doobiedo

Did you get a written offer? I definitely would not give your notice to current employer until you get a written offer and a start date. If you don't get things in writing you could find your benefits including pay rate different when you start. As far as the amount of notice to give..two weeks is usual but some place want the amount of notice equivalent to the amount of vacation you get ie: if you get 3 weeks vacation a year they want 3 weeks notice,

It depends what type of research you want to do as to the type of education you need to pursue. If you want a position in a pharmaceutical or biotech company you don't necessarily need more than a BSN depending on the job requirements. You don't necessarily need a BSN but it sure helps and opens more doors. If you have the experience in lieu of the degree they might take a chance on you. Of course the degree can't hurt but if you are not sure what area you want to get into then I suggest pursuing a job in the industry first to check out what opportunities are available and where you might want to go with it. If you want a position in the physician's office or hospital as a trial coordinator then I have to defer to someone in that type position as to the requirements recommended for that type position.

I graduated in '79 and initially I loved it however nursing and the hospital (healthcare in general)has changed in many respects. I have had many opportunities because of my career and for that I am thankful. The hospitals and LTC's I worked did not give pensions and only in the early 90's did I finally have a job that even offered a 403b. Maybe things have changed as far as retirement benefits go now I don't know but physically I can't do it anymore. I had a bilateral hip replacement at 47 due to osteoarthritis and could not run the floors anymore let alone put up with it emotionally. I've had it with 12 hour shifts, mandatory overtime, poor benefits and management that seemed to think the staff had no life except the hospital. I went into pharmaceutical and have never looked back. I finally have a pension and a 401K along with better benefits and they respect the fact you do have a life outside of work and you are compensated for it! I enjoyed the bedside for many years but would not even think about going back anymore. Good luck and hope you have you have investigated and know exactly what you are in for. Don't go into it blind :>)

18 patients is great! compared to places I have worked. My last per diem I was responsible for 60 patients with 3 aides if I was lucky and they came into work. That was in addition to treatments, medications and charting and as an RN I technically was reponsible for the 60 patients on the other floor. Thank goodness the LPN's on the other floor were excellent and able to take care of everything. My first night a patient died and the DON called me at home to tell me I filled out the death cert in the wrong color ink! She said it was in the policy and procedure book. I told her I had no time to sit and read a policy and procedure manual! I loved the patients but it was too much for me to risk my license over such poor staffing.

Do yourself a favor and don't go into nursing blind. If you have not had any personal experience as a CNA or something equivalent you may set yourself up for more than you bargained for. Too many people I know went to nursing school with no clue what ito expect and what it involved and found they were not cut out for it and for some reason had no clue the schedule they would have to work (weekends, holidays, swing shifts, etc). I am sure some local hospitals would accomodate an occasional shadow of a nurse for a day or even a few hours. I would not go for the 4 year program...start out in 2 year and as another poster stated...you won't have wasted too much time and money if it ends up that it is not for you. In the early years of my career I loved it but after 18 years I won't go back the bedside. I moved out of the hospital and into pharmaceutical with normal life, normal hours, better pay and better benefits. Maybe you will be lucky to get a day shift position right away but most likely you will have to "serve your time" on off shifts for awhile. One of the benefits of nursing is that it is flexible and there are many opportunities to branch out. If I had to do it all over again ??don't know if I would...(But I am jaded after too many years in clinical..I will admit....) Good luck whateve you decide>

Hi Sorry but I am not set up to PM :>) There are big pharmaceutical companies as well as Biotech companies, CRO's (Contract Research Organizations) etc.. Many of those companies also have smaller offices/satelites in various areas of the country. I am only familiar with Eastern PA/NJ area. Try Monster or Careerbuilder, etc where you can enter your zip code and pull up companies around your area. You may have to consider contracting in order to get your foot in the door to a permanent position. There are many contract agencies with varied benefits so you should shop around. You want agencies that deal with the pharma industry and research. Your contract may be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years depending on the company policy and their need. If you get your name and resume to a headhunter you will most likely get some leads also. The more experience you have the better. Nurses are utilized in many areas of pharmaceutical/medical device/medical supply etc industry.

Most definitely...I have for 7 years. The jobs available are not only sales reps either. Many different positions available. Great hours, pay , benefits etc.... A BSN is usually required but not always mandatory depending on the position.

I was on Lexapro 10mg for almost 2 years and recently switched to Effexor as the Lexapro was not working for the depression & anxiety anymore. I took it at night because of feeling sleepy. I initally experienced jaw clenching which can happen occasionally with SSRI's but that went away after a few weeks. Never had nausea and unfortunately it appeared to increase my appetite more then anything. My doctor said I did not need to wean myself off of Lexapro because I went to another similar type drug. I started on Celexa when I was first diagnosed but did not tolerate that at all...sleeping all the time....even though Lexapro is related to Celexa (same base only a different salt) I was amazed at the difference in experiences between the two drugs Eveyone reacts differently to drugs and you may have a good experience and if not talk with the doctor and try something else.

I am in pharmaceutical however not sales. Only know there is much traveling and if you have the 'selling' type personality it might be enjoyable to you. There are many areas within the pharmaceutical arena that want nurses for various reasons--most require at least a BSN but not all. The benefits and pay are usually better not to mention the hours.

My husband also suffers from what the neurologist calls rebound headaches because he can tends to take too much medication to try to fight the headache....he just keeps popping his pills...Ibuprofen, fioracet, phrenalin...he forgets what he took and when...you get into a circle of fighting the headache and then "coming down" off the medication which triggers another headache..... I have to keep up on what he took and when...then tell him when to hold off or when he can have something .....he will listen to me and take my advice but he just does not pay attention to timing due to the pain .....ice pack does wonders for him also....I have had a few in my life and would not wish them on my worst enemy !!

Is your husband on preventative medication? or just medication to treat the migraine. My husband has a family history of migraines and has had them since puberty. He sees a neurologist regularly and was on Periactin (antihistamine) for many years prophylactically at hs.... it did help though not totally eliminate the migraines. Otherwise he takes Phrenalin Forte at start of migraine and Firoracet w/Codiene if Phrenalin does not kick it.....He also found food such as hot dogs and ham he must stay away from as well as eating regularly, stays out of direct sun and wears sun glasses...also affected by humidity and we have to use air conditioner when it is even a little humid outside. I am sure your husband after so many years knows what triggers his headaches but if he does not see a neurologist I would highly recommend it.....it has helped to decrease the frequency of my husbands migraines although he still gets them a few times a month but not as intense

I just had a bilat THR in October for osteoarthritis. I did not have abductor pillow...just pillows between my legs...worked fine and more comfortable.. However I was not turned at all except when I was assinged a student and then never repositioned on my side and ended up with stage II sacral decub after 4 days I have been out clinical for awhile and just wondering if you are not suppose to turn bilateral thr pts? Is this something new? We always turned them when I was in the hospital just 5 years ago... I had an epidural block for almost 2 days...so I felt comfortable of course on my back I also went to rehab and was not encouraged to turn in rehab either either....granted I was out of bed every chance I had but however very surprised I was not encouraged to turn when in bed Just an honest question as maybe there was a reason for it...not sure and would appreciate any reponses.

If you don't want paper work then better not go into LTC. Depending on the answers to one piece of paper may require you to fill out 3 more..! Paper work I don't mind as much as the redundancy...vital signs have to be put in 3 places...weights in 2 places, I & O's also in 2 places.... ...etc....and if you didn't do it right you recieved post it notes or phone call reminding you about "our policy" Never worked with computer charting as I have been out of clinical for 5 years now...I don't miss it

I always wanted to get married...not necessarily have kids. We knew would not going to be able to have kids (fertility issues with hubby)...I knew that when I got married...no problem to me...upset my husband more then me. he thought I really wanted kids...(not..) could have tried adoption but did not want it that bad..... I just tell poeple "it was not in the stars"....it usually stops them cold... I feel if you want children that's great.. but if you don't wnat them it is better to be honest with yourself from the start...there is no law (thank goodness) that states everyone needs to procreate. As we all know some people who procreate should not be allowed too...but that is a different story...

I was one of those that always lived within 5 miles of work and never missed a day due to snow (and also ticked by folks who lived even closer calling out let alone the ones who lived greater then 20 miles away who couldn't come in!!)...but then again I don't mind driving in snow...it's the other idiots I am concerned about! the ones who drive like the roads are dry and don't allow enough car lengths between them in case someone slides or stops fast... I was driven in by a National guard hummer one year and a jeep another year ...hospital got me in but I was on my own getting home the next day!...left a real bad taste in my mouth after that.....I stayed overnight once in a LTC facility in a bed that had just been vacated because of death. (not real pleasant for me)... but in over 20 years in the hospital I don't remember ever once even a meal or any kind of compensation in return from the facility in appreciation......just another reason I left it all behind.....:>)

Please consult a therapist, psychiatrist or whomever can help you. Try a different antidepressant if needed . I needed to try a few different ones myself. You have reasons to feel the way you do. Don't bne embarassed to seek help. Anyone who feels you just need 'to pick yourself up by the bootstraps" smelll the roses, etc obviously does not know much about depression....you can't just make a choice to get on with life.....it is not that simple unfortunately. Take care

I met and married one of my patients. Our relationship did not start until he was discharged and he made the first call. Been married for 21 years. Sorry but I do not see the big deal. I had patients try to set me up with their sons prior to that...which I politely declined however if you are discrete and don't take advantage of a situation I am not sure I see what is wrong. When is the patient no longer a patient....my opinion is as soon as that patient leaves the hospital....so that person is 'another person on the street' (so to speak) that you just happen to meet.

If anyone could assist me it would be much appreciated. We would like to move to N.Carolina within the next 1-2 years. My husband loves to fish the Outer Banks..however I still need to work. He will probably retire and work Part time. I am in the pharmaceutical industry and know that most major pharmas including my company are in RTP. Can anyone name a few nice places to live that would be half way between OBX and RTP? We have no clue where to begin. Looking at a map it appears Tarboro, Edgecomb and Rocky Mount are a few nice places I have searched on the inet. Any info would be much appreciated....Thanks so much. :)

Hard to say...Businesses pay astronomical health care premiums so they attempt to split the costs by asking the employee to pick up some of the tab...however still difficult especially with average to low income families....It is unreal what I hear my self employed family members have to pay....or others who have to pick up cobra and cannot afford to let it lapse due to preexisting conditions..., I am lucky and count my blessings to work for large corporation who picks up 90% of my tab however but would not want health care like the UK has as a VP for our company who lives in UK just took her father to an 'urgent visit' with a cardiologist and had to wait for 6 months to get that appt....! When I see my EOB's and note what the hospital and doctors charge for some services I think it is outrageous and wonder if health care didn't drive us to this dilemma.....

I just clepped it recently as the final credits for my BSN. I passed although it was not easy. I recommend going to your college library and obtaining the most current textbook available on human G & D. I read the keypoints at the end of each chapter. I read the chapter on the theorists however and it was good I did that because the test was fairly heavy on theorists. It was 90 minutes with 90 questions. You were not penalize for answering wrong so they encourage you to answer every question even if you have to guess. I was usually able to narrow down to 2 answers to make my guess ....you are able to skip and come back to questions later so you can save the hard ones for last... I recommend attempting it at least. I paid $60.00 for the test and $15.00 to the college administering the test. Sure beats taking the course both in time and $$... I was told before I left the room that I had passed......Good Luck,,,

Hi ... I am probably going to have to have bilateral hip replacement done soon due to osteoarthritis. I am just wondering if any other nurses have had 1 or both hips done and are you still working in the clinical setting acute care/LTC...? and if so how are you doing walking the floors ...? The reason I ask is while I work a full time job that is somewhat sedentary (I am not in the hospital) I do work in LTC very part time (1 day every other week)...but I never know what the future may bring and may have to go back into the hospital.....I am just trying to get my thoughts wrapped around the surgery itself but also can't help but wonder about what the future may bring and what if I need to go back to the hospital.... I left acute care for many reasons but not the least of which is because I could barely walk by the end of 8 hrs due to the pain let alone mandated OT which sometimes involved 12-16 hrs. I had hoped to delay the surgery if I left and I did for about 5 years now... I have heard all good about the post operative course and how much pain will be relieved and what I will be able to do after the replacement ....but even though the doctors tell you what you can and can't do I like to hear it from the people who have been there :) I appreciate any replies.. Thank you.....

Everyone who posted has made valid points. However when staffing is such that there is on RN (me) to keep track of 60 patients on 11-7am shift with 2 or 3 aides(if I am lucky I have 3) and need to give meds on 45 of them between 5-8am, let alone all the charting and accucheks, vital signs, etc...I do assist and answer lights as I am able. I agree that someone could be on the floor so we need to answer the lights now rather then later. I have CNA's stare at me in disbelief because I do answer lights, walk pts to BR, change diapers, help pull pts up in bed etc. I am all for team work. I worked 18 + years in acute care without CNA's. I am use to doing things for myself and will still assist as able. I depend on the CNA's to tell me if a patient is changed or not 'acting right" or if they find someone unreponsive or crashing....I have to depend on them as I work very PRN. I value their knowledge. But like all the other posters there are good and bad in nurses as well as CNA's. I have seen CNA's spend all their free time on their cell phones! (wish we could ban cell phones in general !!) and have seen them not give the care they should. I call them on it if I see it. But eveyone needs to just try to work together. I will give you respect for the work you do if you give me respect for the work I an reponsible for and need to do. I thought I was told at one time that it is against state regulations to stop and give bedpans or other care if you are doing a med pass (?...I am not well versed on state regs but I was told that one time when state was coming in...) also you will be leaving on time so I would like to do what I have to do and leave on time also. I have yet to see a CNA not get a lunch or break when on the other hand I can rarely get lunch and my break isusually on the run at the desk as I chart.....so can't we all work together and respect each other?

I would recommend he look at all options...radical prostatectomy in a 45yr old seems like extensive but not sure....talk with his doc if you can and get a second opinion to know your options...ie radiation....

Just curious as to how you can force them to take meds anyway short of putting a tube into them one way or another. They are human beings with rights too albeit restricted due to their crimes and institutionalization..isn't that what the legal people always say....after all they have a right to be on a tranplant list just like you or I apparently... If they refused treatment at our hospital or refused meds, etc they were immediately transported back to prison....

My father was diagnosed early this year too (he is 68). He had a biopsy that showed a Gleason scale #8...apparently this means aggressive form of cancer.. My parents found out about it....did all the tests and consults and then told us kids the story. He was initially encouraged by his urologist to have a prostatectomy but his cardiologist quickly put the squash on that idea and highly recommended radiation consult. My father is happy with his choice..he just finished radiation.... He was treated at Fox Chase in Philly and the radiation oncologist and his team specializes only in prostate cancer. My father also has no mets at this point which we are all extremely happy about :) :) :) I talked with his radiation oncologist and was surprised to learn that essentially it is a wait and see type thing. They have him on hormone injections every 3 months for 1 1/2 yrs. They may do another biopsy along the way but essentially there is no real way for them to evaluate the effect of the radiation therapy at this time. His PSA will be normal while on the hormones and after he is off the hormones they will follow his PSA also and hopefully it will stay normal. (this is what I was told anyway...Oncology was never my forte' Needless to say we will be waiting with bated breath but in the meantime I am concentrating on spending more time with my parents as this hit us hard and I realize how precious my time with my parents are at this point. As the one post stated I have heard also that prostate cancer is slow growing. Good luck...demand the best doctors and gather all the info you can to give yourself peace of mind....I will be anxious to read other oncology nurses replies to assist me with putting my mind at ease... FYI....evaluate all options before deciding on the surgery...there are many side effects to the surgery...