betc

I am sorry to hear your clinical experience was a negative one. There is always a channel or direction of command when it comes to authority. Hopefully you have documentation of the incident you have described. If your clinical instructor has ignored your information, then you go higher to her "boss". The school should address the behavior of the "hospital nurse", using proper channels of authority. Director of nursing, nurse manager to the staff nurse. take care of yourself, Betc

From what I understand it starts after you graduate. there are different programs also, so time is determined by which program has financed your education. The VA paid for my BSN and I only had to do two years. The way I looked at it....I am going to be working anyway so why not let "them" pay for my education plus earn my salary at the same time. Also, if you earn your BSN through some of the on-line schools, the VA is considered a Clinial approved area. I did all my clinical in my own facility. I never experienced problems with arranging my schedule.

I am currently employed with the VA, and have been now going on 23 years. I did 15 years in the private sector prior. there is no way I would go back to the private sector. the autonomy at the VA is wonderful. Because most VA hospitals are affilliated with medical schools, they are teaching institutions. Not only do you have the opportunity to be on the forefront of new discoveries, but you play a major roll in teaching new doctors and helping them develop their practice. Any job is what you make it. For me it wasn't about the job, but what I can give back. I believe our service men/women deserve to be looked after and cared for. as for educational opportunities: depending on what you want...ask and you will find. This has been my experience with the VA.!!

thank you to all who responded. I appreciate knowing my profession does believe what we "write" or document matters. I have always believed, subjective and objective information should be documented in such a way, as an artist puts images on canvas, nurses should strive to be descriptive with documentation. I believe our profession is tainted with poor charting. I am guilty of not taking this serious at times duing my 35+ years.

the electronic notes at my facility are full of words misspelled words. The embarrasing thing for me is these are degree nurses, BSN and MSN. Does this effect the image of nursing as a profession? looking for comments,opinions and/or references.

something else you may want to consider: the ergonomics of a job for Telephone nursing/triage in my area, it is 8 hours sitting and working on a computer. I would not recomend this type of work for someone with a back problems if frequent stops and breaks are needed. just a thought.

my dos is 8/31/83 I don't disclose, however, do not deny what I am.

I am glad to know someone else shares my opnion about disclosing. unless there is a legal infraction with one's liscense, I do not believe it is necessary to give this information. most applictions ask for felony-type convictions or if your lic. has ever been on suspension..etc. I am afraid many nurses who have, on their own, recognized their problem have left the profession out of fear. I would like to know how other states treat nurses who have problems.. I somtimes believe mine treats them as criminals rather than sick and needing treatment and care. Thanks for letting me repsond. betc.