Work is Hazardous to My Health

I almost died today. A man comes into my busy level 1 trauma center with ALOC and no known cause. The sister says he has had a fever for the last couple of days and developed hives yesterday. The paramedics think he probably overdosed on benadryl and is just sleeping it off. If only that had been true. When we realize this man isn't getting any better, becoming more somnolent and suddenly tachy, the benadryl OD dream comes crashing head first into the meningitis reality. A head CT is ordered, and a lumbar puncture set up is at the bedside, now the real fun begins. Read More

Is your Hospital requiring a copy of your diploma or transcripts?

My hospital is telling me that CMS is now requiring all licensed RNs in the ICU to have a copy of their diploma or transcripts on file in HR proving they graduated from nursing school. If you have a license, doesn't the state issuing the license do a background check and make sure the requirements (graduation) are met prior to issuing a license?! Read More

Stop complaining about your job - It could be worse.

Do you know of any complainers? Are they constantly nagging at you about how bad they have it at "their job"? Is there something you would like to say to these people? Please share your stories below... Read More

Noise level at night

I wanted to get some opinions and suggestions about reducing noise levels during the night shift. What are the main sources of noise for your unit/floor? Was there a program/education put in place to reduce noise levels? Does the staff mix effect your noise level? What did you or your unit do about addressing a loudmouth? How much of the noise level was environmental like doors, carts, pumps, vents, etc? Read More

Do you (Active NP's) feel respected by MD's/DO's/PA'S?

I am in my second semester of an FNP program. I have worked around many many NP's during my RN career and never noticed them being treated differently among providers. As I have looked into the "climate" regarding NP practice, I have noted this strongly negative view being spewed from physicians and their advocacy groups. These usually regard the lack of training and safety issues with NP's as reasons to discredit practice.

My question for you working NP's: Do you feel respected in your profession? Do you feel like you are allowed to work within the full scope of you knowledge? Read More

PMHNP- Salary expectations

I am currently enrolled in a PMHNP program. I was wondering what my realistic salary expectations should be? I am willing to relocate to just about anymore (preferably warm!) I search listings often and find that starting salary, even for new grads, is approx 90-110k! I feel like psych NP is the best kept secret in nursing (maybe I shouldn't even be posting this, lol). Any PMHNPs out there that can tell me if I am being realistic with my expectations? Read More

Two VERY low ball job offers in the last month...(management and leadership!)

I have been interviewing for jobs in management and leadership as I feel that I am ready to be doing what I have trained to do as well as being paid what I feel I should be. This is apparently not going to be the case.

The first job, for a DON position with a start up homecare company they offered me a whopping $49,800, knowing that my salary requirements were MUCH higher than this.

The second one, an assistant DON position with a staffing agency, they offered $55,000 per year. Again, knowing that my salary requirements were much higher.

It's not as if I don't have the experience that they want. Where are they coming up with these horrendously low numbers? To say that I am insulted is putting it mildly. Hell, even floor staff make more than that. Read More

Would you recommend OR Nursing?

Would you recommend OR nursing? How's the future outlook? Do scrub and circulating RNs get paid differently?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm considering a switch (I'm a rather new nurse who may have an opportunity to become a circulating RN). Read More!

Human Misery, Human Victory

For starters, I work as a staff nurse at a specialty rehab hospital. Rehabilitation nursing involves assisting patients and their families to manage short-term, progressive, and long-term impediments and disabilities in ways that constructively facilitate the highest level of function possible.

My place of employment receives a substantial share of patients who are disabled as the result of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), better known as stroke. CVAs are all too common in American society. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, only trailing behind heart disease and cancer. And even though stroke causes less than ten percent of total deaths in the US each year, it is the main culprit behind significant long-term disability in this country. Read More...

How to become a vent certified RN?

I'm a Pediatric RN in Southern California and work with many patients whom are vent dependent. I am interested in becoming vent certified, however, have not been able to find any information on how to do so, the only courses I have been able to find are 4-6 hour ventilator/ABG review courses that count towards CEU's. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Read More

Shift change and visitation in ICU/stepdown

I'm currently looking at various policies re: visitation in the ICU and it got me thinking about issues with shift change. At our 10-bed ICU/stepdown, we restrict visitors from 0700-0730 and 1900-1930; my personal feeling is that we should extend it to 0800 so that each nurse has enough time to at the very least give the patient a once-over after receiving report.

A coworker suggested doing away with visitor/call restrictions during shift change altogether, in the name of family centered care...I did a cursory web search for any studies focusing on visitation and shift change, but came up with nothing.

There is, however, plenty of anecdotal evidence abound. My question to you all is: have you heard of open visitation during shift change? If so, do you know how well it has/has not worked for that unit? Read More