Franny2332

Sharon- I heard and read the same information but I do not see them allowing us to stay on SSDI after we prove we can work even PT. I want to work PT but the fear and danger exists- we could lose all benefits and never get them back if we relapse.lol FrannyK

Good question! Hopefully, you will be washing those hands so often that you may have the problem licked just by working where you touch others so often. Gloves or not, you still must wash when they are removed. FrannyK

Don't ask, don't tell...words which may have saved my bright and long-term nursing career. When it became medically necessary for me to disclose to my shift (long after department heads, administration knew, etc) I was frozen out, suspect of being an addict and unreliable. I also was called by and id'd by, my disorder's name rather than my name. I was treated as a pariah, working relationships were broken and people shifted away from me so they would not become endangered as administration reved up to get rid of me. I was too much liability. I was denied a medical leave, and shunned. It took months, but I finally heard that the "real story" leaked when the head nurse became ill; no more lies came out from the office. So if you say "tell what you are dx'd with" I cannot and will not since I have recovered , am in remission and can work again-after 12 years. I cannot risk another chance to work within the profession I love. Franny

To clarify my message: It is important for each nursing student to read and study whatever material they feel will help them through the testing. I just think that the big companies are out there trying make money from the first-timers insecurities about doing well on the Boards. You should ultimately rely on what *you* assess that you need as a review. Chances are that you will walk in cold and pass if you have been a diligent student during your training. Good Luck! Franny :-)

Most nursing and/or medical terminology comes with learning the course work of a specialty. The book you have obtained, along with the prudent asking of questions, should give you all you need for a BSN program. Please do not over-obsess about this. Congratulations for getting in the program, BTW! You just keep an open mind and never be afraid to ask questions about what you need to know or what is unclear (as in the lecture). Some may laugh; to them I only said it once : "At least I am not afraid to ask what you are all wanting to know and don't. Only fools suffer quietly." Right back atcha! Franny;)

Crazy Situation: Yes, this seems to qualify as one! You've called it correctly. As a nurse, your responsibility is for your patient(s). It appears that no one is running the show. Make sure that your shift chrge nurse on the unit is made aware of the situation revolving around your patient and her care. She will take over any nursing decisions/discussion surrounding the situation, including notification of *her* supervisor. You concentrate on providing the best nursing care you can for the mom and baby. This also includes charting accurately and as often as the situation warrants; there will be a lot of "who did what and when..." way after this woman actually delivers her baby. So you are responsible for recording vital signs for each, mom and baby in chronological order No opinions are needed. Just the facts, ma'am. Do *your* job. The players in this unfortunate melodrama are peripheral to how you do your job. Go and hang out with mom, provide support if she is uncomfortable (per your L&D policy such as warm packs to her lower back, etc. Check the vital signs as often as you feel it is needed to give the MD actual input on how mom's doing (while he twiddles his thumbs and decides what to do). Be sure to address your charting to include the baby's vitals as often as you think it's needed. If your protocol says every 15 minutes, take the FHR at least that often, describing any patterns, variations, etc. It sounds like the baby is on a monitor; be sure to initial the strip as per protocolas well as mom's or baby's position; just include and document everything pertinent. Ask your charge nurse if you do not know where to put addendum charting. This charting is for your protection as well as the mom's, e.g., you, as the assigned nurse, did everything properly and recorded it as well. Also, it may end up being the only legible and continual notes on the patient! You'll feel anxious fifty ways over when/if you get caught up in one of these scenarios. Remember to think of what and who your concern is. Always utilize your charge nurse or one who has years of experience to talk it out for later cases. And don't let these doctors rattle you. If they want a report on the patient, give them the chart pleasantly; try not to discuss it too much or give an opinion. That will come in time. You sound able and smart-use your skills wisely:-) Good luck and compassion will serve you well. Franny 10+ L&D/Level 4 ICU.

Sleepy Mom: Seems this is an older question and may not be useful to you but may help someone else :-) amb = ambulate amb c ass = ambulate with assistance as tol = as tolerated str = straight - as hooking a catheter to straight drainage is the best I can do on this one. I've not encountered this one! Franny

I passed on the first try. My friend and I were so broke there was no question of a review course. Well, it turned out A-OK...we passed on what we had *learned* throughout the program. Learn as you go...save money. Franny

Even before entering nursing school I knew where and what I wanted to do, e.g. working with the family unit, Moms, babies and significant others in Labor and Delivery. Since positions in that area seem to be scarce and want nurses with prior experience, I decided to lay my foundation by surrounding *all* Women's Care and issues inherent. My personal 10 year Career Plan was altered somewhat after graduation with an ADN with lots of prior medical experience (former P.A.) but *no* L&D time. Continuing my studies for a BSN, I also worked in clinical Ob/Gyn, hospital-based female Med-Surg, private out-patient gyn clinics, pre-op counseling and recovery. Attending an occasional birth at home, with a CNM I learned even more about caring for the whole woman and was challenged in the need for providing the individual's nursing care, taking note that they were always under physical and emotional stress their family systems dictated as well as whatever brought them in for medical-surgical intervention. The nursing challenges quickly became harmonious for me the more I experienced. Whew! My personal style of nursing and professional growth actually determined the direction my career eventually took. The key component I use in all aspects of my nursing practice is communication in all its parameters. Take the woman in labor as an example of the power of verbal and tactile communication, be it between professionals, mom, or the family present. It transforms ideas into realities, is the basis for all nursing care, used as a simple or complex tool. If used skillfully, it can ease a Mom's fear and perception of pain, allow her to learn cognitive constructs and breathing patterns and concentration which can alleviate and even physically encourage progression of labor. She can become empowered rather than overwhelmed and also may use positive communication with her support person. This allows for support, acceptance and understanding of what must happen for her baby to follow a natural path, thereby facilitating childbirth. As nurses, we typically teach, guide, support, listen, and interact; this is communication. Any type of nursing opens its doors for you who desire L&D positions if you seek out opportunities to sharpen your skills and broaden your knowledge of the basic pieces of hands-on nursing. These experiences will be evident when you do apply for that unexpected OB opening:-) You will find as you construct your resume that you have all the experience you need to work effectively and joyfully in the complex arena of L&D nursing. Good Luck! Kathleen

...and *where* is this practice of allowing CNAs to pass meds legal? ""Never attempt to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."" RHeinlein

What a novel idea! Keeep the "sticky!" Thank you for the welcome. I am returning to my calling of OB/GYN nursing after a ten year hiatus in which I finished rearing all four of my children. I am currently taking as many CEUs as I can and reading in L&D so I can be "up" and prepared on changes in the field. Academically, I am well-prepared. My question (and fear) is that I may have some difficulty getting employment in L&D because of the gap in my career. How should I prepare for the interview(s)? Franny2332:thankya: