casnee

I'm about to complete my clinical health practicum here in CA and my project topic is Substance Abuse Prevention in Youth. From what I have learned, the topic needs to be "prevention" oriented and involve a specific population (youth, elderly, Hispanic, etc.). The topic has to be an active issue within the community, and your "hours" must reflect your assessments of efficacy of programs, interventions, etc. through interviews, site visits, classes and you must develop a "plan" (your paper) to help combat the issue. Because of the additional requirements for the practicum taking place in CA, I had a frustrating, lengthy process of finding a preceptor. In particular, my county was not familiar with this school and its processes, so explaining what I needed with the Public Health dept was time-consuming. So, after about 3 months, I finally was able to have the county's Nurse Practitioner (who works in substance abuse treatment) be my preceptor. Through her, I was able to get in touch with the different health dept (particularly youth prevention) and explore the programs and classes they had offered. So far, it has taken me 9 weeks to complete 76 hours. I anticipate finishing within the next couple of weeks. Then, I will just have the paper to complete and I'll be finished!!!

What type of electronic charting is your facility using? I may have an idea how that had happened, as some systems can be confusing. I'm sure when you ordered the medications it asked for an order from the physician. Make sure to know that's a red flag if it happens again, as documenting meds by history shouldn't ask for an order. I wouldn't worry about any disciplinary action as it was corrected.

@ responder thanks for your tips! I have issues with not being able to drop my angle without losing traction. After I get a flash, I drop the angle to advance the needle more but I must move my other hand anchoring the vein out of the way to do so. I've lost potential starts because of veins blowing after doing this. Any tips for hand placement or anything?

First off I'm a new grad RN and I had the hardest time looking for my first job (I know my story isn't unheard of). I finally landed a job in a SNF a few months ago. They were very supportive and friendly. I even had a two month orientation (now THAT is unheard of). However, before I had applied to this SNF, I had applied to numerous hospitals. Well, one of those hospitals gave me a call a couple weeks ago and asked if I wanted to interview for their new grad program. I jumped at the opportunity and went for it. Yesterday they offered me the position and I accepted. (woohoo!). Here comes the bad part. So I'll admit I wasn't the most professional in the way that I told my bosses that I would be leaving at the end of the month. I had every intention to tell them in person. However, I work NOCs, live an hour away and have a hard time seeing them in person. So I tried to call them, couldn't reach them either. So I resorted to texting both my DON and ADON. Just as a heads-up kind of text, I do plan on writing them a formal letter, ASAP. I even apologized at how unprofessional it was, and gave them the reasons why I resorted to it. My DON did reply back, however. She accused me of lying saying that I had promised to stay with them long term. Now, I don't remember making any promises, and I do remember her mentioning they were looking for someone long term and I had every intention of staying for the experience. Now I just don't know where to go with this. I don't think I should bother texting her back. Should I just write the resignation letter and leave it at that? Or make another attempt at talking with them in person? Ugh, I knew it would be hard but didn't think it would be like this. Thanks in advance for all your help.

I attended an Advance Career Fair for Nurses at the Pasadena Convention Center back in September and I thought it was beneficial. Received a lot of info on new grad programs, but nothing more than what I could have probably found online. I did not like, however, how many of the HR reps there had their name badges turned around or had a piece of tape covering their name...they did not accept resumes or handed out business cards or their phone number. What a way to network, huh?

I think so...I'm also a new grad who has been looking for a job for months too. Today I had my very first interview in a SNF and was offered the job! So I'm definitely going to take it to gain some experience.

FYI this is a facility that houses rapists and others that have committed sexual crimes. The more you know.....

Also, I've been getting a lot of customers accidentally offending other customers by this exact scenario....I'm in the process of giving a flu shot to the customer who has medicare...another customer approaches the table and asks how much self-pay would be, I tell the price and the other customer says "Don't you have Medicare???" Other customer has offended look on face and says "I'm not THAT old!!" then awkward silence...I try to make mends by saying anyone of any age may have Medicare for certain reasons but by then it's too late!

I'm doing the flu clinic thing too and it has been more entertaining than I had thought it out to be. Had a customer tell me that he doesn't need flu shots because his doctor told him he has a special ability to fight off the flu after having it once. I told him yes, it's called your immune system, but the flu virus changes and blah blah. I proceeded to tell him everyone has that special ability, and why getting a flu shot would help to NOT get sick, but he was convinced, it was his own special ability, lol. At that point I didn't feel like it was any use trying to convince him otherwise!

I'm in a situation like yours, I moved to the LA area to be with my boyfriend (we had been in a long distance relationship while we were both in school) and we were set on FINALLY being together once we graduated. We're together, but I'm jobless. I too, graduated in May 2011 and it seems like all of my classmates are getting jobs. It really is about who you know, especially here in LA, where the job outlook for new grads is grim (and I know no one). Minot, ND keeps looking better and better.

Congrats! I keep thinking about the opportunities they have there. I'm still hoping I land something here in the LA area soon, but it's nice to know that there is still hope out there. Were you able to land a position in a specialty area? How about finding a place to live? I heard it's really competitive due to a housing shortage.

Congrats! I'm a former student of SJDC's ADN program and I had the best experience there!

I just signed up for a an IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal class specifically for RNs in Brea...they have gotten good reviews and a lot of convenient schedules too. You should check them out! http://www.genesismec.com/

The whole state of California

No, you're not crazy! Your feelings are completely normal. I'm in the same boat as you are, I graduated in May and now I'm searching for my first job. I know once I do land one, I will be freaking out. I've always been told that the REAL learning begins when you start working, and that it's not expected for you to know EVERYTHING. So having that in mind, just put your best foot forward, and charge!! lol, and congrats on landing your job too

Hello everyone, I came across a job posting that I qualify for on a step-down cardiac unit. However, it's requiring that I have a basic dysrhythmia course as part of the qualifications. I understand that most positions require that you obtain ACLS and basic dysrhythmia courses usually within 30-60 days after hire, but this position requires that you have both upon applying. So my question is, what class do you recommend I take? Is 12 lead ECG interpretation the same as basic dysrhythmia? I'm not sure which to choose. I ask this because the only classes I'm finding are related to ECG 12 lead interpretation. I've looked at local hospitals around the LA area and I'm not finding anything. I found one class online but I'm not sure if it's legitimate? I'd really appreciate any feedback!

I'm barely a nurse...but I want to say that those are PVCs in the latter half? Correct me if I'm wrong...

Or, if you're still looking, how long have you been looking since graduation? I'm only asking because I'm graduating next week, and after celebrations and the such, I'm going to be on the prowl for my first RN position. I've supported myself through financial aid (thank you taxpayers!) and I have enough finances to cover me for at least another month. I'm really going to need to start working very soon! So I'm just wondering how long it took for you RNs out there to land your first position? Thanks!! EDIT: I just viewed the thread that is related to my question...I would delete but not sure how to. Any responses are still appreciated, however!

Reading your post I can't help but think of how much you sound like me (lol) I always had so much curiosity when it came to investigating illnesses and their symptoms via the internet (without health insurance what much else is there to do?) and I'm still the same way, almost two years later just about to finish nursing school (yay!). Having that curious mind is the best tool to have for nursing school, because curious minds tend to learn very well . Anyway, I had zero health experience when I started nursing school, and it was, and still is, very intimidating. I really believe it is normal though. I had an instructor tell me, "Don't expect the anxiety to subside until your first or second year of working!" :uhoh21: but....let's just see how it goes....good luck!!!

Not too long ago I was bathing a patient during a clinical rotation and he had mentioned that his TEDS hadn't been removed in over a week...So I'm thinking "yeah those definitely need to be removed and washed..." so I pull the first one off and BOOM! A burst of skin flakes hits my face. I didn't know whether to nose breath or mouth breath.....so I just held my breath and tried to make it not look so obvious that I was trying so hard not to breathe! But other than that the sound of phlegm coming up always makes me want to gag...and seeing sputum is ACK. I can handle blood, vomit and poo for the most part....still have to start working to really know what I can handle!

the merit-based programs select students who are the most academically qualified and they base this on your GPA of your prereqs. However, I know that they changed the application process recently to comply with new standards and it's a bit different. Lottery I believe is just a random selection of applicants? So at SJDC they select its applicants with the highest GPAs. I was able to get all B's in my prereqs and make it in, but was at the lower end of the acceptance pool. SJDC is a community college in Stockton, CA. http://www.deltacollege.edu/div/hs/index.html That website lists the new formula of how they select students for the associate degree nursing program. Hope this helps!

The RN program I'm currently in has a merit-based application process-- that's why I was able to get in on my first application. The school I'm attending is San Joaquin Delta college in Stockton. I was really lucky to not have to relocate or wait to get accepted. I believe this college is the only merit-based one around here - the rest are lottery. That's why we have so many other students commute...as far as Atwater! Good luck with your applications

Thanks for all your replies!!! I wasn't aware that all schools had this policy, but I guess it makes sense...liability issues I suppose? Tomorrow we have open lab after our regular skills lab, so I think I'll take the opportunity to practice more then.

Today I gave two IM injections for the first time and I don't believe I did it correctly. My school has a new policy that doesn't let its students practice giving injections on other students or even allowing to take syringes home. So, our first experience has to be on a patient. So, to say the least I was REALLY nervous and my hands were shaking while giving both injections. While giving the first one, I didn't penetrate the skin hard enough. When I went to aspirate, I pulled back and I was met with resistance. I didn't know if I needed to pull harder? When I went to pull out a gush of blood followed... does this mean that I did not aspirate correctly and that I hit a vessel? I asked my instructor who walked me through it and she said no because I did not aspirate blood...but I'm not even sure if I aspirated correctly. So, my question is, is it normal to feel resistance when aspirating or did I need to pull harder? I'm so glad my patient was cooperative and nice about it all...my next patient might not be though so I really need to get this down thanks!!!

I had a Mormon family practitioner that I would go routinely see whenever I got sick when I was a teenager. His questions would be wacky, too. He had asked me if I was married once when I was SIXTEEN...what does that have to do with any medical purposes?! And he would always ask me if I was sexually active (I came in once for the flu and he asked me that) and he would always just give me the creeps. At least now I have no health insurance so I don't have an option to see him anymore!