nightangel99

Thanks, both of you. Advice well taken. The aspect of Women's Health that interests me the most is community/public health...counseling young women on family planning, std prevention, prenatal care, preventative medicine, etc. I like to interact with girls and teach them how to take care of themselves, offer advice; you know, the social aspect of the field. As an ER nurse, I encountered so many young women who were pregnant, yet did not know basic parts of their anatomy. I enjoyed teaching these girls from indigent populations who were very smart, but didn't have an older, responsible female to teach these very basics. I also am interested in seminars, fairs, etc. to boost community awareness on things like STD prevention and unwanted pregnancy prevention. Get my drift???

I currently work in Critical Care nursing and have been for 4 years. I also have 6 years experience in Emergency nursing. I have an expressed interest in the Womens' Health/Community Health NP career track... Is it feasible to do this track without Labor/Delivery or OB/GYN experience in the clinical setting? What part does your pre-graduate experience play in the track you choose as a Nurse Practitioner?

I posted this over in the Pre-CRNA inquiry section, but I will repost here for hopes of a response/some insight.... I am about to pursue my BSN with intent to go to CRNA school upon finishing. I am currently an ADN working in critical care. My question is this... Tomorrow I will be filing a Chapter 13. In 4.5 years I will be free and clear of all debts except my house. Will it be possible for me to get through CRNA school on federal loans alone? I am deciding between UAB and the Gooding Institute in Panama City for attendance, both of which don't seem to be very expensive schools. I understand there are living expenses associated with maintaining two households...but has anyone here ever made it without private loans and Tuition Answer loans, etc., through CRNA school? I would hate to know that due to financial circumstances beyond my control that this could potentially be a dream deferred. HELP!!!

I am about to pursue my BSN with intent to go to CRNA school upon finishing. I am currently an ADN working in critical care. My question is this... Tomorrow I will be filing a Chapter 13. In 4.5 years I will be free and clear of all debts except my house. Will it be possible for me to get through CRNA school on federal loans alone? I am deciding between UAB and the Gooding Institute in Panama City for attendance, both of which don't seem to be very expensive schools. I understand there are living expenses associated with maintaining two households...but has anyone here ever made it without private loans and Tuition Answer loans, etc., through CRNA school? I would hate to know that due to financial circumstances beyond my control that this could potentially be a dream deferred. Any insight??

How much is a RN license in minnesota by endorsement? I tried to find it somewhere on the website, but couldn't.

For all those that recently interviewed, keep us posted!! I am trying to decide between Gooding and UAB. I live in Dothan, AL.... wondering about the clinical requirements of Gooding. Anyway..keep us posted. Good Luck!!!

Ok guys, I'm an ER nurse by trade, and so is my neighbor. His 3 yr old daughter had open heart surgery at Childrens' in Birmingham, AL to correct a congenital heart defect last Wednesday. I am copying/pasting her recent update: On Saturday, Emily developed some sort of neurological issue that was severe enough for Josh and I to take her to the ER at SAMC. She had a cat scan to make sure she had not had a stroke, which came out negative. However, her condition still can not be explained. Therefore, we have to take Emily back to B'ham to be checked out by a neurologist there. At this point, we're not sure if what's she's experiencing is permanent or temprorary, considering they don't even know what it is. As of right now, they're looking at two factors: one is the lack of oxygen for 3 minutes when she removed her breathing tube in recovery and the second is a rare occurence of acquiring a post op neurological disorder from being on the by-pass machine. Hopefully, her condition will be temporary but at this point we just don't have any clue. Any of you see any interviews with Michael J Fox while he's had Parkinsons? That's what Emmy's going through. She's somewhat confused, uncoordinated, clumsy, slurred speed mildly and CONSTANT movement with her arms, legs, head and facial gestures. It seemed to come in waves on Saturday, being intense during the day, easing early evening and back to intense late last night. Update to follow later........... Guys- what's your take on this? I have never heard of this and although I have my theories, I need you seasoned picu nurses to help me out. What do you think?

UGH.... I don't blame you there. I personally have never worked a nursing floor and have even gone as far as having a nightmare about working the floor....I had a dream that by the time the lunch trays came out, I was so far behind that the breakfast trays were still sitting in the hallway!!! All of my patients were angry at me and the CEO came to the floor to ream me out, docs were on the phone complaining and yelling at me....then I woke up and realized how grateful I was not to work on the floor...I think it takes a special person to work on the floor, or to be a nurse in general, I spose.... Glad you are liking the new job, though. Sometimes a good job is worth driving out of town for!

I work at Baptist South, in the ER as a staff nurse. I worked at SAMC for 7 years. Started there as a new grad in the ER and ended up being a charge nurse most of my time there.. did a few months in the ICU there. The ratios were never an issue for me....what part of the hospital did you work in? I agree the floor ratios are ridiculous. At times the staffing there is ridiculous as well. They also don't pay very well...they are very close minded when it comes to pay, and the only competition they feel they have as far as salary goes is with the the hospital across town (Flowers). THey need to come up to speed.

I went to Wallace and graduated from the ADN program in 1999. My 21 classmates and I all made great nurses...it was a pretty airtight program. Is Mr. Ortman still teaching Med Surg III? All his exams come DIRECTLY from the notes. You can't miss there. I think the pass rate was 97% when I went. Overall great education.

I work in Montgomery...just started 4 weeks ago. I love my job so far....What do you do (Cheryl) in Montgomery exactly? I live in DOTHAN....I know, I know, I must be crazy... let's just say I'm compensated well...

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Don't even get in the habit of working to please your coworkers.....I like to think of it as a personal best, not a departmental one. If you get caught up to trying to measure up to someone else's standard of care, you miss out on the gift you will personally offer to your ED. You will find that in every ED there is that one nurse who is very egocentrical and condescending (yes i speak from experience) and this can intimidate new grads. Always do your PERSONAL BEST... grab hold to a mentor. Yes, read, read, read....get the ole' med surg book out and cross reference the cases you had earlier in the day...read our experiences here on the boards. Find one great resource nurse who is receptive to new grads/students and hang on tight. And remember...although your orientation may only be 12 weeks, it takes a full year to even start to believe you are getting the hang of it. BE ENCOURAGED! I started 7 years ago as a new grad, and I love it still! Good luck in your career as an ER NURSE!

I had a 17 year old present with the same symptoms..had EKG changes consistent with an MI and an elevated troponin. The cardiologist diagnosed him with pericarditis....:smackingf

Here's another factoid about that tube- There are actually 3 kinds of varice tubes - one is a Blakemore, one is a Minnesota (I think), and it has like 6 ports on the end. I think that is the one that they used on Liota. The other one has a name that leaves me. Ask me how I know (studying for the CEN exam - argh) I thoroughly enjoyed last nite's episode. And it is creepily accurate....that lady who started flapping around on the floor to hurry up and get seen....wow, what a window into my world..... :rotfl: Emmie