dhammond3

Thanks all, at least I am not alone.

I posted this in nurses with disabilities forum but, am posting here too just in case it isn't see. Two months ago was diagnosed with stage 3 osteoarthritis and had the knee scoped with among other things a subtotal meniscectomy. Orthopedist gave me meloxicam for the inflammation and suggested at some point might have to consider Symvisc. I have returned to work 12 hour shift on the floor of CSICU, by the time 1600 rolls around all I can do is think about getting off my feet. Have medial and posterior knee swelling and pain around the patella, when I get off I head for bed and an ice pack on the knee. So am curious if any others are working with osteoarthritis and how you are managing. Thanks

I am curious to know if any of you with osteoarthritis, specifically of the knee, are working a 12 hour floor shift. I was diagnosed with stage 3 osteoarthritis and had arthroscopy (subtotal meniscectomy, etc.), and have gone back to work. It seems to be getting more difficult each day, swelling (am on meloxicam,) periods of pain, steps are not good, and at the end of the day only want to get to bed with ice on the affected joint. I am going to talk with my orthopedist about Symvisc, cause if I don't get improvement don't know how much more of this I can take. Anway, am curious to hear from others and how it has affected you, I know everyone is different. Thanks all

You are most definitely not too old, I will graduate in May, and was 49 when I started back 51 now. I already have a degree in another field, but realized it wasn't for me. I love what I am doing! Schooling will not stop as will continue on for the NP. Also, there are several in my class who are older primarily mid 40's with a couple others older than me. Instructors have told me they like the older students as are focused. Realize tho, you have to prioritize your life even more than a youngster. Budgeting your time is huge. Nursing studies are not memorize and regurg, they are learn and apply and critical think. If you are married, your spouse must be online with you cause family time drops way off. Having said all that, it is very doable.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Just curious what Med Surg textbook is being used by those in a 4 year BSN program. Two year program may respond also, just let me know if you are in a two or four year program. Thanks!

Ok, so when practicing IV's (on dummy arms) how do you reset your needle/cath so you can reuse to practice again? I saw someone do it once and forgot how.

I agree nursemiki1. Our instructors informed us, just before we took the ERI's, they did not teach toward the ERI. Huh. Then how is one expected to know content that was never covered in regular instruction. I have not compared the ERI to NCLEX but, have spoken with some who felt the ERI did not prepare them for the NCLEX. Oh well, I just need to brace myself for more ERI's in this BSN program.

Thanks I will get that book. By the way got a 1000 out of 1000 points on the test today! Feel better.

50 and finishing first year of BSN program. How's that.

Anyone got any good tips to use for ERI foundations test?

Let me start this little gripe session by saying I am 50 yo, have a college degree, worked professionally, and decided to get a BSN because I like the profession. Now for the gripe, have all the older veteran nurses forgotten what it was like to be a student? Unsure of your skill level, knowledge, and performance? Why is there an antagonistic relationship? I would think being "professionals" and complaining of being overworked, that the welcome mat would be out. That the vets would extend a helping hand and if anything overteach. This antagonistic relationship has me perplexed, confused and downright mad. Doug

Thanks to all who have posted excellen reference sites and review material! I am using these in pathophysiology/altered states

Thanks I just keep moving on.

177. Instead of doing research on PDA's for Nursing Informatics, you are on here reading the funnies, like I am doing now.