Nov. Dec. 2013 Jan.

2014

Volume 10 Issue 2

Table of Contents:
Contact your Board Welcome to the Family S16 Nurse Residency Programs: Catching up with our Alumni!
p3 p1

p2

CNSA Fresno State Students Attending CNSA State Convention

TOGETHER WE LEARN

TOGETHER WE CARE

Needle Stick 101 What you need to know. See you in NASHVILLE! Keep in Touch with CNSA Fresno!

TOGETHER WE GROW
p7 p8

p9

Join us this issue for a look inside CNSA -Fresno State Chapter as we catch up with our alumni and prepare for NSNA National Convention in April!

RN Formation is a publication of CNSA-CSUF Dept. of Nursing 2345 E. San Ramon Ave, M/S MH. Fresno, CA 93740 Phone: (559) 278-2041 Fax: (559) 278-6360

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 1

CNSA Fresno State

Board of Directors 2013-2014

Zack Huddleston Chapter President

zhuddleston@mail.frensostate.edu

Sheri Cooley Vice President

coolsheri@mail.fresnostate.edu

Joy Recchio Treasurer

joyrecchio@mail.fresnostate.edu

Erin Kangas Secretary

ekangas@mail.fresnostate.edu

Noah Morales Community Health Director

nsmorales@mail.fresnostate.edu

Jordan Burns Legislative Director

jtburns33@mail.fresnostate.edu

Jireh Somera Website Director

jirehsomera@mail.fresnostate.edu

Jacquelyn Yerian Publications & Media Director

yerian@mail.fresnostate.edu

Tania Navarro Membership Director

taniamn@mail.fresnostate.edu

Thomas Fuentez Events Director

tommyfu@mail.fresnostate.edu

Vanesa Vidal BTN Director

vvidal@mail.fresnostate.edu

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 2

Welcome to the Family

Class of Fall 2016!

This January, CNSA as well as other mentors in our nursing family greeted the Class of Fall 2016 at our Welcome Brunch and RN Boot Camp. While here, our newest nurses-in-training enjoyed a 3-day adventure filled with ice breakers, advice on strategies for success, a skills rotation through our nursing resource center and tons of raffle prizes!

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 3

Nurse Residency Programs

A look inside how to prepare for your post-grad life.

Do you think you will be ready to hit the ground running as a new RN once you graduate and pass the NCLEX? Does the thought of being on your own caring for patients fresh out of school sound intimidating? Take a look inside what a Nurse Residency Program has to offer as we catch up with Fresno State Alumni, Dennis Coln

My name is Dennis Coln and I graduated from California State University, Fresno with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2011 (#S11 shout out!). I currently work as a Clinical Nurse II in the Medical ICU at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. I am also a graduate of the 2013 UC Davis Nursing Residency Program and have been here for just under two years. To lend a positive word, believe me when I say that all the hard work and sacrifices you are making will pay off. You will be rewarded with the keys to entering one of the greatest and most exciting professions pursuable!

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 4

Nurse Residency Programs

A look inside how to prepare for your post-grad life.
What is a Nurse Residency Program?
A Nurse Residency Program aims to be a structured educational orientation that hospitals implement to ease the transition for newly graduated nurses into the profession and the facility they will be working in. The ultimate goal is to increase retention of new nurses in the profession by preventing early burnout as a result of negatively perceived experiences during the transition. These programs can vary in length and content but generally include some form of mentoring, ongoing didactic education, and leadership component. Participation in our program lasts one year and includes monthly classes and activities within our cohort. Graduation requires the completion of an Evidenced-Based Practice project and presentation to our institution's executive leadership members.

When should I apply for a Nurse Residency Program?

Application periods for these programs vary in both timing and frequency per institution. The UC Davis Nursing Residency Program currently takes applications three times a year, generally in the spring, summer, and fall.

How competitive is admission into this type of program?

Gone are the golden days we've all heard of when new nurses were scouted and recruited by hospitals like #1 draft picks. Being showered with jobs and sign-on bonuses sound like a fairy tale. Things are turning around though, and the current job market for new grad nurses is quickly improving. However, competition for a seat in a residency program remains strong given the value of the participation experience itself. There will often be hundreds of applicants to each program with the interview and selection process being very stringent. To use my experience as an example, our cohort had over 1200 applicants with approximately 30 chosen for hire. The applications are screened by Human Resources and the top candidates are compiled into a hospital-wide pool for individual unit-managers to select from. In my case, my manager was forwarded the applications of 50 candidates with Medical ICU experience (attained during your senior preceptorship and/or externship). From that, she chose 10 candidates to interview with the hopes of filling just 2 positions. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to find out I was chosen for a position.

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 5

Nurse Residency Programs

A look inside how to prepare for your post-grad life.
How can I set my myself apart from other applicants?
The most important thing we look at is the quality and quantity of your experience. Did you have an externship? How many hours did you complete in your senior preceptorship? Have you worked in a hospital before? How big were these hospitals? Bigger hospitals with higher trauma level designations tend to see the more complex cases and offer experience with more advanced treatments. Do you have any certifications? Did you show initiative by gathering a few on your own? Common certifications may include BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIHSS, TNCC, etc. There's plenty to chose from and the classes are almost like pseudo-experience. Having the advanced certifications shows you know what you're getting into. Think of them as another small investment towards your marketability. How are your grades? Yes, grades! Our program specifically asks for transcripts, not just an overall GPA. When there so many candidates to consider, a strong GPA will help your standing because it gives a track record of how committed you can be as a employee and teammate. Try to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher if possible. What is your work history like? Where have you worked? How long is your work history and are there any gaps? Did you leave on good terms with your previous jobs? A healthcare job is better than just any job, but no work experience is a tough sell. If you have no hospital experience, it's not the end of the world. Highlight skills such as teamwork, customer service, efficiency, ability to handle stressful and dynamic environments, etc. You'd be surprised what jobs you can relate to nursing. The last few things you may want to consider as bonuses are: languages spoken other than English, affiliation with professional organizations, volunteer work, research, strong letters of recommendation, and just an overall professional looking resume that includes a good cover letter.

What are the benefits of a Nurse Residency experience?

As mentioned before, residency programs serve the essential purpose of supporting you through the frightening and daunting transition to becoming an independent professional nurse. Think of it as an extension of nursing school. The opportunity to have a support system of mentors and fellow new grads from Day 1 can be very beneficial for coping with the many experiences you will face in the beginning of your career. The ongoing classes serve to solidify what is being learned in the clinical setting while also providing clarification for questions and concerns.

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 6

Nurse Residency Programs

A look inside how to prepare for your post-grad life.

How has your experience in this type of program changed your feelings about being a new nurse?
Having had the opportunity to participate in a nurse residency program, I can say that I have become more involved at my institution from a leadership standpoint. The positive experience I had in completing an Evidenced-Based Practice project of my own has sparked my interest in pursuing further education and research. After graduating from the program, I went on to successfully complete the AACN critical care certification examination to obtain my CCRN designation. Along with serving on my unit's hiring committee, I have also become a member of our Unit Based Practice Council where we strive to implement new ideas to improve the overall patient care experience. This spring, I will be completing our formal preceptor training program so that I may become a new hire preceptor while also learning how to not eat my young. I encourage everyone to apply to the many nursing residency programs available and wish you all the best in your studies!

CNSA Fresno State and the Nursing Department would like to thank Dennis for being a great example of a nurse leader! We couldnt be more proud. Dennis would also like to extend his support and warmest wishes to his sister, Kelly Coln who is in her fourth semester of Nursing! May all of the sacrifices and hard work lead to a bright and fulfilling future! Inspired by this Q&A with Dennis and want to ask him additional questions? Feel free to email him with any questions or concerns you have about investing in your future through a Nurse Residency Program!

Dennis Coln, RN, BSN, CCRN dcolon@mail.fresnostate.edu

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 7

True Life: Im a new RN

And have already had TWO needle-stick incidents.

of the protocol, the surgery was far from over and neither of the other two nurses in the operating room could scrub. Fresno State Graduate, Lia Xiong takes us inside her experience as a brand new RN dealing with her first needle-stick encounters. Not only did I get a needle-stick Its one of those situations in which you tell yourself: It wont happen to me. As a fresh new graduate, I was still extra careful about all the things they warn you about in nursing school such as religiously gelling my hands after each patient encounter and wearing a TB mask if I even suspected that the patient has TB as a precaution. A needle-stick injury was the last thing I thought would happen to me in the months following graduation. However, not only did I get a needle-stick injury once, it happened twice within my first year of nursing. Although the needle-stick itself wasnt too painful, blood exposure is not a thing to be taken lightly. I was a scrub nurse for open heart surgery and we were working late to replace an aortic valve. Although the patient had a known history of intravenous drug abuse, as a standard precaution, I always wore two gloves during all surgeries. Regardless of the safeguards I took, I still acquired a needle-stick injury during the middle of the case. I was reaching towards the patients chest to load a suture that had just gone through the aorta when the assistant surgeon reached across me and accidentally stabbed my finger with the suture that was in his hand. The assistant apologized and continued on with the procedure. Although the protocol is to get treated for blood exposure within the first two hours following the needle-stick, I was unaware

injury once, it happened TWICE within my first year of nursing.

I didnt receive treatment for four hours following the initial injury and, just my luck, the patient tested positive for hepatitis C and I was now at risk. They explained that the chance of procuring hepatitis C from a needle-stick injury is 1.8%, however, because it was a small solidbore needle, the chances of acquiring the disease was significantly less. I decided to forgo the prophylactic treatments for hepatitis C because of their vile side effects for six months of routine blood work. No more than a few months after my six months of blood work and final confirmation of being negative for hepatitis c, I was stuck by another oblivious assistant surgeon. This time around, after learning the protocol from my first injury, I immediately scrubbed my injured area with betadine and went to the emergency department to get treated for the blood exposure. Thankfully, the patient from whom this needlestick injury occurred turned out to be negative for any blood-borne pathogens. Ive had to learn my lesson the hard way: not only do I need to take precaution when handling needles, but to also keep an eye on others who are handling sharps around me.

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 8

Join us in Nashville, TN for

NSNA National Convention!

TEAM fun EXPERIENCE opportunity bonding leadership Friendship
NSNA National Convention in Nashville, TN is right around the corner! We hope that you will join us on the enriching experience as we explore opportunities to learn and grow as both a chapter and as individuals in the nursing profession.

For more information, attend our CNSA meetings every other week (see Calendar of Events). In weeks to follow, we will be discussing booking flights, hotels, and a cost breakdown for this amazing trip!

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 9th Sunday April 13th

WHERE:

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Nashville, TN

TEAM

fun

EXPERIENCE

opportunity

bonding

leadership

Friendship

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 9

Volunteer Opportunities
Come join us at the following events! Contact Mary Ann McCarthy for details. mamccarthy@csufresno.edu
Mar 2nd 8:00am-12:00pm 10:00am -2:00pm TBA (4 hour shifts) TBA (4 hour shifts) 8:00am-12:00pm 10:00am -2:00pm 8:00am-12:00pm 10:00am -2:00pm 8:00am-12:00pm 10:00am -2:00pm 8:00am-12:00pm 11:00am-3:00pm TBA (4 hour shifts) 8:00am-12:00pm 10:00am -2:00pm TBA (4 hour shifts) Madera Swap Meet Madera Swap Meet Deaf Community Povarello House Sunnyside Swap Meet Sunnyside Swap Meet Madera Swap Meet Madera Swap Meet Sunnyside Swap Meet Sunnyside Swap Meet SAFE balance Clinic (1625 E. Shaw #155) SAFE balance Clinic (1625 E. Shaw #155) Povarello House Madera Swap Meet Madera Swap Meet Sihk Punbjabi Event Bulldog Pantry

Mar 8th Mar 9th Mar 16th

Apr 6th Apr 13th Apr 23rd Apr 27th Mar 4th TBA

Mentoring
Want to help out your fellow nursing students with tough subjects and developing their clinical skills?
1St Semester Testing Tues 1:00-6:00pm Thurs 1:00-6:00pm

CNSA Meetings
All meetings will be held on Mondays from 4:30pm 5:30pm. Location: Music 160
Jan. 27 (NRC) Feb. 10 Feb. 24 Mar. 10 Mar. 24 Apr. 7 Apr. 21 May. 5

NRC NRC

Skills Mentoring for all semesters Mon 8:30am -4:00pm NRC Wed 8:30am -4:00pm NRC Fri 8:30am -4:00pm NRC

Questions or Comments?
Contact Jacquelyn Yerian for information yerian@mail.fresnostate.edu

RN Formation Vol. 10 Issue 2.

Page 10

We Want You!

To Get Involved.
Do you know an inspirational nurse-leader who should be featured in an upcoming issue of RN Formation? Send us your suggestions and let us highlight someone who is modeling everything we stand for as a profession!

Editor: Jacquelyn Yerian

I hope that you have enjoyed this issue of RN Formation! I look forward to your feedback on what you liked, what you want to see more of, and any way that I can improve this publication to get you the information you need and want. Feel free to use my contact information below to reach me. Questions or Comments: yerian@mail.fresnostate.edu

Try scanning our handy new QR Codes to take you straight to our website and Facebook Page!

ORGSYNC

FACEBOOK

RN Formation is a publication of CNSA-CSU Fresno Dept. of Nursing 2345 E. San Ramon Ave, M/S MH. Fresno, CA 93740 Phone: (559) 278-2041 Fax: (559) 278-6360

Mission: CNSA Fresno State Chapter

Our Mission is to provide our Nursing and Pre-Nursing students with opportunities that increase awareness of professional organizations, promote education and knowledge of Nursing, and encourage involvement on local, state, and national levels. Furthermore, CNSA Fresno State seeks to optimize student exposure to the diversity existing within Nursing, and establish bidirectional communication between its members, nonmembers, advisors, faculty and the community.

Editor: Jacquelyn Yerian

Publications & Media Director CNSA - Fresno State Chapter Publications/Media Committee: Jireh Somera, Kati Chaffin, Desiree Pimentel, Jordan Burns, Noah Morales.