beck_79

Thanks for the replies, everyone. To clear things up a bit: this is both a LTC and Rehab facility. I am on the Rehab floor, so patients are always coming and going, therefore assignment cards need to be updated regularly. As CNAs we do know the patients very well, and could probably fill out most of the information accurately (with the exception of medications and any very recent PT evals) HOWEVER, we are being asked to go through the medical records themselves and record what is written there. We typically don't even touch these records- we have our own CNA flow sheets which are kept in its own ADL binder. It was my understanding that we were never to touch the patient medical records. Another thing- there is no time on the shift to even do this. We work our tails off right up to the end of the shift, and barely have time to get our own paperwork done. I'll double check to see if the DON decided to implement this (so far I've only heard it from the charge nurses) But first I will check with my state BON so I have something to back me up. (I'm in MA, btw) Thanks again!

The powers-that- be at work are now trying to implement a new duty for CNAs. We are supposed to go through the patient's charts-their medical records and fill out updated Assignment Cards weekly. We are to go through the patients' records and check off on the assignment card their diagnosis, what kind of transfer they are, do they use assistive devices, dentures, hearing aids, any kind of rehab therapy (splints, heel booties), meal assistance/ diet, continent or incontinent, if they are on blood thinners (to watch for bruising). Then we have the nurse sign it off. The rationale for this is that so people who float will have an up- to- date assignment card from which to work. I'm pretty sure that this is not my responsibility as a CNA. I'm a nursing student, so I do have some experience with charts, however as CNAs we have not been trained to interpret the information in a chart. If I fill out the wrong info the blame will be on me. Also, shouldn't the patient information we get as aides be on a need- to- know only basis? We shouldn't have access to patients personal information. A few of the aides I work with are not very trustworthy. The charts have private stuff- SS#, addresses, medical history. As a patient, I would not want anyone but the doctors or nurses taking care of me to be able to access my chart. Where can I go to find out if this is allowed? And if it is not, how can I report it?

Oops, meant to quote you, but I hit the thank you button instead. :)Hang in there! I like to go to the Nursing computer lab at school and take some practice tests- they have lots of NCLEX programs. Also, if your text came with a cd this usually has alot of helpful stuff on it. Try to review old material a little bit every day- even if it's just for 15 minutes. That way you won't feel overwhelmed before a test and you can focus on material you don't know so well. Good luck!

I take NoDoze when I work my 12 hour night shifts. Usually all I need is half a pill

scorpiostudent had some great suggestions. I highlight the heck out of my textbook, too. It helps me stay focused. I also jot down notes while I'm going along, too. This is all very time consuming, but I tend to remember it better. Before my exam, I take the CDs that come with my textbook and do the NCLEX style questions for each chapter I've studied.Most people ignore these CDs, but they have lots of good info on them. I'll also go to the school's nursing computer lab because they have tons of programs with NCLEX questions. This was a resource I never new about until this semester- you should see if your Nursing program has something like this. Reading all of those rationales really helps in the learning process.

I took mine at North Shore Community College. But that would be a trek coming from the South Shore. Try community colleges in your area. Some LTC facilities may offer training programs too.

I go to the gym. Even when I'm pressed for time I make an effort, b/c I feel so much better after. Also, cooking and cross stitch.

I've only come across a couple of not- so nice people in my program, and avoid them. Just about everyone in my class seems really supportive with eachother. If someone is having trouble understanding the material people will make an effort to help them out. My clinical group is wonderful,too. I have a friend in another program who had to take a mental health leave of absence because of all the backstabbing and cheating that was going on. I feel lucky!

I use them all the time and highlight the heck out of them. :) I feel like I have to study for two different types of tests with Nursing: the exams that the teachers give (I focus on the lecture and powerpoint for these) and then there is the HESI, which I've found my textbooks to be very helpful. It's worked pretty well for me so far. I figure it'll help with the NCLEX, too.

I work Baylor at my facility. My shift is Friday/ Saturday 7p to 7a. So I work 2 12 hour shifts and I get paid for 32 hours instead of just 24. It works great while I'm in school. I also pick up an additional 8 hours a week so I can be considered full time and get the health insurance.

I haven't fallen asleep yet. But come 4 am, if it's not busy I will put my head down for 15 minutes or so to rest my body- and it actually helps. I'd never doze- I need to be alert and able to respond right away if anything happens.

I like to do 3 in a row and get 'em over with. :)

Sigh, I'm a full time working student and never have time to sleep. I admit that I'll take NoDoze- only when I work my Baylor nights, and half a pill is usually enough to keep me feeling alert and it does seem to help me focus when I'm getting a bit of studying done in the middle of the night. It has as much caffeine as coffee(so says the bottle) But it really isn't a good habit to start so I don't recommend it.

ditto. I have know idea what to do with myself right now. I'm almost looking forward to pharmacology in a couple weeks.

I'll join. I definitely need some support- I'm in the midst of hell week at school right now (test in every class, papers due, presentations, etc) so I've fallen off the wagon. The mac and cheese box has been my source of comfort, along with M&Ms and anything crispy, salty and fried. Man has it been delicious. And forget the gym- I had absolutely no time this week.But I need to get back on track. I decided to start losing weight last November, and so far I've lost 10 pounds.Went from 145 to 135. My pants are starting to fit again. I jump- started it with the South Beach Diet, but now I'm just trying to eat sensibly. I was doing great for a while: No junk or refined carbs. Lots of whole grains, veggies, fruits, and veggie sources of protein (I'm a vegetarian). Tons of water. And I forced myself to go to the gym. Here's a tip: go to school in your work-out clothes and you're more likely to hit the gym on the way home from school. At least, it has worked for me. And I bring my notes to the gym so I can study while doing cardio or in between weight sets. Also, I'm really focusing on strength training to build some muscle, because that's more effective with weight loss then cardio alone. And I really do feel better after I work out- it helps alot with stress. Finally, I made a rule of no eating after 8:30 (except on the nights I work, then I bring a couple healthy snacks). The weight has come right off. Like I said before, though, this past week was really bad, and I turned to junk food to cope. If anyone has tips for keeping up the healthy habits during extreme stress, I'd love to see them.

For your feet: keep a water bottle in your freezer, and when you get home from work put it on the floor and roll your feet over it while you check email or what not. Feels great!

It's tough! I wind up eating in the car because I have to book it back to campus for lecture. I usually do peanut butter and jelly (both all natural stuff, no sugar added) on whole wheat bread (Arnold Double Fiber). Add a banana and it's a fairly healthy lunch, and easy to eat on the run. Gets a little boring after a while, though. Other mini meals I like to bring with me to class, that might work for clinical: low fat cottage cheese and fruit, hard-boiled eggs, low sodium V8, low fat string cheese, All Bran crackers,yogurt, almonds (raw, unsalted), soy nuts, sliced apples with almond butter, oranges, trail mix, Kashi Tasty Little Chewies, South Beach Diet meal bars (lotsa protein). Do you get to take a break during clinical? A little snack might help you from being so famished by noon.

I was in the same boat as you a couple years ago. I had a BFA and no money, but I decided to go back to school full time for nursing. I took out student loans to cover my tuition, but still need to work full time to pay living expenses. I took a few weeks off one summer and got my CNA. I work 3 days a week, full time: the Baylor night shift + and extra 8 hour shift a week. I study at work during the quiet times (as well as studying every waking moment I have). The school and instructors say they don't want people working while in school, but the reality is, many of us just have to! I'm working full time, in school full time and doing just fine with my studies, and if I can do it anyone can. :) It's hard work, but doable. It is a hardship right now, and very expensive, but I keep remembering that it will be worth it in the end. Good luck!

Salem State has a good one from what I hear, if you don't mind commuting.

Abnormal Psychology: A Adulthood and Old Age: A Anthropology: A Intro to Professional Nursing: A Health Assessment with Lab: A Statistics: B I'm happy! I did well considering I was taking 6 classes (never again!) and working full time. I got a whole bunch of prereqs out of the way and now I finally get to start my clinicals!

I don't like coffee, and try to stay away from lots of soda. But I work Baylor night shifts so I need something to keep me going. I take NoDoze (caffeine pill), but I only need half of one to get me through the night. I've also tried those 5- hour energy drinks, and they work, too. I don't like to overdo it on the caffeine. Sometimes a big glass of water is all I need to wake up.

If you need a break from floor nursing, what about working at a call center help line- many health insurance companies have 24 hour help lines staffed by RNs.

I have student loans to pay for tuition and books, and I work full time as a CNA to pay for everything else. I find that working in healthcare is great while in school because of the flexible hours- I work evenings and nights, three 12-hour days a week, and when I work nights I have some extra time to study. Working and going to nursing school full time is doable, but exausting. You'll get very good at time management. Good luck. :)

I use alt. remedies all the time. They've been an interest of mine since I was a kid, lol. But I'm a big fan of conventional medicine, too, so I wouldn't use alternative medicine exclusively, because every ailment responds differently. If something isn't working, you bet I'll see a doctor about it, or try a conventional treatment. I've used probiotics to resolve a miserable two- year battle with a yeast infection that wasn't responding to regular meds (actually suggested by a new doctor after I fired my old one); ginger for stomachaches; vitamin E oil for minor scars (don't know if it helped or not, though), tea tree oil for minor skin infections; zinc to shorten colds; honey facials for dry skin; reflexology for nasty headaches (it helps); arnica gel for bruises and aches; cider vinegar rinse for dandruff; I could go on, but I won't put you all to sleep. :) And chiro and massage have been great for my back.

Mind if I join the party? I've developed the slow but steady "nursing student spread". :uhoh21:Suddenly I've got at least 15 pounds to lose! Current weight- 145, height 5'5. No, not overweight yet, but I need to do something before this becomes a problem. I've always been around 120-125. I exercise pretty regularly- lots of weight training, but not nearly enough cardio. Plus I work nights, which has really messed with my metabolism. Anyway, I'm on Phase 1, day 2 of the South Beach Diet- just giving it a try. Gotta break my carb- snacking habit, b/c it hasn't helped my waistline. I already miss pasta... and potatoes.... and bread... and fruit. Sigh. But only 12 more days without them- not forever. My goal for the next four weeks: keep up the weight training, add one extra cardio session a week, and stick with the South Beach Diet plan. I'm not going to make a specific weight loss goal because I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I'd just like to be able to button my pants- not safety pin them closed, lol. So today I followed my meal plan faithfully. It wasn't too bad. And I did some weight training at the gym. Tomorrow morning I'll go do some cardio before class.