caligurl1

Welcome! This is a great site :) Coming from an HR background and now nursing...I think it is unfair they are asking you to use your PTO...It sounds like they are trying to push you into coming back earlier to avoid "double paying" FMLA now and then your future PTO hours (when you choose to use them). So bascially, they want you to use your PTO hours now so they do not have to "pay out" later. I am not sure about your hospital policy use regarding PTO but in my opinion, use your PTO when you have a vaca, need a mental health day, etc but not when you have FMLA. You have plenty of time to get your CRP re-cert before August. Good luck!

Thanks! I am sorry to hear you are having a similar experience. It is so frustrating. I agree with you about how some of the nurses treat students. When I have a "good" experience with a floor nurse, it is very rare. I see great nurses and can understand their stress; however, we are humans too and do not deserve to be treated poorly. It is a hard position to be in. I hope your clinical experience gets better. Hang in there, hopefully you will graduate soon!

Thank you sooo much for your reply!! It is nice to have support :)

Hi, This morning was my last mental health clinical (thank goodness). My partner and I walked onto our unit and did not see any staff because they were in the morning report. We saw an agitated patient, kicking her legs up and mumbling to herself. My partner and I walked around her, giving her space. Once we passed her, she turned to follow us and spit on me. Her spit landed in my hair and in my mouth. I was disgusted. I immediately went to the bathroom, then told 2 staff members (literally 10 minutes after she spat). I asked for mouthwash. They stated "she spits all the time and we do not have mouthwash." I told my clinical instructor, who sought help from the unit manager. They tested her for Hep B and C and HIV. The staff made it seem like it was my fault! I was so upset and tried to keep my composure. They told me I should of yelled for the staff (which they would not of heard me) and that I should of washed my hair off in the infectious control sink (which we were never shown where that was). The director of nursing told me I have to "be more careful." The staff was awful and rude. I am not sure what to do at this point. I emailed my instructor. I want to contact the head of the nursing dept or the manager to let them know their staff handled this situation poorly. I feel since I am paying for this clinical experience, I should get the best out of it. But I also want to protect myself and not have this situation influence any future experiences at school. I am getting so tired of being treated like dirt at clinicals. Any advice?

Hi, I was in a very similar position as you, I have a BA and MA and went back to school for nursing. The U of M Master's program is very competitive and expensive. Since you already have a bachelor's degree, I would consider looking to go the bachelor's route, not the masters program. You might change your mind in a few years and have a specialty license which would limit your options. I made a mistake of obtaining a specialization and am regretting that decision. If I could redo my decision, I would of looked at Chippewa Valley Community College in River Falls, WI. It is only a 30-45 minute drive from the cities and is super cheap. Once you have your RN, there are so many more doors open for you to go back to school (online, bridge programs, weekend programs, etc). For WI you need to be a CNA to apply to nursing school. Otherwise, UW Oshkosh has an online program which allows you to complete your clinicals in your hometown. Good luck!

I am at Marymount for the second degree nursing program and I HATE it. I am just sticking it out until I graduate. The professors are AWFUL and unprofessional. Marymount cannot keep professors so there is a wave every couple of semesters. The clinical and lab instructors are awesome because they are either practicing in the nursing field or are in the hospital. The instructors have gossip sessions about the students. The majority of professors are not Nurse Educators, therefore, they do not know how to teach the material or prepare the tests correctly. There is soo much miscommunication and unprofessionalism stemming from the top and filters down. The deans are also awful. Marymount has a 78% minimum to pass a class, otherwise, they fail you. If you fail two classes (which tons of people have), they kick you out of the program and therefore, the student will not be in good standings to transfer/reapply elsewhere. I know nursing schools has its ups and downs. Marymount has more downs then up. It is way too expensive for a crappy education and does not teach the vital skills required to be a good nurse. Out of a starting class of 60 in the spring, 10 are leaving to go elsewhere. Private message me if you want any more info.