BinkieRN

Congratulations!!!

We would need more information other than your age. What were you doing? Did you go to college to get into that profession? How long ago did you go to college? and what area of healthcare are you looking to get into. Age and/or sex makes no difference when applying to nursing school Best of luck to you

You did everything you should have done. I suspect the reason it bothers you to go on and pass meds like nothing happened is because you are a caring human being. That's normal. Don't feel bad about caring about somebody. Realize that in LTC those patients are at a much higher risk than the general public for a MI or CVA. It is going to happen. It's the nature of working in LTC.

You will learn to be comfortable with venipuncture/inserting IV's. It takes practice, lots of practice. The key is not to let the patient know that you are nervous and don't say to them "this is my first try" or "I'm just learning", or "Gee I hope I can get this". Go in the room with confidence (even if you're shaking inside) after the first couple of successes you will quickly build your confidence. All nurses were new and nervous about venipuncture at one time. I was a basket case but now I'm very good at it. You will be too. Have faith and patience

What are FTE's? We are forced to take call when the census is low

:deadhorse Good Grief! How many posts? A good fitting supportive bra is a part of your nursing uniform.

Thanks, no I'm not near Knoxville so I've never heard of it. Again congratulations!

I think since you already thanked her that's enough but a nice Christmas card letting her know how you're doing in your new job would be greatly appreciated. Of course you can add "thanks again".

I first thought TIA and I'll stick with it. Wonder if they'll ever tell? He does look older than his stated age. ITA

I'm sorry, I don't mean to come across as dumb but I'm in Tennessee and I don't know which school LMU is? I'm currently at work and my co-workers don't know either? BTW, Congratulations!

I think clean matched scrubs, proper ID, clean nails, neat hair, less jewelry, clean shoes, etc...is just as professional as all white uniforms. My Mom said she remembers seeing nurses in white wearing printed underwear you could see through the pants. Stains on their whites. You can't afford to throw away a uniform you've only worn once or twice because you've got a stain. Scrubs are more comfortable for the nurse and tend to make the patients feel their nurse is more approachable and don't scare children. Now making a come back with the cap. That may be a good idea. That was the classic image of the professional nurse.

It is done all the time. I agree about starting a new med or the first dose of an antibiotic when starting the blood because if there is a reaction, you won't know if it's the blood or the med causing it and would have to stop both at least temporarily.

I do clamp a foley for 15 minutes, after a liter, if the bladder is very distended. I learned in school that emptying the bladder too quickly can cause bladder spasms. I don't have a problem doing it if it saves the patient from having any discomfort. On the other hand, when some patients, such as those who have had a pelvic ultrasound, come back from US and sit on the potty and empty their bladders they don't stop at one liter and they only feel relief afterwards. Personally I don't think it matters.

I have job security. Even if I did get laid off I could get another job within days.

ITA, but you will see posts here from ex LPN's who keep both licenses valid because if they want to work in LTC where they won't pay for an RN then they work on their LPN license. It makes absolutely no sense to me to keep an LPN license when you have your RN license. As said, why pay for both? But well, to each his own. I personally wouldn't do it. Congratulations on getting your RN Just reading recently added post. If a nurse is practicing on one license because the other has been revoked or disciplined, I would imagine said nurse would be in even more trouble when they get caught. Shame on them, that's not ethical, not in the least.