JeeperN

Hey, PM me. I went through the regular BSN program and know all the folks there.

Our unit secretary does a great job running interference for us on pt needs. Pt calls out if the IV is beeping, if they're in pain, etc. Then she'll let the RN know. Saves me a trip all the way down the hall since I can take what they need as a I go.

That's what I'm saying too. Took some heat for it... but those are the rules.

Well Alex, you just have to know that I've played by all the rules, busted my butt in every way possible in life and end up in the same place as the people taking short-cuts. Yes, you should be held accountable for your choices. And I want to have the consequences of my decisions. But that's not always the case. And I don't think pot is bad... it's just a rule and we all have to jump through the same hoops. If someone cheats on a board exam or something they should be brought to justice. I'm sure that person probably knows the same stuff the next guy does, but it's just a rule... you can't cheat, because the board exams are supposed to stand for something-- if you pass, then you're competent and we can trust you. And we have to defend that measure of competence so we can trust in what it means. We're not supposed to smoke weed because we are ethical professionals. RNs are rated #1 in ethics on the Gallup poll every single year counting, except in 2001 when firefighters put us in the #2 spot (due to 9/11)-- we deal with narcs multiple times per shift. We deal with people at their most vulnerable moments in life, physically, emotionally, financially. If you break the rules and do illicit drugs then you are damaging the trust of those wearing the title RN. Seriously, if it were legal I'd smoke a joint right now (I don't work this week:yeah:). Like I said above, if performance-enhancing drugs were legal I'd be on those. But they're not (and those are really bad for you too...) so I stay clean. I do run stop signs in big parking lots though because that's a rule that doesn't make sense to me... if it's midnight and I'm the only person in sight, then I don't even slow down. I'm not trying to be mean to you and I'm really not that jaded. I just struggle with justice sometimes. Of course as soon as I start putting myself on the righteous pedestal, I'm going to be brought down on several different counts. Ok, I'm finished... how do you like my circular logic?

Wow... I was feeling a little bit sorry for you at first, but I kinda wish you would have gotten busted now. That's pretty arrogant of you to post that last one Alex68. Enjoy your high-paying RN job. But now every day you go to work you just have to know that you kinda don't deserve that job. The rest of us who obey the rules and play fair don't have to worry about random drug screens, or lies catching up to us. Good luck buddy.

I also stay away from illegal substances. Honestly, there are athletic performance-enhancing Rx's that I'd use before pot but I know I could get in huge trouble legally for that and lose my ability to make an income. However, I think if I were you Alex68, I'd just have refused the UA/UDS. If you do so you'll be fired (or not hired) on the spot, but at least your license wouldn't be in jeopardy. There may be Q's from the state board about why you refused, and you could tell them anything you'd like... they'd likely subject you to random screens there on, and you'd have to really stop smoking pot, but that's my 2 cents. Anybody have input on this? ps I think pot should be legalized, controlled, and taxed like CRAZY! We are spending so many tax dollars stomping it out and dealers are making money on it... we could turn the tables and make money on it. And it causes people to relax, not fight (like ETOH).

Congrats on getting accepted Jac!

I'm interested in schools on the east coast, preferably not cold places though (like not NY). I'd also be interested in TX... I hear Baylor is a cool school. I would consider something on the west coast but it wouldn't be my first choice. I actually don't really know anything about CRNA schools. I'm going to head to the library today and try to pick up a couple books. I know there are guides to choosing medical schools but I'm not in tune with CRNA schools... I'm guessing there are similar rankings, info and guides for CRNA schools. It seems there are a lot more CRNA schools than medical schools. My hospital has one, but like I said, I'd like to get out of here for a while (I live in the Midwest and have my whole life). Also, I guess rankings aren't really a consideration for CRNA schools like they are with medical schools. And what are the employment options with CNRA? Obviously work for a hospital or in a group in the OR, pain clinic, L&D. Teaching positions? Other obscure possibilities?

Hey... Brain Hurts... (nice name) thanks for the comments and CONGRATS ON GETTING ACCEPTED!!! I graduated from a University with my BSN at about 3.8 cum GPA, did all the premed sciences, taught physiology for 3 years, and I'm finishing my MS in physiology now (writing my thesis) which was a lot of upper level sciences, particularly physiology. I think my cum GPA there will be on the 3.8/3.9 border. I've been in college for 10 years (did a separate AD) and I'm needing a little break. But I don't want to take too long. I emailed my manager today asking for recommendations for whom (CRNA) I can begin to shadow in this area. I took the GRE and got something in the upper 900's but don't remember my exact score. I plan to take that again anyhow. I worked for 6 mo in the MICU and had to quit because that was the first semester of my MS coursework and research and I was pulling 13 hour days 7 days a week... I only had about 6 days off in 6 months. So that's where I'm sitting now. I just moved to a city near where I grew up and I don't want to officially move again. I do however want to see the nation; I was hoping to see a handful of places while doing travel nursing and from that choose a nifty destination for my CRNA studies. About my hospital- the rule is I can't transfer departments until I've been there and in good-standing for 6 mo. I can always just search for a new job at another hospital, or perhaps talk to my boss and see if they will help me begin transferring now. Ideas? Perhaps I can begin part-time in the MICU and continue full-time in Tele until that 6 mo mark, then swap... full-time in MICU and part-time in Tele. Thanks for the comments in advance. I'm so glad I found this site!!

Thanks for the reply. I was just hoping to kill 2 birds with 1 stone... get my ICU experience for CRNA program, and get a nice little break from school and see the nation a bit.

I want to start CRNA school in about 1.5 yrs. I have a few Q's. I am currently working in a Telemetry unit. I've been there 4 mo... I can transfer to either ER or ICU in 2 more months. I also want to do travel nursing for a year. I know CRNA programs require 1 yr ICU experience. Also, I know that to travel I should have 1 yr experience in a given specialty. Basically, I want to travel as an ICU or ER nurse for a year then start CRNA school. How can I do this in the quickest manner? First, can Tele be considered ICU (i.e. can I get into CRNA school with Tele experience)? Second, if not, can I transfer to ER in 2 mo, work another 6 mo in the ER, then travel as an ER nurse? Finally, if not, can I travel as a Tele nurse, and work my way into ER while on the road? I just don't want to have to spend another year and a half here to get the 1 year ER experience before I travel for a year. Thanks for the tips everyone.

I am a new RN with just under 1yr experience considering travel nursing... I am young and want adventures. Can I expect to get shift differentials from the staffing company for working nights/weekends? Or is it just straight pay? Also, thanks so much for the other questions and comments. I have learned a lot just by reading above.