RNLifesaver

I used to work there as an LPN and when I first became an RN- but that was years ago. I actually started there when it was Veterans Memorial Hospital and was there for a bit when they opened the new hospital (MidState Medical Ctr). I worked on the inpatient psych unit at that time and really liked it. They had a great program. Other people that I have spoken to who either work there now or have worked there in the past seem to have good things to say about it.

I had a very hard time with finding a preceptor for my CNS program in Ct. Most places wouldn't take me because they didn't have a contract with my college which is in VA. The APN's I contacted generally didn't want a student or were too busy. I finally ended up just doing my clinical at the birth center where I work with the Midwives. The program only required that I be with an Advanced Practice Nurse- didn't necessarily have to be a CNS although I'm sure they would have preferred it. We don't see alot of CNS's here either unless it's psych. Otherwise it's mostly NP's and CNM's. Good luck in your search! It's interesting how there is such a nursing shortage and yet so many nurses that are working just aren't available to precept....

Hi!! There is definatly a nursing shortage in Ct and you will not have any trouble finding a position!! As for rates of pay- To the best of my knowledge and from what I have seen myself and heard from others- Home Care per visit is about $35/visit and $50 or $60 for an admission. Hospitals Not so sure anymore. It's been so long! Long term care RN's about 24-28 base + shift diffs, w/e diffs, etc. Plus usually more if you supervise. In a 90 bed facility I had made 24 base + 4 Supervisor pay + 1.50 shift diff + 1.50 weekend diff. which brought me up to $31/hr on weekends. And I believe that is one of the lower paying positions. Staff Relief Generally 35/hr to take the floor, 40 to sup and 50 to sup w/ floor. no benefits though..... Again, these figures are only from what I can recall. Also, the pay varies depending on what location you would be living/working in. Good luck in your decision and your job quest!!

You definatly will feel that "jet lag" feeling! I would still take nights over days!! Less people to contribute to any chaos that might occur! It is generally quieter, but not always!! The biggest hurdle will most likely be your sleep pattern and staying awake at work during "non-busy" times!! Once you get that down, you might just LOVE nights!!

I worked nights for years and miss it dearly!! I don't think it matters WHEN you sleep, as long as you try for some consistency. I worked 7p-7a and slept when I got home. (Unless I was off the next night, then I would stay up and go to sleep at around 7-8pm. It is an adjustment though! Good luck with it!!

I have to laugh. I am sorry. The fact of the matter is, those machines are SO picky!!! We always had trouble with that damn machine in the Long Term Care facility I had worked at.

The bottom line is this- WE are here for the Patients. Period. Your instructor was obviously trying to have you concentrate on med admin. Vitally important. However, this is OVER-RIDDEN by the fact the the Patient ALWAYS comes first!!! You could have compromised- Stopped what you were doing to allay her fears/concerns and spend 5 minutes just talking with her. Then, completed the IV setup. Keep up the good work!!!

Probably one of the reasons your Crohns is acting up?!?! Ya think?!?! Your health is more important than ANY job.

Increased risk of lawsuits. I am pretty sure people weren't "sue-happy" 20 or 30 years ago. Increased risk to lose your license coupled with the increased NEED to keep that lic to Work!! I know that if I ever lost my license, I would be finished! I wouldn't even know what to do. I depend on this income to live and raise a family!!

Jealousy- they must be jealous of Californians!! Yes, the weather is awesome there. And the housing prices are outrageous!! The pay (from what I have been told) is fairly equivalent to where I am (Connecticut). And I can assure you- our housing prices are up there and we don't even get the GORGEOUS weather!! Enjoy California if you live there! I would!!!! It beats trekking to work in a blizzard any day!!

I worked in a long term care facility (a large one- 4 floors) and the old lady who owned the place was an LPN. She MANDATED that all nurses wore a cap. And you had to wear all white. The dress code was strict. If you did not have a cap, you were able to purchase one in the lobby. This was up until about 5-6 years ago. I no longer work there, but I have heard that she no longer mandates the cap. (They just encourage you to wear it....) Personally, I do not care for them. But they do look professional I guess. (Although I always thought mine looked like a sailor cap or something!!) So what if you have to wear it in nursing school?? It isn't forever. If you don't wear it there, you'll probably never wear it again! I think it shows some pride in the profession! Enjoy it! And just think- it'll make a cool story to tell future nurses when you share your story!!!!

I wear an engagment ring. HOWEVER- I do not do patient care at the moment. I currently work in administration. I also wore it when I worked as a Supervisor in Long term care. Again, I had minimal if any patient contact. My job consisted primarily of paperwork, delegating, and troubleshooting-- (IV pumps, etc....) If I am ever in a position that involves more direct patient care, I think that it is a better habit to get in to just to remove them for work. It's basic nursing. Fomite-n. An inanimate object or substance that is capable of transmitting infectious organisms from one individual to another.Now, I realize that you will undoubtedly see many nurses with rings on. That does not make it right. You will also see nurses with FAKE NAILS painted! Is it a big deal? Maybe not. But with the incidence of nosocomial infections, why take a chance? On another note- we should always strive to look as professional as we can. Nurses always fight for our "professionalism" and the fact that we as nurses are "professional". Well, we need to LOOK professional too.

I certainly wouldn't quit "nursing"- but it might be that the particular position or specialty area is not for you. I did home care for 2 months and realized that I did not care for case managing! I don't really know anybody who can know EXACTLY what they want to specialize in right after school. When I graduated, I wanted to be a flight nurse. In all the years I have been in nursing, I can't tell you how many times I have changed my mind as to what I wanted to do!! Certainly, the skills you are learning on a medical floor are extremely VALUABLE! If you can hack it, I would stay until you are competent in it. However, if you are going in to work feeling miserable- find something else. You only get one life to live. YOU have to be happy. That is the beauty of our field! When you want a new challenge or a different experience, it's there. You are always a nurse!

One of the LPN's that I worked with said that she used to work there. She liked it a lot. And said that they paid VERY well compared to other companies.