[mama_bird]

I just posted in the Geriatric and LTC forum. I wanted to be in a SNF because I am a passionate genealogist and I knew that if I ever went back to nursing, I would have to be with The Greatest Generation (Although some day they will be gone and I will have the Baby Boomers, etc.)

I have 30 patients on each side of the floor. I was hired FT 3-11 and will end up on the desk in charge eventually but I wanted to pass meds to refresh myself, get to know the people, knew equipment, protocols, and lose the 40 pounds I gained working at a desk. On the first day I thought "I don't know if I can do this."

Last night was my 13th shift. I count narcs, pass meds, including 2 g-tubes, do the dining room, take lunch, pass meds, do treatments/dressings, house report, charting, computer charting, clean the cart up, restock, count narcs again, give report, and last night I actually did it all, alone, and left on time. I also have a little time when doing treatments to chat with the residents about their life history which is why I wanted this job.

I had to take a medication test for the job. There were 100 questions, T/F, multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching, and I got 95 right. Everyone has told me from the third day on I was doing fine, that I just needed confidence.

Two weeks ago I wondered what the hell I was doing, now I am glad I made the decision to treat my RA with Enbrel and get my life back.

Good luck. It can be done without a refresher course if you were textbook smart in school. I went to college from 1993-1997 and I felt like a new grad all over again!

[suzy253]

Sounds great! I too, love working with the Greatest Generation and at my hospital there is a large geriatric population...plus I work telemetry.
Thanks for sharing your story!

[Grace Oz]

Good for you!
Wishing you all the very best.
Just an aside ............... us baby boomers aren't such a bad mob! lol

[didmybit]

Sounds exhausting. I'll stay retired thank-you.

[iwanna]

Mamabird,

Your post is inspirational! I am returning back to nursing after being on a 4 yr. hiatus d/t health issues. I am now stabilized on meds. I have looked into refresher course and will go that route as a last resort. Only, for the reason that it is 80 miles from me and no housing assistance is provided. The course is for 10 weeks. I truly would love the clinical experience, however. But, I put the refresher course on the back burner for now. I am currently seeking jobs, just in the field that I know. I only have experience in behavioral health. However, I have worked geri-psych. I am applying for all types of positions. I have applied for dr. offices', prison nursing, and recently have considered agency. I don't believe that I have the clinical skills to work hospital jobs, however, I feel experienced enough for the behavioral health jobs.

I have been taking courses through the western schools online. Also, have been reviewing my pharmacology and Nclex book.
My situation has been a bit of a challenge. As, I only have about 5 1/2 yrs. experience as a nurse before going on disability. Also, I am looking for per-diem or PT as my disability insurance will continue to pay for me for one yr., and then I am expected to work FT or else deal with the pay difference. My sister told me that there was clinic job that I would have a good chance of getting if I applied. However, it is FT, and I wold forfiet my disability. I just think it is wise to go into slowly, too. As, I am not cured, but stable with meds. I know my limitations, and now that means PT.

But, your post is very promising. At least, you are still young enough to get more experience. I am at age of 51. I didn't get my LPN until I was 40. In fact, I started out to be RN, but my illness interrupted that plan. However, I am content being LPN. Nursing in genral is very rewarding.
Best wishes to you.

Congratulations!!

iwanna