolate watering hole. It was odd to see a high director position doing the interviewing lacking credentials (maybe some college?) recently out of high school (age 23?). When asked (one can't help but wonder why a bopper in a miniskirt, halter and spike heels would be hiring managers and chocolatiers) how this individual got the position? "Oh I was out drinking and met this guy at the bar....and here I am". That said a lot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Hello. How did your job at Southern Maryland work out? I recently accepted a position in the Emergency Dept but after three weeks I quit, on the spot, and found a job up in Alexandria. I was completely lost the entire three weeks, overwhelmed by 5 to 6 extremley sick, often intubated pts and unable to keep up with the new pts (chest pains, overdoses) being placed in the hallway for me to see. Crazy enviroment to work in! With the 'paper charting" which amounted to Dr yelling out vague verbal orders and no organized system for keeping tabs on orders/ diagnostic results, xrays results, ctscan results ect that place was a nightmare! They have nooooo actual staff, only travelers and agency, all of whom where nice enough, but it was like the blind leading the blind when it came to hospital protocol or policies.

Was it any better on the floor for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Telemetry.

The only nurses I know in the ER have been nurses for a long time. I can't imagine going there as a new nurse. ER is not my thing anyway. Its a lot more manageable, at least for me, on the floor. Yeah, I hate the paper charting, thank God it's on the way out. (Only because its mandated, or they would keep it forever)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have had 3 rotations there as a student. The OR and Endo, and PACU staff were wonderful. Really patient, and good communicators. Tele, not so much. Now granted I'm just a student, but I'm also pretty good about staying out of the way when not needed, and offering help as much as possible. The personalities on tele seem to rule over anything else. As in who likes who, or who is BFF with the charge nurse. SOMD is a pita due to the paperwork; how people don't die r/t illegible Dr. writing, I don't know. If it's a job though, I'd take it. I'm going to be applying anywhere and everywhere I can when I graduate, and if SOMD it is, I'll just go with it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room, Perioperative.

So are you still at Southern MD Hospital? I tell you it is a challenge -- the place can be a zoo. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion