http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php This is a discussion forum. en Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:31:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.nurse.com/tangerine/misc/rss.jpg http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=37 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:27:57 GMT Hello there,

I'm planning to relocate to IL sometime in the Fall/Winter this year and will live either in downtown Chicago or in the northwest suburbs. Anyone knows which hospitals are good to work for and how much is the starting salary per hour?

I've been a nurse only for a year and working in the mother/baby unit. I also would like to seek an opportunity working in the Labor and Delivery and/or NICU. So far during my current employment, I've been floated a lot to NICU especially and found out that I enjoyed it.

Thank you for your comments and help. ]]> alesigpt http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=37 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=36 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:07:11 GMT I'm Kara, an RN-BSN, with many interests. I love nursing and feel it is a calling. I am very spiritual and that works for me because being a nurse is very hard work. It is often thankless (you're seeing pts at their worst) I have 20 years of experience in ortho, neuro, eent, med-surg@ a large and well known hospital (St. Luke's Medical Center,Milwaukee WI). I then decided that that I wanted to explore leadership positions. Being such a large hospital, St. Lukes had little to offer. I then went into longterm care as a manager of a very busy Alzhiemers unit (66 patients). I excelled at care planning and keeping my units up to the State code. I did daily assessments and charted behind the LPNs. While there I was salaried and I put in many extra hours without much support from the DON/Administrator. While I chose to do this, and they liked me, my boss took home 6 figures, and bonuses. I got nothing, a 2% raise (that was the top), no bonuses, no help (when we were short of help on weekends, I would call the DON, and she refused to help me, even in an unsafe situation--I was told I was having a panic attack.

I worked there many years, and got along with my nurses and aides. Then came some very immature nurses, who thought they knew it all. Constantly on the phone, blocking doctor calls, making their own wound treatments rather than what was ordered, not calling on low blood sugars because (they knew how to handle it). Well, they didn't like me. Everyone liked me, so they started a mess of rumors and they weren't true, however they hurt my repuation so much I was forced to resign. I knew that people would gossip, and talk behind my back. I knew that I wouldn't be able to work up to the standards I had set for myself. I'm sensitive, but I can handle myself. This was too much. After all I had done for them, they took all my personal items in a box and set it outside. I never got to say goodbye to my residents or their families, many who I had become very close to. No goodbye party. Nothing, the adminstrator beleived the rumors, and she started treating me like garbage. I resigned after one of these nurses said I stole oxycontin. I went right in for a test. Which was negative, but my reputation was ruined, after years of putting my heart into this job. I believe she took it and the whole unit should have been tested. I question what to do...I feel that since the test was negative they should pay me the 80 hours vacation they stole. I feel at some point they will be victims of corporate downsizing. Perhaps the state will catch the LPNs acting like RNs, and determining who needs to go to the hospital. Anyway, if anyone is knowlegable on legal aspects of nursing, could I do anything without a lawyer?

I took a break this summer. I have accepted a temporary position to assist a friend in bringing her NH to code. It's a lot of work, however, it's less stress. During this time I am looking at starting my own business to help seniors stay out of nursing homes. This, or a group home are something I have always wanted. I am 42, I should do it.

On a personal note, I am married to a great teacher, and I have two wonderful and intelligent sons. We live in Milwaukee, in a lovely neighborhood, . Although we could be in bigger home, this neighborhood has a "Leave it to Beaver" feel. We are always updating, and creating. I love antiques, and even thought of starting a bed and breakfast. I believe in recycling, and refuse to be judged by the type if car I drive. It's clean, rust free, and gets great gas mileage. We are active in the community and church, and do a lot of volunteer work. We created a baseball diamond in the yard. I have a big garden. We are now redoing the kitchen. I love learning. We see the humor in most situations, and believe God has a plan for us. This year has been very hard. Not only did I have to leave the job I loved, I contracted shingles, and each time I'm stressed, they come back. Do not ever make light of a patient with shingles, nerve pain is terrible.

I hope that someone writes me. Although I have many friends, I think only a nurse could understand much of what I say. Anyone practicing independently, I'd love to hear from you.

Well, I also love writing, as you can see
Goodbye for now, write to me
Kara Veternick ]]> klveternick http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=36 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=35 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:31:23 GMT hi, just asking anyone here can help me. Im visiting here and I would like to find a job, im an RN in the Philippines and I am already about to take... hi, just asking anyone here can help me. Im visiting here and I would like to find a job, im an RN in the Philippines and I am already about to take NCLEX. Anyone of you know any agency or recruiter that could help me fix my status. thanks ]]> chcruz http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=35 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=34 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:32:01 GMT Hello everyone !!!! I am am an nursing executive in Central Hospital New York. I think It is a great job because if you are in this profession you... Hello everyone !!!!
I am am an nursing executive in Central Hospital New York. I think It is a great job because if you are in this profession you dont need to do other charity works Because this work is a charity itself. We are serving Patients we are serving the nation and it is like serving the god itsef.

----------------------------------------

Kris Franson


Addiction Recovery Connecticut ]]> krisfranson http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=34 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=33 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:21:40 GMT I enjoy being a nurse. This is my calling. As a nurse, I come to work with a big smile, a perky attitude and some naughtiness to give the night shift... I enjoy being a nurse. This is my calling.
As a nurse, I come to work with a big smile, a perky attitude and some naughtiness to give the night shift a spunk!
they say how do I sustain the energy to a very high level?

I'd say because I am a nurse who enjoys being one.

What profession lets you be a Leader, a team player, a caregiver, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a listener ,a learner, an educator, an advocate , maybe a moderator and at times an entertainer all in one 12 hour shift?

Being a nurse is a tough job but the satisfaction when you see a patient even in his struggle to gasp for air just to say "thank you ", is what you call ....PRICELESS!!!!
A patient whose face brightens up when you walk in the room, ( not because you have a syringe of dilaudid and phenergan at hand..LOL)..but because this patient remembers you for the way you care about them....
A patient who expresses relief as I offered a back rub when a pain medicine is not yet available ...( I could not just say, It's not yet time....wait an hour...not yet time...)

And we are also human, we may make mistakes. ( hopefully not fatal one...never had one but please LORD , Always guide us).we may miss a task or two...but I'd say, It was a good learning experience....

Nursing is hard work ...
for people with big hearts...( to be able to care..it makes a lot of difference)
for people whose brain is like a sponge coz every day you learn...( do your research, observe, listen, look, ask, NEVER think you have already seen everything or know it all ...)
for people can deliver under pressure....( distractions...there could be one or two... but stay focused.....)

... because of all these....I love being a nurse.......And darn proud to be one!!!! ]]> AileenChuaBituin http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=33 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=32 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:48:40 GMT Hello Everyone! I am new to the forum and would like to get some feedback. I will be graduating this fall from nursing school and am looking to... Hello Everyone!

I am new to the forum and would like to get some feedback. I will be graduating this fall from nursing school and am looking to relocate to Katy Texas (by Houston). My question is, does anyone have any suggestions on where the best place for a new grad to work might be? The facilities I have looked at in Katy seem to be surprisingly reluctant to look at hiring new grads. Memorial Hermann told me that they don't hire new grads, which surprised me considering the dire need for RN's.

I was feeling pretty positive about relocating there but am beginning to question my decision. I am flying out in August to scout housing and jobs. Other places seem to offer so much to get someone to come to their facility that it makes me wonder if I should look else where. Any insight would be appreciated!!

By the way...I am turning 38, am married (16 years) with three children(7,6,&4) and live in Virginia right now. I am counting the days until we can move! I am originally from Ohio and came down here to finish nursing school. ]]> Gary http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=32 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=31 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:38:55 GMT Hello All, I am very excited that I passed the NCLEX. It was a horrible feeling coming out that exam not knowing if I passed or not. Watch out... Hello All,

I am very excited that I passed the NCLEX. It was a horrible feeling coming out that exam not knowing if I passed or not. Watch out world, a new nurse is coming aboard. ]]> jmoreno81 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=31 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=30 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:32:14 GMT I am a new OR nurse with 10 years general nursing experience. I have found the environment in and around the OR I'm working in to be hostile and unhappy. Is this the norm for all ORs? ]]> cns7skh http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=30 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=29 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:25:17 GMT I have spent a significan number of years in cost containment and I am a strong believer in nursing being more involved. Costs are out of control and... I have spent a significan number of years in cost containment and I am a strong believer in nursing being more involved. Costs are out of control and nurses could contribute to this subject. ]]> critter86 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=29 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=27 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:34:43 GMT I have lived in Chicago for 30 years. I love the city but I'm so tired of the snow. I keep saying to myself, one day I will move somewhere in the southwest. The reason I am thinking of Vegas is that I have a few friends(not nurses) who have relocated there already and loving it! I have visited them a few times and love the sunny weather.

So, here I am sulking. I appreciate any input. Thanks! ]]> Ves http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=27 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=26 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 07:39:52 GMT One thing I've tried to work on over the years is a blog. Unfortunately, I've never really been that good at keeping up the appearances of maintaining my blog (still around on Blogger -- http://omae.blogspot.com). I suppose the primary reason for that is that for the last 2 years or so, I've been a nursing student.

Anyone who's ever been a student nurse (which, I'm assuming, is anyone who's reading this) is at least slightly familiar with the boot-camp atmosphere of school. Take, for instance, the first words out of the mouth of my initial drill instructor, er, Department Dean, when she addressed the crowd of 120 fresh young (for the most part) faces in the auditorium the first day of classes, and said:

"If anyone thinks that you can be successful in this school and maintain a full-time job, you might as well walk out the door right now."

That is a real quote.

Now, in that class of about 120, were about I'd say 40-45% of us over the age of 35, who were looking at nursing either as a career change, or as the passion we never pursued at first, and finally had the opportunity to pursue again (which was my case). And it was precisely THIS sector of the audience to whom our "beloved" dean of nursing was addressing.

You see, this was a big community college program in the BIG county east of Pittsburgh... (anyone in this area will probably know which one I mean). This school supposedly had an impeccable record for cranking out nursing students who passed the PA state boards (arguably one of the toughest in the nation) the first time. So the (then) dean was reportedly adamant that no 35+'ers who'd been out of the school environment for perhaps 10-15+ years were going to break that record... and the reported state grant monies that come along with that record.

So, when, at the end of my first year, I encountered a long-term care clinical instructor in that same mould, and who discriminated against me because I was the oldest in her class AND because I'm Jewish, the dean decided to do nothing about it... even the fact that this clinical instructor demanded that one day, I pass 8:00 am meds at 11:50 am, whilst the patient was sitting outside her room wondering where her morning medications were, this little breach of protocol didn't seem to faze the dean. (For what it's worth, though, I did mark in the patient's permanent chart that the morning meds were passed hours late at the demand of the clinical instructor and I named her in the chart.)

It's amazing to what lengths some schools will go, to preserve their "appearance" I found out that clinical instructor was later let go from that school and another one for similar problems).

This little problem prompted me to switch schools; and I have to say I made the best choice possible. My "new" school went out of their way to make it as good as possible for the "non-traditional" student, and those who HAD to maintain a full-time job whilst attending school. It was still a boot-camp, but it was more manageable, notwithstanding the full year of straight night-shift hospital work as a PCT/"Nurse Extern" (an Aide with "benefits", in other words).

So, I didn't keep up with my "Once More Around Eternity" blog like I really wanted to. Maybe that will change now that I'm a GN and out of school.

Or wait... should I be writing in my blog, or studying for the boards?

~ NursingGuy ]]> NursingGuy http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=26 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=25 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:28:21 GMT My hospital is starting a new open heart program I was wondering if other hospitals give a little more incentative to work in CVOR and the call pay ? My hospital is starting a new open heart program I was wondering if other hospitals give a little more incentative to work in CVOR and the call pay ? ]]> laswages240 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=25 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=24 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:23:42 GMT I work in a 14 bed CICU. 2 patients per RN. It is common to have patients come to us directly from OR table. These are patients who are very... I work in a 14 bed CICU. 2 patients per RN. It is common to have patients come to us directly from OR table. These are patients who are very unstable, major surgery done. Had problem during surgery or they are not going to wean them from the vent. We get sometimes 15 min notice. The nurse will have another critical patient. Anesth insist on giving report befor you can evaluate the patient. Then everyone leaves and it is just the pataient and the nurse. The intenseivist is in the hopital or his office until about 2pm.
We then are responsible to call the consults espically since the patient has some problem and they have no knowledge of this person. We feel that no matter what all patients shoud go to the recovery room first where they can receive closer and intese obeservation instead of sharing a nurse who has another patient 3 or 4 doors down the hall with poblems also. Because some where one along the line something serious will get missed. We have a charge nurse who helps everyone in addition to doing bed assignments in and out of the unit, going to the codes in the hospital and the medical building, going to all the RRT's, signing off orders and many times picking up 2 patients if we do not have enough nurses.
How does all the other hospitals handle this type of situation? We have formed a sub comm from the Critical Care Comm to work on this. But I have tried to look on line and JACHO does not give any comment on this. ]]> JOJORN http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=24 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=22 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:26:45 GMT Hi,

I am from Tucson, AZ and I am relocating to Chicago next month. I am applying to different hospital but I really don't have any other information than the one offered on their websites. Can anybody give any insight about the different Hospitals in the city?

Thanks,

Laura ]]> laurasm http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=22 http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=21 Thu, 29 May 2008 17:57:41 GMT If you are interested in expanding into the home infusion industry you may want to consider my newsletter or consulting service. Infusion Education... If you are interested in expanding into the home infusion industry you may want to consider my newsletter or consulting service.

Infusion Education Services, Inc. is the only website established to inform and educate professionals through a newsletter format. No courses or long seminars to bore you. The newsletter provides simple articles that convey the nuts and bolts of the Home Infusion Industry. The newsletter will tell you how this industry really works. Home infusion is growing fast. Your professional business staff can better serve your clients with an accurate knowledge of this area of the healthcare industry.

What you get:

Newsletter articles updated monthly
Special articles provided at your request
Individual consulting
Who Qualifies? Companies and individuals that are seeking Home Infusion information:

Healthcare Recruiters
Registered Nurses
Hospital Discharge Planners
Nurse Managers
Sales
How do I register?

REGISTER AT www.infusioned.com, or email my company…
Monthly and annual subscriptions available
Best Regards,

Carole Mason, RN

www.infusioned.com

Infusion Education Services, Inc.

1135 Terminal Way Suite 209

Reno, NV.89502

cmason@infusioned.com

650-218-8965 phone

267-501-8747 fax ]]> infusioned http://forums.nurse.com/blog.php?b=21 Error in my_thread_global_end(): 1 threads didn't exit