Nurses, Go for the Gold!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

Like most of you, I have been watching the Olympics. Every venue has its awe - except Curling. I don’t seem as thrilled about a broom and a stone as I do watching Shaun White fly out of the half pipe! I suppose the badgers and the Canadians would disagree. I imagine that is part of the lure of the Games - we all have our preferences. One thing I am acutely aware of is the training and commitment required of each of these athletes. It is truly amazing. I heard the interview with Apolo Anton Ohno regarding his regime and agreed with Brian Williams’ over-all assessment when he said, “These people have DNA that the rest of us do not have”! Apolo not only talked about his preparation but he talked about his goals. He has daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals that culminate with the ultimate prize that happens every four years.

I’ve been thinking about goals. Without them, it seems life just happens. In reality, perhaps I could be a curler in the next Olympics - if I start soon. Or, maybe, I could just get my life in order and have a goal for the day! Clarian has been presenting Forums this month about our accomplishments and goals on the road to preeminence and I have the new Joint Commission goals ever present on my name tag. Every day when I arrive at work, I set up a care of plan for each patient that contains two goals for the day. It seems everyone has goals but me.

I did a random, non-scientific pole of my peers the other day and asked the simple question, “What is your goal for today”? Responses:

  • Survive - be happy - keep my patient from falling.
  • Get through the day! Keep my sickle cell happy and my other patient’s wife from being mad at me.
  • To leave here and go home happy.
  • Get out on time.
  • To be organized and not become stressed-out.
  • Do no harm.


I guess I am a bit naïve. I thought someone would say, “I have been reviewing the Synergy Model for Patient Care and my goal for the day, probably the week, is to enhance my communication skills and become consciously aware of the manner in which I interact with people.” That didn’t happen. I didn’t even come up with that idea until right now. But, I think it is a stellar goal.

This whole goal business has me thinking, planning and pondering. For starters, I have set my retirement date. It will come before the next Winter Olympics; the next Magnet Review; and the end of the Mayan calendar. But, sadly, I will not see the day that 4-medicine has all private rooms! So, what do I want to accomplish? My time is limited. Lately, I have had goals like those above: be safe, get out on time, survive! I’m wondering if there isn’t something more? What is it that I would like to do before I end a nursing career spanning four decades?

And, my questions to you are the same, whether your career is just starting, waning, or coasting: What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish? Is there something more? What is it that you really want to do? I say, go for the Gold!

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

The Key to a Successful Nursing Interview: Be Professional

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
Of course, nursing experience is important. But you’ll have to perform well in your interview to land a great nursing job.

The most important advice I can give an interviewee is BE PROFESSIONAL. It sounds pretty simple, but many people don’t act professional (and consequently don’t get the job).

Professionalism is the number one thing Unit Managers look for. That means be on time, dress appropriately, and be prepared not only to answer questions, but also to ask good questions. The questions you ask about Clarian and the position show your level of interest and experience. Also, be polite.

Remember – the job market for nurses continues to be highly competitive in this economy. We have MANY more applicants than open nursing positions at Clarian. And how you perform in your interview matters … a lot.

And while you are remembering to be professional, don’t forget to be yourself, too. Personality also matters when it comes to joining a nursing unit.

By Lydia Ostermeier, MSN, RN, CHCR
Director of Nurse Recruitment, Retention, Workforce Development, Resource Allocation & Customer Service
losterme@clarian.org
317-962-1886

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Jobs for Registered Nurses.

The Clarian Nursing Application and Interview Process in a Nutshell

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
Recruiting great nurses is extremely important to us. So we want the application and interview process to give us a good idea of who you are and what you expect from a nursing position. We try to keep the process as simple as possible. Below is what to expect when applying to Clarian for a nursing position.

The application process (should take no more than 15-20 min.):
  1. Find a position(s) you want at www.calltochange.org/nursing or www.clarian.org/clarianjobs.
  2. Click through until you reach the online application.
  3. Complete the application and upload your resume.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the Health Care Selection Survey. (This is a tool we use to gauge how you will fit at Clarian – taking into account your personality, experience, etc.)
  5. When this is done, you will receive an automated reply by e-mail, saying we’ve received your application.
The interview process:
  1. We call ALL qualified applicants WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS. If we don’t feel you’re a good fit at Clarian, you will receive an e-mail response.
  2. When your recruiter calls, you will discuss career goals, experience, expectations, etc. Your recruiter might also recommend other openings that might suit you well.
  3. Your recruiter will schedule an interview with the unit manager (usually within a couple of days). You may have two or more interviews scheduled, depending on your experience and qualifications.
  4. Your recruiter will coordinate every aspect of the interview process. Typically, on the day of your interview, you will meet your recruiter at the Nurse Recruitment office, where you will go over general employment and benefit details. Your recruiter will then personally escort you to your interview(s).
  5. Within a couple days (maybe sooner) you will have a response. You will either be given a formal job offer, recommended for a shadowing day, or told why you are not being offered the position.

We have some of the best recruiters in the business, and their entire job is to treat you professionally and with respect. We work hard to find and recruit the best nurses available. If you’re one of the best, we can’t wait to talk with you.

Good luck in your interviews!

By Lydia Ostermeier, MSN, RN, CHCR
Director of Nurse Recruitment, Retention, Workforce Development, Resource Allocation & Customer Service
losterme@clarian.org
317-962-1886

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit RN Job Opportunities Indiana.

I Wonder What the Parrot Says

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner
Monday was a Mad-Hatter Day; a perpetual swirl of activity. I had a patient who verified throughout the day the reason I am not a psych nurse; a very bizarre admission; a very productive discharge; and one who taxed my vocal chords for twelve hours. Nonetheless, she turned out to be the highlight of my day.

Miss M. is 75 years old. She has progressive COPD and was admitted for a severe Upper Respiratory Infection - tough combination. In addition to her hearing loss, her eyesight is compromised due to cataracts and glaucoma. In this case, my Synergy mindset was thinking discharge-predictability-involvement in care. Every opportunity I had throughout the day, I asked questions that would allow me to have insight into that plan of care. I learned she has four doting daughters, two spoiled grandsons, a parrot and two dogs. She lives with one of her daughters in a situation that is very comfortable for both of them. She is tethered to oxygen but can do a few jobs at home in the course of the day, including caring for the animals. She is fiercely independent, has a wonderful sense of humor and a very realistic concept of living and dying. In time, she should be good to return home. I felt pretty smug about having a discharge plan ten minutes before it happens: one little accomplishment for me.

Per usual, at the end of my shift, I was re-hashing the day, looking for the positive, the negative, and the possibilities that could make things better for the next shift. Then, like a ton of bricks, a moment of “latent curiosity” hit me: I wonder what the parrot says? Miss M. is very attached to her parrot. She has had him for a long time. Dogs can yip and cats make a lot of weird sounds, but a parrot talks - a much better companion for a life of limitations. You can bet, if I get another opportunity, I’m going to know what the parrot knows.

Sometimes, we think we are asking all the right questions, when in reality we are missing the obvious.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.


I Miss Your Mustache

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner
I find people very interesting. The big dichotomy of humanity is that we are all very different and very much the same. All one has to do to prove that theory is watch and listen. It will not require a government grant to collect a large amount of data nor a team of experts to publish the results. A few days on 4-Medicine at IU will suffice. Last week I had two fun encounters that have swirled in my head regarding people and how we relate to one another.

I had a patient who was quite ill and had no definitive diagnosis. We finally decided to put her in respiratory isolation for a few days until some things had been ruled out, or in, whatever your preference. I was in her room when she called her husband to inform him not to visit that evening for safety reasons. Her closing comment to him was, “I love you and I miss your mustache!” The other situation involved a man who was admitted for twenty-four hours with chest pain. When his wife came to take him home, her parting comment to me was, “I’m glad he is coming home. I miss his noise.”

So the question is, "What do we like about one another enough to miss?" I have been thinking about many people in this context: family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. I love my children and grandchildren dearly, but what is there that I really like about each of them? I have friends that I went to kindergarten with fifty years ago. Why have we maintained a life long connection? I enjoy the people I work with every day. Why? When I arrive, why am I glad to see the people of the night and always happy to work with the people of the day? I especially like the banter in the med room. Uncensored! When I gave report yesterday I told my replacement, “You will really like this patient.” What was there about that person that I liked enough to feel confident that someone else would like them too? Do I just like people who are like me or do I like people who are really different than I am? In order to answer that question, I have to know what I like about me.

The reality is this: there are many people that I genuinely like; more and more I am discerning why. And, that adds a richness to my life. However, at this moment, I am not sure what I think about mustaches and noise.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.


Nursing Recruitment Lesson: Don't Take Vacation When Hiring Student Nurse Externs

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
The past month has been one of the most challenging times for me since I started working in Nurse Recruitment at Clarian nearly a year ago. I’ve been given a new and amazing support specialist; and I took on responsibility for recruiting Student Nurse Externs (SNEs) in addition to Critical Care nurses, LifeLine nurses and ER or emergency nurses.

I put out a “call” for those who had been on the student nurse waiting list since Feb/Mar and contacted our Clarian nursing scholarship recipients to measure interest for 29 positions that I was asked to fill. Wow! The response was tremendous, and the candidates had to compile and provide a portfolio of four documents before we determined their availability for interview.

I took a week’s vacation while deep in the throes of this work and came back to the most stressful week I’ve had in Nurse Recruitment! Getting everything organized, setting up over 50 interviews (for student nurses alone! This did not count the RN positions!), catching up on an e-mail in box that was to its limit and voice mails that filled my box to capacity literally gave me a headache that lasted for three days!

After eight days of catching up and a couple of extra long work days that required some work at home, I finally did it! I caught up! What a sense of accomplishment as well as what fun getting to meet and help place these eager SNEs into their very first nursing positions.

Lesson learned: NO vacation during the peek SNE hiring months!! Tee hee (of course my vacation was planned well in advance of my taking on this responsibility). After six years spent as a nursing manager, I have learned to just accept that it is always hard to get away and always hard when you come back. From the recruitment perspective though, it was much more challenging because my job is customer service and many things just waited on me to return and pick up where I left off!

Julie

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter
JRuschhaupt@clarian.org
317-278-7082

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty.

Medical-Surgical Nurses Make a World of Difference

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

November 1-7 is designated Medical-Surgical Nurses Week. This is a time set aside to celebrate and appreciate Med-Surg nurses. When I first became involved in the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses and became aware of this week, I wondered why we needed another week in addition to Nurses Week in the spring. Over time I have grown to appreciate the difference.

During Nurses Week, I set aside a bit of time to reflect on why I became a nurse. During this period of time, I think about why I am a medicine nurse. Why did I choose this specialty, and why in the world have I stayed with it for forty-two years?!? Medical nursing is never really a comfort zone. Just when you think you know something, it changes. There are many specialties that are more glamorous than medicine. And there are many places in the system where people don’t have to work at such a crazy pace or have an odd appreciation for chaos.

Over the years I have done many interesting things within the framework of medical nursing, and I have had opportunities to do numerous things in other areas, but have never made the leap. Four years ago, after my round with cancer, I was sure I would never be able to keep up with 4-medicine again. I interviewed several places and was offered a couple of very interesting jobs, but I couldn’t make the move; just couldn’t imagine myself without liver patients!

Medicine is always a challenge. It is about critical thinking, honing one’s senses and developing keen assessment skills. It’s about team-work at its finest. Many years ago I referred to medicine as the “theater of dependency.” We like to think of ourselves as very independent practitioners, but in reality we rely on each other constantly. Medicine nurses have very distinctive personalities - need I say more? Let’s just consider IU 4-medicine for a brief moment... (How wild and whacky was that?!?) I guess medical nursing gets in your blood. Over the years, I have had three criteria for staying the course in any position I have held: am I learning, am I having fun, and am I making a difference. If all of those things are operational, I am pretty content. Medical nursing has been a place of satisfaction for me.

I was pleased with the slogan for this year: "Medical-Surgical Nurses: Making a World of Difference." Medicine Nurses share an umbrella with Surgical Nurses. Somewhere along the line, I have made a distinction because I am pretty much a pure medical nurse. I hope I haven’t slighted any surgical nurses in this blog, because I can tell you right now, I have a great appreciation for what you do. Actually, I pretty amazed at what you do! I think you know that as truth because when I float to your areas a lot of hand holding occurs to get me through. For some reason it is hard for me to wrap my brain around all that cutting and pasting! So, to all of my colleagues in Medical-Surgical Nursing, enjoy the week, share your stories. re-commit to your specialty and never doubt for one moment that you indeed “make a world of difference.”

And, if you are out there as an “undecided,” consider Medical-Surgical Nursing, because it could make a world of difference in your life, too.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.
 

Boom Boom... Pow!

Saturday, October 10, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care
With all due respect to the Black Eyed Peas, that is kind of what life has felt like for me lately! My life as an Interim Clinical Manager is quite busy. As I think about it though, it is not like my previous roles left a lot of down time. This is just a very different kind of busy. I love rounding on our families. It is when I get to see all of the kids and parents at once, hear their stories, and really get to know them. It is a compelling time. Even if it is a child with a short length of stay, I know I can learn something from their story. It is what I truly love. I know that I can answer questions that will help fill in the gaps, or maybe just repeat the same information so it sinks in a little better. Each interaction means something to both of us. I think if I feel that, surely a parent does, too. I have a different role with my staff now. I would like to think it is helpful to them that someone who knows how important responsiveness is, will be “taking care of them.” They know I take the responsibility seriously. So as more things, more responsibilities come at me like they are shot out of a cannon, (hence the “boom boom pow”), I say... bring it.

Tracy

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty.

Healthcare is an Ever-Changing Domain

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
This past Friday we had our bi-monthly meeting for Nurse Recruitment. It was highlighted by saying farewell to one of our best Support Specialists as she embarks for her new position as a Student Nurse Extern at University Hospital. It is a real joy to see staff with previous careers choose the nursing profession; it is like we “grow our own!”

We also received news that we are reorganizing our Service Lines. This was a little bit of a shock to some of our staff members but change is a certainty and is just part of our everyday operations. When I was in Nursing School one of the things that was constantly “drilled” in our heads is that healthcare is an ever-changing domain and you must prepare yourself for this culture. I’m glad that I have not become “entrenched” or inflexible after fifteen years of tenure. I welcome anything that makes us better and that enables us as a department or as an organization to provide better service to our internal as well as our external customers.

Julie

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter
JRuschhaupt@clarian.org
317-278-7082

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty


Join a Nursing Organization - It’s a Gift You Give Yourself

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner
Last week, 4-Medicine at Clarian-IU hosted the August meeting of the Central Indiana Chapter of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. Our guest speaker was Dr. James Watkins, Associate Professor of Medicine at the IU School of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology. In keeping with the education tenet of the organization’s mission, the presentation was on Pancreatitis: Cause, Current Treatment and Specific Care. When one cares for this specific population on a daily basis it is interesting to note that “just when you think you know something, you don’t.” I was fascinated with treatments on the horizon for this disease and a bit surprised with what I don’t know regarding the pancreas. I guess that is the necessity of “continuing education.”

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses is the “only national professional nursing specialty organization dedicated to adult health medical surgical nurses.” It was formed in 1991 with the goal of nurturing medical-surgical nurses as they advance their careers. Their motto is “Nurses Nurturing Nurses” and the organization is available to assist with everything from education to research to networking to legislation. They provide a journal, newsletter and an endless resource of information on their website at AMSN.org.

There are 50 Chapters throughout the United States and local chapters are designed to provide educational meetings with CEU’s, networking opportunities, professional support, volunteer leadership opportunities and input into national issues and program planning. The Indiana Chapter includes a local charity emphasis at each meeting. Last week school supplies were given to the Riley School at the Riley Hospital for Children. Each year AMSN members convene for a national convention. This year the convention will be held in Washington D.C., September 9-14. They have also designated a time of celebration each fall as Medical-Surgical Nurse’s Week. This year it will be held November 1-7 and entitled Medical-Surgical Nurses: Making a World of Difference.

I provide this information because I am a major proponent for professional nurses aligning themselves with a professional organization in their area of specialty. These organizations are the voice of nursing and will hopefully have input in health care decisions that effect nursing in the present upheaval. Membership seems to me to be timely. I have had the privilege of attending four national conventions - I hope I can attend at least one more! I went to my first convention in Florida as a recruiter representative and enjoyed it so much I joined on the spot. I also had the privilege of doing a Synergy Poster Presentation at the Chicago Convention. Someday I would like to be a presenter, but so far they haven’t jumped at my ideas for a break-out session!

Let me encourage every nurse to join a nursing organization - it’s a gift you give yourself. The things I have learned, people I have met and places I have been have added greatly to my career and my respect for medical-surgical nursing.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for Available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty


Magnet Re-Designation Makes Nurse Recruiter's Cheeks Hurt Again!

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
I attended the Magnet re-designation ceremony at Methodist Hospital yesterday. It was so nice to see everyone gathered around the trophy display case anticipating the award being submitted. Linda Everett, our CNO, and Rhonda Smith, MH nursing VP, both spoke about the long road we, as an organization, had to take to achieve re-designation.

They also informed us that of the few hospital systems privileged enough to obtain Magnet designation a first time, only 2 percent get re-designated. Two Clarian physicians were also in attendance and spoke about how proud they were to work with Clarian nurses. One said, “We have the best nurses here at Clarian and I am always thankful for that.”

In 2005, when Clarian was first designated with Magnet status, I was a newer nurse and a unit magnet champion. I was excited and overwhelmed, but loved every minute of it. When the phone call came, I can remember my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I even held the yellow banner at the end of the ceremony stating that we had made it. Now, four years later, I found the ceremony and the recognition to be just as exciting. I am still incredibly proud and thankful to be a Clarian nurse. And yes, I smiled through the whole thing and my cheeks hurt... AGAIN!

Shalunda

Shalunda Tyler, RN BSN
Nurse Recruiter for Perioperative
Services, Endoscopy, Adult
Cinics, and Healthnet
317 962-9083 office

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nurse Job Opportunities.

You can search all of Clarian's Nursing Job Employment Positions

You can also Search for Available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty.

Nurses Rounding for Outcomes... How Fun!

Monday, July 6, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care
As part of our approach to improving patient and family satisfaction, we “round” on our families in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit daily. Every family, every day. I have found that it is one of my very favorite things to do. Anyone that knows me would not be surprised to hear this, as a part of rounding involves talking. But an even bigger part involves listening. It is really an underrated skill, and often an underused skill.

I have found with most of our families, after I introduce myself, and ask a simple question such as, “We always want to provide the very best care possible for your child. How well are we doing with that?” I just need to stop talking and start listening. I have said many times that there is no time that a parent feels more helpless than when their child is critically ill or injured.

Having a person listen to their fears, perhaps listen to the story of how their child came to be in our care, and to show the genuine care and concern that we have, is invaluable. Often there are tears shed, and a hug is needed, or perhaps an arm around a shoulder. Parents are often pleasantly surprised that we come in to round on them, to just check in on them and make sure their immediate needs are being met, as well as those of their child. They are always grateful. Even when they know we may not be able to tell them what they really want to hear….that the beautiful child lying in that bed will be fully restored to the same child they previously were. They do know that we will give every effort we have to try and make that happen, though.

After they have seen us the first day, they look forward to a return visit the next day, as I tell them I will see them tomorrow. I suppose it is the promise that not only will I keep my word, but it is the opportunity for them to tell me of their child’s progress, and share the ups and downs of this ride they did not ask for. Rounding is just one more great opportunity to make a lasting connection with our families. If by doing it we improve our patient satisfaction, what an outstanding bonus!

Tracy

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

Julie entered nursing as a second career in search of a way to give back to the community and as a personal path to fulfillment, after having lived the glamorous but somewhat empty life as a manager in a retail jewelry store.

"Nursing has given me the opportunity to use my God given gifts to both directly help patients and their families and also to support other nurses and physicians who do. This is not a job, it is an identity and an enthusiasm for wanting to make a moment in time the best it can be for someone in need. "

Julie graduated from IUPUI, so despite the short walk to the Clarian campus, her professional path to nurse recruitment includes CV Critical Care and Manager of the Resource Pool.

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.
 

Riding a School Bus Again and Eating Ham & Cheese on a Cracker

Sunday, May 31, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care
In the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of going on my children’s end-of-the-year field trips. The first was to my son’s 5th grade trip to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. It was a positively gloriously sunny day, as if we had ordered it. About 75 degrees, blue skies, light breeze, all was right with the world. The second trip was my daughter’s 1st grade trip to the Indianapolis Zoo. This was a bit of a different trip. Overcast the whole day, light rain occasionally, cool at about 63 degrees, not a thought of sunshine.

Both trips were made on “the big Twinkie” as someone once called the school bus. When I was shorter, like under 5’ 5” I fit in those seats much better. Now at just over 6 feet it is a little different ride. But it does not matter. Because over my many years of caring for these ill and injured children that I do, I know one thing: Appreciate and treasure every moment. They come and go way too fast.

It is the precious opportunity to be with my children that matters. Not the fact that I have seen the same dolphin tricks over and over. Not that the Lunchable I am about to eat is not quite gourmet. It is the fact that it is a true gift that I get to spend the entire day with my beautiful children that counts. The looks on their faces when I arrive in their classrooms ready to board that bus is all I need. As nurses we make a difference every day. Sometimes in big ways, sometimes small. The same is true of parents, on a bus, eating ham and cheese on a cracker.

Tracy

To become a Registered Nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

I'm Just a Nurse

Friday, May 29, 2009 by Terry J. Stigdon, RN, CPN, CPEN, Senior Partner
When I am out and about and someone I do not know finds out that I am a nurse, I’m asked where I work. I take a deep breath and say, “Riley Hospital.” I brace myself for what comes next… "Riley?!? I don’t know HOW you work there! You must be an angel!" I typically respond with, "Hardly an angel. It’s a great place to work. I receive so much more than I give." I’ve worked at Riley for almost 11 years. I started in the Pediatric ICU, and then transitioned to the Emergency Dept.

During this time, I’ve had the privilege to learn more about people than I ever imagined. When you try to explain to an anxious family what they can expect when their child comes out of the OR into the PICU, it is a huge responsibility to be forthcoming, yet compassionate in your delivery. You need to be realistic, but not scare the bejeebies out of them. Most importantly, you learn to meet them where they are and take it from there. In the ED, you are charged with supporting families in the exact instant their lives change forever. In an instant, their child is a paraplegic. In an instant, their child is diagnosed with cancer. In an instant, their child is gone…forever.

From these families, I’ve learned that no one word is adequate, yet more than one can be too much. I don’t know how they feel, but I do know how blessed it feels to be given that moment with them. That moment that lets these vulnerable people know they are not alone. I’ve been given hugs, kisses and even slobbery “raspberries” by patients; all of this usually before I come at them with a needle. I’ve received toddler head butts, pre-school kicks in the shin and baby feet in the chest. Even through this, I give what I can in an attempt to make that time in a kid and his/her family’s life just a smidgen better.

So, no, I’m not an angel. I’m "just" a nurse. And like I mentioned before, I receive so much more than I could ever possibly give.

Terry

To apply for a Registered Nurse position at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.


Verifying CPR Certification for New Nursing Applicants

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

All external and internal hires in the Clarian system require a current signed BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. This is a new requirement based on a new policy that started this January.

All applicants should fax a copy of their card to the nurse recruiter that is assigned to their area. Without the verification of that certification, it will place your job offer on hold.

Clarian does offer a CPR course for those external candidates hiring into the system. For further CPR course information and schedule availability please contact Cynthia Ernst at cernst@clarian.org.

Shalunda

To apply for a Registered Nurse position at Clarian, visit Nursing Job Employment Positions.

Privacy is a Matter of Trust

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN, CCNS, Clarian Nurse Ethicist
In a world where cell phones have cameras and millions of people participate in social networking activities like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, it is easy to forget what information is private. People receiving care in hospitals are at their most vulnerable. Because we as health care workers have access to sensitive information, we are held to a high standard when it comes to patient privacy.

Patients trust that what they tell us will stay with us unless they give us permission to share the information, or the information is shared for the safety and well-being of the patient. This duty was much easier when each patient had only one copy of a paper record. Today electronic records make it possible to forget the boundaries of privacy and inappropriately share confidential information; these days, such a breach can mean that anyone with access to the World Wide Web is looking.

Protecting private health information has become very complex, which is why there is a federal HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule. Clarian Health also has HIPAA policies and procedures to guide employee behavior. The HIPAA rules create national standards designed to protect personal health information. The rules set limitations on the use and disclosure of health records and establish safeguards to protect the privacy of health information. For the average health care provider like Clarian, the Privacy Rule requires activities such as:
  • Adopting and implementing privacy procedures
  • Training employees so that they understand the privacy procedures
  • Designating an individual to be responsible for overseeing privacy procedures
  • Properly securing patient health information

Health care providers have a strong tradition of safeguarding private health information. That tradition is based on trust.

The hospital system I work for has an abundance of resources to help nurses navigate the nuances of the HIPAA rules including a new Web page with links to policies, training modules and people who can help us uphold the trust of our patients when it comes to protected health information.

What does your employer do to help you understand HIPAA?

Lucia Wocial, PhD, RN
Clarian Health Nurse Ethicist

To apply for a nursing position at Clarian, visit Registered Nurse Jobs Indianapolis.

College Grads Ask Nursing Jobs Recruitment Questions at Indiana University South Bend

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

I recently had the pleasure to go to Indiana University South Bend’s campus and meet with their nursing students on behalf of Clarian. The students were a mixture of May, August, and December graduates. They all were excited about the end of the semester and drained from finals week.

This opportunity gave me a chance to discuss the wonderful education and advancement opportunities that Clarian has to offer its nurses. I discussed with them the importance of getting their applications in early. I asked my group at what date did they start applying for positions. The earliest month the May graduates had applied was in February. Due to the economy there is not a lot of turnover in nursing positions. New graduates should embrace that securing a position in a system and gaining experience, even if the position is not your first choice, is a wise decision.

To view all of the Clarian nursing job opportunities, please log on to RN Job Opportunities Indiana. I enjoyed the beautiful South Bend campus and the opportunity to speak on all the great things going on here at Clarian.  

Shalunda
 

Frequent Questions of New Graduate Nurses

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
"What is the best place for a new nurse to start a career?"

"I was told that to be a good nurse you must have med/surg experience before going into a specialty area. Is that true?"

"I apply for positions that require experience because I was a student nurse on the floor for two years."

"I was told that I need to pass my boards before I would be hired into a hospital."

"Does my clinical experience count for nurse experience?"

"Is Clarian on a nursing hiring freeze?"

"Do you offer a sign-on bonus?"

These are all questions and comments that come to me and my colleagues in nurse recruitment. I wanted to take time to address them. We welcome all new nurses to apply for positions here at Clarian. On the Clarian Nursing Career Center website, you will see the open positions posted, and most of the positions that require nursing experience will say that on the posting.

It is the individuals preference as to gaining floor nursing experience before going into a specialty area. We do offer, at different times during the year, specialty internships to help new nurses get training in those specialty areas. Examples are the operating rooms and critical care areas.

Student nurse extern or nursing school clinical does not qualify as nursing experience. Positions posted for RN experience are looking for registered nurse experience.

Although Clarian does not offer sign-on bonuses, we do have other incentives for employees such as the career advancement program, tuition reimbursement, and advancement in education through the Clarian degree program at work.

For answers to any other questions, please contact a nurse recruiter at 317 962-2600.

Shalunda

To apply for a nursing position at Clarian, visit Registered Nurse Jobs Indianapolis.

Advice to New Nurses Applying for Positions

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team
May graduation dates are fast and approaching. The applications for new graduate nurses are coming in to the Clarian system in large numbers. Some of the positions listed may have up to twenty people applying for the same position in a single day.

I receive emails and phone calls from new graduates on a daily basis who are frustrated and anxious that they have not received an interview for a position. Some applicants have applied to the areas of their choices and now those positions are not available any more. They seek our advice on what to do at this point. Some applicants have applied to every position posted regardless on the position just in hopes of getting a call back on something.

My advice to all of these applicants is not to give up. At this point in the year, as a new graduate, you may not have an opportunity to start in the area of your first or even second choice, but any clinical experience is good experience. Also apply to positions wisely, do not just apply to any position that is posted. If the position says it requires experience please do not apply. It is a waste of your time. Spend your energy on the positions that you know that you have a choice to get an interview for.

Be assertive and follow up on your application. Once a position is filled or your application is no longer going to be considered for the position, you will receive an email informing you. If you have received several emails in a row, contact the recruitment staff for advice on why you have not been considered for the positions. Some people say they never receive any communication at all. Upon investigation, they may have listed their email address wrong on the application therefore all communication was not able to go through.

We are here as a resource for all applicants. Remember, there is a person behind all the email and online correspondence. Do not be afraid to contact us because we want you to succeed. We as recruiters want to assist you the best way we can to start your nursing career in a positive way.

Shalunda

To apply for a nursing position at Clarian, visit Registered Nurse Job Opportunities.