RNs: Keep Your Bedside Experience Current

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It might be tempting to cut back on working hours at your current position now that you are in the process of coming to the USA. In order to maintain solid clinical skills performing bedside patient care, and increase your chances of getting selected by a facility,�you should continue to work at least two shifts per week with a minimum of 20 hours�in the hospital to make sure your clinical skills are sharp and you are prepared to start performing all the functions of a nurse upon arrival to the USA.�Not only will working a minimum of 20 hours a week keep your resume strong and make you a great candidate choice for facilities, it will also help you maintain your skills as a healthcare professional.

How can you acquire at least 20 hours a week of bedside experience?
  • Work longer or shorter shifts to fit your personal schedule.
  • Volunteering. It may be unpaid, but this way you can keep your skills proficient and learn other areas of practice.
  • Have perseverance. Keep in mind you're doing this to reach your American dream and by keeping up with the minimum 20 hours a week, you will be glad you did it.
Skills RNs should have when they come to the USA:
  • Medication Calculations. Some hospitals require this before being able to work as a regular staff member.
  • Cardiac Drugs. You should be aware and adept with these drugs, and know a maximum safe dosage that can be administered, in case you are assigned in special areas such as Telemetry and ICU units.
  • IV Drips. Typically, IV drips are infused through pumps � not manually � therefore you should be aware that in the U.S. they need to use�mL/H drips�and NOT the manually regulated IV gtts/min drips.
  • Wound Care.

If you need assistance with any of those skills, please contact your assigned International Deployment Advocate and he/she can direct you to online training resources.If you have any questions, feel free to ask your designated International Deployment Advocate.Be sure to check out more great articles in the Employee Education Center to help you succeed in your new life in the USA!

PUBLISHED
May 22, 2020
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