SweenyG

I've been told that if they do a background check, they can determine where you worked by your SS#.

I did not say anything to HR. I guess I was scared silent. Also, I felt if they would never really trust me. I am working in home card, but would very much like to do acute care. Having a hard time getting another hospital job.

Three weeks before I started my first nursing job, I had a retinal detachment and emergency surgery in my left eye. I had to get special permission from the surgeon to start, as part of the requirements of the job was lifting 50 lbs, but since the first two weeks were orientation, I was allowed. But, even in recovery, I had a "ripple" in my eyesight, which was hardly noticeable in regular sight, but really made it difficult to pass an eye chart exam. Over the next few months, I developed a cataract, which is expected after the procedure. However, in my case, due to preexisting "severe" myopia, it happened more quickly than usual. It made it more difficult for me to see unless right up close to something and contributed to my appearing unsure or having problems reading instruments or setting up IVs or tube fittings. I didn't want to say anything, because I was already an older new grad. I was let go after a 10 week orientation-- and really feel the eye issues contributed to my perceived inability to improve (that and they never told me where I had to improve). I had cataract surgery a few weeks later, and now see better out of that eye than the right.

I applied for a job with them and felt the same way, but did end up doing the site visit-- they are legit. I think they need all this stuff because of the nature of the job. I untimately did not get the job, as I am a fairly new nurse, but it seemed like a good opportunity that paid very well.

It wasn't done as much in the 1980s when I first graduated, but I did decorate the hell out of it for my BSN last year. I have also been to four college graduations of my sons where the kids decorated their mortar boards. IMHO--graduations are joyous celebrations and should include a little silliness and humor just expresses that so well!

Thanks for all your input and a lively discussion!

Thanks!

Has anyone personally or known someone who went to NP school after the age of 55?

I'm picturing some guy putting his head in a bra...tee hee

The hospital I used to work at posted a video on FB with the headline "Our nurses sing to patients!" showing two nurses with guitars singing for an elderly patient and his wife in his room. Now, I know it's a nice thing to do. I take care of elderly patients and sing to and with them informally while performing ADLs, but my first reaction was that it made it seem like nurses performing and entertain was part of their job. The way it was presented--it just rubbed me the wrong way--like they were saying choose our hospital and be serenaded.

Esme- Your words of wisdom helped me--prayers to you for healing!

Good for you Newboy--now you can sleep better...

Is your employer paying for this education in anyway--this makes it their business. Also, I know a lot of ADNs think doing papers for the BSN is just busy work, but doing the research, etc. is part of the learning process and helps you learn critical thinking and other important skills. This speaks a lot to her character. I do sympathize with you--she has put you in a difficult spot, as she has power over your career. Good luck!

The total was five weeks extension. What you say makes sense--my beef is that I feel they could have been clearer on what I needed to work on and make sure that I knew that, rather than assume that I was being told. I think a lot of it had to do with others' perceptions that I look frazzled or confused when in fact I am dealing with it well and just concentrating. That is something I need to work on. I KNOW I was improving, because I know how it felt --but obviously they can only go on observations.

I am sending them a letter, not with any excuses, but with the feedback that to help other nurses in the future, they might want to make certain that everyone is on the same page as to the nurse's progress and formalize the expectations and timeline that progress should be made.