Tina1968

I had always been very sensitive towards other people's feelings growing up. Then when my brother turned 13 yrs. old, he began showing symptoms of mental illness. Eventually he was diagnosed with bipolar. From that point on, I knew I wanted to do ...

Obviously someone that destroys their body, whether it be with drugs, alcohol, food or food deprivation has emotional issues. Anyone with mental illness deserves compassion. This is not rocket science, and I am not talking about 10-20 lbs. over weig...

Obesity is a very sensitive issue because it is an outward reflection of a type of mental illness. I truly believe that just as alcoholism or drug addiction is a form of mental illness (self medicating) to soothe inner demons, so too is over eating ...

Above all else, get yourself some very good NCLEX review books/software such as Saunders or Lippincott and do your practice questions EVERYDAY, at least 20-40. This will help to prepare your mindset on how to take your exams successfully. Also, set ...

Hey 22! I am just finishing up my ASN and working as a tech at an LTC (brand new job). I have to say that I love my job, the other techs and nurses have all been so supportive and welcoming. Most of my patients are post surgical and some are LTC. ...

Whenever a patient gives me a hug when they are being discharged or when I am nearing the end of my shift. Also, a patient told me the other day that he felt so comfortable with the care that he was receiving from the nursing staff; he felt more lik...

My first semester clinical instructor told me: 1. Walk into the patient's room like you own it, your patient will take comfort in your confidence. 2. Document everything immediately because if you do not, YOU WILL forget. You need to cover yourself a...

Thank you for responding! I totally agree, I'm feeling so great falling into a routine with care of pts and comfortable with performing clinical skills and BOOM: 2 months off. Most people would love this schedule, but we're nursing students and we l...

Our first clinical rotation is coming to a close, and I'm excited about Fall, not sure what to expect. I know we have a pediatric rotation coming up, but just wondering what else is in store...more meds, more med/surg...I welcome any and all insight...

Thank you for responding! We did OB/maternity rotation this semester and I know we are scheduled to do peds and psych next semester. How was peds, I'm a little nervous about that one. I have two little guys and it's hard for me to see them in any ...

Hi Marie, I am 41. I will be 42 when I graduate with my ADN, and I intend on continuing to MSN. You're never too old and I believe that you are exactly where God wants you to be, no matter what your age! Nursing is a calling, and age has nothing t...

I am so sorry for your loss. You have written so beautifully about your experience that I could feel your pain and love. I am the mother of two beautiful boys, both of whom have saved my life and shaped me into the person I am today. God works in ...

I am a first semester nursing student and this is really helpful, thank you!!

I don't know if you've already accessed this avenue yet, but what about your nursing profs or clinical instructors from school, can they point you in a new direction? Have you considered LTC, home health care, school nursing, medical centers, just t...

My only advice is to try to relax, let the nurses take care of you, they're wonderful, and try to enjoy the experience as much as possible because it is the most surreal, most incredible, most wonderful experience you will ever have!! God bless and ...

I am 41 and just began my clinicals, will be 42 when I graduate. I have two little ones, work part time and it's a juggle, but definately worth all the effort! Hang in there, you can do it! My instructor told me she started her education as an old...

I am in psych/home care. I am just starting my clinicals now and I know exactly how you feel. I love working in the dynamic I'm in now, however I yearn for med/nursing practice as well! I can not wait until I'm in the hospital unit (September 20th...

What are the differences between a nurse practitioner and a physician's assistant?

When I was pregnant with my first child I had a dream that I was sitting in my childhood bed and I looked from one side of the bed to the other and there was a little boy on each side, one clearly bigger than the other. I woke up feeling really plea...

I believe that there is a lot of waste in medicare and medicaid due to inappropriate mental health care and care concerning the developmentally impaired. I am in home health care for the developmentally impaired with comorbid mental illness. It see...

I understand your point, but it was a little condescending.

I just wanted to say 'thanks for your advice and positive attitude towards nursing!' I am a student and I was starting to get really bummed reading all these negative thoughts about nursing as a career. I'm 39 yrs. old and I'm just getting started ...

Not only are you a wonderful nurse, but a gifted writer as well! Thank you, you touched me!

I just replyed last night to this. I was met with some resistence as far as "I needed to provide documentation on my claims." I just wanted to add to the conversation but was met with adversary instead. It has become clear to me that "others" are ...

Hi, just wanted to add to this. I know a few months (maybe even a year) ago she made an effort to find out what it is like to spend the day in the life of a nurse. She actually spent several hours tailing an RN and has expressed great respect for n...