Introductions

U.S.A. Kentucky

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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!

Originally posted by lgflamini

Are the staffing levels impacting fair and adequate treatment of the patients? Are there for instance a large number of falls/injuries/incidences that could have been prevented with adequate staffing? If so, the Ombudsman may see fit to step in and lay down some staffing requirements. It can't hurt to try.

No, there are simply not enough people to give adequate care. I have 36 patients - skilled - and by the time I do the paperwork, pass meds., do the tubes and treatments, and accu-checks, I am due for report - if not late. Then I have the occasional IV`s, falls, changes in LOC`s, acute illnesses, new residents to assess, re-stocking, etc. It is fast-paced and demanding, and I love it, but if anything out of the ordinary happens, I am sunk. And there is no time at all to just go around and do hands-on care, or spend time wth my residents. Thnk God I have a floating supervisor - when she doesn`t have to work the floor.

The CNA`s are in a worse situation - sometimes one CNA has 30-40 residents - its just impossible, physically, to give the care that I`ve always given for granted as the residents`right. And no time, ever, to read the charts, which we all know contain vital information, re: residents` care and needs.

I got into my PC and educated myself about this state, and the nursing profession, state regulations, etc. It overwhelmed me at first - I thought for a few months that I would leave LTC nursing, because it so overwhelmed me. Then I found the legislation sites and advocacy sites and government sites - and, well, here I am. I suddenly find myself in the same place I`ve always been - playing patient advocate - or devil`s advocate, depending on which side of the desk you are on - lol. And here I`ll stay. P

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Originally posted by Nurse2B16

Hi everyone,

I am new at the forum, and will like to say a few words about myself. I am a pre nursing student. I will begin the nursing program next fall '04. I am really excited and looking forward to it. I will be attending Georgia Baptist School of Nursing in Atlanta. This program is a little different. It's just one year of pre recs and 3 of nursing (that includes 3 years of clinical training), which is pretty good considering that I have heard a lot of people complaining that BSN does not give you enough hands on. I am 21 and just married. I hope to keep going to become a Nurse Anesthetist and by that time i hope they have a program in Atlanta.

Anyone else here from Atlanta?

I was pre med and changed to nursing ( i want a big family)

Nice to be here, i enjoy reading the postings.

You all take care and keep remember that persevearance is the key :)

Welcome, 2B16! Have you tried the board for Georgia nurses? Some of the state boards have lots of interesting interactions and feedback. Good luck to you! P

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Hello! I graduated from EKU's BSN program in December. I took boards today and have accepted a job in ICU/CCU. I look forward to meeting other Ky nurses.

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

HI Everybody! I'm from central Kentucky and attend Elizabethtown Comm. College. I'm pre-nursing and like one more semester to finish all but core nursing classes. I'm an older student and just hope I get into the program. I enjoy reading all the posts and look foward to knowing you all. CRB

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Hi. Im a new nurse working in downtown louisville on a med-surg floor. I feel completely overwhelmed most of the time but I love my job.

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HI all! as you can see I've been registered since I began my prereqs to get into nursing school. I graduated in December, and lurk more than post. I work in a CVICU unit and previously spent a year as a student nurse in a large OR. I have to say, I absolutely loved my time in the OR, but not as much in the circulator role as in the scrub role. Sadly, most hospitals prefer Cert. Scrub Techs rather than OR nurses in that role, and as an RN, I'd rather not be the non-sterile circulating "gofer" for the team that gets all the real action. To this day, my hands actually "itch" to scrub in and gown up." Now I am in a CVICU, which is scary, to say the least. I work with some of the greatest professionals and fun people around. But I cant ignore my earlier training and the impression it left on me to stand at that sink for five minutes,scrub in and gear up, and approach that table, suctioning for visualization, and to reduce stinky bovi smoke, holding organs back for visualaization, the occasional joy in pointing out something irregular to a surgeon and their compliments, and finally stapling that wound closed. yes, holding a heart or a section of bowel, and even the ol' GU handshake were gratifying to me, and while I know that CVICU is an amazing opportunity, it's scary as hell. Titrating heart drugs, interpreting hemodynamics, ballon pumps, etc.. Stay tuned as to whether I return to the OR where my heart belongs or stick with the awesome CVICU learning opportunities and the greatest staff in the world.

AT this point, I am in love with both. And FYI: I just graduated in DEC 2003. Fla has an amazing set of paid programs for students in which they guarantee a job post-grad.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Pegleg- I'm sorry...I haven't visited this forum in a while, so I didn't see your replies to me. How's it going with the ratios in your neck of the woods? I'll lend a pair of lungs if you still need them :). Although, if it involves any contact with Anne Northup, you might want someone else...lol. I have bugged her so much this year about her anti-nurse Congressional activities, she probably thinks I'm stalking her. ;)

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Hey guys, i'm Kimla and will be moving to Kentucky at the end of May. I've been a LPN since January 2003 and just thought I was in charge of too many residents!!! From 30-35 depending on if anyone has been "sent out". Reading some of the posts on here has got me a little worried!!! I will be moving to the Scottsville area, anyone have any advice?? Thanks!

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Specializes in Case Management, Cardiac, ER.

Has anyone had a difficult time finding employment in Lexington?

I've been applying for various positions at every hospital since December and have yet t have an offer. I am beginning to wonder what is going on. My license is clear as I have never done anything wrong to be reported for, I verified with the board that there were no erronious claims against my license. My work history shows a variety of experience from ER to M/S, LTACH and more..(Although no ICU, the closest was LTAC)

I have never been fired. I have no criminal records. And Im totally clueless as to why I am having such a difficult time finding employment.

What agencies do you recommend?

Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I live in Louisville, not Lexington (no shortage of openings over here), but if you want a good agency, Intellistaff is pretty decent. They just bought out Starmed, one of the other bigger agencies. Intellistaff pays pretty well, with bennies, and they staff hospitals (per diem and contract). Good luck with the job hunt- I can't imagine not being able to get a nursing job in this day and age.

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Specializes in Case Management, Cardiac, ER.
. Good luck with the job hunt- I can't imagine not being able to get a nursing job in this day and age.

Am now currently signed up with Intelistaff in both lexington, louisville, and travel division.

Also signed up with some other agencies.. I need the insurance from a permanent job however.. Hoping i can find lots of work via intelistaff.

Thanks for your reply

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HI Everybody! I'm from central Kentucky and attend Elizabethtown Comm. College. I'm pre-nursing and like one more semester to finish all but core nursing classes. I'm an older student and just hope I get into the program. I enjoy reading all the posts and look foward to knowing you all. CRB

Hi, I will be attending ECC in Aug 2004.... getting the pre-req courses done.. I too am an older student and scared to death... I hope I get in also... so how is it so far?? tell me tell me

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