nrsths1

Wow, that would be easy for me...first I would find that new grad and give her the heads up...be professional of course and let her know what the dynamics of that floor are on nights and the professional liability to both her patient and herself that she will have. She may also want a nudge to confront the Med/Surg manager on the disturbing information she received (and not reveal her source). She may also want to orient on a few night shifts before comitting or giving up another position to see if this is what she wants. She may also want to take a look at the posted schedule for nights and check the census and staffing for nights passed and see for herself what really happens on nights. She can also talk to the night staff if she feels comfortable, and find out how many RN's vs LPN's were on and what the ratio was?? Was the acuity our the roof?? I speak from experience on this being the only RN on a night shift oh too many times with a "float" RN/House Supv that you never saw. And you overhearing this disturbing dialogue should submit a letter of concern if you have enough factual information to support your concern...because lets face it the patients must be protected and so should the license of a nurse. Sad that no one has addressed it yet. I've done it and I've not accepted assignments because the ratio was 10:1 or was climbing to that once on the floor. If the nurse doesn't say when then how will she/he explain that one in court? Hope that helps. Good Luck!!

Oh, so clearly I remember those days...I met my then fiance in 1991/Jan and that was my first year of college...G.E. and then 94/94 was nursing school. He only knew me as a student...however I had a 6 y/o, him, shcool and work. And by God I did it...but I didn't sacrifice to to much I feel. When it came to nursing school it was explained that this was the goal and nothing would alter my course...basically your BF needs to suck it up and don't be so self centered. If he TRULY loves you and is mature to some degree then he will roll with the punches. Because I will say this as others before me have...your RN is your key to independence. Independence can be threatening all by itself...so sometimes you have to think of your BF as a patient and bust out all the psychosocial crap that you have learned and really ask yourself some questions...is this man going to grow with me?...is he going to crumble when life deals him or the both of you hardship?...because if so you may find yourself moving on...or risk being pulled back. I can't tell you how many nurses I have met and know that have a schmuck at home that doesn't pull a fraction of his weight, financially and emotionally. They find themselves drained emotionally and financially. Financially security this day and age is a team effort and to reap the benefits you both must have a common goal and mutual understanding as to how you'll get there. Without those two things in place, your traveling down a one way street. Also remember this...only you make you feel guilty...so reevaluate...prioritize and kick @#$!!! School is tough but the rewards are indescribable!! Take care of you!

I graduated in 1995/May and the only thing that kept me sane and from focusing on graduation was to only think about each day...one at a time. A distraction works too...I was class Pres. and I kept extraordinarily busy...Honor student...type A also helps because you literally have no time to think about it. Also, you'll have a Winter break to ease the suffering and then think about it this way...you graduate next semester. A bigger chunk of time is easier to choke down than 225+ days?? It took me 3 years to do my BSN and that happened this past June...Thank GOD!!!! I just didn't look too far ahead. Once you have your RN then you can take a breath of air and pursue your education more on your terms and them it really becomes enjoyable. Enjoy the journey!!:chair: