dtermineddenise

I transferred from a telemetry floor to an adolescent psych floor. On the telemetry floor, we frequently had to start IVs and draw blood. I sucked at both. Even though I would go through all the steps correctly...tourniquet tight enough, arm held low, etc. etc. I would always either never see the blood return or I would see it and then it's gone or the vein blows. I've always felt so horrible about it because most of the other nurses never had a problem with drawing blood or starting IVs, even when they did, it wasn't often. Now on the psych floor, I don't have to deal with IVs anymore (thank God!!) But, I still have to draw blood. I thought it would be super easy on kids because most of them have excellent veins. Then, I had to draw blood from one strong teenager with very good veins that popped out so good that you could see them from across the room, and when I went to draw his blood, I didn't see any blood return at all in the needle. I told a senior nurse that I tried, but, it seemed as if his veins kept rolling. She stuck that needle in his arm and drew the blood in like 2 seconds it seemed like. I felt terrible. I was wondering if they were talking about me behind my back saying, "She came from a medical floor and she can't even draw blood." Can any of you senior nurses give me some good advice or tips on drawing blood? Thank you.

I transferred from a telemetry floor to an adolescent psych floor. On the telemetry floor, we frequently had to start IVs and draw blood. I sucked at both. Even though I would go through all the steps correctly...tourniquet tight enough, arm held low, etc. etc. I would always either never see the blood return or I would see it and then it's gone or the vein blows. I've always felt so horrible about it because most of the other nurses never had a problem with drawing blood or starting IVs, even when they did, it wasn't often. Now on the psych floor, I don't have to deal with IVs anymore (thank God!!) But, I still have to draw blood. I thought it would be super easy on kids because most of them have excellent veins. Then, I had to draw blood from one strong teenager with very good veins that popped out so good that you could see them from across the room, and when I went to draw his blood, I didn't see any blood return at all in the needle. I told a senior nurse that I tried, but, it seemed as if his veins kept rolling. She stuck that needle in his arm and drew the blood in like 2 seconds it seemed like. I felt terrible. I was wondering if they were talking about me behind my back saying, "She came from a medical floor and she can't even draw blood." Can any of you senior nurses give me some good advice or tips on drawing blood? Thank you.

I transferred from a telemetry floor to an adolescent psych floor. On the telemetry floor, we frequently had to start IVs and draw blood. I sucked at both. Even though I would go through all the steps correctly...tourniquet tight enough, arm held low, etc. etc. I would always either never see the blood return or I would see it and then it's gone or the vein blows. I've always felt so horrible about it because most of the other nurses never had a problem with drawing blood or starting IVs, even when they did, it wasn't often. Now on the psych floor, I don't have to deal with IVs anymore (thank God!!) But, I still have to draw blood. I thought it would be super easy on kids because most of them have excellent veins. Then, I had to draw blood from one strong teenager with very good veins that popped out so good that you could see them from across the room, and when I went to draw his blood, I didn't see any blood return at all in the needle. I told a senior nurse that I tried, but, it seemed as if his veins kept rolling. She stuck that needle in his arm and drew the blood in like 2 seconds it seemed like. I felt terrible. I was wondering if they were talking about me behind my back saying, "She came from a medical floor and she can't even draw blood." Can any of you senior nurses give me some good advice or tips on drawing blood? Thank you.

I haven't even been a nurse for a year yet and I see that I'm already starting to forget some of my knowledge base that I don't use or see everyday on my floor. What do you seasoned nurses suggest I do to keep up with my nursing knowledge? Reading nursing magazines is not an option for me because I will not keep up with it if I have to read long articles. Do you know of any books/magazines that may have questions or case studies that i can do maybe once a week? I'm open to any suggestions. Thank you.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and kind words.

Thanks...never thought about it in those aspects. I'll keep this in mind next time someone tells me this. But, on the part about maybe the receptionist don't know...there should be somebody there that does. But, all the other ones makes sense. Thanks.

I have been searching for a RN position at a few of the nursing homes in St. Louis. First, I call and ask if there are any job availabilities for RNs. Only once did the person I was talking to answer the question with what positions they have available, hours, and days. Most of the places I call say, "Come in and fill out an application!" I don't mind filling out an application if I know there is a job opening, but, it is a waste of time to drive there and fill one out if there are no job openings. After filling out so many apps., they aren't fun and they are very time-consuming. This is so aggravating. Does anyone know why they won't give you any information on the phone so you won't waste your time or theirs? Maybe if I knew why, it wouldn't be so aggravating.

I would like to search for an RN position at a doctor's office or clinic. How do I go about finding a job like that. I've looked in the papers and I see no job positions for doctor's offices, but, mainly hospitals and nursing homes. I live in Missouri. Thank you.

Hi, I'm a new nurse with less than 6 months experience working in a hospital in telemetry. I'm considering going into home health nursing. Before I decide to make that move, can someone please explain to me what type of nursing tasks RNs perform in the home health business. Do you think it will be difficult for a new nurse to go into the home health nursing.

Hi, I'm a 36 y/o new nurse. Graduated 12/2008. I work for a major hospital in St. Louis on the telemetry floor. I've been working there since March 09. I am not happy with my job as this is not what I thought nursing to be. I was taught in school to listen to my patients concerns, cultural concerns, and treating the patient as a whole, including mind, body, and spiritual needs. Well, on my floor, it's always so busy that I barely have time to say more than 2 extra sentences to the patient. It's so stressful. They equip us with a cordless phone that is with us everywhere we go. So, either the phones is ringing with doctors, family, or techs on the phone or the patients are on the call lights. There is so much monitoring and I am constantly getting admissions and discharges. Admissions really take a long time. Plus, I am more behind than anyone else because I'm always have so many questions. I feel as if I'm constantly being pulled in 50 different directions and even if I get to work early to get prepared for my patients, I still end up leaving late. Which results me working in 14 hr. shifts, instead of 12. I am always so exhausted and even on off days, I cannot enjoy my off days because it takes me several days to feel energized again. Since I've been working, Ive been so stressed out and I just don't feel like myself anymore. I'm always crabby and never feel like going out and doing anything. I feel so bad because I can tell that my patients need a little extra attention and loving care and I only have time to push meds, change dressings, and run out the room. This is not the way I thought nursing to be. I worked so hard to get through nursing school with the motivation that I would have a job that I love doing. But, I hate it. I feel nauseated every morning when I wake up and get ready to go to work. I want a job that I'm busy, but, not crazy busy, and where I still have time for my patients. I know I can't sit in the patient's room all day and lolly gag, but I wanna at least be in touch with their feelings and needs. I don't want a lazy job, either, where I'm not using many of my skills. A lot of friends of mine suggested working at a nursing home may be better, but, some people say it's the same or worse. Do you think I feel the way about my job because I'm still a new nurse and still trying to find my way...such as time management, and etc. or can you suggest a position that you would think is better suited for me? I welcome your opinion. Thank you.:heartbeat

Hi, I'm a 36 y/o new nurse. Graduated 12/2008. I work for a major hospital in St. Louis on the telemetry floor. I've been working there since March 09. I am not happy with my job as this is not what I thought nursing to be. I was taught in school to listen to my patients concerns, cultural concerns, and treating the patient as a whole, including mind, body, and spiritual needs. Well, on my floor, it's always so busy that I barely have time to say more than 2 extra sentences to the patient. It's so stressful. They equip us with a cordless phone that is with us everywhere we go. So, either the phones is ringing with doctors, family, or techs on the phone or the patients are on the call lights. There is so much monitoring and I am constantly getting admissions and discharges. Admissions really take a long time. Plus, I am more behind than anyone else because I'm always have so many questions. I feel as if I'm constantly being pulled in 50 different directions and even if I get to work early to get prepared for my patients, I still end up leaving late. Which results me working in 14 hr. shifts, instead of 12. I am always so exhausted and even on off days, I cannot enjoy my off days because it takes me several days to feel energized again. Since I've been working, Ive been so stressed out and I just don't feel like myself anymore. I'm always crabby and never feel like going out and doing anything. I feel so bad because I can tell that my patients need a little extra attention and loving care and I only have time to push meds, change dressings, and run out the room. This is not the way I thought nursing to be. I worked so hard to get through nursing school with the motivation that I would have a job that I love doing. But, I hate it. I feel nauseated every morning when I wake up and get ready to go to work. I want a job that I'm busy, but, not crazy busy, and where I still have time for my patients. I know I can't sit in the patient's room all day and lolly gag, but I wanna at least be in touch with their feelings and needs. I don't want a lazy job, either, where I'm not using many of my skills. A lot of friends of mine suggested working at a nursing home may be better, but, some people say it's the same or worse. Do you think I feel the way about my job because I'm still a new nurse and still trying to find my way...such as time management, and etc. or can you suggest a position that you would think is better suited for me? I welcome your opinion. Thank you.:heartbeat

Can someone tell me where to get information regarding criminal background check guidelines in the State of Missouri. I went to the MO State Board of Nursing websites and all over the net and cannot find any valuable information. I am graduating from an RN program this December 2008 and I have a friend who was sent a letter telling her that she couldn't take the Boards due to something that happened a long time ago where someone accused her of hitting them. Every since she told me that, I have been freaked out! I am now 36 and when I was 19, I was charged with Destruction of Property. I was young and stupid and tore up an ex-boyfriends car. That is the only thing that I have on my record. I've never stolen, assaulted anyone, or committed any frauds. Does anyone have any information on what would cause the State Board of Nursing to reject my application for N-CLEX or know where I can find the information online? Thank you.

Thank you so much, Katie. It's good to hear encouragement from a person who has been there and done that.

Thank you so much for your advice, Jean. Well...I found out that the test I took the other day, I made a 78. Not the greatest, but hey...at least I passed. My overall average is 76.43% now. So, I'm still pushing forward, but I am so afraid of the final. My instructor already mentioned that her finals aren't easy and it's comprehensive. So pray for ME!!!!! Thank you all for your advice and encouragement.:redbeathe

Hi Tango, Yes, I have a study partner that makes no less than 88 or all of her tests. We talk it out and it does, but she seems to have the perfect memory. For this last test on G.I. I condensed mostly everything down and it is so much better and much easier on the brain and the eye. But, it is so time consuming until I wonder if it is worth losing so much study time. Did you consider it to be time consuming? In an AA program they cover so much material in so little time. Thank you.

Thanks for your responses, everyone. Very helpful!!

I am really down right now and would like advice or just like to hear from someone who's going through what I'm going through. I am in my 3rd semester of nursing and I am feeling so discouraged right now. I have never been so stressed in my life. I have passed only one of our test and now we have one more test and the final. I am so far at a 75% and I have to have a 76% overall average to pass the course. For the last two tests, I studied everyday, did NCLEX questions, recorded the lectures, listened to the lectures again, and took notes. My house was a either a mess or I was paying my cousin to clean up for me because I was always studying, studying, studying. I let everything go. I haven't been out anywhere for the last 6 weeks, except once. All I do is study, study, study. People told me that I was studying too much, our last test was on G.I. and part of Diabetes and the packet of powerpoint notes that they gave us was literally 200 pages. There was so much information to cover in 3 weeks. When I got the test yesterday, it was like my mind went blank on some of the questions because I just had too much information in my head. I couldn't even remember the diet for Gastritis. I made stupid mistakes on the test. Does anyone have any tips for having to learn so much information in so little time and be able to retain all of the information? I believe I am going to have to repeat 3rd semester. But, before I do, I would like some tips because I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Thank you.

Yes, this might be true. But, I just really need help with how to set this concept map up.

I have to turn a concept map for paranoid schizophrenia tomorrow and it is very difficult for me. I never had any problems completing a nice concept map for med-surg, but with Psych...it's different. We didn't even do a physical assessment on our psych patients in clinical. I did interview my patient that has schizophrenia and chronic mental illness. I typed up a patho report about it and he exhibited some of the symptoms, but definitely not all. This patient was very bright and talked about how much better he was doing. He was very sad at one point and felt lonely. He wasn't a drug/alcohol abuser. He did express any delusions or mention that he ever had any. He didn't seem withdrawn or paranoid. He was very friendly and eager to talk to me. When I drawed up my sample concept, it looked so skimpy compared to a med-surg map. I don't know if on the care plan, I should write some of the statements he expressed or if I should just write the title of the symptoms. I looked all over the net for sample concept maps and didn't find any only a few for med-surg maps. Can someone help!!! Please!!

Thank you. You are great and so knowledgeable. This really helps.

Hey, I just bombed the test on Endocrine system with a 73. (We have to have a 76). I have n-clex books, but would like to find all the questions that I can get, the more the better. I am having a problem with questions that ask...The most important nursing action, the first nursing action, call the doctor or perform a nursing action. Example, I had a question that asked what is the most important nursing action while administering some type of Iodine Potassium preparation for hypothyroidism. I was torn between assessing the potassium levels before administration or administering the iodine with a straw. I chose assessing the postassium levels and I got it wrong. Anyone know of a website with free n-clex questons? I'm sure there are some.

Thanks for your reply, Mel. I'm getting ready to enter my second semester of nursing at Forest Park Community College. Lucky me!! Have a great day:lol2:

Hi, KettasMom. Hey, it's never too late. Well, I have another young lady in my nursing class who attended the DCN on-campus and she wasn't pleased and now she's at Flo Valley. She's a good student and the professors love her and even she didn't care for the program. I'm going to my 2nd semester of nursing with the STL Community College. Man, talking about a organized program. Before we even start the semester, we have a schedule of our exact class and practicum hours, the titles of the lectures, who will be lecturing, what books and reading assignments are assigned for the lectures. What group we're going to be in for clinicals, which days, hours, and hospital. (before we even start the semester). I just love organization. There is a crap load of instructors, counselors, or upperclassmen who are more than willing to help you. We couldn't get mad with them on anything that has to do with organization. If we got our schedule mixed up, it was because we didn't take the time to look at the fine print. It's a very tough curriculum, though. There are days when I literally wanted to cry. But, it was the sacrifice I was willing to take. At Deaconess, they never had an answer for anything. I remember that I kept calling them and even went up there to find out where our clinicals were going to be and what hours. I was then working full-time and my supervisor wanted to know if my schedule needed to be changed for school. She was a great supervisor that was willing to work around my schedule, but I wanted to be considerate, so she would have time to rearrange my schedule. Well, Deaconess took a very long time to give me an answer and when they finally did at the last minute, which really didn't give my boss much time to work things out. It was crazy. I did my whole Peds rotation at a middle school and I didn't learn a thing. Even the nurse who was following thought it would be best if they sent us to at least another location along with the middle school in order to really learn something. But, that was a while ago, hopefully, they have improved since then. It was nice hearing from you.

No, I didn't know that. That's amazing.

Thank you. You are so helpful. Do you like being a coder or RN better?