nessajune21

Not exactly nursing related, but as fellow nurses who may have loved and lost someone, I know many of you may be able to relate... This weekend is my mother's birthday. She will be 51. Unlike other birthdays that start with a card and end in a cake, this birthday will be her last. She has been battling lung cancer and has months left to live. I am clueless as to what to get someone (particularly someone so special) for their last birthday. Ideas? Suggestions? I've considered a memory book- as in everyone writes a favorite memory or funny story about her in it. I would, however, love to have more ideas. Thanks all!

I don't even think this qualifies as critical thinking-- just thinking!

A few days ago immediately following report- mind you when every nurse on shift is in the room- my charge nurse turns to me and says loudly, " I need to speak with you about a discrepancy." I noticed everyone looking around, but I didn't really understand what she meant, so I told her ok. After being escorted to the pyxis by my charge, manager and another nurse, we discovered that the discrepancy wasn't mine at all, but another nurse's. Suddenly, stoic faces disappeared and they all started making excuses- "oh she must have miscounted." They didn't even call this nurse, but instead resolved the issue. I was p/o'd! Why was it a huge ordeal when it was me, but not an issue when it was someone else?

I think that depends on personal interests. Postpartum is relatively low stress and many nurses love it- however I don't find it enjoyable at all. It really is based on what you find interesting or stressful.

Has no one ever worked with a nurse intern? A lot of the posters appear horrified that the OP is passing meds and working as a nurse without a license. This is what nurse interns do. They work under the RNs license (as in clinicals) and pass meds, do assessments, and perform treatments- just as we did in clinicals, but they get paid for it. It is not shocking- but very common. However, this place appears to be taking advantage of the OP. That is way to much to ask of a student- or an experienced RN.

I feel like an idiot! I've been a student nurse in the ICU for 3 months. Today I was assisting the doctor while he put in an arterial line. This patient was a horrible stick. The patient's brother, a veteran nurse was looking on. The doc poked around for 30-45 minutes and finally got it in. Then he asked me to zero the line, so I tried to reach around to zero and pulled the line out!!!! I was mortified. I kept apologizing and the MD and the brother kept saying "It's ok" and "we all make mistakes." But, then they had to say the cursed words "Don't cry" and I lost it and had to leave the room. Of course my face never lost the horrible red glow of crying and humiliation. Where's a good rock to crawl up under when you need it?

You cannot work as an EMT without a state or national certification. There are so many things that I learned in EMT training that we never discussed in nursing school and the contexts of practice are two different worlds. Perhaps instead of looking at what else you can do you could look at what more you can do. Contact unit managers at hospitals directly about RN positions- and keep contacting them. The more you contact them, the more fresh you will be in their minds. Good luck!

Thank you all for replying! Do you think it would be most beneficial to stay in the ICU or to go ahead and go to OR (since that is where I'd like to work upon graduation)? Can't I just pretend I was never asked!?!

I am lost and I would appreciate some input. I started as a student nurse in the ICU 2 months ago. I have been learning a lot and I really like the staff. However, I was just approached by the OR manager and asked if I would like to transfer to the OR. OR is where I would like to spend my career, but I feel that if I transfer I will be disrespecting my current manager who gave me this great ICU opportunity and losing out on a great set of skills that I can bring to any specialty. On the other hand, I feel like if I pass up the OR opportunity, I may never get my foot back in the door. Advice? Input? Help!?

If they barely sketch by in class, there is no way they will be getting into a CRNA program!

I go to Ivy Tech. It was a fast decision I made in applying, hence a very fast process of applying, taking TEAS, attending the information meeting, and transferring. I actually did not even go to my information session until after I had been accepted. Email the nursing chair directly (as I did). Perhaps you will be able to do as I did. Good luck.

I know exactly how you feel. Everyone in my family expects that I can diagnose them. I have to tell them that I know nothing and that the doc knows best (or at least I hope so!). I have even given my sister-in-law the pediatric nurse hotline to a local hospital so that she can direct her questions elsewhere! I agree that your cousin is likely scared and seeking confirmation. The best way to help is to tell her you care. Good luck to you and your family!

When I am nervous I tend to do one of 3 very annoying things... 1- bobble my head when I talk 2- fold my hands like Mr. Burns from the Simpsons 3- ramble I always feel horrible after interviews too. Just realize that we magnify our own mistakes, stupid comments, and annoying behaviors more than anyone. Good luck with the position. Hope you got the job!

You generally only need the 2 years experience if you have an ASN. If you have completed an BSN, you can usually continue straight into an MSN program. However, I have to agree with most that it would be best to get that 2 year experience and decide where you want to specialize before you dive into the program.

I'd set up an appointment with your instructor and ask him/her specifically what they would suggest you do. Good luck raising your grade. I'm rooting for you!