MelRN13

I'm applying at University of Cincinnati and had planned on taking the Women's Health NP path...but I don't know if I'm having pre application jitters, second thoughts, or a stroke! I would like to focus on pregnancy and disease prevention in teens and young women, which is why I thought the Women's Health path would be the appropriate choice--but with the lack of primary care providers, would I be better of focusing on all ages? My question is--will I be limiting my options by only focusing on Women's Health? Would it be better to take the Family NP path? Also--has anyone else been successful with the online program at University of Cincinnati? What are the pros and cons of their program? Thanks in advance for any help, insight, or advice! Mel:confused:

I transitioned from floor to management in July, and it is still a learning process. I guess it really depends on how much training and support that you receive from your upline. I haven't really had any, just thrown in an office with a "to-do" list... One pro is that I had already worked with all of my staff for 6 years, so we are all pretty comfortable in open communication. Good luck to you!

Highlight both strong and weak points. You could say something like..."although I have never worked in critical care, the experience I gained in the OR has been a basis in building my critical thinking skills"... Most employers with new grad programs will require classroom time as part of your orientation period. This will cover things like EKG interpretation, hemodynamics, etc...just be confident in yourself!

This is the "brain" that I use. I make a double sided copy, so I only have one paper in my pocket. Hope this helps! ICU report sheet.doc

I tried Chantix and it made me so nauseated I could barely eat. My next step was the patch and I had a nasty skin reaction...so frustrating! I'm going to try hypnosis next. I have a friend that did it and hasn't smoked for two years! Good luck!

Urbane is now selling a longer version of their classic crossover top...I've noticed after several washes, the Urbanes really shrink. Try http://www.lydiasuniforms.com

I buy from http://www.lydiasuniforms.com. They are based in West Michigan. They have most of the major brands, plus their own line that is super cheap! I usually buy the Cherokee Workwear brand, and when you buy more than one, you get a discount....also if you sign up for email, you'll get online coupons.

I feel the same frustration as you...unsafe staffing and poorly oriented nurses are a daily struggle for me. But, what do we do to fix it? If we complain, will we be reprimanded or fired???

I feel so sorry for you! My MIL is also a nurse (for 30+) years...but she and I have a great relationship! We work for different companies, so she is the one I can rant and rave to when I have a crappy day. She usually feeds my family on the nights I work (my husband's cooking skills include frozen pizza and mac and cheese). We live right next door, but she has never been intrusive in the 5 years my hubby and I been together! I think the best bet would to be honest and straightforward...tell her it's time to cut the apron strings! ;-) Hopefully you can have a better relationship in the future.

Are they considering NAs for the SICU? My thought is that even if you don't get into the SICU right away, once you are working in the facility, you'll have a better chance for a position in the future...most employers are more likely to hire internally. Good luck to you!

I don't know about affordable, but these are the programs that I've looked into--I ended up going with Davenport University. Davenport University: http://www.davenport.edu U of Michigan-Flint: uofmflint.edu Ferris State University: http://www.ferris.edu Michigan State University: http://www.msu.edu

I made my own report sheet that I use. I usually write the report that I receive in black, and add my assessment and updates in red. I make a double sided copy, so I don't have a bunch of papers in my pocket...one side for each patient. I'm going to try to attach a copy for anyone to use...if it doesn't work, send me a message and I can email it to you. I hope this helps! ICU_Report_Sheet.doc

I think that both opportunites will teach you the basics of patient care. NE jobs are more focused on the critical thinking skills that you will need as a new nurse, and allow you to participate in the more advanced skills that you'll need as a new grad. I would encourage you to take a NE job...I was a CNA for many years before becoming a RN, and I also worked as a NE. The nurse extern experience gave me time to practice my organizational skills and learn how to organize care of patients.

I have been a RN for several years, and will be finishing my BSN this spring. I'm looking for advice on NP programs in Michigan....what were the positives/negatives about your program? Would you recommend it to others? What specialty focuses did it offer? I have looked into many programs, but would like to hear about anyone's first hand experience! Thanks!

Did she have a high K prior to the incident in CT? How about her renal fuction? Did she recieve contrast for the CT? There are alot of variables that can happen...by far, DO NOT blame yourself!

Thank you all SOOOO much for your responses! I got an A on the paper, thanks to all of you.:heartbeat

I agree with ghillbert...trauma is a whole new ballgame! I had worked in gen/med ICU for three years, and then went to work at a level I trauma center. I hadn't had any experience with ortho or TBI patients, and I was on orientation for 8 weeks. I would suggest you speak with your nurse educator or manager and let both of them know how you feel. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you very much. I greatly appreciate your feedback and help with my paper. Thanks! Melissa:nurse:

NCLEX-RN: 88 questions and passed 1st attempt (2003) NCLEX-PN: 75 questions and passed 1st attempt (2002) Good luck with your paper!:typing

Thanks for responding! It really means alot to me, and I really cannot express how much I appreciate your help!:nuke:

Hello all, it's been a very long time since I've posted on this website, but I'm in need of some help. To start off, my name is Melissa, and I've worked in critical care for the last 5 years. I'm currently finishing my BSN, and need some help with a paper. I'm looking for a couple of fellow RNs to fill out a survey. The only personal info I need to know is your name (first initial and last name would be fine, or you can use an alias), what type of unit you work in, and how many years you've been in nursing. The rest of the survey is below. If you would feel more comfortable contacting me by email, please let me know. Thanks in advance! The Survey: Years in Nursing________Years in Critical Care ________ What does the "culture" of critical care nursing mean to you personally? In your opinion, what do you think are the barriers to open communication in this profession? What do you think could be done to improve communication between staff, physicians and families? Do you consider the ICU to be a "high-stress" environment? Why or why not? Do you ever feel "burnt-out"? Have you ever considered leaving the nursing profession due to stress or behaviors exhibited by others?

Have you referred to the BON website? Check the Nursing Scope of Practice. http://www.michigan.gov/bhser

You absolutely did the right thing! Great job!

We currently use room temp injectate for CO's. I'm wondering if what the OP is referring to by "disconnecting" is where the thermoset connects to the PA? Our sets that we use are in two different packages...the thermoset connects to the PA at the CVP port via a three way stopcock. You can dead end the port if you need to disconnect the thermoset for any reason. ???Does that make sense to anyone else but me???

I once worked at a facility that told me I was "mandated" to come in on my day off. Of course I told them no way. I have 2 words-Caller ID!!!