soon2bim

HI. That is probably why I am so confused, because that is the medical diagnosis. We have to look at textbook definition, doctors orders, client symptoms and write to the disease. The first medical diagnosis we write to, in more detail, the next 3 are to sort of feed into why that is the primary medical diagnosis. I had a brief chat with my instructor and she said look at the meds first, there are many for pain. Her first instinct was Osteoarthritis as well. Thank you for your advice, Charlene

HI. What you have mentioned makes complete sense. I don't know why, I always seem to think of Risk for, before actual like you mentioned in your comments. Thank you! Charlene

ME TOO! I think I have cried non-stop all of this Holiday break. Am just now preparing for my clinical on Tuesday. It seems like nothing I do is right, really seems that way. I think that I just "haven't gotten it" yet. I keep waiting, and then well my mind roams onto another thought (lack of sleep lack of focus) and I have lost it again! I agree in the thought that they do it on purpose, the stress that is. I am soooo stressed that I will fail clinical (class grades are great). I think clinical is my biggest stressor, by far.

HI. I am not sure if anyone can guide me, or not. In my class we are to rank the medical diagnoses and write to the 4 primary. My problem is trying to determine the 4 that are most critical to the patient. I have a pt this week with: Osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, HTN, Meniere's Disease, GERD, hyperlipidemia, Herpes Zoster, and depression. I am inclined to rank the top 4 as this: Meniere's disease, because pt exhibits dizziness and risk for falls (none noted in this facility, however was the reason for initial admit). Osteoarthritis, limited range of motion in joints and this impacts her mobility. I am just stuck after that. I start talking myself into each being more important than another. Is there something I should look for, meds, labs, etc. Anything that will possibly help? Thank you in advance

I am going to try this advice as well. I know what I need to do in a shift, and then I enter a room and this resident wants to talk! This is my biggest problem, I want to sit and hear them and talk with them. I truely do. I almost feel rude moving on. I know how to end the conversation with the resident, and am working on that, just moving on when the care/need has been met. It is just, well almost heartbreaking. Some residents are sooooo forlorn, and I just want to be the one that puts a smile on their face. Some of them won't even remember me the next time I am with them, but I will remember that moment. As an additional thought, my nursing instructor has said that some of the nurses from her era have noticed a change in pt/resident to nurse ratio, there is less time to devote to our bedside manner.

That is a great point, about some not receiving report. I know that our AM shift aides receive a report, I work second shift and some of the aides will pass on report, others are hitting the time clock I love that I do get report, residents that are antsy, disoriented, who has a cath, and even who isn't feeling well and will be a room tray it makes my shift easier because I have some additional ammo going into shift. I know additional precautions that will need to be taken for residents, and it makes me feel more prepared!

I think it is a great idea. In fact, that is the route that I went. I became a CNA and am now in the Nursing Program at school. The posters are right, the duties are very different, however, I am still providing them a great service. No matter what task I am tackling at the moment. There are schools in my state that are now requiring CNA before entering the Nursing program. I think it is highly beneficial and some of the skills testing was just review because I had already been applying those skills daily. The same with some of the terms you will need, and to me anything I already know that we are being assigned in class is an added bonus! Just one more answer on the test I will get right :) I would also like to mention that although the pay isn't the same as nurses, as another poster mentioned, the pay is well above mimimum wage where I live. Good luck with your decision!

HI. I had just wanted to chime in with a book that has helped me greatly. Our instructor recommended Math for Meds: Dosages & Solutions. It is a practice workbook, that begins with beginners math on up to calculations. There is also helpful info regarding syringes, IV's, Rx labels and this book has been a blessing. It was great to refresh the very elementary math for several students in the class, myself included. I am sorry with your frustration because Math doesn't come easy for everyone. Maybe I could suggest that you check to see if your college has a skills type lab where you could make use of a math tutor? Our college has these services available to students, and maybe they can explain in a way that it will click for you.

HI. I have the same trouble, and I am scared to death what they will be like in winter. I use St Ives, Swiss Vanilla. It has a light scent. Though we also have lotion in the staff bathrooms, and our Sub/Station (supply room) has a dispenser of lotion. I would say as often as you can use a bit, because each little bit will help. I also have a Burt Bee's hand kit, that includes gloves. When my hands are EXTREMELY bad I can put this thick paste type lotion on, slip on the gloves and let the moisturizing begin. :)

Hi. My first instinct, would be for you to check the requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing. Compare that to what you had completed, you may find some classes that you won't need to retake. Just thoughts off of the top of my head though. I am similar to you in that I am changing careers, for me being a nurse is what I have always dreamed of. I started off with CNA training, I thought jump into the care world with both feet. I think it will help me to be a "well-rounded" nurse too, because I will know what it is like to be in a CNA's shoes. Good luck with your journey!

I have several students in my nursing class that are MA's, and realized the difference. I think the entire difference would be in the Nurse Practice Acts. The 2 are not equal!