daraowl

Hang in there!!! My A&P instructor was a boring monotone who put us all to sleep! I was working night shift as a Nurses Aide while in Nursing School. My Nursing instructor told me that I would never pass and that I would not make a good nurse. Well after 25+ years since I graduated I have work in PICU, CVICU, CCU, Trauma, ER, Neurotrauma, I am now a Clinical Director with my CCRN anc CNRN. So much for what she knew! Stick to your books, find a study partner, dig down deep in your soul, and don't let anyone discourage you or tell you what you can not acheive!

I have not worn a white uniform or cap since 1979!!!! Those were the dark ages! White was to hard to keep clean esp when working in a Trauma unit. Also when I worked in Pediatrics, white was discouraged so children would not be terrified of people wearing white. I do wear a white lab coat now. I am a Clinical Director and in my hospital it is considered more professional. The thought behind this is for the patients and familys know who is in charge. I have to take my lab coats to the cleaners for stains to be removed and for them to be pressed. I sure do not have time to IRON!!!!

I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 10 years old. I started working in a Nursing Home when I was 15,as a Nurses Aide, Boy that was a shock. Nursing HOmes in the 70's were not nice places. During nursing school I work as a Nurses Aide in Peds ICU, PICU, for 2 years, the day I took my finals I became the Charge Nurse on nights. I was responsible for the 7 bed PICU and the 30 bed Peds floor. I did 5 years of Peds, 6 of CVICU/Trauma ICU. Saw the first use of the Swan-Ganz Cath. 15 years Neuroscience/Neurotrauma. Last 3 years as Clinical Director of a SICU. CCRN since 1988, CNRN since 1992. Member of AACN since 1985, founded a chapter in GA and then again in VA. Served as president in both chapters and on several committees. Active with the Boy Scouts of America. Was the Medical Director of a BSA Camp for 6 years. Camp is ALOT of fun!!! I strongly encourage working with a camp, there are several different types that are all ways in need of nurses! I LOVE being a nurse! I have been in the nursing field for 30+ years! I would not want to be anything else! Oh... I have seen alot... alot that I wish I had not seen, but Nursing has come a long way and I am VERY Proud to be a NURSE!!!

Closed units don't always work. When they are in a jam they (Nursing Supervisor) pull into their "Closed unit". But they have the "right " to refuse to come out and help other units that need help. As a Clinical Director I have always made sure that who ever is pulled into my unit gets a lighter load and plenty of help and Thanks.