StacyC417

I have a good friend with a former 24 weeker (540g) who is doing WONDERFULLY. She is now 16 months and is developmentally normal in all areas. I was talking to her the other day, and she was saying that she couldn't imagine NOT saving her little girl. I just think that it is just SUCH a tough decision to have to make...Even though she ended up with a "happily ever after story" SO many of these little ones end up with IVH, CP, BPD, ROP, PVL, NEC and the list goes on. I don't think that I would have been prepared to deal with the *potential* consequences of saving a baby at 22,23, or 24 weeks. The statistics are just too bleak for the majority of these kids. I would say that I would request no resuscitation before 26weeks/750g if it were my child. What are all of your opinions? Stacy

My CC is starting an accelerated ADN program this fall in which it will only take 16 months to complete the degree requirements rather than the 21 months that it takes for the regular program. The only additional requirement for admission to the program is that you have an associates degree in another field. This is really easy to accomplish with all of the pre-requisites that they require before admittance to their Nursing program (I will have an Associate of Arts next spring). Since the program only knocks five months off of the program, I am wondering if it will be much more intense, or if it will just be a matter of skipping the traditional summer break? If anyone had any experience with an Accelerated ADN I would appreciate ANY input! Thanks, Stacy

...BUT I am determined to become a NICU nurse after the birth and subsequent loss of my daughter, Zoe. She was born Dec. 14, 2002 at 29wks weighing 2lbs 2oz &13 1/2 inches. Her prematurity was due to complications stemming from Gastroschisis. I know that my little one was put here for a reason, and I really think that was to make her mommy a nurse. In her two and a half month life, I learned so much. Even though I left without a baby in my arms, she is always with me, and I think that there is no better tribute to her than to help out other little ones and their parents. I also have the NICU staff to thank for my new career path. All of the nurses pushed me to go back to school, so here I am. I am posting a link to Zoe's album. I always think that it's awesome how much she grew. Truly a miracle! http://photos8.msn.com/myfiles/folderview.aspx?Folder=4gPozhciq6bYILNWnTjllZksZ9BwXh8NwEeXlmeqdjM%24 Take Care, Stacy

I am working as a CNA for a HHA right now. I passed my course last May, and worked for a LTC facility for the first 6 months. In November I was hired on at a home health agency and I absolutely LOVE it! I am glad that I had the experience of working LTC first, though. I think that it gave me a lot of time management skills, as well as a lot of supervised exposure to different types of patients and the care that they require. *I* personally would not have been confident enough in my skills as a new CNA. If you feel that your class prepared you well enough for home health, than I say GO FOR IT. It's awesome! As for the "level 1" interview, I think that most companies have you go through multiple interviews before you get hired. Good luck! Stacy

Hi neighbor...Congrats on getting into WNCC's program!!! I am just now starting my pre-reqs for TMCC, and PRAYING that I get in on my first try (hopefully fall '05). I am currently working at ManorCare, and have to say that I am only sticking with them because I am a new CNA (passed my exam in July). I know that I could probably find another position in LTC, but it seems, from all of my coworker's experiences, that Reno lacks ANY quality LTC facilities. It is really upsetting. The other day we had two girls go home in the middle of the day (CNAs), which left me with 16 patients to care for. As for the RN/LPN ratio, I would say that 30 residents is pretty standard here. I just can't wait until I've *put my time in* so I can find a job at Saint Mary's or Washoe Med!!! Maybe (hopefully) there are some better facilities in Carson?!? Take care, Stacy

Thanks ladies...Unfortunately I DO live in a "Right to Work" state (Nevada), but I will still be getting in touch with both the Labor and Nursing boards here. Some of their policies just make me really uncomfortable...sigh... Stacy

My current place of employment has recently posted a notice to us CNAs, stating that if we are going to call out, we must first okay it with the DON! The nurses have specific orders to offer any and all over the counter meds to any CNA attempting to call in sick , and if we refuse, we HAVE to talk to the DON, as well as bring in a note from our physician stating that we are, in fact, ill. This really bothers me, especially since management is trying to tell us that a "normal" person is only ill one or two times a year ...When most of our staff has kids at home, I DON'T THINK SO! One of the staff members was telling me that it is illegal for the company to require this of us. Does it sound right to you??? There are about a MILLION other rants I could go on about this company, but unfortunately none of the LTC facilities here in town (Reno, NV) are rated much better. All of the aides who I have talked with who have been CNAs in other states are just appalled at how things are run...Sigh...It's SO depressing. Thanks In Advance Stacy

What do you all think is an appropriate patient ratio per CNA? The facility I work at right now has one LPN and three CNAs for our 30 patient Alzheimer unit. It is a 180 bed facility, and there are many days where one of us is floated to another dept, and then there are only 2 1/2 CNA's for the 30 residents. Is 10-12 dementia patients per CNA the *average*? I work the day shift, so we have two meals to get out everyday...I think that it's too hectic, and that we can't spend enough time giving care to EACH individual, but is this how all nursing homes are? I am new to the field and just wanted some input. Thanks, Stacy

These links are wonderful THX Stacy