mtdnk

2 questions: 1. Did you? 2. Do you?

I graduated from Walden MSN-Nursing Education 2007. Since then I have secured teaching positions in both ADN and BSN (2) colleges and universites, and online education. I have developed and presented a 6 ceu seminar, presented at a conference, co-authored a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing review book (Schaum's Outline of Psychiatric Nursing), and am currently preparing an Itunes app for CNA review. Prepared by Walden to face these challenges- you BET!!! I would certainly recommend Walden to anyone. Don't knock it till you tried it.

Yikes, CBsMommy. You do need a chill-pill. Nrsg dx: Ineffective individual coping related to self-esteem issues as evidenced by poster verbalizes hostility and egocentricity when offered constructive criticism (you need to be able to tolerate this, you know)

The OP most certainly has a "BS" N, lol!! My diagnosis: FOS

I seriously doubt that I would resort to assault regardless of what I was told. I wonder why it is that nurses would even question holding an individual accountable for criminal behavior. Think a cop would think twice? A layperson?

I think it was a put on to get everyone to respond. BS for sure! Have a nice day!!

LOL, I LOVE that reference "B 52"!! We learned it at our facility when we got a transfer from upstate. Anyway.....we follow the "BAHA" rule. Everything mixes with Ativan (actually helps to get it through the needle), but don't mix benadryl and Ativan (causes crystalization).

It sounds like you may have missed the objectives of the psych clinical. Though it may sound biased coming from a psych clinical educator, there is so much to learn....but you do have to put yourself out to learn it! Firstly, you should not have a 4 hour "conversation". You utilize therapeutic communication techniques to assess your patient (knowledge of illness, medication, therapies, symptoms, etc). There is a way to ask questions that will facilitate a best answer. In addition, you also interact to intervene (teaching is a HUGE piece of any nursing practice area). You interact to evaluate effectiveness of interventions. The most difficult part of psychiatric nursing is that you must be comfortable in "use of self". You don't have any busy stuff to hide behind in psych, it's just you and the patient. While you are interacting with the patient, you have to analyze their verbal AND nonverbal responses. What is the patient really saying? How does the affect match the mood? Of course, you must also be aware of how you are presenting to the patient-nonverbal behaviors speak 1000 words!!! I read a study while completing my MSN that indicated that the role of the therapeutic relationship is essential in both the patient having positive regard for care and the clinicians job satisfaction. If you take the time to establish positive rapport with your patient (regardless of practice area) their perception of the quality of care is higher than the clinician who is "perfect" in technique, but lacking in "caring". Sounds like a no-brainer, but developing a relationship with your patient takes skill. It is in your psychiatric rotation that these skills are focused on. I tell my students that this clinical experience will definitely allow them to learn about psychiatric illness and treatment approaches, but equally important it will help them learn about themselves. Of course, the day should also include interdisciplinary treatment rounds, participation in RT, observation of medication administration, review of admission status,-I could go on and on. The great thing about nursing is that there's a lid for every pot. The one thing I can guarantee you is that regardless of the practice area you ultimately choose, you WILL have to incorporate psychiatric nursing skills. For example; you should develope a therapeutic relationship with every patient (individual, family, community), every patient experiences anxiety, right? You need to know how to assess, how to intervene. I think it is great that you started this thread, many people don't really get the importance of the psychiatric rotation. This is a great way to take a closer look and perhaps save a peer from suffering the same fate :)

Good luck. Having my Master's has opened many doors for me. I have kept my full time position as a psych nurse (I will be able to retire in 6 years with 30 years completed!). I find that I have to turn down teaching positions. I currently have 3 schools I do clinicals for (the MSN has allowed for BSN positions), 1 online tutoring, and this semester coming up will be my first lecture course (actually I have 2-both the same course). I would say the BEST return for my 41 credits at Walden! The other important issue is that the courses I took really did prepare me to be able to competently teach, they were not BS courses at all. I would recommend the program at Walden to anyone :)

Hi, I graduated April 2007, MSN-Nursing Education track. I developed a conference (in-service) program. I ultimately got it approved for 6.6 CEU's by the New York State Nurses Association. I did not have to actually give it, but, after I graduated I sure did!! Make sure you have everything for your portfolio. Begin now ensuring you have all of your assignments and papers so you don't have to rush at the end.

I have been certified by the ANCC as a Psychiatric and Mental Health nurse since 1984 (2 years after graduation). Yup, that's 27 years! I would have done it even if the original test and subsequent renewals were not reimbursed. I do get a differential (currently 1750/year), but most importantly I am identified as an expert based upon my board certification. I am also a clinical nurse educator (psychiatric) and this certification is essential in securing those positions. Professionally, certification is an important designation and allows for defferentiation of the experience levels of nurses (also who is willing and able to specialize in practice). It provides validation of knowledge/skill for self, agency and patients/families. Does anyone question why a doctor seeks board certification?

New legislation being fought for in NY- "Healthy Workplace". Addresses bullying in the workplace. It's our responsibility to identify and fight for legal protection!

In New York State it is a felony to assault a nurse. Law effective 11/10!! We lobbied hard for this one, it's in your power to do the same in your own state!

Having some notification that you are a nurse can save you from traffic tickets.......not that I would know ANYTHING about something like that:nurse:

Increased risk for Dig toxicity ......I don't believe that is an approved NANDA impairment, is it?

"Good luck" is described as being prepared to seize an opportunity when it presents itself. Education is the key to professional success........I say absolutely get your BSN, then MSN....

I would not recommend asking about pay and expected raises during an initial interview. I do recommend asking about the population, duty expectations, alternative to restraints/seclusion and accessibility of doc/NP's and nursing supervisors. Also, inquire into specialized training avaiable to staff.

I graduated from Walden in 2007, MSN education. I remain full time in the hospital (pay for a nurse educator is not good in comparison) and am a clinical instructor at a few colleges. One piece of advice....keep a copy of ALL of your work for your portfolio (if they still have that). It is very difficult to find copies at the end of the program, and if still a requirement you must submit your portfolio for review before graduation.

Why was that topic suggested by the teacher? Are there difficulties with the establishment of healthy relationships for them? Do they currently have healthy relationships? You need this assessment data to determine the diagnosis (which you need before you can establish the goal).

I LOVE the nurse educator one! As a nurse educator, it makes me feel proud to recognize that I have touched so many lives through my teaching (students, their patients and the families).

What have your family and friends said?

There are scholarships, loans, etc available. Talk to your guidance counselor, research school loans online, and follow your dream into nursing.......

A BSN focuses on key areas of nursing theory and the use of evidenced-based data in nursing practice. The BSN student is exposed to more practice areas not as available to ADN students(typically community based), and the curriculum exposes the student to leadership skills that support positions that require supervision of others. Though you may not like the response regarding critical thinking skills, there's no way around this essential skill learned in BSN programs. Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and assesses conclusions. With critical thinking skills, you are able to determine patterns, make connections and solve new problems. A basis in liberal arts and sciences (BSN) does strengthen the analytical and critical-thinking skills required in safe and competent patient care. This is not to say that ADN or diploma nurses don't provide safe and competent care, but the increasing complexity of technology, medication, treatments and chronic health problems across the life span necessitates continuation of education. The skills that are further developed in BSN programs better prepare RN's to seek process improvements that address challenges in todays healthcare system. These points are identified by NYSNA in the quest for "BSN in 10".

Many times the students in my psych clinicals ask this same question. I have been a RN for over 28 years full time and have been teaching since 2004. I think the problem with trying to describe the ideals are the "nurse-isms". It can be confusing to decipher what is being said. First of all, we are not part of the "medical" profession. We are the Nursing Profession. How do we differ? Look at the definition: "the diagnosis and treatment of actual and potential HUMAN RESPONSES to illness/disease" We do not focus on the medical diagnosis, we look at how our patient (individual, family, community) is responding to the illness/disease/disorder (whatever!). Of course we do need to be knowledgable about the diagnosis so we know what to assess for. We do not "cure", in fact we do "care". We help the patient acheive their highest level of functioning (who's theory is that), by taking caritive measures (who is that?), etc. Do we always know the formal names to our behaviors, not necessarily. It is the same regarding the nursing process/nursing care plan. Many times the students will say "The nurse said they never do care plans". Really? The nursing process is the basic framework of nursing (ADPIE). These phases are also the exact parts of the nursing care plan. What I respond is: in practice while I may no longer write a nursing care plan (yes, we used to have an area for this in the MR) I do use the nursing process. I collect subjective and objective data re: my patient, I analyze the significance and determine what I think is going on for the patient, I discuss with the patient how we will address the problem, select appropriate actions to help meet the goal and take a look to see if it works. Isn't that a care plan? The nursing process? When I document, I address each step of the nursing process as well-regardless of the format used (PIE, DAR, narrative, etc) For those who don't care for NANDA, it is those impairments that are typically used in the multidisciplinary treatment plans (Potential for violence, alterations in sensory perceptions, alterations in thought process, etc). If my patient is schizophrenic, you bet I care about the presence of hallucinations or delusions (those are the symptoms (responses) I assess for based on the medical dx). If they are present, I want to decrease/eliminate them. I medicate, I engage in a 1:1 to provide support and diversions,and check back to see if it worked. The person that spoke about Maslow is correct in that application of a theory-basic needs need to be met before progress can be made. Different levels of care happen at different phases of the patient's illness, theory addresses this as well. Sometimes you have to slow down and really take a look at what you're doing and why. You may surprise yourself! Embrace nursing, it's a great profession. My NY 2 cents.....

The medical diagnosis is not part of a nursing diagnosis. Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of actual or potential human responses to health problems. The AEB is merely the current symptoms your patient is exhibiting that supports your nursing diagnosis. If the diagnosis is a "risk for" the patient can't have symptoms, right? Then they would actually be having the problem.