nurse_robin

That's funny, I was just looking at the same site on the CA BRN. I also had the same thoughts cross my mind. I live in CA and work with a woman who got an online BSN degree (Jacksonville, I think) and then completed her Masters at Dominican which is in CA. If you are wanting to get a Masters, check with the schools you are interested in applying to. They would probably be the most accessible and helpful. Let me know how you make out! Robin

i understand your feelings about being mistaken for the nursing assistant, housekeeper, etc. i am african-american and work in a small rural hospital and am the only black person in the icu. whenever someone assumes that i am not an rn, i smile and politely let them know that i am an rn and go about doing my job professionally. it irritates me, but i have been an rn for over 20 years and this still happens to me sometimes. i just take it in stride and move on. many people have pre-conceived notions of others who are different than themselves and it's how we handle ourselves that confirms or unconfirms those beliefs. you'd be surprised at how even other "educated" health care professionals buy into stereo-types of different cultures. i guess it's all a matter of not experiencing relationships with others of different backgrounds. i am extremely grateful that i grew up in a multi-cultural environment so that i "know better" than to pre-judge people. quote:"those patients tend to be less demanding of my time and take me more seriously as a health-care provider. but, on the other hand, when i have white patients, especially older white males, i see myself being ran up and down the hall for the non-essential things. and also, i get a lot of lip from the patient as to what they are not going to do or what medicine they are not going to take until they talk to their doctor. but, hold it right there, here's the kicker. when a nurse, who happens to be white, has had that same patient before, they seem not get that same attitude or disrespect from that same patient. they get a very nice, compliant patient while i put up with crap from them." end quote as a nurse, you are the boss...the patients are in your domain and there are ways for you to take control and set boundaries. change your attitude about yourself and you will see the change in respect you get from your patients. be professional, knowledgeable, and remember, you are a good nurse and they are lucky to have you caring for them. good luck to you, robin

Hi HBS, I'm sorry that you have those feelings. I just got this in an email today and hope it can help you think thru your dilemma: ?The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.? ?Mohandas Gandhi You sound like a strong person to me and I hope that you can forgive and move on. Sounds as though you have moved on and very well too! Gardening is also my treat for my soul and I can truly understand the theraputic value in it. I'll be looking forward to seeing those pix of your garden too! God Bless You. Robin

Not sure, But I've been on and off the Atkins for a while now and the last 2 times I have attempted it, I developed kidney stones within a month or so.... didn't catch it last time, but this time it made me wonder if the diet could be part of the problem (maybe not actually developing the stones, but making them grow larger) Who knows....anyhow, I have to change my eating habits to prevent future formation and growth of stones.

I don't get it either! That makes no sense to me. Sounds like things my MIL used to tell me when I first became a nurse...."Girl you should work for the state as a caseworker...that's a good job" :angryfire WHAT!!!! Oh yeah, I'll take that $12/hr job cause it's the state! NOT! :rotfl: Well, I guess people mean well, but they don't know what they're talking about.

How about Home Care? You're more independent; have more autonomy , and most patients are a joy to work with. It's nice to be able to concentrate on 1 patient at a time, and they really appreciate you. It's also mostly the elderly Medicare clients. The hours are usually good too...stop at the office to turn in paperwork (only pitfall is lots of it but some companies use laptops and makes it easier) see your patients in the morning; home early afternoon; finish paperwork and start over again. Every day is different, but you get to plan your own day and it can be very rewarding. Don't give up on nursing.....there's too many options for us! Just may take a while to find your niche. Robin

OOPs! I think I was asking the same thing; how did the seminar go?

Just ran across your post today and am wondering. I am looking into this as this is something I may be interested in.

Thanks Wyoming! I sent you a priate email.

A Baylor Program is one where you work 12 hour weekends in exchange for full time pay and benefits. When I did it it was 3 out of 4 weekends/month although it varies. Robin

Same for me! Either Acute Care or Geriatric NP!

I graduated at a time when everyone said you had to pay your dues to med/surg. Well I lasted 3 months at a full-time med/surg job......was lucky enough to get a registry job, then a Baylor job.....never looked back! I think my problem is hospital politics. I actually love to take care of my patients, but all the BS in the hospitals really turn me off; 20 years later, it's still the same. :angryfire

Yeah, there's usually an order for Demerol for fresh post-op pts during recovery for shivering.

Will be 46 next week ICU for me though I absolutely love Home Health and am thinking about going back if I can discipline myself to keep up on the paperwork.

Don't feel bad; I'm 46, been a nurse for 20 years and am still trying to figure out what I wanna be when I grow-up! You can always become a nurse and then go into nursing infomatics or administration where your affinity for numbers can also be used! Good Luck to you no matter what you decide on! :) Robin