josn07

Hi, I also just graduated as an RN, and work in a LTC sub acute unit. Basically everything you said about pt load & CNA responsibilities is right on w/ my job, only we do have a wound tx nurse (when he/she is off, then we do the wound care). Also I had about 2 months of orientation.... other than that, it sounds just like your exprience is similar to mine. Thank you for posting your experience, I was beginning to wonder if other LTC facilities ran differently. As for me, I plan to learn from this experience, "pay my dues", and then specialize in another area. Good luck!

Hi, Congrats on finishing your pre-requisites! (it's feels great right?!!) I just graduated from a 16 month accelerated BA to BSN program. I was SO Nervous too!! And I admit, the 1st 2 weeks was very nerve racking ( I cried several times) because after looking at all the syllabus and projects/exams I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it all. Especially when you have 4 classes, with over 100 pages to read each week, ect... But once you get over that adjustment period- you'll see things are going to be fine. One step at a time! You'll figure out a way to study (do you like a quiet environment? or noisey w/music? & so on.) I recommend to find a group of classmates who you feel comfortable with- and form a study group- you can support each other and have fun! Get yourself a calendar and write out when you have assigments due & exams. That way you get a picture of what you need to accomplish that month. And finally- don't forget to take time for yourself & your family/friends. They need to understand you are going to be extremely busy, but look at your calendar and schedule a day off where you can hang out & relax. I graduated w/ honors- it was a lot of hard work, but it can be done! I, along with most of my classmates, passed the NCLEX at 75 questions. Feel proud of yourself! You will do great!!

Hi, I recommend the Masai Barefoot Technology sneakers (MBT's) - they are amazing shoes! I found out about them from a little catalog I get in the mail called Bliss (they sell beauty products). Anyway, when I first read about them, I thought they looked interesting... they claim to help with knee & back pain, help with circulation and even help you lose weight! I thought "yeah right!" They are also VERY expensive- about $250. But one day I was talking with my mother in law. She works all day on her feet at a store in the mall. She is also very overweight and has diabetes, so taking care of her feet is super important to her. Well, she was tired of her aching, burning feet at the end of the day- so she bought and tried out a pair of MBT's. And she just LOVED them. When I told her how tired my legs and feet were after clinicals, she mentioned these shoes. SO I was convinced- and bought them for myself. And I LOVE them too!! I don't believe they helped me lose weight (then again I didn't really try to, which I should because I am about 40 lbs over weight myself). But they have done wonders for my lower back pain and tired achy feet, the balls of my feet didn't feel like they were "burning" anymore. Of course I still get tired- and of course my feet are tired too, but no where near how they were when i used my traditional Nursing Mates shoes. here is their website if you are interested. http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx You can get them at The Walking Company shoe store as well http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/common/Category.aspx?pagetag=women_mbt_walking(they let you walk in the mall to get a feel for them, since they are very odd shoes...if you visit the MBT web site you'll see why). Hope this helps! :wink2: