TxRn38

The other issue I have seen in this thread is "inexperience" and/or "not qualified" I can only share my experience and what I have seen in the process of strike nursing. Before we ever leave our home states we need a lengthy application. In addition to the application we are to send copies of all credentials, job references, education, health records, immunizations etc. A thorough backround check is completed and all documentation verfied prior to ever leaving our home state. Once we arrive we have to provide the verification over again and once its complete our file is given to the hospital. The hospital reviews the file and for any reason they can ask for further documention. If for any reason the hospital is not satisfied, that nurse can not work. In addition to this prior to orientation we must all take a drug test. As you can see, the process is very lengthy and for good reason. Not just any nurse can work. Only the best, most experienced, complete file may work.

I am a scab. I do not make my living working on strikes. I have a staff position at a Magnet status hospital. When we all attended our pinning cermonies and took the Nightingale Pledge at no time were unions, salary or benefits mentioned. We are ALL patient advocates. Who was going to take care of these innocent patients caught in the crossfire of the hospital and the unions? Are they to be termed as collateral damage? NO. With that being said I applaud those of you who were brave enough to cross the picket lines and take care of the patients. I am a RN and patient advocate and therefore not afraid to travel or cross picket lines to take care of patients.

In your nursing books look up thrombocytopenia...lung ca etc. At risk for injury related to low platelet count . Examples of interventions to include: patient teaching of fall preventions, siderails up x2 bed locked and in lowest position with call light within reach. Pt verbalized understanding to call for assistance. frequent nurse hourly rounds or prn. Ensure pt uses clippers and non razors. Pt reports black tarry gastric contents or stools, bleeding gums, or blood in urine. (If pt is unablt to report then nurse will monitor) Monitor labs, ptt/inr/pt and vital signs. Assess skin for petechiea (spell?) Hope this helped a little. I learned alot by doing care plans, Good luck !

I graduated in 2006 from PCC. I taped the lectures, had a study group, took notes, and read the material. I would rewrite the material again when I made note cards and quizzed myself for hours. I would take my note cards with me on clinicals and quiz myself when I had the opportunity. ONLY study for the current test and think of nothing else. Find yourself a quiet room without distraction to study in. The most difficult thing about nursing school is you have to understand the material. All the MCC nursing programs test according to the NCLEX. I also had a GPA of 4.0 going into the program but I dont think that matters as much for people llike me (great memorization). Good luck to you. Stick it out, have confidence. Remember most....DONT FREAK OUT!