couchpants

Since you mentioned you are in CT, you may want to look into the VA Nursing Academy at Fairfield University (if you haven't already): "a scholarship program which will provide financial assistance in exchange for an obligation to work at a VA facility anywhere in the United States for a period of time following graduation from Fairfield's Second Degree Nursing Program." Good luck.

Today I had lunch with some of my pre-nursing buddies after class and big mouth me started ranting about some of the rampant cheating I saw on the last exam. One of the students said that the cheating didn't bother her and that she thought cheating was ok b/c if she was nervous blah blah blah blah and then, amazingly, "nurses don't make decisions anyway." whaaa??? Half of me wishes there was a way I could torpedo her career, thus preventing her from ever getting near me or anyone i care about or heck ANY patient ever with a syringe or ANYTHING in her hand. The other half wants to convince her she's mistaken. But no matter what "this nurse saved this patient's life" story we related, she had an answer. Everything was an "exception." And because nurses work in teams she felt there was no need for her to develop any critical thinking or decision making skills. What would you have said to convince this RN wannabe that RNs DO make decisions? Or am I the idiot here??? Are there any book recommendations? I was thinking maybe I could give her a book as an end of the semester present. Thanks a bunch.

Please don't be offended, CNA's. This particular CNA, who I am hopeful does NOT represent the majority of CNA's around here, insists on dispensing the patient's meds at times other than indicated by the prescribing physician. She goes through the patient's wallet (it's a home health care situation), enters checks in pt's registry, tells pt "I love you," and drives his (luxury) car home when she doesn't have a ride (which is pretty much every night). When I asked this CNA a second time time to NOT leave pt alone in the bathroom at 1 AM (explaining his ataxia, orthostatic hypotension, etc.) she screamed "don't tell me how to do my job!" I am not a RN (yet) so not really savvy about these things. The patient I described is my father who is in late stages of PD with PD psychosis (now you know why I'm so concerned that she's changed the timing of his medication). But certainly there must be a licensing board in CT where I can file a complaint about her unethical behavior??? Thanks for your time.

Thanks for the replies...70k in Danbury is definitely more doable than 45k in Norwalk. I feel much relief as I cling to a perhaps futile dream of owning my own home around here some day. I don't really know this new (actually soon-to-be new) grad all that well...as I said she's just an acquaintance. Perhaps she's graduating with "only" an LVN and the salary reflects that???? Anyway, thanks again for the replies...and thanks for such a lively, informative board. You guys have already been a great help along the way in my RN/BSN journey!

Hi...first time posting but long time lurker here. An acquaintance of mine recently graduated from NCC RN program and accepted a position at Norwalk Hospital for 45k. Based on my lurkings here, along with my own personal "research", this struck me as extremely low. I love nursing (yes, I'm one of those soppy students convinced that nursing is a "calling"), and will continue to pursue my RN/BSN regardless, but I also have to be practical. As I'm sure you know, Fairfield County is one of the most expensive areas of the country to live in. I was hoping for at least 10k more. I hope I don't offend anyone with my question but am I dreaming? Is it just Norwalk or are all area hospitals paying new grads in the 45k range? Should I move to Texas (kidding)? Thanks...in advance...so much.