runsonsyrup

I have NVLD with short term memory, special awareness, directional, math, and clumsiness issues... and work in a NICU. I did not disclose to my boss, but am very self aware when it comes to my challenges. I request help if transferring a patient makes me nervous (because of special awareness/clumsiness, working around lines, ETT, etc), and always ask others to verify my med calculations. I write everything down. My department recently moved to an enormous, new facility, and it took me a few weeks to finally feel like I knew my way around, but I did it. I think you shouldn't limit yourself because of your disability, but certainly understand challenges you face and don't be afraid to ask for help.

I make sure I eat a healthy meal (salad with some protein or an egg scramble) just before heading in. I bring snacks because my stomach can't handle a full meal overnight. I bring carrots/hummus, granola bar, greek yogurt, a pack of oatmeal with peanut butter, some fruit, a bag of cereal, and/or a sandwich. Basically, I nibble all night long. When I get home, I'm always more sleepy than hungry, so I go right to bed and don't eat again until I wake up. This works pretty well for me, but I have become somewhat of a candy-holic during the night shift and find myself popping Sour Patch Kids and Skittles to keep my mouth occupied and stay awake. It's not the greatest habit, but I'm also not chugging coffee like many of my coworkers do. I guess I should add that I'm pregnant and the constant caloric stream is pretty much a necessity these days, but I eat in a similar way when I'm not pregnant, too.

When I worked in the ED, we hung the potassium on a pump at the ordered rate, and then gravity-hung NS piggyback, titrating the rate to patient's comfort, within reason and keeping fluid overload issues in mind. I've never seen an ordered rate for the piggyback. Some patients can tolerate less NS, others are really bothered by the burning sensation. Adding lidocaine or bicarb does sound interesting!

I work 12 hour nights -- every Thurs/Fri/Sat. I'm also in grad school and have 8 hour clinical days Mon/Tue/Wed/Thurs from 8a to 4p. Oh, and I'm 9 months pregnant. I'm not kidding! If I can flip back and forth and survive, ANYONE can. It's not the healthiest or most comfortable lifestyle, but if you prioritize sleep, eating well, exercise, and other self care, you'll make it. Get blackout curtains, make your room a "sleep only" zone, turn off your phone, and enlist the support of those you live with. They need to know that if you are day-sleeping, you are absolutely NOT to be interrupted unless there is an emergency. Remind them that your 2pm is the same as their 2am. If they don't support you or don't get it, wake them up in the middle of the night and see how they like it. I'm totally serious. I say go for it -- You'll get your foot in the door to your true calling, and I'm sure straight night shift will be temporary. I've been with my unit long enough (3 yrs) to switch to days if I wanted, but I choose not to because of my school schedule. Plus, nights (especially night weekends) pays more. You may even find you prefer the "night culture" on the unit. Good luck to you!

I found that my BSN fast track program for non-nurses trained me to pass the NCLEX, not to be a nurse. Now, I'm in an MSNP program and feel like I'm being groomed for the University's DNP program, NOT to actually be an NP. Pharmacology? Hematology? Not important... APA formatting is where it's at. I agree that it's absolutely asinine. I have ZERO interest in ever getting my DNP. I'm almost done with the MSNP program and feel entirely unprepared to be an NP. But, I can write a hell of a paper. Woop-dee-doo.

Thank you for your reply! I already take advantage of the PSLF program as an RN, and am definitely looking for an NP job that allows me to continue that.

I'm an FNP student and I'm very interested in working at a college health facility when I graduate next Spring. I've done a rotation at one, and loved it. However, I've heard that this is one of the lowest paying FNP jobs one can find. For those of you who are or have worked in college health, what would an expected salary be? I live in upstate, NY, if that helps. If the salary truly is terrible, what are other perks of the job that make it worth it? Thank you, in advance!