labdad1234RN

Oh he's the new R.N.

My sympathies. I have recently moved to another position and this was a major changes that I had to adjust to. Changing and moving to another position has it's inherent risks especially if you already are and established and experienced nurse. Some changes can be good, others not so good. But we all somehow adapt and adjust to the situations set before us. I was lucky because I actually am enjoying my new role after going through some "withdrawal" from my previous unit. I liken it to leaving home and family and venturing out on your own. It is hard to leave the comfortable and the familiar. It is difficult to leave the place where you are most appreciated and you know everyone is supportive. I loved being there but I saw and opportunity to advance and use my other skill sets with the new job. It really depends on what you prioritize. there are places that are wonderful to work in but others are a little more challenging. If you are beginning to have physical symptoms because of your work situation, then it would be best to begin searching for another place to work. Do what makes your career and your self the happiest. there will be that nursing job that you will enjoy again. OR you can stick it out in your current job and make some adjustments to make the job "your own" and get the R-E-S-P-E--C-T of your peers. It's really all up to you. I

Is this ad for real? Really? I had this vision of a Monster Truck TV Ad. It's like they are looking for nurse Mercenaries! I would be so put off with that ad.

Strive to the best nurse your unit. Do your job the best you can. There will be people who will not like you for whatever reason. Rise above the idle chatter and backtalk. Be a team player regardless. Most of all, be a Nurse and care for those in your charge. The cohesiveness in a nursing unit, depends on the individuals working there. It can be a ideal or dysfunctional as people wish it to be. I have worked in units where some nurses enjoy putting others down not in their clique. For whatever reason, you were likely singled out. Then there are units where you are treated as "family" and develop close professional relationships with your colleagues. We had each others backs no matter how trying and chaotic it became. To date, I still consider the team of nurses I left behind "my family". I visit their unit every so often. I still get the question on when I am done with my adventure and come home to the unit. It does not hurt to explore other units as an option to transfer. But do your homework and ask around prior to doing so.

Consider another State or place. Never limit yourself to one geographical area. Go where the jobs are.

A prerequisite is a class that is required in some core capacity in order for you to obtain your major. Lets say you had a certain number of classes in natural science like Chemistry, Micro Biology and Statistics. These are usually prerequisite or required classes for you to take before you major in some area of expertise like Nursing. Electives on the other hand require a certain number of credits in your program but you have more latitude in which classes to take. For example, a science elective you can take Introduction to Geology, a Humanities elective History of Glass Art (I do not know if there is really a class like that). Or other Electives, you can take foreign languages such as Spanish for healthcare professionals etc. It really depends on the program you are in. It is best to ask your Academic or Program counselor what would be your best options. Good Luck!

I have been reading the posts here of late. I am a Clinical Informatics Nurse Specialist working for a State University. I came about this position much like the other posters here. I was an I.T. refugee with various advanced credentials who pursued nursing as a career. I enjoyed being an RN working in various critical care and acute settings. One day, I was looking through the University job postings and found this job opening. I said to myself "why not". I applied and interviewed, and was offered the position. I am in a job with a new department and with great supervisors. Transferring from the Clinical and procedural setting to the world of IT was an interesting transition. I went through a period of "direct patient contact withdrawal". I asked myself at times why did I transfer? Being in a more compartmentalized IT world was different. The absence of beeping monitors, alarms, scrubbing in, and controlled chaos was deafening at one point, replaced by keyboard taps, and idle talk mixed in with d base commands and networking infrastructure. I had to admit it was nice to be with fellow "geeks" again. I was a little rusty with my v basic and SQL commands but it was like riding a bicycle, it all came back after a bit. I found it fun to exercise that side of my brain again. Though I found that my logical brain was great for nursing. I was able to do a lot of my nursing decisions based on a my logical algorithmic way of thinking. I realized that except for another nurse who worked technical support, I was the only one with a strong healthcare background in the group except for our chief clinical information head, who was an M.D. . The rest of the crew were dyed in the wool techies and programming gurus who won't know the difference between a CBC and CMP, Imunoglobulin panel, and peak and trough levels. Some of my co workers would state they would get sick or faint at the site of body fluids and blood. In short, they don't know much about the healthcare side of the equation. Enter, the CI Nurse specialist who speaks geek. I found myself advocating for the end-users such as the nurses and the providers. They are using the EHR and are seeing the patients who need care. Sometimes it would be a challenge to explain the logic behind how we as nurses think to IT folks. Now I find myself as the "bridge" to both worlds. I do a lot of problem solving. at times training and Tech support, and other functions depending on the priorities and assignments. I am slowly finding my new center and balance in my new role. We are upgrading our EHR to a new software system and the challenges abound. Yes I do miss patient contact. I miss being with my "nurse family". But I see myself now as one who can still make a difference for my fellow healthcare professionals and ultimately the patients. Thought I'd share with my fellow CI nurses and others who may be interested. By the way, for those who are interested in pursuing this area of nursing, go for it. We are short on people here and need people. My own manager was asking me if I knew anyone. So there it is a little pitch for my group. Want to move to Illinois?

I can see it's 3 A.M. already......

You are an RN...Go find another job where your fresh skills are most needed. Move if possible to another state or city. You have the skills and knowledge of an RN! Sorry to sound preachy! Good Luck

It's your first semester just keep going. The other posters have given you good advice on the review books. I would recommend review software as well to simulate the NCLEX experience. I would assume the tests you are taking are designed to enahnce your "critical thinking" skills. One day you will see it "click" and "come together" in your head and you have started thinking like a nurse. Best Wishes! I hope to see your post one day as an RN

keep your focus and "eye on the prize". One of the most difficult things is getting family/relatives support because they do not understand why you want to be a nurse. When I was a nursing student, I have encountered family as well as financial pressures that made me think twice. However, I managed to pay for nursing school all by myself and earn the respect of the rest of my family when I graduated and passed the boards. I landed my first job in a hospital and been moving upward ever since. I love being a nurse and making a difference in the lives of the people i care for. You are not alone. My fellow nurse friends have similar stories. These are just challenges that will build character and make you a great nurse. Bon Chance!

It seems to me that you are encountering some roadblocks to your career at present. how long have you been in LTC? Maybe should stick being an RN and keep trying at several hospitals and clinics. Be patient and the same time look for opportunities to expand your nursing skills such as ACLS certification, PALS certification, even some EMT training etc..or Critical care credentials. The opportunities to learn and expand your nursing experience are out there. Keep going and focus on your goal(s). Good Luck! Bon Chance!

Poster says it all...

What's stopping you from being a male nurse? It's a profession that is honored and fulfilling. I enjoy being a male nurse and have the respect of my colleagues. Yes, I do get some comments at times. Who really cares? Remember that actual "knights" were nurses in the middle ages. You will learn about that in your nursing history class. Just to let you know, I am also in a minority/ethnic group where most males in healthcare are physicians. I am mistaken for being a doctor but i quickly reply, that I am a nurse and am proud of it. Do not let the stereotypical perceptions and biases get in the way. Keep focused on the goal and become a great nurse!

"No one can make you inferior without your consent" _Eleanor Roosevelt not just nurses but in almost any area of experties. we live in a competitive world and the letters after your name state you get the credentials to differentiate yourself. i taught in a university in a previous life both undergrad and grad levels. one thing has struck me in all those years. people have become obsessed with the degree, not the skills. what is important is to see beyond the attached creds. Those wonderful folks who rightfully earned those credentials, more power to you! Remember why we are in nursing regardless of our backgrounds. Being "snobby" does not make one nurse better than another.