mstrick1226

I am currently a nursing student (graduating May 08, YAY!), but I have experience with this problem already (through my husband). He is a computer network administrator :typing . As soon as anyone finds out, he is asked to provide recommendations or a spec list for a new computer they are thinking of buying or to help with "this weird error message" they keep getting. While he loves what he does and is happy to help people, this annoys me because I've seen him research/work for hours for no pay for people who don't even buy the computer he recommended anyway. So, there's my rant on that. Anyway, I guess this is just a part of life... people trying to get something for free. I've taken note of some of the responses others have posted to help with this scenario in my future nursing career.

I recently attended an End 0f Life Care Conference at which Teepa Snow, Education Director for the Eastern Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, spoke on caring for patients with dementia. Her method for "enticing" patients to get themselves out of bed or wheelchairs is to sing to them and dance, then extend a hand to them to join you. "You Are My Sunshine" is a popular tune along with many other older songs. I've never tried it...I think I'd feel like an idiot...but, I have seen her do it and it works extraordinarily well. If you don't mind an audience, I'd say try it. Teepa also offers a training video with several actual case scenarios demonstrating some other also very useful techniques for working with dementia patients. I've seen her speak twice and she is full of good ideas (and a very entertaining speaker). Here is a link to her chapter's website: http://www.alznc.org Good luck!!

Hi, I am a junior in a 4 year BSN program in NC. This is a second bachelors degree for me, because I finally figured out what I want to be. I spoke with several nurses where my husband works before I applied to school, because the community college program seemed much quicker. They all agreed that the extra time spent in the BSN program would be worth it in the long run. Fortunately, for me, most of my previous classes transferred and I only had to take one year of pre-nursing courses. Now, I am very glad that I chose to go this route, because I see so many more opportunities. I have one year left after this semester, but I may go on to pursue an MSN after some work experience. Having a BSN will make this future option much easier. As far as cost, there are scholarships and work loans out there. In NC, there is the Nurse Scholars Program... you get $5,000 per year, but you have to sign that you will work in nursing within the state of NC for a year for each 5k you receive. This was my plan anyway, so I just applied for this. It takes some researching, but you can find the money, or take out education loans to go for it. I don't think you'll regret it. I sure don't. Good luck!

I am a first semester nursing student and am currently taking a summer class on Health Assessment. One of the first things we had to learn was the mnemonic ITHELPSME. I--Identify (yourself & verify patient identity) T--Timing (make sure this is the appropriate time for procedure & that you have enough time) H--Handwashing E--Explain the procedure to the patient L--Lighting (should be appropriate) P--Privacy (ensured by closed door, pulled curtain, etc.) S--Safety (be aware of patient fall risk, etc.) M--Mechanics (be aware of proper body mechanics to prevent injury) E--Equipment (make sure you have everything you need so you don't get stuck in the middle of something and realize you've forgotten some vital item) In my CNA class, we had to remember each of these steps, but didn't have it in such an easy to remember format. Having been a patient quite a few times, I know that I have hated it when someone in scrubs enters the room and starts asking me questions immediately.