Lanarae

Hey! I have worked in Med-Surg before and I have been working in HD for the past 4 years as a Charge RN and Clinical Coordinator. I have to say that Med-Surg is something I would never return to but HD I am passionate about. Being able to make a rapport with your patients and really be involved in their long term plan of care is rewarding. Patient's come to dialysis three times a week on average so you really get to know them unlike the hospital which is a revolving door. There aren't many medication variations. The most common being Epogen, Venofer, and Hectorol with some IDPN and antibiotics in some cases. I work with some strong techs and nurses and we know our patient's really well and it's just a great feeling to go into a workplace where you really feel like you are making a difference. My hours are long however because I am the lead nurse so I open and close and can't leave until the last patient is picked up, but working only MWF I can deal! Documentation isn't as strenuous as Med-Surg either. Definitely shadow a nurse in a clinic but I am so happy I left Med-Surg.

Hey! Congrats on getting into school! Of course every school is what you make it but I personally graduated from Rasmussen in Ocala, FL and I had a good experience. Of course it was challenging and I do recommend that you don't work once clinical's start so that you can really focus. After I graduated with my ADN I did the Hurst Review which I REALLY RECOMMEND!! I took my boards two weeks after that and got my first nursing job two weeks after that! I had no trouble finding a BSN program and now I am in school for my MSN! You are going to do great! My last advice for nursing in general is not to get confused with your "paramedic brain". Nursing assessments and critical thinking skills are completely different than Paramedics/EMT's. So excited for you!! Elena