passionflower

Your experience as an EMT fits into the labor and delivery unit perfectly. Focus on bringing those tools to the table - to think and respond quickly, etc. They know you are a new nurse, let them know you are excited and eager to learn.

You can cite every study in the world, I have been a nurse 30 years and have seen the difference. That bedside experience is priceless. Some things can not be taught. Education + experience makes for a well rounded NP.

I have flirted with management because I love quality improvement projects. For me my job as a clinical educator satisfies this role without adding evaluations and disciplinary actions and the politics that come with it. I do admire those able to handle the management role well because it is not an easy one.

How about informing the pediatrician of your assessment findings. Vomiting can be an impending sign of more serious complications.

You sound more suited to L&D

QSEN has a lot of case studies they are pretty good. Sim-central has some. You can google OB case studies for more sources.

You and I have a lot in common - age and an interest in writing. I do have work experience but I remember being frustrated on my inability to get that first job. I started out in a nursing home just to get my foot in the door. It turned out to be a good idea - I gained so many skills and was able to check them off for my next job. Keep a journal of your experiences. Age does not matter in writing and they are always looking for writers in healthcare. This can supplement your income and who knows may also lead to a job. Best of luck to you. Don’t give up!

The people giving you the advice that Med surg experience would be helpful are correct. I have worked L&D and mother baby for 15 years. Initially we did not accept new grads. Now that is changing because of the shortage. Today’s pt is sicker and sicker with more co-morbidities. People are being induced because of obesity. The learning curve is huge in L&D add to that med surg issues. Yes can be done but it is best if you come to us with some prior experience.

No they do not

WRITER!!! I would also love to mentor or teach youth.

It isn't always worth the money.

I use to work in Human Resources where we did a yearly run on all 100k workers. They were all upper management and PRN nurses with experience on that list and that was probably 15 years ago. Mind you home care agency was also in New York.

I live in Southeast Georgia also. Salaries here are awful but I love the location. I guess it's all about what satisfies you.

My biggest problem is how to remain consistent as a night shift nurse who also goes to school. Routine and consistency are my Achilles heel.

Janine I have been a nurse for about 30 years. An OB nurse for ten and you just described many shifts I have worked. Great article. We have some things in common - our love for writing, I am also part of Healthcare writers network. Trying to pursue my dream when I'm not delivering babies.

It's not as hard to break into as it used to be OB takes new grads regularly. Not that you are a new grad, just saying they train them.

I am in WGU right now (RN to MSN program) and I can not imagine how anyone could pass without being a working RN. Granted you may be able to function as an RN but there are multiple task associated with the program that require you to reach out to your manager and hospital resources both in BSN and MSN portions. Right now my class task requires me to sit with my unit manager and someone in QI. I need six months worth of information to formulate my project and this is non-negotiable. The next class will require me actually putting a working plan in place on my unit and then evaluate the change, without my manager's input I could not complete the assignment and there are many courses like this hence the "real life competency based" experience. I think if they relaxed their rules or chose on a case by case basis they would run the risk of someone taking a class they are not equipped to handle because an evaluator misread a resume or made an incorrect assumption because it would then be subject to human error. It's not just about the experience a person has but also the accessibility afforded to most RN's on hospital units. Good luck on whichever path you choose to take.

I want to be you when I "grow up". I am in the program at WGU right now RN-MSN bridge (nurse educator) and I LOVE IT.

I did quote the poster but the text was long and that line was the only one I was referring to. I come to this site because of the lively and varied topics of debate and it was my opinion that the poster was discouraging this with that comment. The OP was looking for a solution to a problem and did not say anything out of line in my opinion. I was not referring to inappropriate discussion which of course should never be tolerated. That is why I used the term "healthy" debate - meaning enriching, enlightening, lively, thought provoking, etc.

"Instead of signing in to allnurses to bring up a problematic discussion" I'm confused, I thought that healthy debates on any topic of interest to the 'debater' was part of allnurses. One can choose to respond on not.

Nurse Beth you are a good role model!

Thank you for sharing. So much misinformation out there. Again I think we should make this a sticky because inevitably this question comes up

Carabella I finished the BSN portion and am now on to my MSN about half way through.(I did the bridge) Took me one year to complete BSN on a very part time basis (and had to take personal time off) but also I am enjoying the learning process. My ADN program was accelerated and I feel like I learned for the moment but got no real retention. I have learned a lot with WGU but I have always been a self motivated learner and so far have gotten what I needed from the program and the course mentors. Works for some, others don't care for it but I believe the ratio tips the scales in favor of the program. Bottom line is do what is best for you and feels right and best of luck!

Stats had me worried. Not good with stats. I listened and re-listened to the recorded lectures and even had a course mentor tutor me one on one via the share my screen and it was very helpful. I think it was more mental for me. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Yes it will