NewMexicoJohn

I am sure there are other RNs out there who may already have a BA or a BS degree in another field, and some of us even have Master's degrees in other related healthcare fields. Some employers will not recognize any other BA or BS degrees even though the same upper level nursing courses may have been completed. There are many programs on line to take students from RN to BSN but none exist that will take a student from RN-BA/BS to BSN. The problem is that every university wants you to spend a least 30-38 hours at their facility taking (and paying for) their credits before they will issue a degree (one can understand why). Therefore, it's advisable not to spend the time, money, and effort to get the BSN if you already have an RN and a BA or BS in another field. For those of you who are already Master's prepared, it's again probably not feasible to spend the time and $ to get another advanced degree unless you want to teach. Many university hospitals, the VA, and others recognize Master's degrees in other fields, particularly if they are health care related. Other hospitals are changing their policies to reflect an RN who is Bachelor prepared (assuming the same upper level nursing courses have been taken). That means, you can have a BA in psychology, take an accredited Associates program in Nursing, and then just take the upper level nursing courses (there are only usuallly 3 classes), and they will honor the BA or BS degree along with your RN and your associates as a BSN. Times are changing and the nursing field is slow to catch up with the rest of Academia but it's happening slowly. Consider why you want the BSN. If it is a hopsital requirement, if you delve further, they usually are looking for Bachelor prepared professionals, not always strictly a BSN. I do know that RNs with Master's degrees in other fields cannot teach at accredited schools of nursing at this time HOWEVER, there is discussion of that changing, particularly if the degree is in a related health care field such as Radiology, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, etc. There are a lot of "cross-disciplinary" RNs out there now who have degrees from other health care fields along with their RN degrees. Hang in there. Times are changing. On line programs are being created every month to tailor a solution for everyone. The most important thing is to make sure you have the same upper and lower division NURSING classes as a BSN prepared nurse. If you have that, you'll be well positioned.

King Cody, I say....step in to your AUTHENTIC self. Whatever that is. People will only see your competence and will immediately be grateful if you help them get well. If people don't understand you then there is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate how cool it is to let different people in to your reality. I say...follow your dreams. Step in to your authentic reality. Be who you are. Other people do not matter. Just follow your heart. John in New Mexico

Very good advice! Excellent.

Que Bueno! QUERER ES PODER, no? I have many Cuban friends. I love CUBA!!!! I am very proud of you. My name is John. I live in New Mexico but I am from Atlanta and I had many Cuban friends there. They are VERY good people. Have you seen Fareinheit 911? The Cuban people were very good to the sick people from New York City. John (Juanito)

I am going to start believing RIGHT NOW that things start getting MUCH better for you. We can all be REVERSE PARANOIDS. That means we believe that the universe is CONSPIRING to do GOOD things for us. You give good care to your clients. That has generated a pretty good chunk of good Karma for you. Ask for it. Have you asked for what you want? Take a few minutes, sit down in a comfy chair at home and think about WHAT IT IS YOU REALLY WANT. Is it a new job? Is it something different? VISUALIZE what is is you want and then ask for it. PULL IT IN TO YOUR REALITY.

I'd eat dog food right out of the can before I'd stay at a place like that. I agree with the previous post. Sprout a pair, stand up for yourself, or get the Heck out of there. It sounds like a bad soap opera. Seriously, start looking for another job, you'll find one. This one stinks. Sounds like you hate it. LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

Look. Life is just way too short for that kind of immature nonsense. I doubt anyone in administration said "shut up or you'll be dismissed". If they have, try to document it covertly and then go to administration with your concerns and tell them if things don't improve you will file a complaint with the Joint Review. There are laws that protect both nurses and whistle blowers. If you can document cases of how a pt. was neglected due to the short staffing policies, and also document their failure to hear staff concerns you will have a compelling case. May I give you some advice? Stop whining about it and sprout some gonads. Crying yourself to sleep isn't going to change a thing. If you are indeed a great nurse and give great care then continue to do so but denying yourself breaks and working yourself to death while others relax is martydom. You bring it upon yourself. Do your work. Take good care of your patients, TAKE YOUR BREAKS, work your shifts, go home and shake it all off. If you find that it's getting too much to bear then LEAVE. It's your life. You owe it to yourself to be self actualized. It sounds to me that you're an excellent nurse so I am sure you'll find an awesome job. Come on, challenge your own paradigms about yourself. Stop being a shrinking violet. YOU CAN DO THIS! STEP UP or STEP ASIDE! We are all here to support you. If the administration continues to run people into the ground then you need to do all you can to stop it, OR.........just leave.and file a complaint with the Board of Nursing. They don't have broad regulatory powers but they do have influence. I'd also consider filing a complaint with the Joint Review Commission or with your State Health Regulatory Body. Bottom line is that you need to advocate for yourself. I think you'd do well in Home Health and they do pay well. Don't sell yourself out. I wouldn't work in a place like that, why should you? Stop crying. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and tap in to your PERSONAL POWER. YOU CAN DO THIS.

I think you are TOTALLY cool for being so honest with yourself. BRAVO! Look, none of us are on this planet for very long so I say....enjoy the ride. The most important thing is that you live an AUTHENTIC life. If you feel like nursing is not your thing then I say you should quit and take some time off and do something you love! There is NO SHAME in not persuing something that doesn't resonate with you. Your family, friends, and loved ones will understand. Screw what people think anyway. I say..........do what you want to do.........it's your life! And BRAVO for being so honest! (I like your style) John New Mexico

I am so sorry to hear about your son. I have heard that is the worst loss a human being can experience. Don't worry, you'll see him again on the other side. I wish you well and I applaud your courage. John

Brother.....why do you care what other people think about nurses, male of female. Hold your head up high and dare others to go where you have gone! Bravo for following your dreams. Be proud of who YOU are, whatever that is, and live a genuine life. Everything else is someone else's hangup, not yours! Meantime, ENJOY all of the eligible females surrounding you. More straight dudes would mean more competition! Go for it!

"straight shooters?" What's your point here brother? Why do you care what other dudes are in to? Focus on being the best you can in your career and why ARE YOU EVEN THINKING about the other dudes in your class??????? You need to "shoot straight" and focus on your studies and stop thinking about the sexuality of the other men in your class. That's just WRONG dude. Totally WRONG.

I live in New Mexico, do they let out of state students take online classes? I can't find it on the web page for the school system.

Folks, I live in New Mexico and there are only a handful of schools that offer Microbiology here and they've already filled up the classes I need that don't conflict with my Nursing courses. Does anyone know of any national school that has a totally online Microbiology component? John Colangelo Any help would be appreciated!

So you made a mistake. It is regretable but it happens. The enivornment to report a medication error is supposed to be one without retriburion. It should be a safe place for us to go if and when we make a medication error. The PROCESS should be investigated to see if something could have been done to prevent this. Hold your head up high, you made a mistake. Let he/she without any sin cast the first stone!:redbeathe I suspect you'll NEVER make this mistake again and the patient was not harmed. I would look for proactive ways to help other nurses from making this same mistake. Don't worry, if this was your first time and if you've admitted to the error and you're trying to discover how to prevent it in the future, it's all good! Hang in there sister. We are here to support you! :redbeathe John in New Mexico

WOW! I would love to meet you sometime and pick your brain and just interview you. Sounds fascinating!!!!!! I cannot wait till this summer when I graduate. I am applying at Pres to be a Nurse Extern, hope I get accepted!

Hey! I am doing fine, hanging in there. About to finish Level II and start level III! I'd like to talk sometime and hear your perspective on things. What are you up to these days?

I would remind the Director of your program that it is not 1950 and wearing white just propagates the image that nurses are in a submissive role. I would be willing to bet your administration consists of older women who are stuck in the 60's. A white scrub set will pick up so much dirt and stain it will be unbelievable, plus they will look REDICULOUS. Are they trying to humiliate all of you? I feel you brother! JC

Hey Brothers, My name is John and I am in second semester at Santa Fe Community College. This week at clinical I had the opportunity to take care of a Hospice patient (39 year old Male) who was actively dying. I had taken care of him the week before and had gotten to know his family (most of whom were in attendance constantly). The client was on a PCA pump and his respirations went down to 5. He was getting close to the end so I was taking VS every hour since it seemed to make the family feel better. All of a sudden Mr. X (the client) woke up, pointed to the ceiling, and said.........."Look Mama.......it's Maria........she is telling me to come............she's waiting for me" Then he closed his eyes and went back to his deep sleep. His mother, sitting in the chair next to the bed looked up to me crying and said "Maria was my grand-daughter, his niece............who died 4 years ago, she was only six years old. I got chill bumps all over and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. One of our instrcutors worked in Hospice for years and she has several FASCINATING stories that are similar. It really made me stop and think. We also rotate through the Indian Hospital in Santa Fe and at orientation we were told about "spirit people" whom the native Americans treat with respect after one of their people die in the hospital rooms. It really makes you think. I felt honored to have witnessed this and it made me appreciate how important it is for clients and families to have time to connect to the spirit part of dying. Pretty cool stuff. John

Dude, You rock. Thanks for being so genuine and for busting stereotypes. I bet some sensitive female is going to snap you up! A dude who actually wants to see a chick film! ROCK ON BUDDY!

Stereotypes are based on misconceptions. Be genuine. Be Yourself. Be a Competent Nurse. Nobody will care who you sleep with. If people are curious be flattered..........that means you are important enough to them that they are curious. Life goes by quickly, don't spend it worried about what anyone thinks of you. LIVE YOUR LIFE BOLDLY my friend! People respond to goodness no matter what package it is wrapped in......black, white, yellow, thin, fat, tall, short, straight, gay, male, female, transgendered. We are all people and all of us deserve dignity and respect. Thank you for bringing this topic up my brotha! Now get out there and do good work! I would PERSONALLY rather have a COMPETENT nurse, I don't care what package he or she comes in! Remember to love yourself.

Dear Colleagues, I am a nursing student looking for some advice regarding a small equipment pack that you wear around your waist or upper leg. I find I need tape, scissors, penlight, pens, my wallet, etc. I've gone through several small "man bags" that I found at Wal-mart that snap on like a belt but none so far have been very effective. Does anyone know where I can buy a light and simple gear pack that straps to the LEG or that I can wear around my waist? It would be nice to have my cell phone, a small wallet, a few essential tools, and other "bling" with me at all times without it falling out all over the floor everytime I bend over. I once saw an EMT wearing a very cool and compact gear belt around his right thigh. It held his tape, scissors, penlight, watch, etc. I didn't know him well enough to stop him and ask, so I know they exist. Any suggestions? I can't find one anywhere. John in New Mexico:bow:

Dear Colleagues, I am a nursing student looking for some advice regarding a small equipment pack that you wear around your waist or upper leg. I find I need tape, scissors, penlight, pens, my wallet, etc. I've gone through several small "man bags" that I found at Wal-mart that snap on like a belt but none so far have been very effective. Does anyone know where I can buy a light and simple gear pack that straps to the LEG or that I can wear around my waist? It would be nice to have my cell phone, a small wallet, a few essential tools, and other "bling" with me at all times without it falling out all over the floor everytime I bend over. Any suggestions? I can't find one anywhere. John in New Mexico:bow:

Thanks for that response! KUDOS to YOU for being so responsible and for following your dreams! There are few things in life worse than being trapped in corporate America. It sucks the life out of you and gives nothing back. Good for you buddy!

OK...........now that was funny!

Hey Guys! I've posted before but for those of you who don't know me I am 49 and about to finish my level 1 in an accelerated RN program at a community college. One has to have a previous degree (BS) in something to get into the program. I had a very successful career with a large microchip manufacterer and was making well over 140K a year plus stock and benefits but the job TOTALLY and absolutely lacked any meaning. I sat in a sea of cubicles and spent my weeks attending useless corporate meetings, listening to people pontificate about how great their accomplishes were, etc, etc. I felt completely empty. My wallet was full but my soul was empty. In first semester Nursing school we studied Erickson's stages and I realized that I actually fell right in line with his stage for older adults. I had reflected upon my life and determined that money and prestige and stock benefits and all the trappings that go with that type of life are really not worth it if you have a sense that your life needs to have some meaning. I felt compelled to contribute to society in a somewhat more meaningful way then being a middle manager for a microchip company. The thought of sitting at a desk watching the pages of the calendar fly by really made me sit up and take notice. So, I went to our local university (the University of New Mexico) and started taking A&P, Pathophysiology, and other courses at night and sometimes during my lunch hour. I studied all weekend, formed study groups, studied at night, I even booked conference rooms when it was quiet at work and would do assignments during work hours (beats sitting at my desk). Long story short I am in nursing school now and in a year I'll have my RN. My goal is to work in an ICU and perhaps get my CRNA after a year or so working in intensive care..........then I may volunteer to work with DOCTORS without BORDERS. I believe that every American should have healthcare as a RIGHT not as a privilege and I hope I live to see that day. Until then I am going to try to work in underserved economic populations. Nursing school has not been easy and it's a lot of long hours. I am also commuting 100 miles a day to the campus and back but it's all worth it. I saved up money to do this and I'll have just enough to keep me going until the program ends. I've read a lot of postings about the contribution men can make in nursing. I think it's rediculous that people even worry about the role men can play in nursing. That's a very sexist attitude that women would not permit. For example, nobody questions a female doctor if she needs to do a procedure on a male. Of course not, women are just as capable and professional as men so it shouldn't matter in nursing either. I think that comportment is critical and that men should carry themselves in a professional manner at all times. There is nothing "sexual" about a medical intervention. With a CRITICAL nursing shortage looming, and with the aging baby boomers retiring and more nurses "graying out" of the work force, it is essential that more men consider this as a career option. Pay is increasing, responsibilities are increasing, and it's a job that confers a great deal of job satisfaction. As far as I am concerned I am glad I got to spend 25 years in corporate America. It was fun traveling around the world and carrying a briefcase and "pretending" I was an important cog in the wheel. Now I feel like I am doing something GENUINE. Something REAL. This is just a shout out to all of my brothers out there. Regardless of age, race, national origin, religious background, economic background, etc, if you think you may want a meaningful career, consider nursing. It's a great career and will open many doors. It's a way to significantly contribute to humanity and when you drive home from a shift you'll feel like you really made a difference. Nursing school is a long, hard road. There are lots of sacrifices to be made and lots of long hours but it's worth it. I am attending a great school in Santa Fe, New Mexico with an excellent faculty and in a beautiful setting. If anyone wants to know more or would like to exchange emails or talk on the phone, send a shout out to me. Thanks and remember.........YOU CAN DO THIS!