Transcript of #RNchat, a Twitter chat for registered nurses and the public. Topics included: Nursing Salaries Second-career Registered Nurses For more information: visit http://RNchat.org Follow @RNchat on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/RNchat

1. rnchat: Welcome to #RNchat! We'll get started in a moment. Let's begin with introductions. Tell
us about yourself in < 140!
3/5/2010 20:30
EllenRichter: Good evening! I am happy to stop work for a quick break with my #RNchat friends
tonight!! TGIF even if I'm working!! :)
3/5/2010 20:32
lorryschoenly: Hi, glad we are a little early tonight. Need to leave at 9 - Correctional Nurse educator and
advocate. Howdy All #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:33
KPNurseRecruit: Hi everyone! I'm happy to be back tonight after having to miss the last 2 #RNChat I'm a
Nurse Recruiter within Kaiser Permanente in Cali
3/5/2010 20:33
EllenRichter: I'm from unseasonably freezing south Florida! I'm a critical care nurse & legal nurse
consultant. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:34
InfusionNurse: Howdy to all!! Infusion nurse and nurse educator. Happy to be here!! #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:34
EllenRichter: Howdy Phil, Lorry, Louetta & "Infusion"! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:35
rnchat: OK, first topic coming up! #RNchat Please prepend replies to topics with T1, T2, etc.
3/5/2010 20:36
InfusionNurse: @EllenRichter ..LOL...Ido have a name....its Cora!! LOL Hi back to you all!! #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:36
rnchat: @EllenRichter @infusionnurse @kpnurserecruit @lorryshoenly Howdy! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:37
cyclingwidow: Missing my nurse peeps tonight at #rnchat. Am at 5yr olds Upward awards
3/5/2010 20:37
EllenRichter: @InfusionNurse Cora!! Well, finally! LMAO~ Welcome Cora! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:37
rnchat: T1 Nursing Salaries: What are average salaries for different kinds of nursing? How can
we demonstrate value & raise pay? #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:37
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat OMG didn't know it was tonight! T1
3/5/2010 20:38
InfusionNurse: T1: varies with geographic location, experience and length of service... #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:39
rnchat: @ocdgirl2000 Sorry - I didn't promote it too heavily. ...Welcome! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:40
EllenRichter: @RNchat Wow T1 is an excellent question! How can we demonstrate value & raise pay?
#RNchat
3/5/2010 20:41
EllenRichter: T1 I watch all my colleagues in other disciplines ie: PT, RT, nutrition--they all bill for

2. services rendered. Where did we go wrong? #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:42
KPNurseRecruit: RT @rnchat: T1 Nursing Salaries: What are average salaries for different kinds of
nursing? How can we demonstrate value & raise pay? #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:42
EllenRichter: @ocdgirl2000 T1 Yes, good benefits really can be an important salary adjuster!! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:42
EllenRichter: T1 I really think nurses need to restructure how we get paid & what we get paid for
#RNchat
3/5/2010 20:43
philbaumann: @EllenRichter "Your backside is clean and dry. That'll be $35 please. We take Visa,
Mastercard, Medicare, Medicaid" ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:44
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T1yep, and accumulated leave, sick leave benefits, retirement benefits, matched
retirement contributions, etc.
3/5/2010 20:44
EllenRichter: T1LMAO @philbaumann almost kinda!! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:44
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T1 my "leave" accumulates at a faster rate after 5,10, 15 years..
3/5/2010 20:45
philbaumann: @EllenRichter Actually, I left a zero out. $35 is way too low. Gotta go for the gusto.
That's what docs have done ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:46
InfusionNurse: @philbaumann ..T1 wish it's that way, often nursing is free...part of room charge..sad
#rnchat
3/5/2010 20:46
EllenRichter: T1 I really do believe our "worth" would increase if everyone saw our task lists per hour
and divided that by our hourly wages! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:49
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T1 I know they enacted the Lilly Ledbetter act in 2009,in MD so that if you are
performing the exact same job as a peer,same salary!
3/5/2010 20:49
nursingpins: Nurses could take on cases - would not have to be there all the time - ordinate the care -
(a true nursing practice) #Rnchat T1
3/5/2010 20:49
onlinenursing: Ahhhh I 'm late to #RNChat
3/5/2010 20:50
EllenRichter: T1 If I perform 15 high level patient-care interventions in 1 hour & make $30/hr, each task
is worth only $2 bucks? C'mon its insane #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:50
EllenRichter: @nursingpins T1 I always thought that was a great idea & think with electronics
improving, we will see better use of RNs #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:51
rnchat: @nursingpins Hi, Vernon! #RNchat

3. 3/5/2010 20:52
EllenRichter: And hi Vernon, Terri & Lynne!! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:52
meducate: @EllenRichter it's about fair market value within the HC system #rnchat :0)
3/5/2010 20:52
nursingpins: Charge for Assmts - care plans - complex procedures - be there for questions and
education - fee for service #rnchat T1
3/5/2010 20:52
EllenRichter: @meducate Hi there! T1 But nurses really never SET fair market value before! I think its
high time! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:53
onlinenursing: T1 - interesting conversation. Here in SWMo, salaries are some of the lowest in nation for
RN, NP, and academia. Great ideas guys #RNChat
3/5/2010 20:53
rnchat: OK, next topic coming up in a moment. Pay is a huge issue - so many angles to discuss.
We should do a whole chat on it, right? #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:53
InfusionNurse: @meducate ..do u know what the FMV is for nurses? #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:54
nursingpins: As nurses - we do so little now - compared to what we could do - we do everything else
AND nursing #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:55
EllenRichter: @onlinenursing Yes its really very disappointing to see the wide differences in RN salaries
throughout the country! #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:55
rnchat: RT @nursingpins: As nurses - we do so little now - compared to what we could do - we
do everything else AND nursing #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:55
EllenRichter: LOL how sad but true! How to get out from that rut?? >> RT @nursingpins: As nurses
we do everything else AND nursing #rnchat #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:56
nursingpins: We do a tiny bit for everybody but not a lot for any one pt - as we should #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:57
KPNurseRecruit: T1 If there's any consolation, in my regional area, nurses r more highly compensated than
most the rest of the multidisp team mbrs #RNChat
3/5/2010 20:57
onlinenursing: @rnchat & @nursingpins - great points- imagine how much healthcare would improve if
nurses could just nurse and not everything else #RNChat
3/5/2010 20:57
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T1 lets not go there!The gov is cutting services now! we have no cleaning
services any more!Guess who the maids are>?
3/5/2010 20:57
rnchat: T2 Second-career Nurses: What are your experiences with them? Do their backgrounds
bring new perspective? #RNchat

4. 3/5/2010 20:57
InfusionNurse: @nursingpins ..we've been so "giving" that we really don't think of getting paid for all that
we do... #rnchat
3/5/2010 20:58
EllenRichter: T1 My patient said "why do nurses have to empty the garbage & linen from the ICU
rooms?" "There is no one else" I answered #RNchat
3/5/2010 20:58
EllenRichter: T2 Second-career usually connotates some increased level of maturity. I think 2nd career
RNs "critically think" better #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:00
EllenRichter: @ocdgirl2000 LOL, yes, lets not go there....maid service 101 #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:00
onlinenursing: T2- hmm-good question.Depends on the nurse.4some it is career they always
wanted,4others they R just trying 2 find job security. #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:01
nursingpins: I welcome (2nd. degree nurses) for so long - nurses had always been nurses - They have
fresh perspectives and the maturity helps. #rnchat T2
3/5/2010 21:01
EllenRichter: @Cathy_Robinson Theres just not enough housekeeping help after hours! If we do a
procedure in an ICU room, we make a mess! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:01
KPNurseRecruit: T1 A quick salary comparison calculator tool in case u ever decide 2 move 2 another
region in US. http://www.bestplaces.net/COL/ #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:02
Cathy_Robinson: RT @nursingpins: I welcome (2nd. degree nurses) for so long - nurses had always been
nurses - They have fresh perspectives and the maturity helps. #rnchat T2
3/5/2010 21:02
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 Large BAGS of garbage down long halls..with a million little empty methadone
dose bottles..with patients looking at us.."eyes.."
3/5/2010 21:02
EllenRichter: T2 I had an orientation programs for open heart RNs with no prior ICU experience...many
were firefighters who became RNs #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:03
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 and no vacuum cleaner..had to ask where it was?one we had manager didn't
like it in her office.now, it's gone!
3/5/2010 21:04
nursingpins: I work with a guy who was an off-shore worker - wonderful nurse - married a nurse and
got interested - great leader #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:04
philbaumann: I'm second-career myself. I do think there's something about having a different
background & being older. Lots of positive feedback. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:04
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 I'm a second career RN.
3/5/2010 21:04

5. DianaCCRN: @EllenRichter @Cathy_Robinson #RNchat We do not staff housekeeping after hours in
my facility. It is all on us.
3/5/2010 21:05
EllenRichter: T2 Those firefighter-to-RN staff were really great workers!! I loved them!! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:05
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 degree was in human ecology, textile marketing.
3/5/2010 21:05
jodyms: Checking over to #RNChat. Be back later.
3/5/2010 21:05
InfusionNurse: @ocdgirl2000 @philbaumann....any regrets? #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:05
philbaumann: Of course, if you started nursing as a first career, you probably don't know how much work
yer doing compared to office workers ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:06
nursingpins: For Critical Care - takes years to be really effective - but there are so many opportunities
in so many other areas (2nd career) #rnchat T2
3/5/2010 21:07
EllenRichter: @philbaumann Funny...I am a first-career RN and I still cannot believe how much work I
do! ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:07
KPNurseRecruit: I interviewed an RN 2day who was an archeaologist n his previous career. Took his
degree and turned it into an accelerated MSN. #RNChat T2
3/5/2010 21:07
philbaumann: @InfusionNurse No - but I do wish nursing got a LOT more support from the culture,
facilities, (and nurses themselves) etc. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:07
onlinenursing: Ooohhh.Love paramedic to RN people. hey ROCK! the premed2RN though-repeatedly
remind me they were premed-like their smarter :) #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:07
philbaumann: @EllenRichter LOL - but if you worked in an office before nursing, you'd proly go "Damn,
THIS is work" ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:08
EllenRichter: @KPNurseRecruit Wow, thats a very unusual change in careers! There must be no
opportunity for archeologists? :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:08
DianaCCRN: @onlinenursing T2 #rnchat my thoughts excatly. Also some of the older generation have
issues respecting younger nurses w/ more experience.
3/5/2010 21:08
meducate: @InfusionNurse It has to be established or derived #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:08
Cathy_Robinson: RT @onlinenursing: Ooohhh.Love paramedic to RN people. hey ROCK! the premed2RN
though-repeatedly remind me they were premed-like their smarter :) #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:09
lperk: @EllenRichter I would agree. #RNchat

6. 3/5/2010 21:10
KPNurseRecruit: @EllenRichter He is actually internal--but going for higher level mgmt position. U should
see him rock on the research n protocols #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:10
EllenRichter: @lperk Thanks! I love when people agree with me!! ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:11
onlinenursing: RT @DianaCCRN #RNChat Also some of older generation have issues respecting
younger nurses w/ more experience.Good point-back 2 lat. violence
3/5/2010 21:11
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 was preggers with number 2 kid & was age 28 had job at Beltsville
agricultural research center.. 18 credits away..
3/5/2010 21:11
rnchat: @meducate Derived value. Kinda like derivative markets. I like that. Nurses should use
that model. Worked for bailed-out banks. ;) #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:11
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 then had him, he was born with Sturge Weber Syndrome
3/5/2010 21:12
EllenRichter: I think it was T1 I'd like to be on the "derived value" committee, thank you!! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:12
onlinenursing: @ocdgirl2000 So did having the child with an illness help push you to nursing? #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:13
DianaCCRN: #rnchat T2 my husband is currently in nursing school after working in Agriculture for 8
years. It was necessary but NSG seems to fit him.
3/5/2010 21:13
nursingpins: I would rather have the rudest most expir'ed nurse that the sweetest one with little--
respect for knowledge has never been a problem #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:13
onlinenursing: @EllenRichter we would totally make you chair of the derived value committe :) #RNChat.
3/5/2010 21:14
philbaumann: @onlinenursing @dianaCCRN I could see that happening. In my experience, though,
respect for expertise has trumped age issues. #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:14
jodyms: @PhilBaumann No hiding in the cubicle or restroom, that's for sure. #rnchat T2
3/5/2010 21:14
jodyms: @nursechenene Makes sense. I'm interested in cancer survivorship, #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:15
EllenRichter: @DianaCCRN Many of those factory workers will not stay nurses for sure. Its not the kind
of job you take JUST because you can #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:15
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 well bad marriage ensued among all that with all those hospitalizations , I
figured what the heck?I'm here all the time anyway?
3/5/2010 21:16
philbaumann: @jodyms Yep. No long lunches (or any lunches) either. ;) #RNchat

7. 3/5/2010 21:16
onlinenursing: @nursingpins ahhhh-great point! Love it-want experience-although barking orders/angry
RN raises my B/P.Met 1 yest when GF had surg #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:16
Cathy_Robinson: RT @ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 well bad marriage ensued among all that with all those
hospitalizations , I figured what the heck?I'm here all the time anyway?
3/5/2010 21:16
rnchat: RT @EllenRichter: @DianaCCRN Many of those factory workers will not stay nurses for
sure. Its not the kind of job you take JUST because you can #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:16
NursingCenter: Hi everyone! Just jumping in here ~ will try to catch up! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:17
jodyms: @PhilBaumann I can imagine; having been a patient and worked in hospitals (pr/mktg)
#RNchat Would do rounds w/Night Supervisor #RNchats
3/5/2010 21:17
EllenRichter: @ocdgirl2000 What a story! You are amazing! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:18
ocdgirl2000: @onlinenursing #rnchat a child,both children, and both parents..I've been caring for
people my whole life, really...lol, in retrospect..
3/5/2010 21:18
PamelaKline: @EllenRichter I couldn't agree more Ellen! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:18
Cathy_Robinson: RT @ocdgirl2000: @onlinenursing #rnchat a child,both children, and both parents..I've
been caring for people my whole life, really...lol, in retrospect..
3/5/2010 21:18
EllenRichter: @NursingCenter Hi there GF, welcome! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:19
InfusionNurse: They can b/c they know they're good!! RT @EllenRichter: @nursingpins LOL yes, and
why are some of the best ICU nurses rude?? #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:19
rnchat: Nice conversation! Final topic coming up in a few minutes. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:19
PamelaKline: @EllenRichter #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:19
rnchat: @NursingCenter Great to see you! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:19
PamelaKline: @PamelaKline oops! Hit send & wasn't done! Thanks Ellen. Hi Phil:) Sorry I'm late
#RNChat
3/5/2010 21:20
KPNurseRecruit: @NursingCenter Glad you made it! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:20
InfusionNurse: @nursingpins ...knowledge is power.... #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:20

8. lperk: #rnchat T2 I'm a second career RN, too, via accelerated MSN. Previous& current pt univ
prof in communic &new grad RN. Plan to continu both
3/5/2010 21:20
EllenRichter: @PamelaKline Hi Pam! Thanks! I really do wish for that! Give $ value to our thousands of
patient-related interventions! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:20
heathersebi98: T2 I'm a second career RN as well...was a music major the first go round. Talk about
change! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:21
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 daughter ADHD bipolar, son Sturge Weber syndrome ,bilateral. congenital
glaucoma from 3 mos old, bilateral surgeries, 7 times!
3/5/2010 21:21
nursesluck: I was mostly a waitress prior 2 nursing, trying 2 raise enough $ 2 put myself thru college
drama training. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:21
NursingCenter: @EllenRichter @rnchat Thanks for the welcome! Glad to be here - sorry I'm late! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:21
nursingpins: RT @InfusionNurse: @nursingpins ...knowledge is power.... #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:21
rnchat: @PamelaKline Hi, Pam! Glad you're hear! Ah, time's not important as long as it all works
out. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:22
DianaCCRN: @EllenRichter @nursingpins #RNchat I see us as more vocal patient advocates. We are
pushy but those are the nurses I want on my side!
3/5/2010 21:22
heathersebi98: I kind of disagree...ICU nurses have their niche, but have you ever seen a medsurg nurse
work? YO, that's some MAJOR skill! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:22
EllenRichter: T2 Wow I think 2nd career RNs outnumber 1st career ones! Its great to know people flock
to the profession. Are you all happy U did? #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:23
nursingpins: @InfusionNurse I have been guilty of being rude to less expirenced nurses - trying to
change :) #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:23
NursingCenter: @nursesluck wow - love to hear stories about how nurses got into nursing...so many
different paths! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:23
nursesluck: My mom's death in 82 changed all that: I wanted 2 save the world. Premed turned 2
nursing after 5 C's threw my GPA! No regrets. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:23
EllenRichter: @heathersebi98 ABSOLUTELY! I think med/surg nurses---these days especially---need
to get a medal of honor. High acuity, low staffing #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:24
DianaCCRN: @nursingpins @InfusionNurse #rnchat the nature of nursing is for us to eat our young.

9. 3/5/2010 21:24
heathersebi98: @EllenRichter preach it sister! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:24
EllenRichter: @nursesluck Wow, what an interesting, sad, yet happy (in the end) (hopefully) change of
careers! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:24
InfusionNurse: @nursingpins ..rude or impatient? #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:25
nursingpins: Units need to maintain a mix- for many reasons - all need support #rnchat (each other)
3/5/2010 21:25
NursingCenter: @nursingpins I've been there too - we all have our bad days! Or days when our patience
is not as it should be! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:25
rnchat: Actually - you know what? The convo about T2 has turned out to be very interesting.
#RNchat - Shall we skip 3 and just burn this one out?
3/5/2010 21:25
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat I taught my son how 2 have his eyes checked without anesthesia sitting on
telephone book 4 years old,applanation tonometer!pressure
3/5/2010 21:25
NursingCenter: RT @EllenRichter ABSOLUTELY! I think med/surg nurses--these days especially--need
to get a medal of honor. High acuity, low staffing #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:25
EllenRichter: Actually....there really is no place for rudeness or an uppity attitude by any nurse,
experienced or new. Come now... #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:26
onlinenursing: RT @nursingpins @InfusionNurse agree knowledge is power,still not excuse 4 rude
w/fams or fellow RNs. Need 2 teach clear uncond com #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:26
heathersebi98: RT @EllenRichter: Actually....there really is no place for rudeness or an uppity attitude by
any nurse, experienced or new. Come now... #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:26
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat my son could tell the techs or the Nurses which veins were the best to use, and
when his IV's were bad..LOL!
3/5/2010 21:27
PamelaKline: @rnchat T2, I don't know about that 1.I have 2 male friends that r in nsg school now. 1
was a Realtor & other worked @GM! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:27
nursingpins: Hart to remember how hard it was when you first started -then you learn so much - then
with somebody right out of school you forget #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:28
onlinenursing: T2- #RNchat funny how much comes back 2 education (pay, communication, second
career, attitude :)whew-lots of pressure for educators
3/5/2010 21:28
meducate: @RNchat yup! #rnchat

10. 3/5/2010 21:28
InfusionNurse: Good 4 him RT @ocdgirl2000: my son could tell the techs or the Nurses which veins
were the best to use, and when his IVs were bad. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:29
PamelaKline: RT @EllenRichter: Actually..there really is no place for rudeness or an uppity attitude by
any nurse, experienced or new. Come now #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:29
heathersebi98: It's imperative that we change our nursing education system to meet the needs of second
career nurses...and nurses in general. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:29
heathersebi98: No longer can we scare the tar out of students...we need to empower them to be the
future of our careers. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:30
rnchat: @meducate You've inspired a new angle: Nursing should fund higher pay with derivatives
& then proclaim itself Too Big To Fail. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:30
InfusionNurse: True but it happens.RT @EllenRichter: there really is no place for rudeness or an uppity
attitude by any nurse, experienced or new. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:30
shawnta2231: RT @NursingCenter: RT @EllenRichter ABSOLUTELY! I think med/surg nurses--these
days especially--need to get a medal of honor. High acuity, low staffing #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:31
shawnta2231: RT @onlinenursing: RT @DianaCCRN #RNChat Also some of older generation have
issues respecting younger nurses w/ more experience.Good point-back 2 lat. violence
3/5/2010 21:31
shawnta2231: RT @philbaumann: Of course, if you started nursing as a first career, you probably don't
know how much work yer doing compared to office workers ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:31
shawnta2231: RT @onlinenursing: T1 - interesting conversation. Here in SWMo, salaries are some of
the lowest in nation for RN, NP, and academia. Great ideas guys #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:31
onlinenursing: RT @heathersebi98 It's imperative that we change R nursing education system 2 meet
the needs of second career nurses & nurses in gen #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:32
NUR3563: RT @heathersebi98 It's imperative that we change R nursing education system 2 meet
the needs of second career nurses & nurses in gen #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:32
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat T2 when you are the RN in the family,you are the advocate and the
"defender".You R the one who chases down Doctors & hospital folks!
3/5/2010 21:32
nursingpins: MS is hard - compared to any specialty - you are right #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:32
nursingpins: MS requires so much time management - just to do the paper work #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:34

11. EllenRichter: LOL I got nervous there with the barrage of RTs :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:34
RNMark: @NUR3563 Agreed. I'm a second career nurse had to work 50 hrs/wk and do the ADN.
Lucky I'm still sane. Or not #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:34
PamelaKline: Do u think part of the reason for rudeness from older RN's is because they're intimidated
by the newer RN? Power struggle maybe? #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:34
DianaCCRN: @InfusionNurse @EllenRichter #rnchat A good preceptor program helps. Also Hate that ' I
am an RN so I am too good to do that' attitude.
3/5/2010 21:35
ocdgirl2000: @wendymindy79 add your #rnchat hashtag and join us!!! follow @rnchat hey phil!
3/5/2010 21:35
EllenRichter: Thats why there are so many incidents that occur on med/surg floor. Its a series of
disasters waiting to happen--bless med/surg RNs #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:36
nursingpins: @PamelaKline One reason - they are so much more comfortable in the situation = makes
it easy for them. #rnchat (but no excuse)
3/5/2010 21:36
EllenRichter: @PamelaKline Pam I think many older nurses just have shorter fuses & little patience to
teach. They just want to do their work. :( #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:37
InfusionNurse: any thoughts on the opposite of T2 RN's seeking other degrees? #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:37
onlinenursing: @RNMark Mark! Gload to see you here. Love your pic (own a dachsund). Yes,
Accelerated BSN for 2nd career RNs is where we should head #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:37
PamelaKline: 2 good to do that attitude-hate it: When I was a RN tech, 1 RN was too good to get
bedpans, she'd get me even if I was busy! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:38
heathersebi98: @EllenRichter MS is the catch-all! Students should have to learn organization from there
rather than thrown to ICU at graduation! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:38
EllenRichter: @InfusionNurse I know of RNs who go back for law degrees after many years in health
care & are excellent health litigation attorneys #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:39
RNMark: @PamelaKline Nursing has evolved; older nurses haven't always accepted it. New nurses
expect equality.vs hierarchy. #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:39
nursingpins: RT @heathersebi98: @EllenRichter MS is the catch-all! Students should have to learn
organization from there rather than thrown to ICU at graduation! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:39
PamelaKline: @EllenRichter maybe-1 place I worked,there was 1 RN that ALWAYS intimidated nsg
students, new RN's. I think she wanted the POWER:) #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:39

12. rnchat: Funny: (Some) ICU nurses see Med/Surg nursing as a light-load, while Med/Surg nurses
think 2 patients in ICU is a breeze. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:39
EllenRichter: @heathersebi98 I cant agree with you more. Every single RN should have to start their
career on med/surg for at least 2 years! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:39
DianaCCRN: @PamelaKline I work CCU and we do our own pt care. I teach that first to precptees.
#rnchat
3/5/2010 21:40
PamelaKline: @NursingCenter me 2! I never did either. I hardly ever had a RN aide to anything 4 me. I
felt 2 guilty LOL! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:40
KPNurseRecruit: I have to zip my son to Sadie Hawkins dance tonight now. Great chatting with you all!
#RNChat
3/5/2010 21:40
EllenRichter: @Kineticycle Good luck in your new place!! Wow, you moved today and still have time to
chat? :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:40
PamelaKline: @DianaCCRN that's great! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:41
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat I went back to school /divorcee with 2 kids,one disabled,2parents with cancer,&
was in my 30's.I taught 15 aerobics classes a week.
3/5/2010 21:41
nursingpins: Medicine requires a hierarchy in critical decisions - #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:41
NursingCenter: @KPNurseRecruit Awww ~ fun! Have a good night! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:41
rnchat: It's all about perspective. No kind of nursing is harder or easier than another. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:42
RNMark: @onlinenursing Disagree. Accelerated BSN would require earnings disruption. Not living in
van down by river. Need part time model #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:42
onlinenursing: @rnchat again-why can't we all just get along:)? R we so insecure that we feel we need
to be 'better' than other nurses?lat.violence #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:42
EllenRichter: @rnchat Each nurse should have to switch for one week! Med surg go to ICU, ICU nurse
work on med surg floor! Then report back! :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:42
Kineticycle: #RNchat we all seem to think everyone else has it easier than we do. We all are busy +
should be thankful we get to choose our area of work.
3/5/2010 21:42
NursingCenter: @ocdgirl2000 I'm exhausted just reading that! Wow - how did you manage? #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:42

13. DianaCCRN: Rule number one. Provide care for the patient FIRST. All inclusive task. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:43
onlinenursing: @RNMark ahhhh excellent point about #RNchat. So, how would a full time weekend
model work? 12 hours 2 days?
3/5/2010 21:43
ocdgirl2000: #rnchat that was the fastest way I could make a buck and get free babysitting.child
support was unreliable..
3/5/2010 21:44
philbaumann: @EllenRichter @onlinenursing When I was bedside, I got the living s&*^ pulled outta me,
so I know everybody's got their load. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:44
Susie: really want to teach my mom to use twitter bc i think she'd love this #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:44
PamelaKline: RT @DianaCCRN: Rule number one. Provide care for the patient FIRST. All inclusive
task. #rnchat #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:44
heathersebi98: Nursing programs: adapt to the change in student population...offer weekend/night
classes. Working adults could both work and learn! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:44
grimalkinrn: #rnchat finally out with friends for a change!! Med surg RN!!
3/5/2010 21:44
EllenRichter: @DianaCCRN Diana, most days, after 12 hours, I still haven't gotten past rule number
one! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:44
KPNurseRecruit: RT @NursingCenter @KPNurseRecruit Awww ~ fun! Have a good night! #rnchat Thank
you! You too.
3/5/2010 21:44
NursingCenter: @EllenRichter After 8 years in ICU, I was completely overwhelmed when pulled to med-
surg! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:44
Kineticycle: #RNchat Start Monday at Johns Hopkins in Balt, very excited! We all need more
"exchange" programs to share perspectives + ideas.
3/5/2010 21:44
NursingCenter: RT @PamelaKline: RT @DianaCCRN: Rule number one. Provide care for the patient
FIRST. All inclusive task. #rnchat #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:45
rnchat: @Susie We'd love to have her here! It's one of the reasons for it - to get more nurses
involved. Show her slides @ http://RNchat.org #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:45
RNMark: @heathersebi98 Disagree. ICU vs MedSurg success may be more function of learning
style, personality, and nurse cognition. Research? #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:45
EllenRichter: @ocdgirl2000 You really should write a book! I think everyone on Twitter who follow you
would buy it! Thats a good $ million! ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:45

14. DianaCCRN: @EllenRichter #RNchat it's a hard task but by far the most satisfying.
3/5/2010 21:46
EllenRichter: @NursingCenter Oh I'll bet. Sometimes I transfer out SUCH a heavy patient to a
med/surg floor & the nurse has 5 others like mine!! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:47
ocdgirl2000: @NursingCenter #rnchat I'm getting a little teary eyed now..but I must have been very
blessed. Very Blessed indeed!Good health for years!
3/5/2010 21:47
heathersebi98: @RNMark I totally see your point. But what about basic nsg organization. Learning to take
care of 7 vs 2? BIG difference. Time mgt! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:47
EllenRichter: @rnchat LOL you got to @susie before me! I was gonna say the same thing ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:48
EllenRichter: @meducate Hey, are you calling us ODD? or just funny? ;) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:49
heathersebi98: And, let's face facts:a MS pt is not going to get the pt care that a ICU pt gets.There's just
no enough time or hands! #RNchat (sad)
3/5/2010 21:49
rnchat: OK folks, time to wrap it up. Any pearls of wisdom before we finish? #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:49
onlinenursing: @EllenRichter level of acuity of medsurg pts makes me concerned that we may be
burning out our great med surg. Med surge need 4-5. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:50
RNMark: @onlinenursing I was grad of Virginia Commonwealth Nursing Program (RIP) we did 2x8
and 2x12 shifts for clinical. Huge value add! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:50
grimalkinrn: #rnchat I have had my butt kicked on multiple floors. We should never assume anyone's
load is light and stop looking down on one another.
3/5/2010 21:50
ocdgirl2000: @Kineticycle #rnchat oh Hopkins is awesome!! my son gets all of his care there!Sturge
Weber Center for Excellence in in Kennedy Kreiger.
3/5/2010 21:50
EllenRichter: @rnchat My pearl of wisdom is a great big "thanks Phil" for thinking this whole thing up,
so nurses and others can meet like this! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:50
RNMark: @onlinenursing Side point on pt census. As rehab nurse I carry 9 pt at night and am
charge RN. #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:51
PamelaKline: Great topics Phil! Thanks:) #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:51
InfusionNurse: @rnchat ..Nurses rule!!! ...thanks for the great chat...have a great weekend! Till next
chat!! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:51

15. philbaumann: @EllenRichter Aw, shucks. It's such a fun thing to run. Very proud of nursing and what
we can do with #RNchat no matter how small. :)
3/5/2010 21:52
EllenRichter: @RNMark Just out of curiosity, is your rehab staffing safe? I would imagine you have
more ancillary help too? #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:52
ocdgirl2000: #RNCHAT pearl of wisdom. make sure you study and KNOW the USA Federal and
STATE EMPLOYMENT LAWS. especially the EEOC rights that YOU have!
3/5/2010 21:52
Cathy_Robinson: RT @rnchat: Funny: (Some) ICU nurses see Med/Surg nursing as a light-load, while
Med/Surg nurses think 2 patients in ICU is a breeze. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:52
onlinenursing: #RNChat @EllenRichter - agree... thanks to Phil. Also - I love nursing-always wanted 2 B
1 & want 2 B 1 forever.We will fix h/c.GO NURSING!
3/5/2010 21:53
EllenRichter: @philbaumann Its really taken off nicely. Everyone knows to look for #RNchat every week
& thats so important! :)
3/5/2010 21:53
Cathy_Robinson: RT @onlinenursing: @rnchat again-why can't we all just get along:)? R we so insecure
that we feel we need to be 'better' than other nurses?lat.violence #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:53
NursingCenter: RT @onlinenursing: #RNChat I love nursing-always wanted 2 B 1 & want 2 B 1
forever.We will fix h/c.GO NURSING! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:54
EllenRichter: RT @NursingCenter Treat other nurses as you would like and expect to be treated. We
are in this together - for the good of our pts. #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:54
Cathy_Robinson: RT @philbaumann: @EllenRichter @onlinenursing When I was bedside, I got the living
s&*^ pulled outta me, so I know everybody's got their load. :) #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:54
RNMark: @heathersebi98 ICU pt requires more depth and system thinking. some folks better at
deep concentration with smaller span #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:54
NUR3563: RT @InfusionNurse: @rnchat ..Nurses rule!!! ...thanks for the great chat...have a great
weekend! Till next chat!! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:54
onlinenursing: RT @InfusionNurse: @rnchat ..Nurses rule!!! ...thanks for the great chat...have a great
weekend! Till next chat!! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:54
Cathy_Robinson: RT @NursingCenter: @EllenRichter After 8 years in ICU, I was completely overwhelmed
when pulled to med-surg! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:54
PamelaKline: RT @NursingCenter: Treat other nurses as u would like and expect 2 b treated. We are
in this together - for the good of our pts. #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:54

16. Kineticycle: #RNchat Pearl of wisdon: avoid cranial / rectal inversion as much as possible, be nice,
forgive often and smile more.
3/5/2010 21:54
Cathy_Robinson: RT @ocdgirl2000: @NursingCenter #rnchat I'm getting a little teary eyed now..but I must
have been very blessed. Very Blessed indeed!Good health for years!
3/5/2010 21:55
nursingpins: nursingpins Don't forget to re-clamp the foley drainage tubes when you do your I's & O's -
:) #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:55
NursingCenter: Thanks Phil and RNchat friends! Have a great night everyone! #rnchat
3/5/2010 21:55
PamelaKline: @Kineticycle LOL, great advice!!! #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:55
rnchat: RT @Kineticycle: #RNchat Pearl of wisdon: avoid cranial / rectal inversion as much as
possible, be nice, forgive often & smile more. #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:55
Cathy_Robinson: RT @EllenRichter: @rnchat My pearl of wisdom is a great big "thanks Phil" for thinking
this whole thing up, so nurses and others can meet like this! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:55
rnchat: THANK YOU everybody!!! Another great chat. There are so many more topics that grow
out of the topics, it's amazing! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:56
heathersebi98: @RNMark I agree whole heartedly...but is that what we want to train new nurses to do?
Think narrowly? #RNChat (playing devils advocate)
3/5/2010 21:56
nursingpins: Thanks to Phil and all - gn. #rnchat & nurses.
3/5/2010 21:56
RNMark: @EllenRichter Rehab staffing assumes healthy patients. Co-morbids get you every time...
no one expects heart block, repeat stroke :) #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:56
nursingpins: RT @Kineticycle: #RNchat Pearl of wisdon: avoid cranial / rectal inversion as much as
possible, be nice, forgive often and smile more.
3/5/2010 21:57
EllenRichter: TOUCHE! RT @Kineticycle #RNchat Pearl of wisdom~avoid cranial/rectal inversion as
much as possible, be nice, forgive often and smile more.
3/5/2010 21:57
NUR3563: RT @Kineticycle #RNchat Pearl of wisdom~avoid cranial/rectal inversion as much as
possible, be nice, forgive often and smile more.
3/5/2010 21:58
RNMark: @heathersebi98 training new nurses is one thing.. every one starts as m/s +psych nurse,
specialties have unique cognitive needs IMHO #RNChat
3/5/2010 21:59
ocdgirl2000: @EllenRichter #rnchat I was thinking if I retired early,would it be too late to go back to
school and get a law degree? 60yrs old?LOL!
3/5/2010 21:59

17. EllenRichter: @RNMark Yes, I'll bet comorbidities are a staffing killer. I havent had a patient lately that
doesnt have 8 medical diagnoses! #RNchat
3/5/2010 21:59
rnchat: I'll post a transcript of this chat - it'll be up tomorrow. Cheers everybody! Enjoy your
weekend! #RNchat
3/5/2010 22:00