Well, I've worked on my unit now for a couple of weeks. There is so much to learn. I am working with the nurse educator to get ready for my ACLS certification. There are lots of meds and lots of EKG rhythms to learn. I was pointed to Dale Dubin's "Rapid Interpretation of EKG's". Man, I wish someone in school had told me about this book. It is really easy to understand and gets right to the point.
Earlier this week I went with a patient to watch a double bypass. There is no better incentive to eat right and exercise than to watch someone get their chest opened up because they didn't quit smoking, eat right, or exercise. However, IT WAS TOTALLY COOL to watch! After five hours in the OR, I was able to assist in caring for the patient post-op. I had only done some of the skills once in school, so it was fun to practice checking JP drains and drawing blood from the art line. I am so excited to be working on the cardiac unit. I'm pretty overwhelmed right now, but I haven't seen anything that I can't do with a little practice.
So far the most difficult part of the job is the schedule. Months ago, I accepted gig offers that now conflict with my work schedule. I've either got to get time off or back out of gigs. That's not good either way you look at it. The wife has had to adjust her schedule to pick up the kid from school. I can't wait until my mom retires at the end of April. She has agreed to help us out as much as needed. We're going to need it. Getting into nursing wasn't easy and getting used to a new way of life isn't easy for me or my family. With a bit more time though, we'll manage.
Until next time...
-DV
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Interviews
On the job front...I was finally called in for an interview for a cardiovascular ICU in a regional hospital about 45 minutes from where I live. I was amazed to finally get a call. I went in not knowing what to expect and was astounded at the patient population they have. The "team" mindset that this director and his staff have was very impressive. Their educational opportunities are never-ending and it sounds like a really great place to work.
The following week I received a call from the hospice company that I have been volunteering with. They had gotten to know me some from being in the office so much and had me come interview for one of their RN positions.
Both interviews were with a panel of staff members and I walked away from both places feeling very good about how things went. During my interview with hospice, I received a phone message from the regional hospital asking me to call them back. I wasn't very hopeful considering the directors tone of voice. However, when I called them back they offered me the position! WOOT! I told them I'd have to think about it (I didn't want to seem too desperate). The next morning I called and accepted the job. I still have not heard back from the hospice. That interview was three days ago. I will be calling them today and withdrawing my application and letting them know that I will still be happy to volunteer.
So now what...I am desperately trying to review some cardiac information before I start my new job sometime next week. I've already signed all the paperwork, peed in a cup for a drug screen, and gotten another TB test. Hopefully I'll get to start all of my orientations next week.
On an important side note... During my interview for the hospital, I felt like I said all of the right things. I was given several situation type questions and grilled about how I think I would fare in a CVICU setting and everything I said was truthful and appropriate. Normally I would have had real trouble answering questions like this but in such a stressful environment as an interview. A few months ago I was studying the book of Exodus. I have to admit I felt a bit like Moses talking to pharaoh. Everything I said to the interview committee just seemed like the right thing to say. It is amazing how God prepares us for life when we don't realize it.
-DV
The following week I received a call from the hospice company that I have been volunteering with. They had gotten to know me some from being in the office so much and had me come interview for one of their RN positions.
Both interviews were with a panel of staff members and I walked away from both places feeling very good about how things went. During my interview with hospice, I received a phone message from the regional hospital asking me to call them back. I wasn't very hopeful considering the directors tone of voice. However, when I called them back they offered me the position! WOOT! I told them I'd have to think about it (I didn't want to seem too desperate). The next morning I called and accepted the job. I still have not heard back from the hospice. That interview was three days ago. I will be calling them today and withdrawing my application and letting them know that I will still be happy to volunteer.
So now what...I am desperately trying to review some cardiac information before I start my new job sometime next week. I've already signed all the paperwork, peed in a cup for a drug screen, and gotten another TB test. Hopefully I'll get to start all of my orientations next week.
On an important side note... During my interview for the hospital, I felt like I said all of the right things. I was given several situation type questions and grilled about how I think I would fare in a CVICU setting and everything I said was truthful and appropriate. Normally I would have had real trouble answering questions like this but in such a stressful environment as an interview. A few months ago I was studying the book of Exodus. I have to admit I felt a bit like Moses talking to pharaoh. Everything I said to the interview committee just seemed like the right thing to say. It is amazing how God prepares us for life when we don't realize it.
-DV
Volunteering
So, it's been a couple of months since my last post. The day after I took my NCLEX, I signed up to do some volunteer work. I knew that I wanted to have something to add to my resume and to volunteer somewhere I could have direct contact with people. I figured this might help me get a job someday. I chose Meals on Wheels and a local hospice company. I have been delivering meals about once a week now since I started. I have to admit I am ashamed of myself for not having volunteered for something like this sooner. It is so easy to do and the people I meet are always very appreciative. It only takes about an hour a week and it helps so much. For my hospice, I had to go through 24 hours of training. That is understandable considering the nature of the position. I haven't been assigned a particular patient yet so I've been going into their main office doing some filing, stuffing envelopes and folders...that sort of thing. I did get the opportunity to sit with a patient last week while his wife went out for a couple of hours. It is really amazing how people like this will just open up to you. I'll be able to work on my active listening skills here. I am really looking forward to continuing my volunteer work.
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