liljsmom02

FIrst of all I just have to say that Berlin is accredited and not only that they had the highest pass rate, I believe, for the past 3 years. I could not of asked for a better education. One year as an RN now, and I am already working in the ICU (I work in a small hospital and it is hard to get off of med/surg although I still work there to and love it!). It was a tough road, but it was totally worth it. As far as being an on again off again student, it's OK to be scared. As a nurse it is actually a good trait. The day you are too confident is the day you set yourself up for a big mistake. Trust me I was on again off again student for a while too, once you get into nursing, it is so exciting and rewarding that you endure the two years of being pushed further than you ever thought you could. And when it is all done, you will miss it.

I took care of my first AIDS pt when I was about 8 months pregnant. I had a terrible cold and couldn't take anything due to baby on board so I wore a mak when I went into his room. He looked at me funny so I explained the really bad cold thing. He actually asked me to come back in his room when I had time and to not wear the mask. Apparently his T counts were still good. He explained so many things to me that I did not know. I grew very comfortable with him and was able to ask him any questions I wanted. So I say take advantage of the situation if the pt is a nice one. Tell him(or her) that this is your first encounter with an AIDS pt. Pts are sometimes the best source of info.

I take a few minutes at the beginning of my shift to prioritize. 10 minutes can save alot of time. First I check my charts against my ned sheets. At the same time I write down what time each pt has meds. Then I look at my "cheat sheet" and prioritize my pt's by diagnosis and next by med times. This way I can get the most out of time in with a pt. I will coordinate my meds with my assessments. I also try to time my dressing changes with med times towards the end of the shift. When I have even just a few minutes of down time, I chart. Sorry that was so winded. Basically, optimize your time by multitasking and staying organized.

I am so glad to see this post. Up until now, we had our picture, hospital name and logo, first name, last if we wanted, title, dept, and a bar code with our employee ID #. We are now going to madatory first and last names. All of the new employess are complaining and apparently we all will have to get new badges. I cringe at this becasue we have a state prison in town (and a federal in the process) and we treat the prisoners. It is not uncommon to have at least one prisoner on the floor at all times. I put my name tag in my pocket when I enter their rooms, but sometimes when answering a bell when it is busy, and the patient is not mine, I don't have time to do so before realizing that my pt is shackled to the bed with a correctional officer sitting in the corner. Last names are a bad thing on a badge if you ask me.

I have never worke in a big hospital and as a new grad 2 years ago I wanted to. I have friends that I went to school with that work in big hospitals. I was quite envious to hear about all their specialties. One works in the NICU another in oncology etc.... Having said that, I feel that I have become more diverse than them working on a 24 bed med/surg unit. I have no IV team to start my IV's. I have no residents doddling over my patients. I work at night so I have no respiratory therapist. We have no OR staff and are actually in the process of learning how to become 1st assists during a C-section in case the assisting surgeon does not make it to the hospital in time in the case of an emergancy c section.The only physician in the facility is the ER doc and he only comes to the floor during a code. My patients range from 30 days old to 105. I take care of resp/cardiac, oncology, pedi, surgicals, ortho's, neuro patients etc.....So my opinion is that the small hospital nurse does not get the opportunity to become specialized but definately becomes skilled in all aspects of nursing.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet because I only read the first two pages, but what about your sex life? I would much rather about my mate seeing me with some exra pounds than greasing the sheets during an intimate moment. I say diet and exercise...oh natural.

My sleeping situation might be a little different because I have 3 kids. I work 3 12hr nights in a row then have 4 off. The first 2 days, I make breakfast and hang out with my kids until about 9am then go to bed until 4pm so I am available for supper with the kids. I don't usually sleep after my last night, I just go to bed early when the kids go to bed. It works for me. Just make sure you sleep and don't forget to eat!!!

I still haven't figured out why I have followed this thread but I always read the new posts when I log on. I would have to say, nurses coming into the profession solely to sek out a doctor are going to find those types of doctors mentioned. The womenizing ones. But please remeber, there are some good ones out there. Sometimes after working together for a long time it happens.......and they act much different out of the hospital environment.

Find a drug reference book that you are cmfortable with and buy it. Keep loking up medications when you give and before you know it, you'll know the meds you use most. I promise it takes no time to learn them once you start using them.

I pray if the family is praying. I have also prayed silently. I think we have all prayed to a God of some sort at times. Sometimes we just need strength and it helps us to find it.

I love my ultrascope. Have had it since January. It is high quality, all the parts are guareented for life not to mention it is cute. Mine is bright orange with the little nurse. Got my name and RN engraved to.

WOW Thanks Doug....that's disappointing to hear. I am white to and from New England so I am very far from being a native. I never realized it was so expensive to live there either. Good to know.

I want to know where these nurses get their scrubs because I always look like I am wearing pajamas

The beeping IV haunts me when I try to sleep.

I have seen new nurses become monsters. Myself personally, I have changed but in a positive way. I view people as individuals with no prejudice and have learned the value of life and how it can be taken away from you without a warning. I have become confident without being cocky. If you don't let it change you, it won't. Just always remeber your roots.