whalems

whalems has 32 years experience and specializes in FNP, Derm Research, Critical Care, Oncol.

Latest Activity

1. Trying to figure out what to do with my life

   whalems replied to Nurse Beth's topic in Nurse Beth

   Decide what is important to you and do it. Patients are NOT animals, so making that jump might not be what you expect. While nursing is a job, it is not so easy for a new grad to find one in NYC. Most institutions here want an RN with a BSN and to ha...

2. Nursing Student does not like PCT job

   whalems replied to Nurse Beth's topic in Nurse Beth

   I am curious about what you do not like regarding your PCT job? Care of patients, the hours, the unit itself? I am a FNP and have been a nurse for 35 years. In addition, I am a clinical professor, on the unit with students weekly. I strongly suggest...

3. Anyone teach nursing school clinicals on the side?

   whalems replied to adpiRN's topic in Career Support

   I have been an RN / FNP for 34 years. I have been a clinical instructor / professor for 2 universities over the past 10 years. I usually work 1-2 8-10 hour shifts per week, in addition to my primary employment as an NP in dermatology research. What I...

4. Need advice guys... Taking the NCLEX in October.

   whalems replied to a_male_nurse's topic in NCLEX

   I suggest taking an NCLEX prep course. No only will you find helpful hints, but more importantly you will learn HOW to take the test. While it may sound ridiculous, there is an art to test-taking. The best money I have ever spent were for course for ...

5. Should we Skip RN and go straight for BSN?

   whalems replied to mamaxmaria's topic in New Jersey

   I teach in both an ADN and a BSN program in NYC, and to be honest in the present market, ADNs are being shut out of most nursing jobs in hospitals. I have strongly encouraged my ADN students to return for their BSN ASAP. The longer you wait the harde...

6. NOT going to the pinning ceremony

   whalems replied to CaliforniaRNnow's topic in General Students

   I went to my pinning ceremony 31 years ago and was very proud. I am also proud when someone comments on my unique pin (St. Vincent's Hospital in NYC). I can understand when you have had a bad experience, but ask yourself what made it bad. Were the in...

7. NOT going to the pinning ceremony

   whalems replied to CaliforniaRNnow's topic in General Students

   Maybe you see it as a just a ceremony, but for me it was very special. And it it remains so 30 years after the fact. I am proud to wear my school pin and it is often a catalyst for conversation.

8. Annoyed by nursing commerical they keep running

   whalems replied to Missy77's topic in General Students

   I am an FNP and a nurse educator. Whether or not you find the commercial cheesy, let's not loose sight of what it is saying: Nurses make a difference. If you are not making a difference and affecting change it is time to go find another profession. I...

9. If you had a choice between 2 year community, or a university....

   whalems replied to Lala27poodles's topic in Pre-Nursing

   I am an adjunct professor for 2 nursing programs in NYC, a BSN and an ADN program. Students from the BSN program are having an easier time finding employment. Almost 2 years post graduation from the ADN program, many students either are still unempl...