fuzzie

I live in Idaho, and am applying for a job as a cna at a major hospital. i'm in a nursing program here. does anyone know the process for these health history questionnaires. i am in recovery now for 16 months (after relapse) and am really having a hard time with a question that asks if I have ever been evaluated or treated for a chemical dependency. i was evaluated at one time by an addiction counselor and am an active member of AA. Of course the honest answer is yes, in my mind. but the obvious concern is if i will be immediately disqualified...does anyone have any insight into this or experience they might share?

I just received my CNA from Boise State, where I will begin the nursing program this spring. I'm doing a mid-life career change and thought working as a CNA while in nursing school would be good experience, although I don't want to work in a nursing home. I did one of my clinicals in one and was appalled at some of what I saw...ie, being ridiculously understaffed, not providing oral care to dying person (or anyone else), sticking your hand in someone's crotch to see if they are dry or wet, etc... Is this the way it really is out there??

you're kidding, right. maybe people should just call you . Now that might be something to complain about...or at least to wonder about!!

Easy...it's a public forum. Anyone is welcome to respond to posts. I'll get the experience soon enough...as a future student, you bet I'm going to respond and seek answers and further clarifications. Sorry you seem to have a problem with that.

huh??

I, also, heard that Portland is not experiencing a shortage. Good luck Dan...I want to get to the Pacific NW as well. I will begin to hear from schools around June that I applied to up there. hope hope

Thanks MM. Yeah, I pretty much stay out of the bs at work too...but honestly...I haven't seen it (maybe I'm just stupid) when I fly...but I don't do much associating with airline people outside of work either. As far as the gossip and stuff when I'm at work...who has the time for it?? I'd rather read a book.

Hmmm...I guess I think it's interesting that no one refuted my assertion that bogus, malicious, or otherwise false complaints are made to administration and BsON. I read that to mean that my following assumption that nursing is a hostile workplace is correct? Anyone care to comment on that point?? Is that the way nurses are to one another?

I'm wondering if there are certain states that have union nursing...or is it by region, metropolitan area, or what. I've googled it but can't find a website that has info on it. It seems from many of the posts that for purposes of salary and job security...union is the way to go. Some of the threads have been about nurses making (what appear to be)bogus, malicious, and otherwise false complaints to BONs or managements. I've looked at some of the laws governing nurses in various states, and it doesn't appear that there is much recourse for the accused. I can't imagine working in a profession in which I always have to be concerned about this. I've really become somewhat concerned. This profession seems to be one in which people are really out to get you. Am I correct?? And if so, a union comes in handy.?? I have worked hard for the past few years...working and going to school for my pre-reqs. I'm really beginning to wonder about the people in this profession. I certainly don't want to work in a consistently hostile environment!!! Life is too short!!

Yeah...it makes all the difference when someone appreciates what you've done for them... Nursing is most difficult because of the increasing responsibilities, etc...?? And how do you find your job satisfaction? (Maybe that's a new thread). After this thread, I'm steeling myself (not yet even in nursing school), but it's been a good reminder that we work with other human beings and that can be the most difficult part of any job. In my case, I've been fortunate for the past 22 years. Working as a flight attendant you rarely even work with the same people more than a couple of 2 to 5 day trips a month. The politics is going to be a difficult part of this job, and I don't look forward to it. But being a "mature" person, I know to keep a low profile and be professional...I also know that (partly due to this thread) there are sooooo many options within the nursing profession, that there will surely be somewhere for me. The trick is probably not to have unrealistic expectations. One thing I'm prepared for...LONG DUTY DAYS! My current job is made of them.

You and Gromit are right, of course. Believe me when I tell you that I don't feel that way about nurses, in general. I have several nurse friends that are incredible people. I apologize for the flip remark. I am aware (although inexperienced) of many of the problems in the profession today that gromit pointed out. I share in some of those conditions in my job, in addition to the emotions that 4daughters speaks of...overworked and underappreciated! There is NO value placed on those of us who work to CARE for people. Emotional labor is what we do, and there is not one iota of value placed on it...management places the value only in the tasks that we do!

That's an encouraging attitude. You found your way to make it work!!I was beginning to doubt my decision to go to nursing school!!

Barb...I love Sydney, but it is an exhausting trip (17 to 19 hours of duty out of San Francisco + a commute from Denver). I love Australia and Australians. Most of the people I've met there are friendly and positive. It's a beautiful country...and so much like the US in many ways.

BINGO. That's what I've been thinking as I read these posts. People feel threatened for one reason or another. I work as a flight attendant currently, dominated with a female workforce. The funny thing is...I RARELY see this type of behavior among the women I work with. There is always a mix of male and female...about 4 to 1 on overseas trips. On domestic, I usually am the only male. But I don't see the problem in my profession. We work as a team and get the job done. What threatens one of us, threatens all of us. The larger problem with us is my company...United...it is really a sucky dysfunctional organization.

Jeez....after reading about 3 pages, it sounds like the majority of nurses are catty ******s. I'm male and beginning school next fall. What is wrong with so many of these people who are in a 'healing' profession. GEEZ.

Any advice for those only just beginning nursing school next fall to help us keep above the fray? I just want to do my job and school well and keep a low profile...or will that work against me? I'm not a game player!!

Thanks for your reply Holly. I don't have any concerns about controlled substances. I just can't see myself ever engaging in that type of behavior. That may be a concern for the BON however. I spoke to a nurse at one of my AA meetings the other day and she told me that I need to go to the Peer support committee person at the BON. She feels that I am in a good position (timing wise), as their program is a year duration and by then I will still have another year of school. Either way...in this matter, there is no doubt in me now that self-disclosure is the way to go, come what may. The high road (so to speak) is the only road to freedom.

Does anyone know why the Community College of Denver's ADN program is not accredited. Hasn't it been around for awhile? I can't seem to find any reliable information from the people I've spoken to out there...of course I haven't spoken to the director yet. Anyone know anything? I know they hope to get accreditation from the NLN in 2010, but why so long?

Hello all, I have done a lot of wondering about school accreditation and how it would affect my potential, ultimate plans for continuing after graduating from a 2 year RN program to complete a BSN. I am applying (and have been accepted by one school) to several 2 year programs that are not accredited. One more thing. I do not plan to stay in CO after RN, so I will be seeking BSN from another state. Just what does accreditation do anyway?? The school that accepted me is able to apply for accreditation in 2010 with NLN. I have no idea why not until then (Community College of Denver). Thanks in advance for your time, fuzz

Thank you guys. I don't feel that I should advertise, but I do feel that, as Night says...tell the truth and you won't have to look over your shoulder. Not to mention that one of the precepts of the AA program is 'rigorous honesty.' I honestly cannot imagine that if I self-reported and let them know how important it all is with me...Nursing school and career and being sober...that they would deny me a license. I just feel that I need to be proactive, and that if they feel they need to monitor me as a student, before I apply for licensure, then I welcome that. This is a mid-life career change for me...22 years as a flight attendant with United. The bankruptcy of several years ago (United's) made me reconsider the idea of nursing school, which I had felt would be a good career for me. I look forward to being of service to those who really need it...but I also have my eyes open re: nursing shortage and those frustrations...and the endless paperwork and technical side of the job. I think I'm on the right track with disclosure...I appreciate hearing any more that anyone has to offer re: this ethical dilemma...and I thank you in advance. Night...what I meant by suffer, is am I going to have to pay for this mistake the rest of my life by being denied practicing as a nurse. Looking at it again, I guess it is overly dramatic and vague....Thanks again.

I recently had a short relapse after 8 years of sobriety and went to my health provider for outpatient help. I have also recently been accepted into a nursing (RN) program in CO. My concern is re: licensure. The application asks if the applicant has had any problems with alcohol (or drugs) within 5 years. I would, of course, have to answer yes. My question is...would I be denied a license and if I was licensed, will this fact have implications re: malpractice insurance. Does the nursing board have access to medical records? I understand the responsibilities of nurses and the importance of protecting the public, but am I to suffer the rest of my life for this mistake?? I have never been arrested and never had any work problems because of alcohol...never a DUI or anything. WHat should I do...and what access does the nursing board have to my records? fuzz