NewNurse2003

I don't work in a 'teaching hospital'. If there are nursing students, they usually don't get to spend much time in ICU anyway - usually med/surg or tele floors. We do get some EMT students that are in school to become Paramedics. I like having them around. They've already had experience in the field and most are mature adults. Yes, they too ask a lot of questions - that's a given with students. Heck, I still ask questions...we all do. We can be more lax with the EMT's because they ALREADY know how to do IV starts. Still, they have to do so many for their clinical time. I usually just tell them where I need one and give them the supplies...they always get it in. In fact, they've got a better track record than us RN's, LOL. A.

I would like to see the issue of frivolous malpractice lawsuits addressed. This is contributing to the rising cost of healthcare. This is also a factor in the inability for some to have access to and afford needed care. A. PS..I don't trust unions myself.

Didn't get a divorce (wasn't married), but did break off a 4-year relationship with my boyfriend halfway through my ADN. Met my hubby 3 months after. He was with me through the last half of my ADN, then through my BSN-Bridge. He's very glad that I went through nursing school and can bring home over half of our total income. (Cops make less than nurses, dontcha know?) Anne

Be strong, sure, and be assertive. Many people like this will back down if they are challenged in return. If verbal abuse continues, call security. Give them the choice of either 1.) handling issues appropriately, or 2.) being escorted out of the hospital until they can calm down. Most will choose the first option. In behaving in this way, family members/friends are disrupting care of your patient. It's totally unacceptable. God help them if they catch me on the wrong night. hehe :angryfire A.

Intensive Care 1:1 - 1:3 depending on acuity.

Hospitals hire Registered Nurses. The degree doesn't matter. ADN or BSN prepared nurses are ALL nurses. We pass the same Board Exam and have the same responsibilities. I graduated three years ago with my ADN. Got hired right into a specialty unit with no problem at all. I'm tellin' ya, it's NOT an issue. The hospitals in my area don't offer more money for BSN's. Some say that you also have to be Bachelor's prepared to manage. This isn't true anymore. There are many ADN nurse managers. I did recently finish my BSN through an online program through a University. I did it for myself, not because it was a work related requirement. The ADN - BSN route worked well for me. Good luck with your decision. A.

i'm in kansas city, mo..working in a hospital in liberty, mo. new grads here start out over 19.00/hr with 3.00/hr night shift diff and 2.00/hr weekend shift diff in addition. with my weekend and night shift diffs (i only work weekend nights, btw), i make 26.00/hr and i've been at this hospital for 3 yrs. i also work a night every so often with an agency and make 35.00/hr for those shifts....just for a 'little' extra. :) i don't think missouri wages are bad. it just depends which hospital you work for. i think everyone needs to keep cost-of-living for an area in mind also. my home in kansas city was $220,000.00. on either coast, the same house would be listed anywhere from $500-800,000.00. it's all a matter of perspective and location. a.

I've seen so many 'selfish' family members that just can't make the decision to take Mom or Dad off the vent. "It's just too hard", they say. To me, it would be even harder to see my parent go through the tortuous futile care. I just don't understand sometimes. Makes me glad my mom is VERY up front about what she wants and DOESN'T want when it comes to that time in our lives. I'm also POA. I just wish my husband and his parents would talk about it - at least ONCE! Our unit is gearing up to take Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump patients. Interesting device, but, I can see the same 'ole discussion with a family member discussing when to take Mom or Dad off the balloon pump because they can't be weaned. Ugh. Just like when it's discussed to take someone off a vent or not. I'm not really looking forward to that.

I love ICU. Been on my unit for a year and a half and couldn't imagine working anywhere else. To me it's a great mix of clinical and technical nursing.

Learn to relax and take time out for yourself once in awhile.

Honestly, I didn't know until I did it. Now I couldn't think of doing anything else. I don't know what your job is now, but..you really can't go wrong in the healthcare field. Good luck with your decision.

I am totally proud of what I do...so is my hubby...so is my mommy....etc... hehe I've been in this career for a relatively short time - 3.5 yrs. I have already learned so much about myself in this short time. Nursing has really given me self-confidence and I've absolutely blossomed. It has also taught me what other people REALLY go through and to be compassionate and more tolerant of others than I was before.

Voted NO. In the ICU, we sometimes get combative, young, overdose patients. Basically, if they want out - I'm not putting myself in jeopardy by standing in their way. I don't want the hospital to think that because I take a class like that, that I will risk myself to take someone down. All I need to know is the number for SECURITY. They are always on our unit in a flash if we call them.

I work 7P - 7A and only live 5 miles away from where I work. Usually, I get to sleep by 9A and wake up around 3-4P. I have no problems sleeping during the day. After working nights for over 2 years, I 'wake up' when the sun goes down and am ready to sleep when the sun comes up. Also, no kids yet..so don't have to be up for them.

"OOOOhhhh, Social Services - I have a new one for youuuuu!" hehe I can tolerate PO'd family members - most of the time they are grieving or scared. I can also tolerate body fluids and smells. What gives me the heebee geebees is the 30 to 60 y/o ETOHers/Drug Abusers that think they are Cassanova and start hitting on me. ICK! Uh, no thanks sweetheart - I'm married (Thank God)!