shhnack

Ok, so I'm an RN new to cardiac floor, and as my personality is: I am having anxiety over "all things I don't know". Soooo, I thought this would be an excellent forum to be able to pick your brain. Little tips, things to ALWAYS do, things to NEVER do, all things helpful in the cardiac arena. Any and all advice would be appreciated....thanks much!

Okay, so the story goes....I was hired as a new grad at a hospital. I worked there for about 3 weeks. When I went to request my transcripts so that I could take NCLEX, the records department told me that they couldn't release my transcripts because I had not met all of my requirements. I was, of course shocked, I got permission to get in the 1 hour class I was lacking and so I thought I was okay (i'd still be able to finish the 4 week class and take NCLEX within the 90 days state required for me to work as a GN. Herein lies the problem, I did not tell my employer up front about the new info. I wasn't trying to hide it, as I had told my preceptor after I found out. It didn't dawn on my preceptor either, the implications of what this actually meant (that I wasn't actually a graduate, degree not complete, not legal to work under that title, etc.) My preceptor patted me on the back and said, it's okay, it's just a 1 hour class, you'll get it done. And proceded to tell me how silly it was that it was a 1 hour class giving me this problem. My manager a couple of days later came up to me at work and asked me if I had scheduled my NCLEX yet, and I told her the situation. An hour later I was called into the office and my managers explained what this meant. It wasn't until that moment that I understood the reprocussions of my failing to tell them. I do accept responsibility for not telling them, I told them I had only know a few days prior myself. In the personnel action form that they fill out when they make an action against an employee it says that I stated that I had known 2 weeks prior (this is besides the point) and they fired me because I did not have all my requirements met. One of the big problems I have with this situation is that the human resources department didn't make sure my degree was complete-that I was an actual graduate. They hired me anyways, and then I lost my job. I have been unemployed since, 4 months now. I realize this was more than one person's fault, but I feel like the ultimate fault might lie with the employer. Any input would be greatly appreciated! However, if you are going to chastize me for my part in this, save your typing, because I have thoroughly beat myself up over and over again. shhnack

That was the most beautiful and touching story. For some reason, I feel your pain and your gratefulness to Adam. You are a very good writer. I just had to comment on your story. I wish you luck in your nursing endevours, and God Bless You! Tiffany

Sorry to hear that, can I give you some advice, not that you asked of course. But anyways, I am currently looking for employment as an LPN and I cannot, literally cannot find work as an LPN. LPN positions are so scarce it seems that I think alot of applicants are applying for very little jobs for LPNs there are. So, my advice, start looking around for another job, just for job security, or tell your boss that you would be interested in functioning at some other level, such as tech or unit secretary before they lay off altogether. I'm not trying to scare you but I can sense the shortage of jobs available as I hunt without success. Anyways, good luck! Shhnack

That's cute, "Selective Alzheimers", never heard of that one before. What kind of sleeping/exercises are you doing with success? I just get so frustrated with myself, when it happens, I think I have anxiety too, even though I don't like to admit that. But I think I have alot of anxiety going on in my head, I think way too much!! I can't tell you the times I've heard people say that to me. Thanks for the input, Shhnack

I can relate! Do you have a tendency of cheating yourself out of the sleep your body really even needs to function at your fullest potential. As, I am typing this, I'm wondering this myself. What is your story? Shhnack

Good stuff Chicookie!

Well, right now, I have applied for any LPN job in sight with no success. Our city's two hospitals just did away with alot of LPN's and so the demand just doesn't seem to be plentiful. This is why I'm going this route. Thanks Shhnack

Thanks for your input!

I know Joplin has been hit pretty hard!

Okay, so here's the deal. I'm currently an LPN, I will have my RN in May 2009. I am very interested in working on the Med/surg floor upon graduating with my RN. Sooooo, I was thinking, since I can't find any LPN jobs at the moment, I would work as a tech on the med/surg floor to better secure a spot as an RN later. I have an interview tomorrow for the tech position. Can you please tell me if this is a step in the right direction, or one step back given my plans, or if I'm crazy or what? Any input would be much appreciated! Shhnack

Hello there! I know there has been a previous thread started on this subject, however it is pretty old and I wanted something more interactive to read and speak about. So, any of you out there been diagosed/self-diagnosed with ADD or ADHD? It would be nice to hear your stories, how you cope, what works, if you find that the disorder has affected every area of your life? Thanks for the input, can't wait-literally!! Shhnack

Oh, my goodness yes, I have had problems with a nurse who trained me. She was very rough around the edges. I think she enjoyed making me feel lesser than her. It was a bad situation at first and after so long of her dogging me or acting so exasperated by my questions, one day I gave it back to her in the most respectful way I could. After that she kinda backed off and knew I wasn't for kicking around. Also, I remember at some point in my employment there I remember thinking to myself, "okay, I can either be miserable with her around or learn how to befriend her in some strange kind of way". I started holding my head higher, and started matching my rapport with hers and kind of tried to read her better. In other words, the way I spoke with her, and interacted with her matched how she interacted with me, while I wasn't rude I was just kinda gruff and to the point. She soon started to respect me. I guess I was just to nice to her, and she couldn't respect that, doesn't make sense, it is how it unfolded. Now, for me, if there is a woman/man who is cold and rude to me, I make a conscience effort to get to know/understand/or befriend them, because it seems "those" people are the one's who have alot of knowledge to offer and if you can get on their good side, you'll have a good person to go when you need it. Hope this helps at all : ) Shhnack

Interesting, just found this information, thanks!

Okay, so any one had problems with relationships? If so, please explain, which types of relationships and to what degree. So far I haven't read much on this topic :) Shhnack

Just found this thread, can't wait to do some reading up on the experiences! Thanks, Shhnack

Okay, I'm not sure what it is...hypothyroidism, brain tumor, being overweight, you name it I'd like to get it all checked out. My problem is being able to concentrate or focus. When asked a question that requires me to recall from short-term memory or long-term memory, I cannot remember, sometimes I just feel like I have a block. I know the situation or what was said sounds very familiar, but I cannot recall the details. This is really bothersome to me and I am wondering if I should be worried. My ex has told me that I always forget the important stuff and my now husband gets frustrated when he says " I told you this and that", and I don't remember. I used to think it was from being busy, under alot of stress, or from traumatic experiences as the reasons I just don't remember alot, but now life is pretty smooth and I'm still struggling with this. Day-to-day I function well, no other c/o other than the fuzzy mind and poor memory. While this is not a nursey-nurse question per say, the input on this website is so vast, I wanted to get some advice from anyone who had any. Thanks so much! Shhnack

I'm going through the same thing myself, job-hunting and "the interview". It is very stressful for me, I want everything to go smoothly. Some advice I would give you is to try to relax before the interview, you better know that your nervousness is going to show through if you are overly anxious. Also, look them in the eye, but not too intimidating. Research the company, find out what they are looking for in that position and then find some way to insert how you might fit their description. Also, research the core values or mission statement of the company. Most any interview I've been on they will ask you those questions, such as, "here at st. johns hospital, our mission is to be compassionate, have integrity, ect., ect., can you tell us some time while working that you displayed one of these characteristics. When they ask, you'll be better able to recall a situation where you did display one of those features because you had already thought beforehand about it. Some interviewers may ask you if you have any questions for them. This really through me off the first time I was every asked that question, and my answer....."um, no", real good I know, but now I thought of a few questions that will peak their interest in you and make you more desireable to hire... How long is training for this position? Do you offer a mentoring program? Do you encourage continuing education? Is there an open-door policy if I have questions regarding patient care? Basicly, questions to the employer that make you sound like you are very interested in being at the company a while, and are very interested in patient care ect. Plus, you don't have to pass up a good opportunity to sell yourself by saying..."um, no". They are waiting for you to tell them or make some kind of impression upon them that no other applicant has. Well, hope it helps, good luck in your job-hunting! Shhnack

Hey y'all is this thread still active? Just wondering cuz I'd like to join if it is! Shhnack(fitting username, huh?!)

Thanks for the info on your thinklabs steth. Where did you get yours? What price range was it? I'm really contemplating buying one, I just would sure like to have a trial of it to compare my littman to.... Thanks again for your input!

Thanks I appreciate your input!! Hope you have a good day shhnack

Never heard of it?!!! Got any good books on it to recommend? Thanks a bunch! shhnack

Thanks for your response, I live in the Joplin/Neosho area and haven't heard of any class like what your talking about. I've often thought what better sense it would make to send nursing students into specific nursing math classes instead of or at least in addition to the math classes that are required traditionallly. Also, I've never heard of dimensional analysis, have you, did you like it. Also, if you have a sec, can you introduce me to the quickest/best way to navigate through this forum system, seems quite overwhelming to me. :crash_com I'm trying to decide if it's worth the hassle, so much info to sort through too. Thanks again for responding shhnack

I am working through a book right now called Math for Nurses....it is phenomenal, however when you get to the section of equivalencies and conversions, I am getting stumped. I know enough just to look at a basic chart to convert. However, when you need to work dosage calculations for medications in the same system but having different units of measurement, and dosage calculations for medications in different systems, I just am confused. Is there any easy way to doing this? I appreciate any feedback on good websites or tips/advice :wink2: shhnack

Thanks for the input on ThinkLabs stethescope, not sure exactly what you mean about 18x and 50x natural sound? Have you heard through either one of them yet? Thanks again! shhnack