afton63

I think you mean't to write "what angle are you wanting to begin" It just seemed like a lovely slip because Palliative care is about being the angel of mercy up through the final stages of life. Not easy when your releif nurse isthe angel of -----. Oooh we don't like when he/she shows up for work. Part of the deal though. Helping them transition to the ultimate healing. :redbeathe

To answer the dear ladies question...What can she do? I suggest carrying a small bag with a clean blanket (a light weight wool quality) and bottle of water and tissues and anything else you can think of on your way to the hospital. As a nurse of 25 years, people act so helpless in these situations when really all you need is a little common sense. Regression into a dependent child-like state when we are sick is really a cultural responce not an intelligent one. All Americans need to take CPR and first aid in this day and age so they can be empowered to respond to their loved ones needs and not behave like they have no caring skills whatsoever. That is the root of the problem. You see the nursing staff as your only solution when really you can take some steps to prevent these kinds of awkward encounters. When I had patients with familes who came prepared to the hospital like this, I always praised them for stepping up and let them know where the limits of their care should start and end. I have had children in the ER, and as a nurse I still need to receive instruction. But that doesn't mean I take a complete "hands off" attitude and act like the sweaky wheel when the request is a 2 on a scale of 1-10 in the ER setting. Well that's my 2 cents.

hi magmae, you may want to check with your state boards, but usually after one year of rn training you can sit for your lpn licensure. this way you can have your cake and eat it too. i went to lpn school first due to late notification of a closing to an rn program in nyc back in 1981. i quickly enrolled in the lpn program in westchester community college. it was the best thing that every happened to me at 18. i needed more time but most people can accelerate and get their lpn along with an rn license in 2 years or less. 10 years later i worked as a college health nurse and finished my undergraduate. i could have been a nurse practitioner but god rearranged my plans and i am a nurse health coach/supervisor. it is the coolest job in the world. so as the bible says, "do not despise small beginnings. god knows what he is doing. put your plans before him, he won't let you down. loved "we are marshall" we saw the late show last night. how neat to send a communication to someone who attends that school. bless you! colleen