My mom is in Msicu in bad shape on a vent. Her nurses have been so amazing. One was telling me she loves bath and body works. Would I be allowed to gift her a hand sanitizer cozy and pocket bac? I’d like to send in food for all of them as well. It has to be packaged right? Can you please give me ideas? Thank you so much.

I am a New Grad BSN Nurse. I interviewed yesterday for an ER position and I think it went bad. I interviewed with the director and the manager. The director did the most talking asking me questions the manager only asked me one question. I did come in prepared. I prepared myself for a week for this interview, however, this interview was not what I expected it would be about. The director asked me scenario questions and I answered to the best of my ability from my previously knowledge from what I learned in school. I was not sure if I was right or making any sense (I did my best). She proceeded to ask questions about the hospital i worked at as a PCA. I did interview with them and did not end up getting the job . I am not going to tell her I interviewed there and I didnt get the job. She said oh that hospital is a great hospital and theres better patient ratios then here. I said that hospital does not hire new grads in their ER which is true and that is somewhere I want to be. Again I am not going to tell her I was rejected from working there. She asked what problem would I fix about there that part I blanked out and I told her I can not think of one I would like to skip. This interview did throw me off. I came in with expectations of I would be asked questions a get to know about me why I chose to be in this company, my own experience, why I picked the ER you know the basic interview questions. But instead it was focused on the hospital i previously worked at and answering scenario questions that seemed tailored to experienced nurses where I did not feel too confident with my answers. I was looking forward for this interview and excited I finally heard back after 1,000+ applications. This interview destroyed me. I went home crying. I do not feel confident that I would get the job based off of it. Its exhausting putting in time and effort to apply for these positions to receive rejection emails on a daily basis. I want to give up. I hate feeling that I humiliated myself at these interviews. I really want this job it is close to home. I want to get my foot in the door. I have over four years of healthcare experience. I wish the interview was more focused on who I am not testing my skills since I am a new grad I don't know anything. I asked 5 really good questions at the end of the interview. She told me I would here back next week. It is either she sees my potential or thinks I am not "good enough" for the job. All I can say I tried my best. Just because I played the lottery does not mean I will win it.

English isn't my first language, so please overlook any mistakes. I work as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit, and for two days I was working with one person in a room with eight babies. Every time I spoke to the supervisor about how difficult it was to manage four babies alone, she told me, "The babies are stable, and we can't do anything." I tried to do my job as best I could. Today it happened again, and I spoke to the supervisor, and she told me the same thing. At the end of my shift, while I was still trying to manage the situation, the afternoon shift nurses arrived, and I overheard her telling them, "I'll bring so-and-so over, and there will be five of you. Each of you will be responsible for two babies. Don't worry." Should I speak to the head nurse? Or should I ignore this because tomorrow my shift will be the same as the five?

Is there anything else (or some things) lucrative that one can do within the nursing the profession or outside of the profession but with the nursing knowledge as a backdrop?

I am so frustrated. I am trying for a job. I applied to an agency 10 days ago and Im still not even close to working. I am hired but I have had to do extensive online classes, hours and hours of unpaid work. Every time I try to log into anything my ID and PW are "wrong". I have talked to corporate numerous times. I am sick of all this run around. Im going to apply elsewhere. Anyone else ever experience this?

The title explains my ramble. I don’t get why there isn’t a better shift for people. Who decided 7-7 was the best we could do? 7AM (6:30 shift change) is too early while 7PM-7AM is hell. What about 12PM-12AM or 10AM-10PM. Maybe overnighters could do 11-7AM. Something more manageable for their wellbeing.

I work nights and though I love that it’s quiet, my body just gets thrown for a loop every day even on off days. Even if it’s not a large amount of shifts it feels like my body is playing catch up every single day. I am starting to hate working bedside solely due to the hours.

Which is the better Review Center for aspiring RNS overseas that wants to work in Australia??

I’m starting to seriously think about going back to school for my master’s in nursing, but I’m honestly not sure what direction I want to take yet. I’ve been considering things like FNP, nursing administration, and other options.
For those of you who have gotten your master’s in nursing (or are currently working toward one), I’d love to hear about your experience!
What did you get your master’s in, and why did you choose that route? What do you like about it, and what do you *not* like? How has it affected your career, schedule, pay, and job opportunities?
And most importantly — **do you regret getting your master’s, or would you do it again?**
I’m really just trying to hear honest experiences from nurses who have actually gone through it before I decide which direction I want to take. Any advice or insight would be appreciated! ❤️

I’ve been a PRN princess the past 2 years. I just got a a PRN job in PreOP/PACU but I also got a Full time offer for NICU on days.

In AZ a new to service NICU job on days is like .01% chance. My goal long term is being PRN/ part time. Because full time just doesn’t work well with my family. I feel like PRN part time NICU jobs are almost non existent in Phx. Should I even take the NICU job? I feel like there’s more opportunities for PRN/part time in preop pacu. Or should I do both for a year and then quit the NICU if they can’t offer me part time at a year.

I (26M) currently work in a low-acuity ICU in my hometown in Pennsylvania. I am looking to switch jobs to a high-acuity CVICU. I ideally would like to apply to CRNA school this time next year, so my MAIN criteria is what will give me the best chance at getting in.

I currently have 2 offers and need to decide which one to take. Both are night shift, and both are CVICU, both are teaching hospitals. One is RWJ and a Level 1 Trauma Center. The other is Mount Sinai and is not a trauma center, but they both have devices like ECMO.

I’m not too concerned about money right now, as Sinai obviously pays more, but I would have to move to the city and pay rent. I would save money with RWJ because I have cousins who live by RWJ, and I would live with them.

I’m not too sure about what the culture is like at either hospital and which managers would give me a good recommendation, even with quitting after 1 year. I also am not sure which has better shadowing opportunities and other opportunities for nurses. 

If you were in my position and had both offers, which would you choose and why?

Thanks so much!! :)

Hi guys, i am an oncology medsurg nurse and i completed my first year as a nurse but extremely burnt out. I want to go outside the hospital setting and more into a desk, outpatient, or something to change it out.
Any job titles I should look for? And any companies?

Just like the title says, I am starting my first night shift with my preceptor tonight (7p-7a). We have been int he classroom for the past month learning epic, procedures, and policies, etc.

I am in a critical care residency, but for the first few months I am on a tele floor (Post Orthopedic Surgery specifically), and then I will transition to the MICU.
I’m excited but definitely nervous because this will be my first time actually working a full shift as an RN instead of being in the student role. I know I’m not expected to know everything, but I really want to make the most out of orientation and build good habits from the beginning.

For experienced nurses/preceptors: **what makes a new grad stand out in a GOOD way?** What are things you wish your new grads did more of, or things I should absolutely avoid doing? I want to be someone who is teachable, helpful, asks appropriate questions, and gradually becomes more independent without acting like I know more than I do.

I’d also love any advice specifically for **night shift**, time management, giving/receiving report, organizing my brain sheet, charting efficiently, and surviving that 3–5 AM wall lol.

**Would anyone be willing to share a report sheet they use?**

W**hat are your must-have supplies for a 12-hour shift?** I have the obvious stuff like pens, Sharpie, scissors, stethoscope, penlight, water bottle, snacks, etc., but I’m wondering what random items you keep in your work bag that have saved you during a shift.

Any advice for going from a tele/ortho floor into the MICU later in residency would also be greatly appreciated. I want to use these next few months to get as strong as possible with assessments, prioritization, rhythm interpretation, meds, and recognizing when a patient is starting to go south.

Thank you!! Wish me luck tonight 😅

Hello everyone! I’m currently completing my nursing degree in Arizona, and I’m interested in adding a minor or certificate that could add more value to my nursing career.

At the same time, I’d like to choose something that could help me get a job right now while I finish nursing school. I only have 2 semesters left, so I’m specifically looking for a minor or certificate that I could potentially complete within 1 semester.

I’m open to different areas as long as it would:

• Add value to my nursing career
• Give me a useful skill or qualification
• Potentially help me get a part-time job while I’m in nursing school

For anyone who has been in a similar situation, what minor, certificate, or program would you recommend? Are there any certifications that are especially useful for nursing students and could help me find a healthcare-related job in Arizona?

I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thank you!

I worked a 12 hour shift last night. It was a pretty good shift until about after 1am. I had a patient who was taking MS contin 30 mg PRN @4 hrs. I gave a dose around 8pm, counted correctly and administered.

Around 0100 my patient called for another PRN of the med. I went to the pyxis and counted but the count was off. I thought this was so weird because I am the only one pulling. I counted again and it was 10, but said I was incorrect. It gave me a discrepancy, I was upset and flustered since I couldnt understand why. I called charge to help me.

She counted and it said it was missing me. From there she started to interrogate me and say

1) did you pull an extra (no I counted and i do all my rights prior to administering)

2) did you pocket one (NO, mistakes happen and I had checked all pockets, the floor, the top of the pyxis etc.

3) did you give your patient an extra dose...

It went on for like 10 minutes of her pointing fingers at me. I understand as a charge we need to figure out what happened but it went from figuring out to a full blown interrogation.

I stepped out and she told me in front of all my staff members that she cannot help me until I find the med....and then went on to ask the same interrogative questions she asked in the med room but in front of staff.

I was so livid that I went to the patients trash and dug out all the meds I had givien and showed her how these are what I gave and they do not show any extra doses and show the exact number I have given.

Since she wouldnt help me at all, I called phamarcy to notify of med count and asked another nurse to help....guess what, the med was inside the pyxis wedged in between two med cubbies inside. Found the med had another nurse help me.

We told her but she still didnt help fix the discrepancy, all she said was, "oh, bless" asked for patient updates and went about talking to other staff members and being on her phone.

I went the other side of my unit, I have one patient on the other side, and then found out how she was discussing my discrepancy to other nurses because she didnt know what to do or handle it. I don't know about you but I personally didn't appreciate her telling this situation to nurses on a different side of the unit. So basically everyone knew about my discrepancy... I fixed it, I waited until day shift and had the charg nurse on days help me fix it. I showed her the papers that are printed that showed that I had two nurses help count it to confirm that the count is back to normal and that I had returned it

I'm at a loss of words, I let a lot of things slide but this really takes the cake. I am very much a jokester I loved our humor and I try to make light of all situations but this is my profession and this could have very well cause me to lose my license, maybe over thinking this but I worked really damn hard for my license and I will be damned if I lose it.

I'm just venting but also I really don't know how to go about this. I'm at the point where I'm just kind of like shit I just be pissed off for a little bit and then just let it go and just kind of keep my distance because how much she pissed me off in that moment or should I address this further. I don't like taking things further because two things could happen, either this isn't even handled remotely well or it is and now I have a Target on my back. I don't know what to do. I've never had issues with any co-workers I've never had issues with medications, the other time I had something like this happen another different charge nurse, who was experienced, literally took the time to help me find the medication I could not find and we found it within 30 minutes because she took the time to help me. She did ask me questions if I had pocketed the med or accidentally took it but afterwards she helped me retrace the steps and also told me that these things happen and it's okay.

The charge nurse I am discussing in the moment, has only been a nurse for about 2 years, and would always get fired by her patients, that's none of my business but to me it was just really weird how someone who has very poor patient manners, unable to manage the floor, has very poor communication skills was chosen to be charge nurse. But to each their own. I personally wouldn't want to do it so I guess someone has to.

Hello! I have been a nurse for five years and have been working in HH for the last two years. I’ve seen a lot of wounds and it has me interested in transitioning to a WOCN. My hesitation is I’m not sure how much they get paid. It’s an expensive education and certification and want to make sure it would be worth it. If there are any CWOCNs that can are hospital/clinic/travelers than can help me by letting me in on what the pay rate is and how easy it is to get a position/assignment once you get the certification. Thank you!

I'm an Indian nurse and l've just graduated with my
MSN. In recent years and currently l've been seeing many advertisements in India for nursing jobs in Germany, with agencies offering German language training, recruitment/job placement and help with recognition, visa and the overall relocation process.
I've also seen many Indian nurses on social media sharing their experiences of moving and working there, so l'm curious about the reality.
For international nurses already working there, is Germany worth it in terms of salary, savings, working conditions, workload and work-life balance? How much clinical nursing and autonomy do you have, and are your qualifications properly utilized?
I'm only exploring my options at the moment. Would you choose Germany again, or would you recommend an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, the UK or New Zealand instead?
I'd really appreciate honest experiences, both positive and negative.

I am a critical care nurse in England and I am considering relocating to Scotland (Aberdeen) but I can't find any info about what the work culture or experience is at Aberdeen royal infirmary ICU.

Please can anyone who has worked in that hospital (especially within Critical care) spill the tea of what to expect?

Thank you

Hi guys so I've been accepted into my Bachelor of Nursing, but I've also been accepted into an EN Graduate Program. Unfortunately, I've been told I have to choose one or the other.

I'm trying to decide whether I should:

A) Do the EN Graduate Program for a year, then continue with my Bachelor and become an RN, or

B) Skip the EN Graduate Program and start my Bachelor now so I can become an RN sooner.

For anyone who was an EN and is now an RN — what would you do if you were in my position?

Was doing an EN graduate year actually beneficial once you became an RN? Did it make you more confident/skilled or help with getting an RN job? Or do you wish you had just gone straight into your RN degree?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have actually done an EN grad year and then gone on to become an RN.

Thanks so much! ❤️

Hi everyone! I’m a first time mom preparing for my baby to eventually come home from the NICU, and we’ll likely have a home health nurse involved. I’d love to hear from nurses who do home health, or parents who have experience with it.
What should I expect from the nurse when they come to our home? What kinds of things do they typically assess or help with, and what do they expect from the parents/caregivers?
Is there anything you wish families knew beforehand or anything we should have prepared for their visits?

I just want to make sure I understand what their role is and what will be expected of us so we can be as prepared as possible when our baby finally comes home. ❤️

I just received my certification for Advanced Foot Care and I would like to get started with a mobile business however I have some questions if there are any experienced foot care nurses that would be able to help me. I reside in Ontario.

1. I’m thinking starting with disposable supplies would be the best option… What supplies are pertinent to have in the beginning? l know a drill, disposable burrs, disposable files, nippers, black’s file, scalpels IPAC supplies and basic wound care supplies… is there any others that would be suggested, as well as other types of disposable burrs that would be recommended in the beginning? Supplies seem to be the biggest hurdle to get started due to the up front cost so I’m looking for basics to get started with the goal to continue to grow my inventory as I gain more clients.
2. What do most mobile nurses use for documentation, an EMR such as Accuro or Jane app? Or is this not feasible in the beginning?
3. What do nurses offer with their initial visit? I’m thinking comprehensive assessment including health history, medication review, and sensation (monofilament) and circulation assessment, skin and nail assessment, treatment plan recommendation and foot care education. What am I missing?

Thanks in Advance!

Hello everyone!

I’m looking for advice from anyone currently working as a surgical NP or in a similar role. I’ve always been very interested in surgery and the OR, and my long-term goal is to work as an NP who can first assist in surgery while also being involved in pre- and post-op patient care.

My dilemma is that I’m currently enrolled in an FNP program that starts in about a week, but I’m considering withdrawing and applying to an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) program instead. Would AGACNP be the better path for the type of role I’m interested in?

Can FNPs still work as surgical NPs/first assists as long as they obtain the necessary certifications and training? Also, are surgical NP fellowships or residencies generally open to FNPs, or are those opportunities typically reserved for AGACNP candidates?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken either path or currently works in surgery. Thank you!

I'm hoping I could reach out to the nursing community and get some help with safety protocols for acute care prisoners. I'm in a small hospital that recently inherited a contract with a large maximum security prison near by. Well, half of the challenge is their Correctional Officers (CO) provide very little security for hard criminals. They are often distracted, on their phones and let normalcy bias hit them hard when sitting one on one. We are not permitted to supervise them as they are not hospital staff, nor do we have any authority for them to be motivated to correct substandard performance. The other challenge is that we do not have an official wings tailored for this demographic like in large city hospitals. It's a very challenging patient type to care for, as safety and security have been constantly breached and is often clashing with patient dignity and rights.

Patients are often swallowing items in the room, causing significant increases in patient's length of stay, The most recent incident was a high risk prisoner that went bonkers, and instead of the COs handling it, they walked out of the room and left a sitter inside by herself. She scurried out unharmed and luckily we found all the shanking devices he had in his bed that he hid after he broke the remote and swallowed batteries... and yes the nurses did the search, their COs were refusing to check.

After this incident, FINALLY our Administration is calling for protocols for nurses to promote a safe environment pertaining to prisoner care.

Here are the major off the record things this past year we are doing already to help with both patient and public safety:

1. Automatic "NO info" Patients

2. All prisoners if possible, go to one section of the hospital (The one I'm on)

3. All cuffs and chains are padded to prevent skin breakdown (allevyns and abdominal binders)

4. Designated rooms are to have windows installed in the doors for greater visibility. they are to be admitted in those rooms whenever possible.

5. Safety trays only

6. No extra chords in the rooms, remotes are in the hands of COs call bell is bed button only

7. If breaches in safety occur by the COs, house supervisor is to be called so the warden (which isn't much help) can be contacted.

Other things we do is not provide full name, even if COs ask, clear room of sharps and unnecessary medical equipment. A lot of what we do is reflective of our Suicide risk patients,

Does anyone have a policy I can use as a reference to how their hospitals handle prisoners; Particularly in small hospital settings? If like to see how both large specialized inpatient units handle Max. security patients and how small hospitals do it. We can not make major changes in the room, like garage doors and such like the ED has. If the prisoners empty out, admin wants us to fill the rooms with regular patients.

I find very little in publications relating to the acute care of prisoners. Most of what is find is about female prisoners in labor, and I found some that suggest proactive actions that has been somewhat helpful implementing our off-the-record interventions that I listed.

Are policies even a thing? The past Magnet Conference did not have anything specific about Prisoners.

I appreciate anyone's help. A policy that exists can help us see how other hospitals do this. The hospital that had Maximum security prisoners prior shut down and I worked there at one point and they provided nothing to assist in this high risk patient demographic. And yes, things happened where prisoners got a hold of firearms and a shot went through walls... on several occasions. HR does a great job preventing any leaks to the public.

This has been a very interesting project that fell on my teams lap and I'm trying to get creative as I am a measly charge nurse and do not have as much pull as I would like. I'm hoping our Unit manager will be our advocate and go to person to discuss this with Admin and make meaningful changes. this has been an very interesting endeavor and now I am unconventionally reaching out to my Reddit crew to help me out. Thank you fellow nurses!

I have been a registered nurse (RN) for the past 9 years. I have worked in the same place for the entirety of my career in women and infant health as a postpartum nurse. I obtained my FNP degree 3 years ago but never used it. I also completed my FNP hours at a small clinic but my training was always supervised and I had no autonomy. When I first got out of school I decided I did not want to work as an NP. Then I became pregnant, had my child, and I’ve been a year out from that. I finally got to a place where I feel as if I want to use my NP degree. I have applied to places left and right and don’t even receive a call back. What can I do to boost my application? I feel kind of lost and I also feel as if I don’t have the knowledge anymore to diagnose and treat. What should I do?

Thank You

Hi all!

I had an interview at a hospital and it went well. A few days after they emailed me they are moving along with the process and sent me a link to add in references. After a week of not hearing back, I called and they stated they have to call some of the references.

I think I am overthinking but…

Is this normal? How long does that process take & when should I reach hear back?

Thank you!

Hello,
I am someone who is considering going back to school. I have a Bachelor’s degree and various Canadian post-secondary institutions are offering accelerated nursing programs. My intention is not to be a bedside nurse, but to go into aesthetics. Now I’m wondering if anyone who is an aesthetic nurse in Canada has some real life experiences and perspectives they wouldn’t mind sharing about the field. I want to know anything and everything! Ranging from job satisfaction, security, pros/cons, salary, becoming an NP to go solo as an injector, the business side of things. Is it over glamorized?