KBron2000

I entirely agree with you. I work in LTC and I have anywhere from 73 to 84 residents under my care. It is impossible to give the kind of care I was trained to give . However I work in Psych. so it probably comes out to close to the same load that you are talking about. However not only does a nuse have to assess for physical s/s but also keep track and catch any psych s/s to prevent escalation. 8 hours have never been enough but lately it's getting worse because with the government not wanting to pay for specialized treatment for the mentally ill in LTC unless they are pretty bad. So not only do we have more severely mentally ill we are also taking anyone who qualifies and more and more have physical illnesses that complicate everything. Psych pt do not view physical illness the same as non psych. Some are total hypochondriacs and others refuse to acknowledge the illness or it's proper treatment. My reason for going on so is to let you know that if your thinking about going into psych ask questions. Many of our new hires are totally overwhelmed. Hang in there you'll find a place you can feel comfortable in. We all have to kiss a few frogs or something like that.

Anyone from North eastern Illinois know the average LTC, DRs office, &/or school nurse wages?

Please state where you are talking about.

Northeastern Illinois - $23.00/hr in LTC. We need to remember that some of the wages sound low, but the cost of living can be vastly different from one state to another. Even within states. I know when I left Nebr. eons ago I was making about $6.50/hr. I moved to Ct. and worked in 2 places one for 14.00/hr and one for 12.00/hr. Then I moved to Illinois and started at 11.00/hr.

What type of nursing? LTC, Hosp., Ect.?

Where in Illinois?

RE: I know LPNs are nurses but.... The tone was a bit negative. I work with a RN who looks down on LPN's and sounds alot like what I've read here. This RN doesn't pull her weight (conveyed by most staff that work with her, even those who are not nurses of either degree). I know LPN's who have gone onto RN's and they agree that it would have been easier to go for the RN in the first case because of the slower pace. LPN's have to cram a lot in a short period of time. They deserve more respect. OH yea.... I say I'm a nurse.

Also my pt load is 70-83. Currently 73.

I am an LPN in northern Illinois and have worked in a LTC for the mentally ill for 17.5 yrs. I make $23.00/hr. If you think the school kids complaints are irritating try being on the receiving end with a psych pt. Often they can be delusional &/or hallucinatory along with being distrustful. A hang nail can set some into a tizzy and the think they need to be sent to the hospital via 911! I'd give alot to have kids with itchy mouths or belly buttons. My pt load is currently 72.

Yes. This is unacceptable behavior in the professional community. Although you are still in school the rules still apply. Joking around is OK when you know each other well enough and it is done appropriately. When I was in nursing school "conduct" was graded strickly as it should be. No school wants to be given a bad name by their students going out in the work force and displaying bad or unacceptable behavior. Nursing is a proud profession and the goal of every nurse or nurse to be should be to help and heal not harm others. This has nothing to do with sex it has to do with right and wrong. I light pat on the back is acceptable hitting someone hard enough that they (male or female) feel it later is not acceptable. Yes report her.