OldITgeek

Howdy... Need some input from some seasoned Clinical Informatics nurses. Background on me first: Prior military, BS in Info Systems, tech analyst for the military, and private sector for 15 years prior to getting laid off. CNA-> LPN -> RN working float pool and Informatics. Doing well with both, but I find myself working more C/I than the floors. A position is open (full-time) on the Informatics side, and the other f/t analysts I work with are REALLY encouraging me to apply. My question is...once a C/I nurse, can you ever go back to clinical/bedside nursing? Is it a matter of "going over to the dark side" and nobody wanting you as a clinical nurse because you've "lost your skills" teaching/supporting your organization's EMR efforts? I would like to hear from C/I nurses who have struggled with the decision to switch to full-time analysts, and especially those who have left C/I, their reasons why, and any challenges they had returning to "traditional" nursing. Thanks! -Geek

brownbook, As a LPN, I do start IV's, administer IV meds, PCA, etc as long as it is through a pump. Can't do IV pushes (MS, Dilaudid), nor can I do anything but flush PICCs/ports. I believe there are some facilities that allow for LPNs to push IV meds, but there is an additional certification/training that is required. Traditionally it is out of our scope of practice. I am meeting today with the DON, and should get some more details. Thanks for the info.

Hi nurses! OK...so I got a call from a private hospital that I have interviewed with before, and have kept in touch with. Their DON is rediculously intelligent, passionate about her work, and driven. (would be amazing to work for) She basically offered me either a full-time or part-time (per diem) position over the phone. I currently work LPN float at one hospital (part time) and have a Tues/Thurs gig (also part time) at another small, community hospital. Obviously something would have to give. She essentially told me to dump my Tu/Th position, and come to work for her per diem. (more hours, better $$$) My question is: I do not have any PACU experience...what are the benefits/drawbacks of working in a recovery environment? I eventually want to work in ICU/CCU, and am thinking that this position would be almost too good to pass up as far as "resume material" goes... For you PACU nurses...what are the best and worse aspects of the job? Would you do it over again? Thanks!

Mmmm...PoxPops! "Tastes like chicken!" :rckn:

The most important nursing skill/experience I learned today. How to spot a Foley catheter at 100 yards. Picture this: A beautiful fall day in Idaho, picking up a few things at the local Wal-mart (I know, where else could it happen?) So I pull in, and find a SWEET spot only 2nd from the door. I am sitting in the car celebrating my good fortune, when something JUST NOT RIGHT passes in my line of vision... Now I did mention that it was a nice Fall day, but still the temps are in the high 40's to low 50's. So the fat guy on the little electric scooter in the white t-shirt and shorts was somewhat out of place with the folks in fleece. But hey, its Wal-mart, so I figure pretty much anything goes. Seconds later I was cursing myself, banging my head on the steering wheel...for not having a camera onboard. The scooter guy has this strange looking white strap about 2 inches wide around his right leg. Then I see the tube. Yellow in color, and strangely familiar. Yes, folks, hanging from the black shorts, on an otherwise perfect Fall day, was a standard, hospital-issue Foley catheter and collection bag, laying in the foot tray area of the electric scooter. Now please don't think I am making this up, because I really couldn't if I tried. It would not even occur to me to think of something so horrific (yes, I do have E/D experience, but still). So I am laughing hysterically in the car, and decide I must sprint from the vehicle, and follow the guy. Two thoughts are forming in my head: 1) The collection bag (wasn't that full, maybe 250 or so) might just fall off the little foot-platform thing, get caught underneath the wheels, then POP! OUCH! And yet *another* urine cleanup on aisle 3 at Wal-mart. 2) What quantity/quality of pathogens could one find should one decide to culture swab any publicly-used item at Wal-mart..? Oh, I yearn for those Microbiology lab days... So I get to the entrance where I see the guy parked and talking to another customer, and walk right by the scooter. SURE ENOUGH!! Foley verified. Standard, hospital-issue, we-don't-need-no-stinkin-leg-bag FOLEY. Awesome day all around. Perfection would have been photo evidence...sorry I love being a nurse.

Some nights in the E/R I like to put a stethoscope around my neck and call myself the Charge CNA... Here's the "Firefighter vs. nursing home" skit that I like that really puts the nurse/nurse's aide thing in perspective. I love the phrase "I'm a nurse assistant, but...it has nurse in the name!"

Gracias! It's been a long road, but the prize is in sight.

CNA school: 4-8 weeks, 40 or so hours clinicals LPN school: 12-18 month: Mucho hours clinicals RN/BSN school: 24-48 months: Mucho Grande hours clinicals No, you're not "the nurse". When people ask, "are you my nurse?"...I always reply "I am the nurse assistant" or "I'm your CNA". It sets the expectation. Bedside commode yes, Dilaudid no. Yes I am proud to have a certification, and am listed on the registry, but a NURSE...nope. Now...ask me in 100 days or so (after the LPN NCLEX) and yeah, then I can say yes to the question above.

Thanks much for the information!

Howdy! So by some twist of fate, or bizarre planetary alignment, I am actually starting the Practical Nursing (LPN) program in August at the local CC. I've been knocking off pre-requisites for the past year and a half, and am feeling somewhat guilty and my brain somewhat "under-utilized" by not taking any classes this Summer prior to entering the program. So my question to you is, if you had 3 months to spend preparing for LPN school, what would you do? I am referring to book studying, and NOT job shadowing. I currently work as an ED CNA, so I get to see my share on the job...I am referring to knowlege prep of the book-learnin' kind. What would it be? NCLEX prep? Drug knowlege? Case studies? Any input would be greatly appreciated! -Geek

Bluechick, When our instructor gave us the practice skills packet for our state test, it included all the skills we would need to know, step by step. The elements of the skills that were considered "Critical" were things like the following: Wash hands Explain procedure Identify yourself Provide privacy Put on gloves (if required) These could all be condidered "Standard opening procedures" but on our sheets were in BOLD for Critical elements. One of the items in bold for feeding somebody was "Observe for signs of choking, and perform Heimlich if they choke"...in BOLD on my prep sheet. Guess what happened in the exam? You could miss some of the non-critical elements (and I missed some) and still pass, but supposedly miss one of the critical ones, and you don't pass. Is there someone in your area you can talk with who has taken the state exam?? Probably a better resource locally... Again, good luck!

OK...maybe I can be of some help with some of the specifics of my test on Friday. (Idaho certification) So I was very nervous, and the test proctor knew it, but she was a 25-year retired RN, and although strict, was very fair and helpful. I shuffled a deck of cards, each with a "scenario number" on it (1, 2, 3, etc) and got scenario 1. There were something like 7 or 8 different scenarios. Right away she says, "Oh, that's like one of the easier ones". I am happy So everybody gets the following: Handwashing, Blood Pressure, Respirations, Pulse. Some states do other stuff like how well you communicate, but I talk a lot, so I wasn't concerned about that. My skills were: Feeding a helpless patient, and recording I & O properly, denture care, and bedmaking. I was somewhat disappointed that I didn't get one of (what I considered) to be the 'harder' skills like Bed Bath or Catheter care, but I passed and the proctor told me I did really well. The proctor was the key to all this. YES, I studied. YES, I practiced, but she put me at ease, chatted with me about my career plans, and when we finished, I still had about 5 minutes to spare. (we got 30 mins total). Study, practice, and go for it. If for whatever reason you DO fail it the first time, it doesn't mean you don't get to be a CNA, it just means you have to re-test, but then you will TOTALLY KNOW the procedure for testing!!! Good luck!!

Well...I guess it is possible to teach an old dog a new trick or two... My February CNA class came to a conclusion Friday night with the successful completion of 4 skills + vitals, and a testing form with the words "Pass-congratulations" on it! The written was very easy based on the textbook and class instruction we received. We were quite "over prepared" for the written, and for this, I was glad. The skills test (which I was very nervous for, and my test proctor knew it) was easier than I thought it would be. The proctor was very encouraging, told me to relax, take a deep breath, and concentrate on the skill. I only missed 4 non-critical steps, and no critical ones. Total cost for the certification is as follows: Online class + clinicals (includes hospital + LTC study) $550 Textbook $80 (I am passing this on to another student for $30 today, so essentially $50) Scrubs $25 Misc supplies (BP cuff & 'scope purchased at ALLHEART.com) $50 The online experience was very good. It was the best to fit my schedule, and the outcome (certification) was good. Thanks to Suesquatch and everyone else for their encouragement with this whole "radical career change" thing! Geek

So I've got to say, I really enjoyed my CNA class...took the 'online' version of the class, which consisted of about 2 months of Saturdays (lab and clinicals) with online coursework during the weeks. Online was the ONLY way to go for me, since I work full-time, and have an additional pre-req for the nursing program at the local CC on Mondays. Lab work was all skills instruction, and practice. Clinicals were split between hospital departmental rotations, and 20 hours of independant study in an assisted living facility. In a nutshell, the hospital experience was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life... The ALF, not so much. I applaud you CNAs in a long-term setting...it takes a special breed Finished our final exam last Saturday, took the written Wednesday, and the skills portion Friday afternoon. 5 skills and 24 minutes later, and I was certified. A WHOLE LOTTA stress went right on out of me after I saw "Pass-Congratulations" on my skills test report. This class fills a prerequisite requirement for admission into the local CC RN program...but I AM going to be working as a CNA (if only a few hours a week) just to get some clinical experience. Even if I have to volunteer for a few months, I still want to jump in as soon as possible into a hospital, or surgical setting. Just goes to show...you can teach an old dog a new trick or two.

Too bad there isn't a way to record one of his more vocal tirades, then play it back for him...maybe shaming him into acting more his age. Have a little "come to Jesus" (no offense intended) meeting with him and the wife both present. "Now here Mr. X, where you swear like a drunken sailor, THAT is what we consider UNACCEPTABLE behavior".

Any decent recruiter/HR rep from the VA would have left you a message. You should still follow up with a phone call a few days after dropping off your resume to "touch base" with their HR department. Explain to them your work schedule doesn't follow the typical 8-5, M-F format (they should understand). You may get the standard "We're still reviewing applications, we'll call you if your experience matches our requirements". Thank them for their time (most recruiters are SWAMPED). They KNOW what your call is for :) so don't feel bad about calling. I would rather hear enthusiam in a candidate, than someone who just fired off a resume, then waited for the phone to ring. Good luck! I am also looking at our local VA as a possible employer.

Best of luck to ALL looking to change careers to "something more rewarding". Although with IT, it doesn't take much to be "more rewarding". Question for the guys: I start CNA class in a week, and was wondering if (as a guy) you are 'sought after' more in certain situations because of your gender. I know a previous poster claimed a steady flow of clients in home healthcare... (Yes, in a twisted turn of fate, I plan on leveraging my gender to compete in a field where I am quite outnumbered by women):) Update: I'm still (surprisingly) employed, as the company that purchased us still can't figure out how our staffing should work. I keep telling my wife that if they can just wait to lay me off until I get my CNA certification, that would be sweet!! They've outsourced all our previous duties, so essentially I'm study my nursing pre-reqs, and scout places to volunteer/gain experience after I get my CNA (and trying to seriously fly under the corporate radar). Kudos to you Switchin'...I know so many in the corporate world who have essentially Retired In Place (RIP) around age 60...be proud.

Google "Neti Pot". It is an ancient practice for nasal cleansing. Also good if you have a cold. Sometimes after working with aerosol paints, I would come in and neti, and you'd be amazed at what is produced from a nasal rinse. (Yukko)...but IT WORKS, and should get any lingering smells out. Good luck!

Thanks! I found out at my orientation for my return to college life (the local CC) last night that I am A YEAR FARTHER AWAY THAN I THOUGHT for the LPN program. They do a "points mafia" kind of thing where you take the pre-reqs and electives (all of them, evidently) and then you apply for the program (PN or RN)...and you have to do it a YEAR IN ADVANCE, have a bazillion points accumulated, etc etc. So I was trying to squeeze in the pre-reqs for LPN, and get into the program for the Fall of 2009. Not going to happen. SO...now that I have another year of school filling pre-reqs prior to formally applying to the Nursing program, I decided to skip the LPN pre-reqs, and focus on the RN pre-reqs, then go for the "whole enchilada" in 2010. Just seems like a LOOOOOOOOOOONG way away. I know why they do this (to make sure you're serious, and to have the stuff like Biology and Anatomy out of the way) but it does make for a 3 to 4 year "Associates Degree" So the Spring '09 semester consists of my CNA class (ALSO a pre-req for entry into the RN program) and something fun titled "Social and Cultural Anthropology" I am stoked for the CNA though...Woo-HOO!!

Thanks for the clarification Sue. I thought the military had acronyms! Holy cow. I PREFER home study, so when I look for my bridge program, it may be of the online variety. The local CC here makes you take a year 'break' between finishing your LPN, and then bridging to RN to get clinical experience. The RN track is just a straight 2 years, then off to work. Geek

Smart enough for another skill set, maybe. Smart enough to figure out what "rural CAH" is...evidently not :imbar Career path is like this: Retail Management Air Force IT Analyst... CNA/LPN/RN :) I hope to get into the same kind of setup, where I can use my IT background combined with my newly found nursing skills. Funny thing, when I tell my co-workers I may look for something in the 'Healthcare field', they say, "you mean, like a NURSE??":eek: It's WAAY funny.

Just found out yesterday our contract negotiation and vendor billing portion of my job is being outsourced (at least to a firm headquartered in the US, not sure where the actual work will be done). So the 3 of us on the team figure it is just a matter of time. The one guy I work with is firing resumes off like he's at a carnival shooting gallery. I tell the "hardcore" IT folks about my desire for a career change, and they just stare at me dumbfounded. (developers! sheesh!) My non-IT friends get it...:chuckle

From what I have seen/read it's completely all over the board as far as costs go. Some free, some quite expensive. I could have taken the same course (offered by the same CC) at the college, and it would have been a semester long, and is a 5-credit class at 5x$125 per credit hour!! (Yes, the CC is $125 per credit hour). Just got back from California where the CC is $20 per credit hour So with the online option, weekend clinicals, compressed time, and lower cost, this was a good choice. Still got to buy books, scrubs, shoes, etc...we've got a large med community here, so hopefully finding gear to fit my 6'6" frame won't be TOO difficult...