Hello all! I, too, am a registered nurse in California. I got finished my accelerated MSN program in 2008 and since then I've worked in Quality Management, Med/Surg, Tele/Step-down, ICU, and I've now landed as the Clinical Nurse Leader/Assistant Manager of the Outpatient Surgical Service at the VA. I had to change jobs because I suffered a job-related injury to my back and could no longer work as floor nurse. But there is a silver lining... my former hospital had a clause in their health plan that they would not, under any circumstances, cover weight-loss surgery. I fought that for about a year, when my lawyer told me to give up. So I finally got a job with Veterans Affairs... much lower salary, but their health plan covers Vertical Sleeves! Yay! I started my job in Sept 2012 and by March 6, 2013 I was sleeved! I am so happy and lucky to have had the surgery... and I think it's great that you made a support group just for nurses! I've been asked by patients "when are you due" and gotten the incredulous looks when I counsel them on diet and exercise... I'm so glad I will now be a model for the behavior I preach!
Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone... No green beer for me this year - but I'm sure not complaining!