DanEMT

I'm a new grad in the ETD as well, I can tell you this: Don't try to rely on what you learned in school. Figure out what drugs you use most often and study them. Open the RSI box and learn the drugs, doses, and order so when you find yourself in that role you already know what to expect. Go over your CP, asthma, sob ect protocals so you know what's involved, what tests to expect, and what labs to draw. Know where your equiptment is and how to use it, really how to use it, the less you have to think about that stuff the more you can critical think to advocate for your PT. The ETD is a great place to work good luck and have fun.

Virgo I'm not interested in your arguing with you, go away.

It happened to a classmate, I was instructed to go down with him. It was in an area where drug seeking is an issue. I was making a point that sometimes people should be listened to when they relay thier medical hx and be treated for thier pain. I felt the uniform would be a big hint that he didn't come off the street looking for a high. I have brought patients there before, that we knew with pre-existing historys only to hear the staff be flippant about them looking to get high. Saying things like "sure there allergic to such and such, I will get to them later, lets see how it goes for them". Not everyone is like that so I don't want to hear it, but it happens and it's sad. And Virgo I didn't say it was me, so keep your tone to yourself!

These are funny I can't wait to start in Mar, but I have to say....If a nursing student, IN UNIFORM comes down from clinical, to the ED with a kidney stone complaint and tells you its his third and toradol doesn't help...Don't assume he is a da*n drug seeker and give him a PO perc. It will insight massive complaints that just upset you, and when the CT comes back with a 4mm stone, it will just make you feel like an a** while he calls out for your ingnorance.

Thats great to hear, I start my first nursing job in a busy level 1 ED Mar 1st, and your post has help ward off some nerves! Thank you!

What does it entail?

Why is it every time I sign on to this site I read how people are being treated wrong at work???? Are you young? Is it the first job you have had? Do you not know how to work with a team of different people? For all you people whining about not fitting in...figure it out its not thier problem it yours

What do you think? How dies this fit with your integrity. Cheating now, what later....report them before their taking care of my mom or son

Call it what it is... obesity R/T excessive caloric intake. I f you can't use obesity try BMI (insert number here) R/t excessive caloric intake. usefull Dx unless metabolic mediated

Advanced patho, studied harder for this class than any nursing class so far.

Great Thread 1. PLEASE STOP complaining if you waste your time and don't study. 2. Don't tell me our clinical instructor is a monster if your always unprepared, slow, wrong, or a tool. 3. Nursing isn't for everyone, if your wound up like a top all the time in school how the heck are you going to do the job. 4. Sure I'm older and an EMT but don't base my grades on that, I study, show up on time, and work hard. 5. Don't ask everyone thier grade and not tell yours. 6. Don't be mad if I study for 20 min and you study for 3 weeks and I do better. I don't rub that in your face and maybe that material was just easy for me. 7. Just because I tutor underclassmen doesn't mean I am commited to getting you through school when I'm trying to study for the same test. 8.You know I really really want to say STOP if your a cancer in school your going to be a cancer on some other poor nurses unit, save everyone and quit now. 9. Stop telling personal stories, in fact just stop talking I can go on and on but I am getting bent thinking about it. UUGGG

It will help your critical thinking and assessment skills, and if you pay attention to your pts it will help you recognize conditions quicker. I feel it has been an advantage over my class mates that are not EMTs, but my exp came from urban EMS in a tough city. Can't hurt good luck

My story was very similar. 31, No degree, working in outside sales, but unlike you married. Here is my experience, sales helps you greatly. Knowing how to read people, find out just what they want, and overcome objections helps form the proper relationships with patients, families, and staff. Also let me say you being older is an advantage over your class mates. Your work ethic is stronger meaning you know what you have to do to get nsg school done without wasting your time. No offense to the younger students but your life experience does play a part. Saying that, the life experience also gives you a leg up with critical thinking as does your sales exp. As far as GPA it playes a huge part, at your age they use your pre-reqs to base your entry on. The ADN programs tended to use a NET test so someone with a low GPA stood a chance, at my BSN it was GPA. This past year they took only 3.5 or higher. I am beginning the second semester of my junior year and killing it, don't base college now on your performance in high school. I was a D student in high school (it's why I didn't go to college) now I am holding a 3.7. Don't concern youself with other peoples stories or reasons, some are good, some bad, some like working with peds, I want to be a flight nurse. Figure out your own reasons and focus on that. Get it done. Good luck. If you want to ask anything further just PM me or ask here I will continue to check. D

I am soooooo sorry!

You got good advice here, use it. I made 3 life changes at the same time, I started nsg school, we had a new baby, and opened a new veterinary hospital for my wife and I am still holding a 3.7. I also spend some time as a nsg tutor, and find time every sunday to watch football with my friends and family. It's all time management, learn and use it. It will help you in school, in clinicals, and in practice. good luck