frisco96

Hmm. Doesn't sound safe. Why is a MD deciding how much training a nurse needs? Maybe he was an RN before an MD? Clearly, nobody is advocating for you. I've only been out of nursing school for one year and what I've learned in that short time is that I'm the only person that will protect my license. Other nurses and MD's certainly will not. Just remember how much grueling work you went thru to get this license and I wouldn't let some MD bully you into more than you can handle right now. Be careful. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself. Good luck!

You all are the best!! Thank you!! Any more? :)

I got about 7 weeks or orientation. Speak up and after your off orientation, make sure you ask to work with people who are receptive to lots of questions. I think the days of NEW GRAD orientation are few and far between.

hello!! i've been a nurse for nine months now and my tunnel vision of only focusing on tasks is beginning to widen- i feel like i can actually try to teach my patients now, not just read from the discharge worksheet . :) so i'm hoping for some help with metaphors or analogies for teaching patients. as an example, i read on another thread how someone explained to patients that "blood clots are like an insect getting caught in a spider's web. you need both the insect (platelet) and the spider's web (clotting factors) for the clot to occur. " this was great for me to know and i thought it would also be great for patients. does anyone have metaphors that they regularly use with their patients or students? i don't care if it's specific to a certain unit. anything would be great!! thank you!!

Yes, absolutely you can do this! I just graduated in 5/10, and just was hired for my first job! Nursing school is challenging. It's not like getting your BA degree (at least it wasn't for me). Like previous posts have said, being somewhat organized, having a back up child care plan for sick kiddos, explaining to your kids that you will be studying, etc is important. Looking back I can tell you that there were days when I was pulling my hair out. However, my kids well-being was always first. I still volunteered in their classrooms, and attended just about every one of their soccer games (when I started they were in Kindergarten and 3rd grade). What I sacrificed was some of MY SAHM activities....coffee, playgroups, constant cleaning, frequent trips to Target, occasional Bunco (ha-ha), etc. You may run into people that don't support you (my mother thought it was ridiculous). I ignored their negativity and kept my eye on the prize. Another thing is that MANY student are in their 30's, and 40's. We had about 5 in their 50's and one woman turned 60 (she had been a SAHM all her life and wanted to have a career before she was "too old"). I am so grateful that I didn't allow fear and negativity to make my decision. What a gift I am giving to my children to show that hard work pays off. I wish you well in this new adventure!!

So I passed NCLEX in early July and to this day have had one interview, which did not land a job. I've applied many, many places. I'm starting to become incredibly disillusioned thinking I spent two years of my life in school for nothing. I have a bachelor's degree and now this ADN degree. People are telling me just to get a job....ANY nursing job. Here's my question.......in your opinions would it behoove me to start looking in Nursing Homes or get a hospital job as a tech (our state allows it) so I can get my foot in the door. I'm being advised both ways. I'm worried I'm going to forget everything if I don't get a job soon. I appreciate any thoughts!

Thank you everyone for your posts! THey've been very helpful!

You would need to check with college you plan to get your Nursing degree from. They should be able to tell you or have a website that would demonstrate. I just finished nursing school and if you can swing it, I would do your prereq's for nursing, get a PCT job, and get your nursing license. Just a thought. Good luck!!

Hello! Wondering if you can share your thoughts with me. I'm a new grad with social work background (nursing is 2nd career). Naturally, I'm getting call backs on Psych RN positions. I do not want to do psych nursing, because I spent my first career in that area. However, I'm wondering if I should consider taking in a psych position since the job market is so bad. Or do I risk getting "stuck" in that area? I passed the NCLEX in early July and really started applying about 3 weeks ago. Any feedback anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

Perhaps making a gratitude list would be wise....I'll be 41 and I'm thrilled to think that at my age I am able to make a career change. You're young.....your limits are all in your mind. :):)

Woo hoo!! Congratulations!!! I'll be 41 when I graduate. Two of my classmates are 59!! Way to go. Have fun on the journey!

Absolutely....Saunders is my favorite. It breaks downt the sections like F&E, It's a blue book. Definitely worth it. Of course, ask your instructors too. They will be a great resource! Have fun!

make sure you have a firm understanding of hydrostatic pressure,oncotic pressure, osmotic, etc. Also have a basic understanding of the electrolytes....Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Cl. Our class did most poorly on this exam. It will have a lot to do with how it is taught. Make sure if your instructor isn't providing application examples that YOU ask for them. If they won't do it in class, ask them at office hours. This is a fundamental part of nursing make sure you understand it well. Look in your A&P book..that will be very helpful. Happy studying....from a 2nd semester, 1st year student

Forgot to mention this pt already has a inferior vena cava filter from previous PE's. Anyone have any thoughts, anyone?

I forgot to mention that pt has an inferior vena cava filter in place from previous PE's. Can I have both diagnoses...risk for hemorrhage, risk for dvt?