2dCareer

For me, it was a spiritual decision. I wanted to go to law school, sat for the LSAT, did well, had friends in the governor's office and other high places who wrote well of me, blah, blah, blah... Then I spent some time with my parents, and at the time, news all over was talking about Nurses throughout the nation whom had converged on D.C. urging legislators to do something to prevent a Nursing Shortage crisis. It was as if the Almighty was saying, "Hello!?" to me. So I made a phone call to the little community college where I had earned my A.S. and spoke with the RN program director about my desire and potential admission. She urged me (because of my previous B.S. & Master's level work in another field) to attend a nearby university saying that I could spend the same about of time at the CC or at the U and get a BSN v ADN. She said further that I should build on the foundation which I had already laid, and if I wanted to go further in Nursing (MSN) it wouldn't be difficult. The rest is history. Through school my motivation increased as my sense of social justice in the delivery of healthcare was inadequate for so many, many people... even for those with good jobs! Now, I'm considering CRNA... not primarily for the money, mind you - although it IS the best compensated area of RN practice. I wrestle with stuff like that. I've never done things for money exclusively. And, I can honestly say that with each step I've made (or been subject[ed] to) my compensation has increased substantially. In about two years of practice, I'm now looking straight down the barrel of a very-nearly six-figure salary. I didn't ask for it, and certainly didn't seek it. I'm simply trusting in the Almighty. You know the thing... "in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths." I know that I love people (and they like me), and have leadership qualities, enjoy explaining/teaching, a strong personality (not obnoxious), motivate by uplifting others, can see and know what to do in crises, and a variety of other circumstances, and know when to ask for help. And though one of my friends recently shared so with me, I have never once considered myself a so-called "Type double-A" personality. You know... I just wanna' help folks. But NOT do for them what they can and ought to do for themselves. Yeah, I talk to the comatose and non-English speaker just like I would to someone who could respond appropriately, hold their hands, and their relatives' hands, joke when appropriate, and provide the BEST care I possibly can. It's that 'pesky' "Do unto others" thing, you know. How else do they say it? What goes around, comes around? Without a doubt, Nursing is THE MOST rewarding career I've ever had! So, there you have it!

Geez, Louise! First job out the gate was in Trauma/Burn, and I've worked ICU, ED, MedSurg, Mgt, Admin & Travel... so where DO I work? Still trying to figure that one out! *LOL* I do desire to continue through with MSN, perhaps 2x in Admin & CRNA, maybe even a FNP cert. Just thinking, you know.

A few quick thoughts: One colleague works a Baylor & jets out of a Regional Level I Trauma Center in the Southeast USA. While on break around 4am one morning she remarked that she couldn't believe she was getting paid time & a half plus 15 for "doing this." She didn't mention her base, but I'm sure she's over $50k. Another colleague - different day, different place - said she was offered $800 per flight as a Neonatal Critical Care Flight Nurse. She has the MSN.

On a rather esoteric note... why do we need to use the moniker "male nurse"? Perhaps we may think of the "wet nurse" or of suckling infants at the breast. However, I think that with respect for the historical understanding, "nurse" suits perfectly. I've heard remarks from women, in an out of healthcare, whom have said things like, "oh, we need more men in nursing," etc. and I simply continue to listen. Of course, I wholeheartedly agree... but I wonder what their motivation is for saying such a thing. So, I simply shut up-n-listen. Besides, isn't that a great way to learn? Anywho... there are folks whom think that nursing is wiping behinds (and it is) but it's also seeing to the care of a child who just barfed his meager lunch up in front of his classmates, and doing whatever it takes to make him feel better. And, it's giving tender and compassionate care to the HIV+ Black gay male whose face was bashed in by hate mongerers, and giving equally compassionate care to the crack ***** whose infected legs stink from the pus-filled gangrenous masses where she shot speedballs, and it is the simple quiet way in which you look into a person's eyes whom cannot speak English and hold their hand - assuring them you care. What's so weird about having a human connection? Does it make women or men think differently about a man who cares? I dunno... I can tell you one thing, though... they'll remember the one whom cared much longer than the one who couldn't care less. Caring doesn't emasculate men. Caring empowers men. (And I REALLY like the post about being a Super Man!)

Maybe it's time you considered making new circle of friends. From what you wrote, it sounds like they self-identify as a bunch of circle-jerks. Either that, or they're jealous as hell. Of course, I think the enemas part is kinda' funny. On the sarcasm thing - Know what'd get their goat? Tell 'em that you learned how to give "high colonics" to prep for GI surgery, then ask 'em if they'd mind if you gave it a try on them, or if they'd let you help teach them how to do it. Tell 'em they can sign a waiver for educational video taping, and that it would never (wink, wink) end up on e-bay. Of course, if the liked it, they might have a future in certain underground Hollyweird films. Finally, tell 'em you just wanted "the hat". (I do! *LOL*)

Next-door neighbor or kissin' cousin? I'm from Alabama!

Your remarks precede my comments below. (Time to put on my Psych counsellor hat.) "I felt embarrassed and insulted and thus defensive in class to assume first off that my sexual orientation was the issue. I too am open about things." If you felt embarrassed by your instructor (unprofessional behavior from your instructor) you should privately discuss the matter in a civil manner with them. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, go to the Associate Dean. Follow the chain of command up to the Dean of Students or President of the College/University. Remember... the first part of ASSUME is ass. Many times when folks assume, they make an ASS out of U and ME. Don't assume. Ask to be sure! You'll be glad you did. If by 'openness' you mean that you're discussing sexual behavior/orientation/preference/life, you're making a GRAVE mistake. One's private sexual proclivities should NEVER be discussed in professional/academic settings. Honestly, no one cares if you're homo, hetero, asexual, bisexual, trisexual or reproduce by budding. It's NOT about sex, it's about nursing academics. "... the program is designed to break you down." That remark, while made by another, concerns me. If it is true, I'd seriously considering seeking another program. Nursing is about building up, not breaking down. If it's not true, I'd consider the source. "I was told by one instructor last semester that she didn't feel that men had a place in nursing and she didn't like that the field was open to us." If that is true, I'd document it, verify it with other students whom could validate that the remark was made, and present it to the Dean and/or University/College President IMMEDIATELY. That is a blatantly discriminatory statement and may be grounds for dismissal and/or censure, if not a protracted and expensive lawsuit. Like you, I'm a native Southerner, and am NOT ashamed of it. And, I've always made it my practice to NEVER share about my behind-closed-doors experiences. There was a country song about that, you know... and it bears repeating today: "Because no one knows what goes on behind closed doors." (In healthcare, we made protecting personal privacy a law, and called it HIPAA. Hint, hint...) Hang in there my friend. You CAN overcome!

When offered the opportunity to speak before groups of people many people would rather experience a slow and torturous death instead. It is often listed as THE most feard of all things. It is frequetnly listed more so than fear of heights, enclosed spaces, death, etc. But here's a key that may be successful to you. When speaking to a group, speak to a person or two close to you. Establish direct eye contact with them. Create a rapport. What most folk are afraid of is performance before gross/mass anonymity. Tell a short humorous story to lighten things up a bit. Laughter will release endorphins (boy, that feels good!) and permit the opportunity to physically shake things out, which in itself is an energy release/ice breaker. When you then establish a rapport with that person or persons, your relaxation will begin to flow, and people will sense that you're making direct contact with them, and that's what it's all about!

Dude! What's there to be afraid of? Don't worry about what you think of yourself (self conscious or narcissistic - take your pick) , whether your breath is coffee'd up, or if your deodorant is still active... just be yourself, be who you are! When you go into a patient's room, it's not time to be a shrinking violet or wall flower. You've got a job to do and you gotta' do it well. Whether it's vital or comfort... give it your best. When you do, you'll know it, and so will everyone else - patients and students. You didn't consider a career in nursing because you didn't care. You do care and want to make a difference. And the best part is that you CAN! Personally, I think "group work" stinks, because of procrastinators, lazy folk and other such nonsense. It's not that I mind working in a group/team. It's just those who don't or won't cooperate that make things difficult. But, there are people like that in every walk of life from the garbage man to the top executive levels. There'll be times you'll work your hiney off and miss some much deserved sleep. But enduring, you'll be glad you toughed it out. Imagine having to demonstrate or teach a Breast Self Exam, or a Testicular Self Exam... at one time or another you're going to be asked a question by someone who needs and wants to know that information. You're going to be able to help prevent a loss of life or the spread of disease. You're going to help in healing processes. You're going to be a hero. Do you think Superman wondered if his tights were too tight?

I attended nursing school kinda' off and on. Having already earned an Associate's and Bachelor's and work-in-progress on two Master's, I had a slew of college credit hours. I made the decision to attend full-time. I paid for Nursing education and lived through the time with a combination of loans and proceeds of sales good performing stocks in my meager portfolio. I've heard of other students whom are married with family, work full-time and attend school full-time and regularly make the Dean's List and join Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. So, it CAN be done. My decision to attend full-time was met with life. In other words, because of some of the events in life, I had to, at one time or another, withdraw from coursework - only to retake it one year later. Some students take less than a full-time course load. Of course, it takes longer, but the end result is the same... R.N. Creatures in the wild, when caught in a leg trap, will often chew their trapped leg off just to be free. If you have a supportive partner/family, then consider borrowing to attend classes, sell/rent/re-mortgage your house, take a second job, save, sacrifice, invest, dip into that 401-K, DO WHATEVER IT TAKES! You WILL NOT regret it!