Barras

As long as the patient can handle the pain med, and it is within the appropriate time frame, I give it. However, I can understand both sides of this frustrating situation. On the one hand, we are taught that "pain is whatever the patient says it is" and on the other hand, you have to question the patient who is rating their pain a 10 out of 10, and is laughing and carrying on like they are more like a 1 or 2...or sometimes even a 0. Regardless, the doc ordered it, and if they can legitimately handle it, I'll give them what they want. In some cases though, sometimes a PCA is a good option for these pain patients...if it is the right drug/dose/timeframe.

Brand new RN here...I'm wondering what taxes other single/no kids California RNs that make less than 50K a year, that don't have any assests to write off, pay, come tax season? Just want to know how much I should be saving? (I'm only 25, and I've never made this much money in my life, nor ever had to pay more than $100 in taxes/year!) Thanks!

Hey all, California new RN grad here. Just wondering, if I have to move out of state to find a job, what are the patient to nurse ratios like in different states? Here in California, we have mandated maximum ratios. For example: Med-Surg is 5 to 1, Telemetry is 4:1, Stepdown is 3:1, ICU is 2:1, etc. What are yours? And, if you have high ratios, how do you manage such a high volume of patients? Also, what is the salary range for your state vs. the cost of living?

Quit comparing grades! Pet peeve! Ahh!

1st Semester: Ok...pretty easy. And when I say easy, I also mean "easIER" than what I had anticipated. 2nd Semester: Not bad...previous graduates from my program all said that 2nd semester was the hardest, but I found it to be much like 1st semester, but with more skills and more responsibility. 3rd Semester (and current semester for me): After a looooooooong summer break (3 months), I kind of felt a little overwhelmed with coming back to school and hitting the ground running again. I also think that even though the skills aspect of the semester hasn't gotten harder, the critical thinking HAS. Our instructors expect us to act and think like 3rd semester students, and therefore, there is a lot more pressure on us to really understand the big picture. So, I have found myself to be the most stressed so far by my third semester. I still can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it definitely has become more intense and real. But, the important thing to do is hang in there, because you can do it. Another piece of advice: You get out of it what you put into it.

Hi all: I'm 4 weeks away from being a second year RN student (i can't wait!) Anyways, I've done a few outrotations in the O.R., and even though I'm still learning about everything, I'm thinking that O.R. is the place for me. I love it! So, one position that I was especially intrigued by was the First Assist RN. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to an RNFA in person, but I wanted to know a little more about the position. It just seems SO cool, and you get to be right in there with the surgeon! So I guess I would just like to know things like how you started out, how long did you work as a circulating nurse, if you got hired right out of school in the O.R., what program did you go to to complete your education for a First Assist position (and how long did it take), what your hours are like, how many others are there in your position at your facility, what your pay scale is like, what your average day is like, how much paperwork do you have to complete, etc.? Sorry so many questions, but I just want a better understanding of the real job. Any information/stories would be so appreciated! Thanks! :redbeathe

Well, I'm in my second semester of nursing school...apparently the most difficult of all the semesters, only I feel that I should be trying harder! This is what I've been doing thus far: Listening in class but not asking questions, doing well academically (As and Bs on tests), not doing ANY of the readings! (AHH! Should I be shot or what?!), doing well clinically (critical thinking, good at hands on skills, although I'm slow at completing patient hygiene, and linen changes), and I have a hard time memorizing information, but I still feel that I get the big picture in the long run. So, tell me what you think...I know I am smart and capable, but maybe I should be more driven and work harder? I really want to be a good nurse, but I feel that most of the confidence, skills, knowledge, and competency will come from years of floor experience. Am I right? Or is that just a cop-out for not wanting to study more? I guess I just feel bad/guilty for being this way...any input on what your attitude or routine for nursing school is?

I'm pretty sure everyone in nursing school questions their ability to keep going. Especially with a family at home, things can get overwhelming. However, you chose this field for a reason, and you owe it to yourself to keep moving forward to find out why. Nothing good ever came easy, and you will have to work hard. But you can do it, becauses nurses are do-ers. Keep your head up and keep lookin for the big picture. :typing

Wow! Thanks everyone! Nurses are so awesome, I'm so glad I'm becoming part of the team! Take care and thanks again!

Hello: Second semester nursing student here. I was just wondering if anybody had any good nursing careplan websites, books, pda programs, or anything to recommend. I loathe careplans, but I have to do them, and the more time I can save by having a resource to help, the more sleep I can get before my clinical rotations! Anyways, help me out if you know of some good ones! Cheers! :typing

Hello: I am a pre-nursing student taking my nursing theory class, and I must write a paper about what nurses think the major problems are in nursing today. So feel free to be as honest, open, and detailed as possible, and help me to get valuable information to write an educated paper. Thank you.