BSN_after_40's Nursing Blog

Am I Babysitting or Supervising?

By BSN_after_40 - Working in rural areas has it challenges, especially when working in a long term care facility in the middle of no where. I was a new RN grad and full of enthusiasm, even though I was in my late thirties. As I scanned the local job listings and word of mouth jobs, I came across an ad for a Unit Manager in a small nursing home 30 miles away from my home. I thought well, it couldn’t hurt to apply even though my only experience was 14 years as an LPN at that point. I made the call and... Read More →

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My Journey as a LPN Instructor

By BSN_after_40 - Much like any nurse, my journey starts in nursing school; confused and overwhelmed. I never thought I would be entering a career that would define me forever. Those coveted letters after our names symbolize our triumphs, our sorrow, and joy. But mostly, they stand for a proud profession that few other occupations by comparison can expect so much for so little. This is a long story but I think it could give some encouragement to those of you just starting out in nursing school or thinking... Read More →

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Dementia Can Kill You!!

By BSN_after_40 - I was working in a float pool as an LPN years ago until I landed something more permanent. It was always a crap shoot on what the agency would offer me in the form of jobs. One assignment will never leave my mind; it was quite a horrible experience! They called and offered me a job working 3 pm until 11pm, for three evenings in a row. They assured me it was an “easy” assignment taking care of a ninety-something year old woman in her home while her husband recovered from a hip replacement. ... Read More →

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Witness to Goodbye

By BSN_after_40 - Busy days are so common on a medical surgical floor that you barely notice when you miss a break. There was too many of those days. I had my assigned patients that I shared with my co-assigned RN. We had our usual scramble in the morning to pass our meds, do the physical assessments, treatments, and pass our meal trays. Much the same for the evening shift, although it was slightly less hectic, but you never knew what might happen next. Over a few months, we had a rash of cancer patients on... Read More →

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Those are her breasts.....

By BSN_after_40 - As most of us did, I started my nursing career as a CNA in a long term care facility. It was great experience and I really got my feet wet by following some great nurses around and pitching in where ever I could. But let's not forget the CNA's; they really work hard and do a great job keeping the residents/patients clean, dry, and happy! I feel my time as a CNA was an important part of my nursing experience and enhanced my career. I started as a CNA at age 22. I had been a waitress, bar... Read More →

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I'm going to jail for sure!

By BSN_after_40 - In 1992, I was a brand new LPN (probably even had the new nurse smell) working on a busy med/surg floor. I was so proud and excited for my new career and took my job very seriously! I believe I was a week or 2 out of orientation, so I was really green! One busy morning, each room on our ward was full, so we were really running. I had 2 women in one of my rooms both in thier 50's or early 60's. I was at the med cart carefully double and triple checking each pill while making sure I knew what... Read More →

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I married Santa

By BSN_after_40 - Several years ago I was working as a new LPN on a busy Med-Surg unit in a small town in Northern Minnesota. As you can probably guess, we dealt with a lot of blizzards and bad winter weather more often than we like. I was working the day shift on Christmas Eve when a very dangerous blizzard began that morning. The roads leading to our small town hospital were closing and most of the pm staff were calling in due to dangerous driving conditions. Well, of course I had plans to be with my... Read More →

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