[brian]

Hi everyone! I just thought I'd start the new State forums off with an introduction thread. Please feel free to reply to this thread if you wish. Otherwise, feel free to start a new topic if you wish to discuss other topics that are local or state related. Enjoy!

[rnursing2002]

This is a great idea to give the nurses in the area easy acess to knowing who is around them. I am a second semester nursing student here in maine at SMCC. I have enjoyed classes so far and have had the entire summer off. The anticipation of going back to school is killing me I can't wait.
Anyone else out there from SMCC in Maine, fellow classmated or others, it would be nice to hear from anyone.

Allyson

[ogden2k]

Hey there,

I am also a student at one of Maine's community colleges. I will be a first year student at Eastern Maine Community College. I am currently enrolled in Liberal Studies to get some core courses done before I go on to Radiology next year.

[zoeboboey]

Hiya, guys, I work in the Portland area and I want to say we NEED you! I went to school at Mercy Hospital (which is closed now) class of '81.

[rnursing2002]

Its nice to hear from people around me, I will be at MMC starting in september for clinicals, cant wait this is going to be a learning experience.
Sounds like you are a nurse with some experience, any pointers to local hospitals or practices with good working environments and bennifits? I have been reading a lot but its always nice to hear from someone who knows.
Thanks,
Allyson

[zoeboboey]

Originally posted by rnursing2002
any pointers to local hospitals or practices with good working environments and bennifits?

The only hospitals I've worked at are Maine Med in Portland, St Joseph's Hospital in Bangor, and a hospital that is now a rehab. Otherwise I've been working for an agency, nursing homes, home health.

For purposes of anonymity (I may someday say something awful!) I'd rather not say what I'm doing now!

I think more than pay and benefits you need to consider size and staffing ratios! But actually ratios are about the same all over; sometimes bad, usually ok

If you are clinic-ing at MMC you will get the best info -- talk to the nurses, hopefully work a number of floors, see what you like.

[Lydia J]

Hi all! Im new at all of this, but im looking into a nursing profession and wanted to get to know what people thought! So let me know if you have any suggestions. Im going to school in a couple of weeks with just a liberal degree in arts, at Kennebec Valley Community College. Thanks hope to hear some suggestions soon!!

[zoeboboey]

Originally posted by Lydia J
Hi all! Im new at all of this, but im looking into a nursing profession

Hey Lydia!

I would suggest that before you invest time and energy into school for nursing that you try it out a bit. A nurses' aide training course is often free and you'll find out if it is something you like or not -- being with patients, the atmosphere, the challenges, etc. You might also call a local hospital and see if you can job shadow or something.

I hear that it's hard to get into a nursing program so even if you're not sure you want to yet, it might be good to get your name in now.

There is a search function on this format (scroll to the top of most screens) and you can type in "nursing school" or "preparation for nursing" and it might lead you to other discussions. I know that there are some, just don't know what they are called.

Good luck!

[Lydia J]

HI there, thanks for your infor.. see my mom is a nurse, so i have grown up around that sort of stuff, so it kinda is like second nature to me.. I will check on the info you gave me though, with the job shadows and stuff.. Thanks again!!

[zoeboboey]

Originally posted by Lydia J
Thanks again!!

You're very welcome!