As luck would have it, my friend and neighbor's mother in law mentioned she was looking to staff a nursing position where she worked; asked if she knew anyone, and my friend mentioned me. I was put in contact with her mom-in-law who is the head of HR. After a few telephone and email conversations, I had an interview set and took the scenic 35 minute ride to Mendham. I was pleasantly surprised and excited at the prospect of working there. My interview went well, and I was called back the next day and offered the position. I was over the top excited, as this is my first official job since obtaining my nursing license.
I got all my physical paperwork, doctor signed, immunization records, nursing license, birth cert, social security card, etc (list goes on and on) together and headed back for the paperwork portion of hiring. That took a while. I started the next week.
My first few shifts were short and I was teamed up with another nurse. Everyone I work with (3 other nurses, as well as the DON) are super nice. I learned tons and tried to soak up all I could. After 5 assisted shifts I was let go on my own for a Saturday a.m shift of med pass, first aid, etc. Med pass went well. There are 70+ residents, ages 12-19, and most of them take meds. It was hectic and it will take some time for me to develop my own routine and figure out what works best for me. I enjoyed being on my own though. It was nice to feel trusted and important. Some of daily routine things I will be doing are med pass (most important) doing new resident intakes (all medical stuff/ tons of paperwork getting them in the system) I do the initial patient assessment (8 page form) do baseline vitals signs, set up and give the TB test (injection), set up and run the initial urine drug screen, set up and schedule the initial blood work, I do med orders from doctors, fax and contact insurance for meds, order meds, set up medication record (MAR) and basically sit in room for body screen. All residents are stripped, body scanned and searched for drug paraphernalia. I do a communicable disease check, have them redress, then take a photo for MAR (meds) and have them do their goodbyes if family is present. And then...there is all the OTHER paper work. It is truly never ending LOL :)
A lot of residents are escorted from Juvenile Detention in cuffs, some are voluntary admissions with family present. Those are difficult as parents are usually teary and upset. It is a busy busy job and there is always something to do. A lot of these kids are not well, so we have a lot of fighting issues, wounds, cutting, sick kids, etc. It is very trying. They are not always nice and polite. I try to see the good side in them, and treat them the way I'd like my own kids to be treated.
I am working part time as I need time to still do school. I was hired at a less than desirable amount of hours, but it has since doubled so I am thrilled at the prospect of my earning potential. Things are going well. I start 8 hour shifts this week (alone). I also work both weekend days right now, but only 4 hour shifts so I'm trying to not complain and look on the bright side....I am a nurse and I HAVE A JOB!!!!!! I will attach a few photos.
Daytop Village (Mendham)
Scenic drive
Daytop Property
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