Rhody34

Nothing new to add... Your beard is awesome- don't shave I have a beard, similar length. I'm pretty certain every one of my male counterparts have varying beard lengths including one excellent nurse with a gigantic (amazing) beard. I wear a PAPR with no issues and actually prefer it to the N95. I get compliments from patients almost on a daily basis about my beard and it's neatness. Do you, kid! Good luck!

Interesting discussion. Sorry this happened to you!

My absolute favorite thing an instructor ever said to me/my clinical group was "Is the patient better off having met you?" I still think of this every day when I'm working. It has just always stuck with me.

Don't bite... Don't bite... Don't bite... Alright... I'll bite... Just my opinion/2 cents... I have an Associates in nursing. I also have a Bachelors in nursing. I also have Bachelors degrees in psychology and sociology. I know about research, I know about writing papers, and I know how to be a bedside nurse. I can tell you there are endless studies out there to prove any point. My opinion... the best patient outcomes come from those who have experience, and continue to learn. Continuing to learn doesn't necessarily mean get more degrees or alphabet soup after your name- it just means you are actively learning about new trends. Completing CEUs, actively participating in different groups within your work place, etc etc. This topic has been beat to death, revived and beat to death again. I will say, as some one who has both an ADN and a BSN- I credit my excellent patient care and their usual excellent outcomes to my associates degree training. My BSN taught me many things and I am proud to have that degree- but it definitely did not make me more safe at the bedside. I was safe due to my diligent training in my ADN program.

I work per diem and love it. I can't imagine going back to regularly scheduled shifts and every other weekend. I never have trouble picking up shifts. I call a week or two in advance (or sometimes the day before) to pick up shifts I want to work. I usually work 3-4 shifts per week. I am floated throughout the hospital. I have no say about where I am working. They put me where they need me. I enjoy this though. Every day is different. I am paid more as a per diem than I was when I was scheduled, but I do not get insurance, vacation/sick pay, or retirement savings, so it is my responsibility to save for those things. If I get cancelled (which is rare), I usually just ask to pick up a different shift. I will agree with a previous poster that I wouldn't recommend per diem as a new grad. I feel as though you should have some experience because people will rely on you to fill the gap and know what you're doing and not need to help you with basic tasks. Good luck!

I didn't read the 12 pages of responses so I apologize if I'm repetitive. Have you researched nurse residency programs? When I graduated from nursing school 4 years ago the market felt pretty competitive as well. I googled residency programs, found one in a hospital I had never ever heard of, and got the job. 4 years later I'm still here! I really took the chance they gave me in an interview to sell myself. I submitted a written letter of recommendation from every clinical instructor I ever had, I had been studying for NCLEX like crazy at the time and felt on my game when they asked me scenario questions, and I just tried to sell it. Long story short, try some residency programs designed specifically for new grads. Also- if you're in an ADN program (which is what I initially graduated from too)- enroll with a BSN program now so you can put it on your resume. Good luck! You got this! And don't worry about the mini stress out session... I remember nursing school... makes you do and say crazy things! haha

"Nursing school" is college. It is just a declared major. You can go to a 2 year college and achieve an associates degree in nursing, or go to a 4 year college and get a bachelors degree in nursing. Both take the same licensing exam, but my recommendation is to get a bachelors degree. You will likely be required to get a bachelors at some point any way (as you can see by my credentials- that's what I had to do as well). Both types of degrees have competitive programs that will require you to have good grades in high school, and good scores on required testing for applications.

You sound ambitious. At 16 that is great! I wish I had discovered nursing earlier. I became a nurse at 29 and I've loved it. Every one has already answered your questions pretty well so I don't have a lot to add. Just wanted to say your reasons for wanting to become a nurse seem genuine. I love helping people- but yes- I also love my job flexibility and pay. Nursing is an excellent profession. It is demanding, requires you to be on your toes and use your brain pretty much every second of every day. You are constantly required to make critical decisions (big and small). I enjoy this aspect of my job. Keep doing what you're doing. Study hard, become a CNA, and shadow a couple nurses in different areas of nursing (if you can). I wish you the best of luck in your journey!

Thanks Guys!!

Hey there! Congratulations on your accomplishments so far! Nursing school is tough... even more tough when you have a family- but it is doable! About me real quick... I did my pre-reqs ages 25-27, ASN program 28-30, became a nurse at 30, completed my BSN ages 31-33. I did all this with 3 young kids, a wife, a mortgage, and everything else life has to throw at you. I had my 3 babies in pre-reqs, when I entered my ASN program I quit my job, was a stay at home Dad to my 3 babies, and went to nursing school nights and weekends. Any extra night off I had I waited table to make ends meat. IT WAS HARD... But my life now is fantastic. I have a super nursing job where I've been now for almost 5 years... Life is not stressful, I am happy, my family is great. The sacrifices were worth the reward. If you WANT to become a nurse- you should do it. I recommend you shadow some nurses to see what it's really like- but as I said, if you feel like it's something you would enjoy- go for it. Our lives seem similar, so if you have questions you can message me. I wish you luck!!

Can you try a different shift? Sounds like you're at least approaching 6 months... Usually by then hospitals allow for internal transfers. I'm not a night person and cannot function on nights... My emotions would be whacky too, I think. I work medical-tele and yes, it can be crazy busy, there are bad days... But I enjoy it. I like teaching too and there is a lot of opportunity on day shift for that. I would give the medical floor more time, but try another shift. Good luck! Hang in there!

For sure will be taking a break!! Thanks Guys!

Well... I did it! I completed my BSN coursework. It will not affect my job title, nursing at the bedside... My pay will not change, my hours will stay the same... life will continue as normal. I complained here and there about how I felt like this is so unnecessary... Why am I doing this? Spending money I don't really have for a degree that I don't really need. Now that I'm done... I'm actually pretty proud of myself, and I'm glad I did it. Maybe I will continue my education even further, maybe not... but for now... I am happy and feel accomplished. Just some self reflection.

I think the ad is nice. Appears they are looking for hard working individuals and they see that in nursing students.

After reading your responses in this thread, as well as the other threads you have started... I have come to the conclusion you are not for real. It can't be possible. Thank you for the entertainment though... it's been a fun afternoon.