Duflinkka

Just bought a PT Cruiser. Love the milage, back window are lightly tinted for privacy, and the hatch is covered so I can put all my equipment back there without worrying about everyone seeing it.

I'm a fan of the rainbow sherbet.

I never graduated high school. I have my GED. And I'm set to graduate with my ADN in December. The only limits are the ones you set for youself. Good luck!

For 7 long years I toiled as a CNA in LTC. I cherished the nurses that took the time to help me turn or clean residents, and tried to be understanding when other couldn't or wouldn't help. When I became a nurse my most difficult adjustment was realizing that I couldn't help the CNA's as much as I wanted. My own responsibilities were overwhelming... 32 residents for med pass and treatments. 5 of those were skilled, high acuity residents on another floor. Anytime I had a spare moment I would answer lights, or if I knew my aides were busy I could take someone to the bathroom or provide assistance when needed. But truthfully, I was just learning my role as a nurse so I had to learn my own responsibilities. I would not be the nurse I am today without aides that understood that, and covered my lights while I learned my new role. When I became faster, and had more time to help them I did with pleasure. After all, we are on the same team.

Nope. Family and friends first.

Scrubs seems more accurate in my setting.

This is pretty tame compared with the other posts, but it's the grossest thing that's happened to me yet. A few months ago one of our residents had a peg tube removed. The site was still healing. She was on a pureed diet, but tended to sneak regular diet items whenever possible. I went in to check the site, and she started coughing after the dressing was removed. Her stomach's contents sprayed out at me like a geyser, totally soaking my uniform. Solids, pureed items, the whole deal. Now how could I ever go back to a desk job when more experiences like that await????

Hmmm... I was given a pen, hand sanitizer, lotion, a small candle, and a thank you. Also, we worked short too! But that is an everyday gift at our facility. Tuesday I had clinical at one of the local hospitals, and they invited us and the rest of my group to join thier celebration. They had a free lunch buffet, punch, cake, and new organizers for all of us. I thought that was very kind of them.

Have you already tried it, or are you nervous about your first stick?

And I'm pretty sure U of I's distance program is accelerated... http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/academic_programs/undergrad/rn-bsn/major-req.htm If you're in Omaha, UNMC has an accelerated program, too. I know it does... I've looked into it recently. If you're set on Iowa I would see if Iowa western in Council Bluffs has a connection to the U of I's distance learning program. And as far as that goes, I know Iowa Wester has an ADN/RN program. So does Metro in Omaha.

I think Grand View has an accelerated program. http://www.gvc.edu/aspx/audience/audience.aspx?pageid=158

Thank you kindly. So.... Unless I'm reading something wrong, there are no actual laws for staff to patient ratios in the hospital on in LTC. What a shame. Thanks again.

Does anyone know where I can find information about laws regulating staff to patient ratios in Iowa? Our facility is getting out of hand... I know I can't keep up with the load anymore. I want to say I had 34 residents under my care this weekend, and several of them are pretty high acuity. I know my one CNA was caring for 25 residents. And they just keep taking more. Our CNA's are breaking under the load, and I am to a point where I really can't help help them because it's all I can do to finish my own work. I do what I can to make sure they get out on time. Usually I am at least an hour late getting out. I know that to an extent this is fairly normal, but I think this facility is beginning to push it as far as safety goes.

Boundaries...some people need 'em.

We weren't tested in school, either. And I've been to several hospitals for clinicals in the area. None have made me test. To be honest, I expected it and have been surprised it hasn't happened.