mel421

No, I'm not on my own yet. My clinical manager is there with me. Although at this point I am trying to use her only as a resource. I find that I learn better by doing instead of watching. I do ask her a lot of questions especially when it comes to setting goals for pt's and interventions. I won't be "on my own" for quite a while. I believe it is policy to have at least 6 months on the floor before you are alone. I think having a manager that is open to answering questions and explaining why things happen the way they do is very important. I hope that you find you have the same experience!

I started with FMC a couple of months ago as a new grad and have really enjoyed it thus far. I did have a couple of years of experience on a med-surg floor working while I was in school. I think your clinical manager makes all the difference in the world. Mine is very helpful in helping me think through situations and understanding dialysis. Hope this helps a little.

What matters is what is in your heart. If you enjoy the dialysis setting, go for it. I have known people that have started out in dialysis right out of school and have ended up retiring from dialysis. They loved it. I have also known people that have tons of Med-Surg and ICU experience and can't swing it. Do something you enjoy and you will do fine. Listen to your heart and go for it.

I chose nursing because of the hands on care I can provide. Physicians are seeing so many pts and only have a limited amount of time to spend with each one. I on the other hand, depending on the number of patients I have, have the ability to sit, talk, hold a hand and even sometimes cry with the pt. I am the drs. eyes and ears when they are not around. Sometimes I am able to make a difference that no one else would be able to make for that pt on that particular day. I have yet to see a dr. sit down at the bedside, hold a hand, and just let a pt. vent.

{While taking pre-reqs for nursing, an advisor asked me why I was going for a BSN and not the ADN that they offered. It all came down to the fact that I already held a baccalaureate degree, and could not go for anything less than the same. I was accepted into one of the accelerated BSN programs. I'm now working on my FNP degree without having to go the RN to BSN route.} Why is it that you could only go for the BSN since you already had a bachelors degree? I have my bachelors and the only thing that I couldn't do with the ADN program was take out federal loans due to going to a Community College and exceeding their max number of credits allowed. I'm not disagreeing with you I am just curious. I know a lot of people in my program that are going for their ADN in hopes of finding a job that will pay for their continuing education. Everyone has a different path to follow.

I don't think many advisors recommend it, but it can be done. Don't worry. For me as I said before time management was key. :balloons:

I took Anatomy and Chemistry at the same time. It sounds like you have been successful in your classes in the past. For me time management and organization were very important. I also looked for websites that would help quiz me for Anatomy. It gave me a break from reading the text and the practice I needed for the quizzes. Good luck to you!

Congrats!! Keep your eye on the prize and don't let anyone take you away from it. With your determination I'm sure you can handle anything. Good job!! :monkeydance:

I also have my bachelors degree in business and have been going over the same debate. My plan is to get my ADN at the local community college, get a job at one of the local hospitals, and then finish my education. Our hospitals will pay (tuition reimbursement) for continuing education. Just a thought you may want to consider.