OpusNurse

I totally understand your frustrations. Absentee families are the worst. They think they know everything. Families in general are usually oblivious to what is actually going on. I once told the son of a patient that if he had any doubt he was welcome to come spend a day with me and I would show him everything that was being done for his mother and how the whole process in getting her hip replaced worked. Of course he never did and I Never heard from him again for a very long..............time. On the other hand, I absolutely adore the families that appreciate the care thier family member is recieving and actually participate in thier family members care. They of course are ones that keep me nursing. Last week my palliative patient that should have died weeks ago kicked her family out of her room. The family (one of the good ones who help out and are there daily) wasn't very happy about that, but my pt was just fed up with them sitting at her bedside waiting for her to die. She probably saved up her day's energy just to say "get out'. She just wanted some peace and quiet so she could watch TV. Kudos to HER!

We just had an educational workshop on PCA's. We have never used them in our hospital before and we are the only unit using them at this time. We are required to do an Independant double check, where we both have to read the chart, check the pump etc. We don't even have to see each other to do it, but it is not started until both have read the order and done the check. The point of independance is to ensure both nurses obtain the same order. I don't think these nurses should be fired, warned maybe, but not fired. Med errors happen and it should be an educational opportunity. The post mentioned the MD wanted the nurses fired. Did anyone check to see if the MD's order was written correctly? I've seen a number of med errors or potential errors that were the MD's fault, and of course the nurse got blamed or yelled at for questioning the order. We will be using a PCA form, to make sure MD's orders are clear and complete. This will be my first time using PCA machines. I am also curious if your PCA machines are barcoded? Ours are and certain meds will have the order on the screen when the barcode is scanned.

Neither can we, but that's what our NA's have been officially told by our DON, therefore, they have to act on it and quickly. Doubtful they will have anymore meetings without the union present. They have even the toughest nurse manager on thier side.

But then again, today we found out that some nurses aides and (possibly LPN's) may lose thier positions....but only after they train the next group of Phillipine "RN's" who finish the LPN course. I wonder if they'll lay off someone overseas to give me a job? Oh yeah....there's gonna be a fight.

I know a number of facilities that have LPN nurse managers. (it's not the letters behind the name but the experience!) The business degree would definately be an asset there. Also private clinics, and facilities need business and general managers. Having worked in one, the mix of nursing and business is a BIG asset. Good luck to your friend. I'm sure he'll be successful wherever his path may lead.

I'm sorry but your post is rather disconcerting. 1. We were taught NEVER call them diapers even if the patient does. Briefs, britches, depends, underwear, anything but diapers. By doing so, we can raise the pt's self esteem up a notch even a tiny notch is better than nothing. 2. If the patient can say "I need a bed pan, they get a bed pan" It's thier dignity, not the amount of work I want to do that decides. If they don't want to take the rolling, they won't ask for it. 3. Bed ridden patients that can say "I need a bedpan" can also have an OPEN brief under them if they want, if ever they cannot get the bedpan fast enough, or feel that they cannot take the movement of getting a bed pan. At least they still have the dignity of knowing they didn't mess the bed. I wouldn't dream of telling a patient that having the bedpan would be too hard on them, unless the doctor's order is "do not put this person on a bed pan" which in nursing reads "this patient is bed ridden, and cannot have a bedpan, therefore, this person is to have a depends, which will be changed when patient asks or when soiled, not when the accountant or your coffee breaks dictate" Bottom line (pardon the pun) - Dignity dictates!

1. Ask him where he learned to read because MD does not spell GOD. 2. Every nurse should file a formal abuse complaint. 3. Send a letter or a copy of the abuse complaint to his licensing organization. Where I live, a doctor has to answer to every complaint against him whether it was made by a patient, pt family, nurse, lawyer, other MD or anyone else. 4. Tell him you're sorry he feels you are incompetent and that you'd really like to become a better nurse so would he please show you how it should be done. 5. Give him the finger behind his back as he walks of the unit. At least that will make you feel better for a while.

THANK YOU! I have worked full time since the day I graduated, some of that was for a private facility but I was told this facility still considers that as "years of experience." I have a meeting with my new employer tomorrow so I will certainly be pushing for a higher step in the grid.

Help! I have been and LPN for 6 years. I just accepted a new position with a new employer which I would be under AUPE. The interviewer was the unit manager (RN) who did not know exactly what rate of pay I would start at. She assured me it would not be less that my previous employer that I just left, which was supposed to be less than AUPE's wage grid. My hire letter did not arrive until my last day at my former job and quoted $20.69/hour. I think this is way too low and it's $4.00 less than what I was making. I have already quit my previous job and do not want to take a position for $4.00 less. How much should an LPN with 6 years experience be paid under AUPE?

I stand corrected, but still don't think that scar tissue is the answer to this question.

I used to work for a surgeon who specialized in Skin cancers. In prioritizing a referal, seborrheic keratoses would take priority over any of those others, so that's what I would have said. Although of those four, scar tissue would be next. The reason seborrheic keratoses would be a higher priority is because it is also often caused by sun damage, and people with sun damage are higher risk for skin cancers. Scar tissue was rarely a concern for skin cancer, unless overexposed to sun like any other part of the skin. Scar tissue is more susceptible to changes in the first year, which is why we always advised our surgical pts..keep your surgical site out of the sun...

I currently work in a large clinic/outpt facility where all the local doctors have thier clinics. Out of respect, they are always refered to as Doctor when being addressed for any professional reason even if it's not in thier prescence. However, because with many of them we "do lunch", "go for drinks" or may be in other community clubs together, we then use first names. Again this is somewhat out of respect (its not a huge town), if we call them Doctor when out in a pub or at the gym, then no doubt someone hears it, makes up a juicy story or decides to confront them for free medical advice. We have a couple with difficult last names so at work they become "Dr. 'first name'" I have no problem with it. In fact, I have had to reprimand some staff for using thier "nick names" in front of patients. Yes, some get dubbed with some funny monikers by the nurses all in fun and they are OK with it. However, it works both ways as we still have a few docs who call us "hey you" or "the one wearing blue" They don't get invited for drinks........ever. Also, we have some patients who call them by first names, which I think is disrespectful to the staff, and the dr. Some may legitimately know them (a neighbor or whatever) but just because you think you are on a first name basis with your doctor, does not get you any special priviledges.

Have you tried applying directly to hospitals and facilities in Alberta? Alberta is going through a lot of changes with their regions. go to www.albertahealthservices.ca for information and hospital listings. I know of at least one facility in my area that is hiring foreign workers. Most are trained nurses and until they can be licensed or registered in alberta, they are getting hired as nurses aides. CLPNA is wonderful for support. Perhaps you can talk to someone there for job hunting support and ideas. Don't give up. I know Alberta is short of nurses. Maybe you should consider coming to Alberta to spend a couple of weeks applying in person. I've always found that in person is the best way to get an interview. Good luck. I hope you find something soon.

"Common sense.....so rare it's a ******* superpower"

I took that very course and it's wonderful. There was a gal in my practicums that was also from BC. She had to come to Edmonton to do LTC and Acute Care practicals, (because they are instructor led) but they did arrange her preceptorships close to home. (I don't know if she had to write the CLPNA license exam, or if she wrote in BC) You can pre-arrange preceptorships and let them know where you'd like to go and they will certainly attempt to accomodate that. In fact, if you know of places that will take you, they appreciate it, it's probably easier for them that way. Norquest also supplies a list of people who might be able to offer you room and board for your practicums in Edmonton, some of them are their own instructors! They may also be able to hook you up with other students who want to share accomodations or live in Edmonton and can board someone. They are also very alert to the fact that this will take you away from your family and can be a very difficult time in that respect. However, they will become your family for that few weeks and help you get through it! Workshop labs were also offered for skills and skills exams, which you may not have to attend, if you can send in your skills exam by video, OR if you know of a nurse you can help/test you, they sometimes do it that way as well if they can make arrangements with that nurse. The videos and practice equipment supplied with the course were extremely helpful and there was always an instructor available if I called with questions. The courses are well laid out to make it easier to comprehend all the gobblydegook you will have to learn. It does sound scary to do it by distance, but you can succeed! Of course you'll find some courses more difficult and others you'll breeze through, but that's all part of learning. It's all a matter of staying focused, setting aside time to work on your studies etc. If you can handle the courses you are taking now by distance, you shouldn't have any problem with this course. Being able to do one course at a time (more if you really want to) and pay one course at a time was a big bonus. (I went back to school later in life and had 3 kids to deal with at the same time) I still finished in about 16 months. Written exams just need someone to montior them, and someone always calls and reviews the whole exam with you when it's marked. I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, the instructors were wonderful, proffessional, and what I refer to as "down to earth", meaning they will teach you the textbook AND the real world of nursing. They are really helpful if you are going through a tough area. I had NO PROBLEM getting a job immediately after I graduated. I also felt well prepared for the CLPNA exam, (Passed the first try!) They supplied me with a letter of reference, and I found that potential employers and new co-workers really respected Norquest as a nursing school. NO ONE has chided me about getting my LPN out of a crackerjack box!! Willing to answer any other questions you may have!