HauseMan

I'm one who grew up in a smoking household, and have had asthma all my life, worsened by it. My stepdad's best solution to the problem was, and I quote, "carry him down to that doctor and get him a shot or sumthin' ", which was never a solution to anything. Now in his 60's he's been "sober" for nearly 20 years, and apologizes often. Ya see, his gallbladder exploded, and nearly killed him. He learns quickly. I like the "Quitters Incorporated" stop-smoking solution on the Stephen King movie "Cat's Eye" (1985). Take all the smokers and stick them in the "cat room", while the wife and kids get to watch, laugh, and jeer, instead of the other way around. My rule: If you're going to smoke , DON'T HAVE KIDS. Simple, no ? Yes, it's an addiction. But it's an addiction that affects others around you before it ever affects you. At least YOU get to suck pollution thru a filter, I don't get such a break. Break that filter off and suck it like a "real man" (and die sooner), I say. As for healthcare workers who smoke...you're in the wrong business.

I own a Littmann Cardiology II and I love it, although it's a bit bulky at times. Got mine as a factory refurb. This model has the bell/diaphragm configuration, where the newer Cardiology III does not. The Littmann Classic IISE, the de-facto standard in stethoscopes (IMO), is a great all-around instrument, and would get someone thru most any educational program. Google for either by name and get the lowest prices. :typing

OK...here's what I found at the GA Secretary Of State's website: http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/faqs/13%20faqs.htm It's a little vague, but may be of help to some. :typing

My information has it that the State Of GA does NOT allow for LPN by equivalency. I took the MA course, which is very similar to an LPN course, at Bryman in Atlanta in the early 90's. Lots of LPN's tell me they got their licenses by equivalency, so I can't be sure who's right or wrong here. Hopefully, GA has lightened-up on this. I'd be happy to take any test just to see if I can pass it, let alone GET my LPN, which would be fantastic:yeah:.

Absolutely ! In fact, if not already, it should be policy to leave silly neurotic behaviour such as stereotyping AT HOME. It has no place on the job, especially when, as luck might have it, the next patient one treats just might be a gay person. We never know ! Paul

What are your thoughts on a that smokes? Not a very good nurse ! As one who suffers from fragrance/smoke sensitivity, I cannot have any nursing staff that smokes taking care of me. I guess I'd die at the rate things are going nowadays. I've seen "nurses" drown themselves in perfume or cologne in order to cover up the skanky smell of tobacco. That's just plain filthy and unprofessional. Does it bother you? Uh....yes, M'kay ? Obviously. Do you look down on them; especially with them being a nurse? YES ! As a nurse , you are in the business of HEALTH CARE, what don't you understand about that, nurses ? Smoking is by far the nastiest habit a human being can have, and it is an addiction. Therefore, there is chaos of some sort in YOUR life that needs attention, before you have the lives of others in your hands. It's an image thing, people ! I hate to come off so strongly, but it seems the whole healthcare industry has totally lost focus. I think we've gotten off track on issues like accommodating those who seemingly have to smoke in order to "cope" with a job they apparently can't stand. WHY, TELL ME, WHY ARE YOU IN NURSING THEN ?????? Wal-Mart could use more door greeters. As a lowly male medical assistant, it is naturally my greatest desire to make RN one fine day. I, for one, don't need to tarnish that with nicotine stains and foul stench, thank you ! I said before that "it's an image thing", and nothing could be truer. If YOU smell clean, are smoke free, and present yourself well, the patients will come, and they will trust you. And that's another thing, SPEAK WELL, too. Regional accents don't convey a pro image. A nurse that sounds or looks like the object of a Jeff Foxworthy story won't cut it ! Oh, man....I'm really ranting today. My apologies everyone Paul

Medical Assistant for me.....working health fairs and flu shot drives.

No matter WHO this doctor THINKS he is, comments like this are NOT acceptable, and very unbecoming of a physician. Their kids have no business being babysat by the nursing staff, and that too is not a good thing. I remember a scene from Emergency! where Nurse McCall is scolding a nurse (Walters) about how she is not to repeat things she hears, and to keep things to herself. Where's "Dix" when we need her now ??? Paul

Doesn't really apply to MA's who do health fair screenings, but I took it anyway. Nicely done.

I did all the pictures when my sister's kids were born. She wanted to be able to show them where babies actually come from, and not be sugar-coating the "big talk". The doctor and I worked great together, and he even directed me on several priceless shots that I might not have gotten otherwise. It IS INDEED a very eerie, spiritual, and exhilarating experience all at once. I'm never got married, nor (obviously) had kids, helping with my sister's kids when I can (they just live down the road). But, realizing that kids are "tomorrow", I want to do my part to help them today. I'd like to work in PEDS in some capacity, whether as a PCT or MA/MOA. I think, though, that I might do better with older kids and adolescents than little ones. We shall see. I think a male nurse or assistant can be just as effective, especially when the patient is male, and might be shy around women, as some are. I've chaperoned male patients, with great results, and less tears.

Clee1, do you remember the incident at the hospital in Jasper, the old location (not the new facility on 515, but on 53 in town), when a female nurse had to shoot in order to protect herself from a male assailant, and only missed one shot ? It was my understanding that she had to shoot while running in near darkness, and with the exception of that one miss, still dropped the guy dead. I think that was in the early 90's, but I agree one must protect oneself no matter what. Sexual harassment, no matter what form it takes, is heinous and should never be taken lightly. Up until recently, I packed a Glock 22C, but never had to carry as a condition of the job, especially in healthcare. Have we become a nation of nothing but hostile workplaces ? Want gun control ? Use both hands ! Paul

this has no place in nursing or in any other healthcare environment, period. the coworkers should be disciplined and suspended. obviously, the coworkers have some "issues" of their own, like, maybe, immaturity ??? a male nurse (or in my case ma) is no more gay than he is anything else. one will not "turn gay" just because he is kind to others, or works with someone thought to be gay. in truth, we're all a little bit gay, straight, bi, crazy, stressed, overworked, and most-importantly, underpaid. yes, i said we're all a bit gay...do some homework everyone ! i've found that i'm presumed as gay because i wanted to get into nursing, despite not being physically able to do construction or those other "manly" jobs anymore. i've worked in warehouses handling everything from chemicals to truck engines, and i've also pushed paper, typed, and now do flu shots and health screenings. we have a lot of stereotypes to overcome. the man (or woman) can be either doctor or nurse. in case no one noticed, it's now the 21st century ! one's sexual preferences are just that...one's own. keep all that mess off the job. in fact, keep any and all dirty laundry at home...anywhere but a healthcare environment. we're in business to help others with their problems, but if we're "having issues" we cannot be effective for our customers (the patients...remember them ?) who pay our salaries. thanks for letting me get my $0.00000000000000000002 in edgewise. paul

At last, another healthcare professional who's also a rocker ! I'm new to the forum, and feel quite a relief when I meet anyone who respects Sir Eddie...let's me know I'm among friends. When I'm not doing my MA gigs, I play a Les Paul, the now-collectible Voodoo model. I've been watching the Iron Maiden DVD's, which, of course, are totally killer. I've still got my reissued Killers Tour shirt from 1981, and wear it with pride. (Kohl's used to sell that and Judas Priest) That said, I'm one who will cry when I have a moment of privacy. I do have to hold back for the sake of "professionalism", but being human (as we're supposed to be) it is sometimes a necessary thing to relieve that tormenting inner stress that comes with our healthcare jobs. We can't all be like Gregory House M.D. nor should we. To say one is not a "man" if he sheds tears is absurd. "Tee", I hope you have ONE good shocking experience that really rocks your ice-cold world, and brings a tear to your eyes ONE FINE DAY.

I'm also interested in doing exams for Portamedic. There's a location down the road from me, and I've already faxed my resume', but I wanted to hear a little more about the pay (duh, of course) and whether one is 1099 or W2. Judging from your header, John, one is 1099, which is nice....I can write off all expenses. I've yet to hear back from Portamedic, though. Anyway, kindly drop me a line and let me know how you like working with Portamedic. Paul