kittykittykitty

Every time I read, "What do you think about fibromyalgia?" I want to scream, "It STINKS!!!" Not nice, I know.

Over 20 plus years I have found a vegan diet (that means NO dairy, eggs or other animal products), NO gluten, no peanut, no sugar or artificial sweeteners, no nightshades, NO MSG, no artificial anything and very low sodium helps me. I use bio feedback, guided imagery, multiple relaxation techniques including classical music and aroma therapy. I have used acupuncture. When all else fails I apply a compounded prescription gel of gabapentin/ amitriptyline/lidocaine 5%/3%/5% to the most painful areas, usually feet. I did not tolerate gabapentin or amitriptyline orally but seem to when applied topically. I know some others have found taking fish oil helps. I walked five or more miles a day; that did not help. Warm baths help some. The headaches: Migrastix helps as does quiet cool darkness, the usual for migraine. I surely hope this may help some of you who deal with this every day, also

Your description is accurate.

I hear you loud and clear. So sorry it happened to such a lovely person.

TO ALL OF YOU WITH A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA If you had, it you would know it is real. If you read the research, you would know it is real. It is not a psychological "problem" but is a neurological disorder. Blessings to those who have it. Hopefully the nay sayers will develop compassion and be less judgmental.

is the problem you do not know the subject matter or is it you don't know how to take a test? How are you doing in clinicals? How did you do the first two semesters? (I'm guessing this is an AD program.) If you did well before is this instuctor using different testing methods, e.g. essay vs. multiple choice? Your school should have a counseling program where a counselor can help you learn how to take various types of tests and teach you how to reduce your response to stressors. This person should also review your learning style and studying habits and help you modify these as necessary. Usually this is not your advisor. What is your relationship with the class instuctor? Have you discussed this with her/him? Talk with the one or two students at the top of the class to learn what they are doing to succeed and emulate them. One or both might be willing to tutor you. Enlist all the help you can. Reduce all outside distractions to a minimum. Keep reminding yourself that you can succeed, that you are a winner. Cut out the negative that you are a failure/failing. That is in the past. Stay positive, stay in the now. Now you are successful.:)

Please check www.californiacampusrn.com/students/jobresults.asp This site has several RN entry level positions in Northern and Southern California listed 09/18/09.

Atascadero State Hospital states "New Grads Welcome!" www.dmh.ca.gov

Loma Linda University Medical Center posted entry level positions for nurses on 9/17/09. Loma Linda, California is in the Inland Empire, approx 60 miles from LA and 60 miles from Palm Springs, just off the I 10 and 215 freeways. It is convenient to mountain reorts also.

My daughter, also an RN, called me this evening. She works for a long term acute facility and said jobs just aren't available. It is really hard to keep looking when there is no response. Did you make contact with any recruters or HRs while in school? If you are free to relocate have you looked at out of the way places such as Calexico, Brawley, Lone Pine, Bishop, Tahoe, Crescent City? There are other small clinics and hospitals in Northern California. They might not have new grad programs but you might find the nurses are willing to help you learn anyway. You are correct in saying a lot of positions are being filled by travelers and foreign educated nurses. One local hosptal has very few American educated nurses on staff.

Make sure you have a professional looking resume. Get professional help writing one if you need it. Use good quality paper. Sell yourself on what you can do. For example, what did you do before obtaining your BSN? Did you volunteeer as a Candy Striper or do any other work in a hospital or SNF? Were you a TA in chemistry, micro, A and P or any other lab class? How can you be an asset to that particular facility? Do you have good computer skills? Are you well organized? What is your passion? Be aware of your weak areas, e.g. IV skills. If asked, be honest but immediately say you have regestered for a class and the dates. What did you do between graduation and passing your NCLEX-RN? How adaptable are you? Write a personalized cover letter for each app. Learn as much as you can about the facility before applying. When references are requested state they will be supplied upon request. Be sure you ask the person for permission to use his name first. Even better ask for written references that you have with you so you can supply copies on the spot. But don't give them unless asked. Have the best possible references from faculty, nurses where you had your clinical experience and former employers. As a BSN you are expected to be a leader but admit where you need more experience and ask for the opportunity to gain it. Hopefully you can find a facility that has an active mentor program. It is sink or swim without one. If you are free to relocate look at smaller rural community hospitals as well as those in larger metropolitan areas. Go to nursing job fairs. Dress and act professionally. Use good English. Be polite. Be sure to thank the HR person for giving you his time and attention. Follow up with phone calls. You will need to be assertive, positive and confident in this slow job market. Keep a positive attitude when told you are not the candidate for the position offered. There will be a place for you somewhere. (To be truthful, I'm surprised you didn't have a class in how to obtain a nursing position while you were in school. We did.) I wish you the best.

It was a given that first semester was a time for weeding out those not suitable for nursing. How many dropped, I don't remember. My understanding for the high drop rate now is that public schools are required to admit a certain number of students whether qualified or not. All of the instructors were not of the same high quality. That goes for all schools, not just nursing, however. In spite of this the school had had a 100% pass rate for ten years. Everyone in our class passed boards also. It must have been an outstanding program because the same standards held when my daughter attended the same school with the same pass rate.