DirtyBlackSocks

Be prepared to get on a long wait list at a community University or shell out some big student loans to get into a private University with that GPA. I'm currently sitting at a 2.9 because there's an F where a W should be on one of my courses that I need to get fixed - but basically anything under a 3.5, especially in the science courses, is going to make you uncompetitive in public University programs. EMT-B course is easy and probably won't matter - I passed my NREMT cert. with a 98 while in the military in 8 weeks of studying - on top of all the training the Army gave. Please don't construe this as rude, just being honest with you on how they'll see it. If you've got the money than private schools will let just about anyone through the door willing to pay for it. If you don't have the money you have two options, either go and retake some of your science courses to obtain a better GPA - or get in line on a wait list. Currently our local University's accept nobody with under a 3.5 GPA - get around 300 applicants per semester, and only accept around 90. Anyone with a 3.5 is put on a wait list and generally makes it next semester - anyone with a lower than 3.5 average is put on a wait list that is designed for entry based around other students dropping from the course early. Keep in mind this is for an entry level BSN program - not an accelerated BSN.

Just keep in mind that instructors are overly critical of students so that they will remember their mistakes. The more seriously you take it now, the better a nurse you'll be when you don't have some one around to guide you. Don't take it to heart - it's the instructors job to be harsh during clinical. You did fine, and I'll bet that harsh talking to will make you remember the mistakes you did make if a similar situation occurs in the future. :)

barlow, Thanks for taking the time to make that reply, I got a lot of great information out of it. :)

Don't NP's have more power in the medical field than PA's?

Thank you for the replies everyone. Where does one go about looking for jobs where they need RN's for research rather than standard bedside care?

I've considered it. My initial plans were to actually get an NP and open my own clinic. As far as business selling reptiles, fish, etc. I do it on the side right now - and have about 20 years experience in total. The market is extremely competitive, and not something I would want to gamble on as of right now.

Thank you for all the replies. I think I'm going to get my BSN and try and get into Research Nursing then move into Biology after that. Does anyone have information on where I can find job opportunities related to research nursing as a new grad RN?

Thanks. I'm more interested in information of how hard it is to find work in this field by comparison, if anyone has any information on that end. :)

So here's the short version. I'm disabled, narrow spine, bad hip, take narcotic medications for it, as well as anxiety problems and PTSD from the military which I take other medications for. Covered in tattoo's, big scary guy. All of that worries me in the context of nursing - a lot. I know how disposable RN's are, how demanding the job is, and how bias your superiors can be based around stuff like this that is out of your control. I've been into wild life and plants all of my life, I actually do independent research on fish and plants for kicks, and have been for the past 20 years - so I'm thinking about going for a PhD in Biology specializing in Herpetology or Botany rather than going for NP. My main scare is how the job market is out there for that field of work - talking with Biologists everyone says it's not easy to find work, but once you do you're good to go. It seems to be the same with nursing right now, except you're never good to go and always have to be on your toes. Does anyone know ANYTHING about the field of Biology versus Nursing, job prospects, etc.? I'm still in pre-reqs for my RN program and have plenty of time to think this over. Things to take into consideration. 1. I have a family to support, we don't need to live rich extravagant lives, but I'd like to be able to put my son through college and not live paycheck to paycheck. 2. I'm good at nursing, I did it in the Army - but this was prior to all of my disabilities showing up. 3. When it comes to getting into the field of Biology I am completely in the dark - if anyone here knows anything about the process of finding work while working towards a bachelors, and continuing education funds for this line of study I'd appreciate it. Just trying to get some feedback from you guys and girls, you've all been very honest. I love nursing ALMOST as much as I love wild life and botany, and I'm a very good nurse - despite being covered in tattoo's and disabled. What do you think? Go for what I love, or go for what is a better guarantee for my family's well being? (although it seems like nursing is becoming less and less stable these days).

Did this behavior continue after that single incident? I don't know about pressing charges, if it was a single incident - definitely file a report in it so other nurses are aware that the PT is combative. There is also the need to realize that people in hospitals are extremely stressed out, and while the behavior is not excusable, taking it to the next level is a moral decision that only the person who was victim can make. If it were me personally - I would just file a report on it internally and go on about my business. If the behavior continued - I would escalate it to a police level. You stated yourself that the slap did not leave any sort of mark, no harm done besides the demoralizing side of being treated in that manner.

Depression issues can lead to havoc in terms of proper hygiene. I can attest to this - before I sought help for depression and anxiety issues I would have no problems going a week without a shower. My sister in law, who is bi-polar and refuses to take medications, does not shower more than once every two weeks, and she runs a good 4-5 hours every day! The nurse in question could be malnourished as well - I can tell you first hand from some of my military training, that when your body starts to eat into the muscle because it's out of fat reserves, you produce a VERY foul odor that could only be compared to that of rotting flesh. There are a million different factors that could be causing the problem, but I'm of the opinion that being up front with your co-worker is the best solution. Be kind, but be blunt - don't tippy toe around the subject with "subtle hints" because not everyone will understand those subtle hints. You're part of a team - act like it. There's no need to go to the Charge Nurse or a Supervisor just so you can spare yourself the embarrassment of the conversation. Be a team player, and be an active problem solver.

I had a hairline fracture in my left calcaneus through all of basic training in the Army. Never had it casted, went through all of the training with it - while I definitely felt it (running 2 miles in under 13 minutes made me fall down and cry like a little girl when I was done) I made it through all of the rigorous training the Army could throw at me. Later I found out I had a stress fracture in the femoral neck of my right hip - which I never felt. It was the result of displacing so much weight to my right leg because of the fractures in my calcaneus. So yes, it's possible to have stress fractures and not know about them - or to chalk them up as painful sprains.

Elaborate more on the situation if you want more concrete answers - either way it's the fault of all three people, if not more, that everyone else has mentioned in this thread. Who would take the most heat from the error? Probably the nurse.

Ask to see the video. Either you're lying, or they are. Get a lawyer ASAP - as this is something that can cost you your license should you not challenge it. If you're not lying - I'd get a co worker to try and get a signed statement from the PT in question stating that she has always been given all of her medications when you were under her care...

Bring a folding lawn chair into work - one of the really small ones that folds out in four directions to make a seat. Stash it somewhere, and bring it out when you're ready to document. If some one calls you out on it, tell them the nurses station is full. Maybe they'll let that slide?