VivaLasViejas ASN, RN

LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych

Once a nurse, always a nurse!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

All Content by VivaLasViejas

  1. VivaLasViejas

    A manager's perspective "I talked to my mgr about XYZ and nothing was done!"

    VivaLasViejas replied to klone's topic in General Nursing

    Oh, my. Reminds me of the CNA I had who was a no-call no-show at least once a week, and was unreliable on the job too. She was lazy and it seemed she could never be found when her co-workers needed...
  2. VivaLasViejas

    New facility no med cart allowed

    VivaLasViejas replied to Mqnurse13's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    Please tell me you didn't leave before coverage could be
  3. VivaLasViejas

    Confessions of an Introvert

    VivaLasViejas replied to Nurse Beth's topic in General Nursing

    I didn't know there was a term for what I am: an ambivert. I've got characteristics of both types and it's always confused me. I do best with groups of 2-4 people; crowds make me crazy. Yet I have no...
  4. VivaLasViejas

    Bipolar I and License Endorsement

    VivaLasViejas replied to bicycleRN's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    Hi there. I'm a 'retired' nurse who lives with bipolar I, and while I haven't moved since I was diagnosed, I can tell you that different states handle the issue of mental illness differently. Most...
  5. VivaLasViejas

    Your FAVORITE job

    VivaLasViejas replied to chacha82's topic in General Nursing

    My favorite job was as a DON in assisted living. My co-workers were awesome and everybody worked together as a team, even the upper administration. I also had some really cool residents who I loved...
  6. VivaLasViejas

    So long, farewell, adieu

    VivaLasViejas replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    I am SO sorry to hear this, CCM. You are a great nurse and have been a wonderful resource here for years. I hope you don't leave us even if you do leave the profession. Wishing you the very best.
  7. VivaLasViejas

    Chances of Nursing Board allowing me to become a nurse?

    VivaLasViejas replied to MasterChief6's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    Welcome to Allnurses. I think you've identified your major problem already, and that's going off your meds. I understand why it's hard not to do sometimes; I have bipolar I and often daydream about...
  8. VivaLasViejas

    I have a drinking problem, how do I get help?

    VivaLasViejas replied to YANA67's topic in Nurses Recovery

    The fact that you've admitted you need help is half the battle won. I'm glad you're open to the idea of starting with AA all over again; they gave me a kickstart when I began my sobriety odyssey over...
  9. VivaLasViejas

    How I Wrote a Book and Became a Nurse Author

    VivaLasViejas replied to Nurse Beth's topic in General Nursing

    I have a question: How does one stay relevant when she's been out of the profession for several years? I still maintain a nursing license, but I'm technically retired and I want to stay on top of...
  10. VivaLasViejas

    doea nursing cause health problems?

    VivaLasViejas replied to Jay1900's topic in General Nursing

    Nursing would probably be doable for you, as long as you get the anxiety under control. If you're not already doing so, please see a mental health professional for an evaluation and possible...
  11. VivaLasViejas

    New Bipolar Diagnosis...Already out of work

    VivaLasViejas replied to lovenursing2017's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    You have my sympathies. I have bipolar I disorder, been diagnosed five years and am still getting used to the idea. I've been through many, many med adjustments so I understand. It makes it so hard to...
  12. VivaLasViejas

    Gross Things Patients Do

    VivaLasViejas replied to bluegeegoo2's topic in General Nursing

    I've got a strong stomach, but that trach story made me want to yak. Gross!!! My disgusting-patient story goes like this: I had a very obese, incontinent pt. who had lost her bottom dentures. Couldn't...
  13. VivaLasViejas

    Which field of nursing is the most technically hard?

    VivaLasViejas replied to Guest878640's topic in General Nursing

    The degree of difficulty, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I found med/surg to be harder than mother-baby and even ICU, mostly because of the insane workload and staffing issues, not...
  14. VivaLasViejas

    Nomination for America's Best Nurse- American Healthcare Council

    VivaLasViejas replied to scanda123's topic in General Nursing

    I got the same e-mail. I never pursued it because I assumed it was a scam---how could I be one of America's top 100 nurses when I haven't even worked in over three
  15. VivaLasViejas

    Psychologist thinking of late in life career change....advice?

    VivaLasViejas replied to live4ward's topic in General Nursing

    For what it's worth, I think it would be a mistake to change course at this time of your life. As a psychologist, you have the power to influence lives in many ways; you make a difference. As a nurse,...
  16. VivaLasViejas

    Not loving nursing....yet.

    VivaLasViejas replied to MrsJt's topic in First Year After Licensure

    For what it's worth, almost no one loves their first year of nursing. That's pretty much universal across all settings. Hang in there, get your year in (or longer if you can stand it, it looks better...
  17. VivaLasViejas

    Boundaries

    VivaLasViejas replied to 90Random's topic in General Nursing

    What kind of behaviors are your co-workers exhibiting? I am confused. Personally, I've never befriended former patients, male or female. In a small town it's harder to avoid them, but it's still...
  18. VivaLasViejas

    Dating a former patient

    VivaLasViejas replied to sarahg88's topic in General Nursing

    I am a "mental patient" myself and can't imagine being in a relationship with one of the nurses who took care of me. Yes, I know the OP said the former patient initiated it, but it should have been...
  19. VivaLasViejas

    Nursing student w/ Dx Clinical Depression and G.A.D

    VivaLasViejas replied to cjprenurse's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    I don't think you need to worry too much about popping positive for benzos on your drug screen. This is easily explained by talking with the medical director at the testing site, who will probably...
  20. VivaLasViejas

    Is 28 too old to become a travel nurse?

    VivaLasViejas replied to jchristine89's topic in Travel

    You have PLENTY of child-bearing years left. Not to worry! As for being "too old" for traveling, I met a woman on a cruise ship last year who was 67 years old and had no intention of slowing down or...
  21. VivaLasViejas

    Flagged FBI Report

    VivaLasViejas replied to Cami28's topic in Licensure: Criminal History

    When I was still young and irresponsible, I got a couple of traffic tickets, one for speeding and the other one for unregistered vehicle. I didn't appear in court or pay the fines on either of them....
  22. VivaLasViejas

    New Nurse Dealing With Depression?

    VivaLasViejas replied to c.dom's topic in Health, Stress Management

    Sure, you can PM me anytime; you just have to have made 15 posts before you can PM. :-) And congratulations on passing
  23. VivaLasViejas

    Postpartum Depression

    VivaLasViejas replied to Auzy88's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    I am so sorry for your loss. I had something similar happen with my second child, so I can understand how you are feeling. (((((HUGS))))) As for your possible postpartum depression and/or PTSD, please...
  24. VivaLasViejas

    NCLEX & having a moment of self doubt

    VivaLasViejas replied to HermioneG's topic in NCLEX Exam, Programs

    You're not whining. You are over-thinking all of this and should give yourself a break. It's possible to over-study; you should take the time to go to your reunion and allow yourself to relax for a...
  25. VivaLasViejas

    If you could redo it....would you choose nursing?

    VivaLasViejas replied to ICURNPA92's topic in General Nursing

    Even though my career ended on a sour note, I'm glad I chose nursing. I got to experience a wide variety of jobs, from med/surg to ICU to mother-baby to management. I enjoyed taking care of people and...