Anyone traveling to NCH in Naples this winter?

AWanderingMinstral · Apr 17, 2013

I work in orthopedics. There is very little turnover on the unit (relative to full-time staff). I have been treated very well. Because there are often 10-15 postops daily during peak season, they will have 1-2 nurses come in from 10-12N to take these patients. The ratio is typically 5:1 (sometimes 4 and, during the weekend, 6:1). As for orientation, they provide two days of systemwide orientation, three days of nursing orientation, and two weeks on your unit. I have nothing but positive things to say about NCH.

jtrn0509 · Apr 17, 2013

Hello Minstral--I too work in ortho and am interested in the SW FL seasonal opportunities. I'm glad things worked out well for you and that you will be returning; that says a lot. A few questions, if I may:

Were you hired to work the ortho unit? You say you got "pulled" once in 3 months; you were floated to another unit? That's about par for my experiences. Was that because of low census, usual practice between units..? Does the hospital use CNAs? If so, what is their patient load ratio? In other words, how available is support? As you know 10-15 post-op patients can be a demanding load. Especially post-op day 2! I'm aware of the seasonal opps at Lee Memorial and you mentioned another, Physician's Regional. Could you steer me to any others? as I would like to explore as many options as possible. And the housing situation worked out for you? I will be traveling with my wife and we have modest needs.

Thnx for any assistance. By the way, did I see you post another piece about work on the west coast? I am at a regional med center in SW WA. Be happy to be of any help.

Jeff

AWanderingMinstral · Apr 18, 2013

Hello Minstral--I too work in ortho and am interested in the SW FL seasonal opportunities. I'm glad things worked out well for you and that you will be returning; that says a lot. A few questions, if I may:
Were you hired to work the ortho unit? You say you got "pulled" once in 3 months; you were floated to another unit? That's about par for my experiences. Was that because of low census, usual practice between units..? Does the hospital use CNAs? If so, what is their patient load ratio? In other words, how available is support? As you know 10-15 post-op patients can be a demanding load. Especially post-op day 2! I'm aware of the seasonal opps at Lee Memorial and you mentioned another, Physician's Regional. Could you steer me to any others? as I would like to explore as many options as possible. And the housing situation worked out for you? I will be traveling with my wife and we have modest needs.
Thnx for any assistance. By the way, did I see you post another piece about work on the west coast? I am at a regional med center in SW WA. Be happy to be of any help.
Jeff

Jeff,

I applied specifically to the orthopedics unit at the Downtown campus. The seasonal RN posting specify the type of unit. As for being "pulled," yes, I was referring to being floated. The main season in Naples if from, say, the beginning of January through the end of March. However, you can start as early as mid October and leave as late as early June. It depends on the needs of the unit you're applying to as well as how many prior seasonal RNs are returning. THEREFORE, you are more likely to float during October, November, April, and May. Of course there are nursing assistants and, on my unit, they typically have 8 or 9 patients during the day (it is occasionally lower or higher). I am only aware of NCH, Lee Memorial, and Physicians Regional in the area, but there may be one or two other facilities in SW FL that hire seasonally. I recommend you check out ForRent.com (SW Florida) to find an apartment IF you are planning on working for six months. Many of the apartment complexes offer short-term leases (i.e. seven months), but you pay a premium monthly rent. Good luck!