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?

How old are you, anyway, averie? If you don't mind me asking.

Put that kid into military school. It'll straighten him out and you won't have to worry about it any longer. You may have to take a loan out - but your families safety is priceless. I would discuss this with the probation officer to see if there is any federal aid for programs like that, and I would talk to the superintendent or whoever runs your housing about how getting your son into military school would affect your chances of being kicked out of the housing unit still. If you know any male role model figures in the housing area, have them slap some sense into your kid.

Hrm. Is the ring tone problem a known glitch for that model of blackberry? If it's not, then can't you get a new one and pay the insurance premium of $50 or whatever to get it replaced? Heck, I'd find a way to break it and use the insurance policy if my job was on the line and I couldn't afford a new phone. If it's a known glitch with that model of black berry, I would demand to speak with a supervisor of the company and threaten to cancel service if they don't swap your phone out.

If he cares about you as much as he says he does, he won't let this get in the way of your relationship. If he's too short sighted to see that you're developing a future for yourself, then you're better off without him. People who want to party all the time are still in a very immature mind set. If he can't catch up to your level of maturity it might be time to move on. There's more to life than getting drunk with friends and bar hopping on weekends, as you'll soon find out when you graduate and pull in a real living.

Only way you'll get a clear answer out of that one is to call up the Nurse counselor for whichever school you plan on attending and verifying it from them, in writing.

Join the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, or become a flight nurse

I love the elderly, something about most of them - especially the males - that is endearing and tough. Maybe it's because the majority had served in a time of war, I don't know. It just seems like as we lose this last generation - something about our tougher, wittier, and more down to earth culture is going with it.

I got all A's in my math classes, up to calc. Unfortunately I haven't taken a math class in oh....10 years... The problem with math, is if you don't use it, you forget how to do it. I have to retake a few algebra courses before I start my nursing program for that very reason. I prefer to take math courses over intercession periods, so they're accelerated. It's not that math is hard - it's just that it's precise. I feel like if I can go through a lesson a day I still have everything fresh in my head for the test. Took an online Algebra II course last intercession and got an A - normally a 6 month course, did it in 6 weeks. Had to study roughly 6 hours a day for those 6 weeks, minus weekends - but it was still worth it. I think I'd go insane doing that kind of work for 6 months straight...

During training in the Army we had a company that consisted of roughly 300 males and 200 females. The entire PX area that we were allowed to shop at - at the time - had run out of tampons, and all of the women were on the same cycle. As a guy...it was a very uncomfortable and weird experience - hearing Drill SGT's and all of the female trainee's complain about the same thing. I guess being a guy it's something I'll never understand, but that day stands out in my mind as a baaaaaad day!

First off, and this is just my opinion - going to management over something like this is rude, and is going to make the person feel ostracized. Cowboy up and tell them they smell bad, big deal. You're all supposed to be on the same team here. What would you rather receive if you were in their shoes? A co worker telling you that they think you've got some funky body odor, or management coming to you saying people are complaining that you've got funky body odor? Yes, it's an embarrassing topic - but a whole 30 second conversation will probably fix the entire problem! There are medical conditions that will affect the bodies odor as well. Being malnourished, the types of food you put into your body, etc. In all honesty, they're probably just not putting on deodorant. If you think it's a cultural thing THEN it might be appropriate to put it forward to management, but if this is your average American who knows better - you need to just step up to the plate - in the amount of time you've spent posting, replying to, and reading through this thread you could have told her ten times over!