Gldngrl

If state regs are silent on the issue, you then will need to follow your employer's institutional policy re: LPN scope of practice. When I was an LPN in MA several years ago, my facilities prohibited me from IV pushes or administering medications via central lines. This was in a subacute/long term care facility as MA at the time was phasing LPNs out from acute care facilities and when I left Boston in 1997, my hospital was exclusively RN staffed, although perhaps that has changed recently.

I can certainly surmise that while there are those who are retired, or are ill, disabled, there are certainly a great number out that are not working in nursing and are working in a closely related profession, or have chosen another. I know from personal experience numbers of nurses leaving to go back to graduate school to enter a different profession, returning to a former profession, or are simply leaving, period. There are nurses that enjoy their careers and the benefits outweigh the negatives, but there are others who disagree. Each profession has its share of benefits and risks, but in any case, both should be disclosed realistically to those entering a given profession so that they can make informed decisions.

Well, I'm going to try and apply with a state nursing union, I don't want to go the traditional law firm route, so I'm not apt to be rich, will probably be poorer than I am as a nurse :chuckle , but I didn't go into either profession to be wealthy. The way the market is, I'll be literally begging for a job, some of my law school colleagues (non nurses) still don't have jobs or are temping. Everyone within the nursing profession and from outside can work to improve their corner of the world, from different angles! That's why this bb is a great place to congregate and get inspiration from others (and a healthy dose of realism too).

Even though you were responding to the OP, I'm going to respond as well and simply state that there are those of us that are "making personal sacrifices" switching careers OUT of nursing... why? Not because we were profoundly unhappy with it, but because (I speak for myself here) feel that I can do more for the profession by working outside of it; to improve conditions. In my law class alone, there were two of us that were nurses, one NP, and two MDs. One of my colleagues is a public speaker and works to help nurses understand how the law affects their practice. I'm taking a bar in 2 months and looking to practice in labour and employment law, specifically dealing with nursing unions. I fulfilled two internships with state agencies while in law school and enjoyed both immensely and while any job will have its share of both pros and cons, I definitely know that the grass (and myself)will be less trampled upon in law than in nursing. There's a reason that half a million RNs are choosing NOT to work in nursing currently and many nurses remain in the profession because they don't have the option of another career.

it depends...your state statutes may spell out specific prohibited conduct in the health profession section. for example, it could say that x state mandates disclosure of moral turpitude offenses (lying,cheating, stealing). other states may authorize disclosure of any charges and/or convictions. you can look at your state code in the health profession section and then check with your state bon. i was always taught that when in doubt, one should always disclose and that disclosure may be given more importance that the offense itself as it goes to veracity of one's character. as to the question regarding passing a check without having insufficient funds...the reason that it should be disclosed on job interviews and the reason that it may affect hiring is because it involves veracity and fiduciary duty (esp. if the job involves handling money).

Thanks for your responses. I believe that I should probably direct my question to my pain service since there may be factors influencing the decision to use both a PCA and epidural. However, this patient is not in an ICU and is monitored q 2hr and the epidural was only delivering a local anesthestic and did so for about a week and still has a PCA (chronic pain plus surgical pain).

Can someone tell me the benefit of using both a PCA for pain and and anesthestic epidural vs. the combo epidural in a postop pt (abdominal surgery)? The PCA and epidural both was effective for my patient and I was told that I was going to see more of this, but I didn't get a chance to discuss the reason why the reason for its effectiveness over the epidural alone. Thanks in advance.

Brownie- Read in your previous post that you are working as an "advice nurse"...what exactly does that entail? Is that similar to triage or is that more like an educator? Thanks.

Thank you for the article link. One of the concerns described in the article related to providing additional nurses (for mandated nurse/patient staffing) was a decrease in ancillary staff and/or RNs picking up additional non nursing duties. My hospital doesn't have any staffing ratios, but I can tell you that we have a skeleton ancillary crew (patients freq tell me that their rooms/trash baskets aren't cleaned for 2 days), and nurses already perform many non-nursing duties so I'm not sure what more the hosp. could do if the legislature passed a staffing statute. (Not sure I want to know :)

The replies have been interesting to read b/c I would have never thought that people who are neat at work would be messy at home. I am organized everywhere all the time. I guess I'm going to have to rethink when I see another messy nurse's area and think that they have a pigsty at home, it's probably totally neat and tidy :rotfl:

I'm confused by your comments...if you have no political interest or desire to promote nursing advocacy, how do you think change will be effectuated?

Don't apologize for your opinion, you are entitled to it. Many people feel that ER is "just a show" and that there are more important issues of concern, but ER, other television shows, advertisements, and the media in general insidiously continue to portray nurses and the profession in a negative manner or in a limited role. Many others share your feelings and concerns and are working to change the way our profession is perceived by the public.

I took the route LPN-ADN-BS in Nursing-JD...wouldn't do the same if I had to do it again, but circumstances were such that it was the only way. It adds up to a lot of varied, interesting experiences.

My posting was in no way a threat, it is a reminder to those that say "I hate lawyers...except mine (or when I need one)." OP knows his responsibilities, he simply failed to comply with the court's request and his use of humour does not amuse all. Now, contrary to another stereotype, this member has decided that this debate is no longer productive and so will no longer be argumentative :rotfl:

Since this forum is "venting" as you state, then kindly allow me to vent as well and refrain from telling me to "relax" or "chill". My posts in no way ventured upon hysteria, it was merely a serious reminder to the original poster who stated he forgot to attend court and he stated that this was not the first time...