Cody Said:

Need help to make a good impression as a new MICU nurse?

We Answered:

If you're a foreign nurse, accept what they teach you at the hospital that you're at. You need to remember that some of the procedures that you learn in the hospital of the place that you came from, or some of the training from where you came from may not have the exact same procedures or principles to handle the exact problems. So keep an open mind for whatever they tell you where you are going to be working.

Philip Said:

How long is it going to take to obtain a green card for registered nurse outside USA?

We Answered:

It's not up to you right now. Your prospective employer will do all the paperwork. Ask him. You won't get a Green Card, though. You will most likely get a B-1 visa. (Your qualifications don't mean anything to anyone except your future boss.)

My ex-wife didn't qualify for a Green Card until she married me. She got into the United States in a similar way, although she isn't a nurse.

Your nationality may be a problem, though. The United States does not have very good relations with your country. Seeing this, unless something changes between the two countries, it will be a long time before you can go.

Dianne Said:

I'm having a very difficult time finding a job as a nurse. I've graduated and have ICU experience. Any advice?

We Answered:

I hear that the Houston Medical Center is hiring lots of Jersey nurses because the unions make it difficult for the hospitals to afford the nurses they need and there are lots of nuerses out of work in Jersey.

You might need to think about moving. Nurses are in great demand most places.

Jason Said:

What do you think is more of a burnout job, an ICU nurse or an ICU physician?

We Answered:

ICU nurse, they are with the patients in 8,10 or 12 hr shifts, have more family contact, are there when the patient dies or is with a ventilated patient that is basically dead, but maintained for legal/family reasons.Less nurses, pt req turning, meds, dressing changes and have multiple systems failure. Surgical ICU's anyway.

Clayton Said:

Im starting a new job as a ICU nurse, what to expect?

We Answered:

Obviously a lot of seriously ill people. Remember they can still hear you when they are unconscious so don't speak in front of them as if they aren't there. Remember to talk to them about what you are doing, it is important. Don't speak about their condition or making arrangements for funeral/etc in front of the patient speak to the family member in the hall. Remember the patient can hear you. This is something that is REALLY important.

But please remember even when they are hooked up to all those machines they are still people. Be respectful of the family members who are going through a very stressful time. Just treat them the way you would want to be treated if you were in a similar postition and you will do well.

Give them a minute with their family member when they die before cleaning them up. Sometimes they need it. Just because you see people in serious conditions everday doesn't mean the family members are used to it or it's routine for them.

It's just important to treat the patient and the family members the same way you would want your family members to be treated or the same way you would want to be treated if the situation were reverse.



One example:
Don't throw a phone book at their lap and tell them better pick a mortuary to take his remains to. This happened to my friend when her husband died. The nurse was obviously extremely emotionally detached from her work. She just tossed a phone book in the widow's lap right after turning off the monitor and said pick a mortuary to pick up his remains.
We reminded her 2 minutes ago he was her patient and to give his wife a few moments with him. Jeepers... I had never seen anything like that before. Hospice care is SO much better.

Alfredo Said:

I am a ICU Nurse but i'm getting tired of bedside nursing. What job that makes good money can I move to?

We Answered:

Stryker or Arthrex equipment are always looking for sales reps because on the east coast, they can' t keep any good ones.