runninfool1009

I work on a Med/Surg/Renal floor and love it. It's very busy, not uncommon to have seven patients apiece. The learning curve can be a bit steep at first, because there is so much to learn. I've been there for a year and am just finally starting to feel really comfortable and confident. Good luck to you, as others have said, ask a lot of questions, and don't waste a minute of downtime to catch up. You'll do great, congrats!

Thank you for your touching story. I am a nursing student, set to graduate in a few days with hospice nursing as my goal. Stories like these are the reason I know nursing (and hospice in particular) are right for me. Merry Christmas to you.

Yes, I figured I would need at least a year of acute care experience, but I'm wondering if an ADN degree qualifies me for hospice nursing, or if I need a more advanced degree.

Hi, All. I am currently an ADN student scheduled to graduate in December. I'm interested in pursuing hospice nursing, but I'm wondering if I'll be able to get a job with just an ADN program degree. Most of the job openings I've viewed are looking for at least a BSN. I have done hospice volunteering in the past and loved it. I'm in California. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks. :)

I just finished my second week of NS, and I'm definitely still adjusting. I went from working FT to about 12 hrs/wk. now. My husband can't find FT work, so we're living off savings and our combined nearly FT income. So far it seems to be working out okay. We're both having to compromise a bit of course. He's helping me to clean and keep the house straightened more, but I'm also learning to relax my standards a bit when it comes to the house. Honestly, most days I really don't have time to worry about it. You supported your husband through his schooling, so now it's his turn. Realize that some days you're gonna have blowouts, and that's just reality. It is a period of adjustment, but even after only two weeks, I feel like I'm starting to get into the groove of things. Hang in there, and congratulations!

Yes, I'm there too! We just finished up our second week...It's so different from all the pre-reqs; so much more interesting!

I had a co-worker/friend whom I considered to be one of my better friends. When she heard I got into NS, she was happy...for about five minutes. Since that time, it's been hostility from her. And then, I had another co-worker tell me "I don't associate with nurses." What's that about? What did I miss??

No, pwootx, I'm going to ARC, in California. Where are you, Texas?

My first day of school is coming as well--Jan. 20. I waited two years to get in...woohoo! Congratulations to all who finally made it in. Now the hard part starts...

I've always been an introvert. After getting my acceptance letter in the mail, I vowed then to really begin reaching out to people; actually initiating friendship, instead of just being open to it. I'll be seeing this same group of people for the next two years, and working closely with them, so it only makes sense to try to become comfortable in their presence. This is a wonderful forum. Thank you all so much for your input.

Wow, CSantos, I want you to be MY nurse! ;-) I'm sure we'll be okay. My instructor told our class we'd get all the help we need. We're not just going to be thrown to the wolves...We'll just prepare as well as we can (without killing ourselves), and hope it works out from there. I don't have any medical experience either, so I'm a bit freaked out as well.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I, too am beginning my first semester of nursing school in January. I am a little scared, but more excited than anything. I waited two years to get in! This is sort of my dream job, but I know also it's lots of hard work. I guess that a support system becomes invaluable at this time, hmmm?