WarrenpeaceRN

I'm 2 years into my first nursing job. I work on an acute psych unit. I love working with the patients and the doctors. Working with the other nurses is another story. Most are bitter, passive aggressive and the unhappiest bunch of people I have ever met. One guy was so nasty, it was going towards bullying. I finally had a sit down with the lead attending and head nurse. It stopped. Immediate supervisor is a bit of a psychopath, all sweet and smiling but cares only about herself. There is no sense of being on a team, she doesn't look out for nurses, etc. Basic good management practices and team building simply does not happen. Now that I have two years experience, I'm starting to look elsewhere. Is this a typical nursing environment? Is there anything I can do during the interview process to minimize the chance of walking into the same dysfunctional and soul-destroying environment? I really enjoy working with the patients and it is clear that I connect with them quickly. I just don't feel valued or my work/contributions are appreciated.

It is definitely performance anxiety for me more then the out of controlness of the situation. My fear is to mess up in front of a crowd of people. I also have a fear of hitting the person's sciatic nerve. I sometimes have a problem spotting the landmarks. I'm new at this and don't have to do it that often. We do two syringes. One time a charge nurse told me to use three. The patient was a true psychopath (we later learned with a serious criminal record). And the charge said, make it hurt to show him who is in control. Luckily never had to give it and the patient was transferred the next day.

Interestingly, it wasn't the patients, doctors or general staff that made my first year as a nurse (in psych) complete hell, it was some of the other nurses! Here are some suggestions (other than all the good stuff already recommended above): - See it all as a project, as a learning experience about medicine, the mind, yourself, whatever focus will push you above the ordinary. - Focus only on the moment, next hour or day. Life can change in an instant. As one quote I read stated: this is your current life situation, not your Life. - Don't try to over-analyze (especially on days off!) what is bothering you or causing the stress. - Accept that we are not gods and often the best you can do is simply be with or available the person, this often does amazing things - Voice your concerns and challenges, but professionally and rationally (accept that what you say falls on deaf ears) - Find other nurses who are positive, intelligent, caring, and build a relationship with them. They can be a godsend. - If there are certain situations that are triggering something in you, talk to a nurse you trust. Usually they will either help you through it or do the task themselves until you can deal with it in the future. - Avoid the walking dark holes on staff! At all costs! Don't let them sap your soul, that is exactly what they want to do. I learned an important lesson, before saying yes to overtime, I look to see who is working. If there is someone I have difficulty with, I simply say no or I'm unwilling....providing no reason or excuses. - Don't anticipate the kind of day it will be. Most times, our worst fears going to work don't materialize. Can't tell you how many times I dreaded going to work, imagining all sorts of stuff, and the day turned out either ok or wonderful. - That old adage is so important: focus on what you can control. Most times it is only our attitude, beliefs and actions. - One amazing thing about nursing is that you are in a position to do wonderful things to people who are quite ill. Just treating someone with kindness and respect who has not felt this in a long time or think themselves unworthy can change their and your life. Nursing allows you to touch something very powerful and so deep in the fabric of reality and to shift it to the good, even for just a moment. It is something most people either never or seldom do. This has been the most important lesson I've learned from being a nurse, the power we all have to shift reality, a moment, a belief of a lifetime by the smallest gesture of kindness, care or respect. There are some people, they are rare, who just always knew this. I wasn't one of them and had to learn it. Oh, and we can do this for ourselves.

what were your percentiles?

Uhm, she knows I don't work there nor am I making the decision. Maybe that was too obvious for you.

LOL!!! You did better or the same as 99% of the people who took it (probably about 20,000 people or so). You aced it, you're in. Relax! Congratulations!!!!

Are you absolutely sure the percentiles aren't listed? My composite was 147 and my percentiles were: verbal - 99; Math - 87; Science 97. My GPA was about a 3.3 (I have a BA). According the the NLN, most composite scores are between 50 - 150, so you scored towards the high end. I was accepted into the program. I really don't think you have anything to worry about. From what I understand, KCC looks at the composite first, then the GPA, if necessary.

i'm in the middle of my first semester of nursing school. i don't know how to tell you how grateful i am for what you've done for me. your patience, kindness, sharing your expertise, not showing that i've probably thrown off your day, seeing the connection you have with the clients and the trust they have with you. i'm a nervous wreck at the beginning of the clinical day, but your willingness to take the time to show me, to correct me, to guide me is giving me something that is beyond words. you encouraged me to know what you know and to do what you do so well. thank you, thank you

Sannart, Loba is probably correct. I would hope they look at the entire picture. A 4.00 certainly says a lot more about your abilities and dedication then one test. If you don't get in, which I doubt, make a fuss.

I got 147 composite

anyone know when the acceptance letters for fall 2009 will be going out?

Sci 25 isn't bad at all, especially after A&P I & II. The professor is fantastic...one of the best I've ever had (I have a BA already, so I've seen my share of the good and bad.) With your engineering background, it should be a breeze for you.

Hi I'm in the same program. Speak with George Nicolades (not sure if I have the right spelling) in the Allied Health office M401. He's a good guy, a real student advocate and has been a great source of information and assitance. From what he told me this week, the first thing they look at is you NLN score. If you and another person have the same score and both are being considered, they then look at your class grades, focusing on the bios, A&Ps and sciences. Want anymore advice (I've done all my pre-reqs except Science 25, which I'm doing now) I'm more than happy to pass on what I can, including notes and stuff. Good luck!

Hi Sergei I'm not sure where you live. I'm in the pre-clinical nursing program at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn. There are more than a few Russian immigrants in my classes, and they are doing well from what I can tell. Check out the Kingsborough website, maybe there is a Russian student or Russian nursing student organization that could give you good advice. http://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/index.php I say GO FOR IT! As another poster mentioned, your English is much better than you realize. Yes, American students complain about how difficult the courses are, I do to. But, dedication and focus go much, much further than language skills. Also, you will find a great deal of support from your fellow students and faculty. Besides, places like New York City need Russian speaking nurses! You'd be providing a very valuable service. Focus on what you do have...motivation, desire, curiosity...these are much more important in getting through a nursing program than language skills. Good luck!

I am a 48 yr old man who left Wall Street (I also managed a call center a few years back) in August 08 to study nursing. It's a little complicated how I came to the decision, but part of it had to do with caring for a family member with Alzheimer's on weekends for over a year. I'm not sure if job security as the primary motive will get you through. I'm completing my pre-clinical pre-requisites this semester and am studying for the NLN in May. Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 are very tough! You will be astounded how much you will need to learn just in these. Be prepared to probably be the oldest person in the class, including the professor! It felt strange at first, but that disappeared pretty quickly. Also be prepared and willing to be completely baffeled, lost, and confused. I think you should honestly consider if you are curious enough about the body, medicine and people to spend many, many hours studying and memorizing...for a few years. I am astounded already how much nurses must know, and I'm not even in a clinical program yet. But, I'm even more motivated than when I started. Good luck!