RN29414

I graduated from TESC in December 2010 from the RN to BSN program and it was fantastic. No online exams but tons of papers required. Some self scheduled "clinicals" requiring research and interviews. I really enjoyed the program, learned loads of pertinent info related to my nursing practice and made friends for life. The instructors, called mentors, were very knowledgeable. I would love to get my MSN there but not sure I can afford it. I am now looking at Aspen University.

In outpatient settings, such as physician's offices, IV versed is mixed with tylenol for pediatric sedation. You can do an internet search and find the formula. It is important to use the 1mg/1ml form and not the 5mg/ml. It is not bad practice, just using what is available. Many formularies do not carry po versed unless they have a PICU or Peds ER. Mary

PoppaD, You took the words right out of my mouth. I, too, am in SC and it is definitely illegal to portray yourself as a nurse if you are not one. It can be reported to the BON. I worked for a dermatologist who called all his assistants (scrub techs, lab) nurses. When I began working there I reminded him it was illegal and after that I was his only RN and we had one LPN. The other employees would still say "I'm Dr. so and so's nurse" and the physician began correcting them. Mary

Hourly is better in my opinion. Not only because you can get overtime but, if you are in a state with a union you can participate. Salaried nurses are considered management and cannot negotiate with the union. I do not consider salary pay more professional. My husband works in a Yacht yard and is salary - didn't even graduate high school. If hourly is the only way nurses can get paid near what they deserve then that is the best choice. Mary

It is okay to cry. When I worked in the PICU I cried with every death. I cried with every dressing change along with my burn patients. I cried when kids got sicker and when they were well enough to go home. It is okay to cry and I can tell you that families appreciate it. Mary

Many nurses bolt a few months after starting their first job. I would not recommend this unless you really dislike the unit. Do you have a mentor? If not, get one. You can use your preceptor from your orientation for now. Go talk with him or her. You can also speak with human resources - this would be considered lateral violence. I can tell you that the rudeness is not bestowed only on new grads, I have been a nurse for 15 years and still get bullied at times. If possible it would be good for you to stay at least 6 months on your unit. But, if you just can't do it and it is causing you to be depressed/anxious go ahead and try another hospital or unit. There is no shame in caring for yourself. Mary

I am currently attending UOP online. It is very time consuming and expensive but, not that hard. I have taken 6 classes and received A's in all of them. Most of my instructors have been good, had one awful one but still got an A. Classes are 5 weeks long and you have to do a few papers and team powerpoints. I have learned a lot. Not sure if I am going to finish out my last 5 classes with them, only because they want me to take Statistics again and that pisses me off. I may return to Excelsior because I only need 3 classes to graduate.

I just took the Pathophysiology test 7/14/07. I received an "A". I used pathophysiology made incredibly easy and found tons of sites on the internet to study. I also ordered a CD on ebay. I did not buy the book recommended by Excelsior. I studied for 3 weeks then took the test. I Mary