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I am going to do the PSLF. I don't work for a nonprofit hospital, but I work for the government, at the state level. I haven't started the PSLF because not all my loans qualified for PSLF, and in order to do that, I have to consolidate them first. Then they will all qualify. For PSLF, the private loans do not count, but the federal ones will. I went on the myfedloan website and it lets you see what your payments will be based on the type of payment program you choose. It did let me see my payment under the PSLF. They make you pay 10% of your income, and since I make around $80,000/yr, my payment will be $600 something each month. It also shows you an estimate of how much will be forgiven after 10 years of payments. Since I have about $60,000 in loans, my loan forgiveness would only be about $7,000, but I figure it's better than nothing. Btw, you can see the different types of payments, including PSLF, without having to commit to any of it. That way you can see and decide if it's worth it to pursue. For the type of debt you carry, it would definitely be worth it. If you do decide to do it, it takes a few months to consolidate the loans, so it helps to start early. Once that happens, then I can submit my work verification to fedloans and officially start my payments. Any payments before the work verification do not count. As for the NHSC, I heard the jobs offered at at very low pay and as you mentioned, a lot of your loans are not nursing related. For NHSC, that would disqualify those loans from being part the ones being forgiven. I believe for the PSLF, there is no requirement as to the major. It's more about the company you work for qualifying and you having to make the payment for 10 years, based on your income. I had looked into the NHSC, but I looked up places near me on their website, and the ones I saw had very low pay, and half of my school loans wouldn't qualify anyway. Otherwise, I would have done it. Whatever you decide, good luck!

Congratulations! I am not a ER nurse, so I don't know what they would recommend, but if I was starting, I would brush up on common reasons people go to the ER for, and make sure you the symptoms, what to assess for, what tests will be ordered (and how to prep for them). Also look up meds given for emergencies, and know common dosages, how it's given and for what. Brushing up on reading EKGs would help also.

Pinkdoves, Child abuse is an absolute horrible thing to happen and I can't imagine having to see that at work a lot. Can you talk to some co-workers about it and how they deal with it? There are a lot of horrible things that happen in this world, things that happen daily, and if you focus on that, it will make you feeling like what is the point...can you think of the times you made that child smile? the difference you made in helping a child get better? It also sounds like your job seems to be your life at this point, and you hate the job...people need more than a job they hate..they need friends, family, interactions outside of work. With covid, that definitely restricts it more, but you need more out of life than work.

Pinkdoves, Definitely do as others suggested and talk to a mental health professional about it. It sounds like you are depressed or burned out, or both. You also sound like you are too hard on yourself. You seem to care deeply about your patients, and that's a truly wonderful thing to have...don't lose it. But...you are "bringing your work home" and it's affecting who you are. Pediatric nurses have to be really strong and compassionate, but also need to be able to separate, or compartmentalize what they see. Yes, I know that's easier said than done... Nursing everywhere is filled with "neediness." I mean, you are dealing with people who are sick, families who are frustrated, low staffing that is the normal everywhere and being the nurse, a lot of the time, it seems everyone is expecting you to do everything...yes, it can be very frustrating. I take a break at work and go to my car if I can. It's more about the mental break needed, and it helps so much. It might also just be the type of nursing you are doing and the long shifts. Perhaps a change to a different unit, something less intense, or a change in 12hr shifts to 8 hrs on a outpatient unit or something like that. If you have been working 12 hrs shifts, not taking breaks and being a new nurse...it will wear you down after awhile. I did about the same for my first few years of nursing and I got burned out...but it did get better. I changed jobs to one with a better work environment, one where I got to take breaks and mostly got out on time, and it made a huge difference. I'm sorry you are feeling this way, but I hope it gets better for you:)

The bottom line seems to be....nurses don't get enough!! Where I am (Philly, suburbs and surrounding counties), RNs start between $25-$38, LPNs $20-$25. I started as a LPN 10 years ago $22.50, and it looks like they are still starting LPNs and RNs the same, with no adjustment for inflation. I've worked recently with CNAs and med techs who make more than LPNs and make the same as new RNs. Of course, they've been at the same job for years, but still...my last job was $33, my agency job $52 and I just started a union job for $38. I negotiated for the $33, the $52 (they tried to pay me $10 less), and the union there is no negotiating. All I can say as a new grad, there is generally no negotiating, but once you get the one year, go somewhere else and negotiate once they officially offer you a job. Or if you work somewhere that has consistent good raises, stay there and get a PRN on the side.

I agree when not given an explanation, it's not helpful. The people who said something to her may have been trying to help her, but if a comment is made about having a strong personality in a negative way, it needs to be followed up with specific examples. Otherwise, it's a just a comment that makes someone think ?

What? I would get a new job...I don't know what type of nursing you do or where you are located, but it sounds like my first job 10 years ago...$22.50 as a LPN, and they would give 25 cent raises every year...I dropped my hours and started working at a different company that paid me several dollars more and gave 3 to 4 percent raises each year. It pays to shop around!

Stay at home! I did it in LPN school and it was so much better. Living alone during the RN program was tough. It took me a few years because I went part-time doing pre-reqs first, then the RN program. But I could not not work full-time while doing the RN program. I dropped down to about 25 hours a week, and it was really hard financially. Some people worked full time (not as LPNs) but they worked overnight shifts. I found it was too much do day shift as a LPN and do the RN program, so I dropped my hours to just enough to make my monthly bills.

I’ve had some experience with stuff like this. I told an aide I worked with years ago that she has to be careful about how she says things, that it could get her in trouble one day. I said that the way she was coming across probably wasn’t how she meant it, but that’s how it was. The reason I said it was because I was trying to help her. She was young, and it was the way she was saying things- aggressive, no filter, rude. She probably thought she was speaking the truth or telling it like it is, but it was the way it was being said. About a year later, she thanked me and said it had made her realize how she was being. I have also been told, when I was younger, that I was intimidating and I could tell I rubbed people the wrong way sometimes. I didn’t know why because I generally had no bad intentions. But somethings people said to me made me realize how I was coming across was completely different than how I was feeling. When I am thinking about something, I come across as looking angry. I had friends, family members, and my 4 year old niece who randomly told me at times that I would look angry. It would always surprise me because I am generally easy going and I don’t get angry or anxious most of the time. But since I spend a lot of my times thinking, I guess I looked angry a lot. I also would say things matter of fact, and didn’t smile much. I was more serious, so when I said stuff, it probably came out more serious than I meant it. That, combined with looking angry didn’t help. I also realized if I was better at something than them, some people didn’t care, but some wouldn’t like it. Now that I’m older, this is how I feel. If multiple people have told you the same thing, try to figure out how you are coming across. They could be jealous, mean, or they could just be trying to help you. Maybe a mix of both. I don’t know what they meant, but sometimes it’s how someone comes across that is the problem. I’ve learned that I can be confident and assertive without being aggressive, condescending, or coming off the wrong way. I’ve learned to relax my face, smile more, always help out and be patient when people are asking me things- even if the answer is so obvious to me. I also do chit-chat if time allows (work comes first). And it has helped a lot…in my early years, I did not get along with a lot of people, but now I pretty get along with almost everybody. Now nurses will come to me for help when they don’t feel confident about something because they know I will help them without judging them or making them feel stupid, and I’ve gotten to know them more as individuals, and it has really helped with workplace vibes and the feeling that you and your coworkers work well together and help each other out. Yes, I know everyone want’s to be their own person and doesn’t want to conform, especially americans. But lets face it, everyone does conform to some degree to society, their friends, family and in the workplace. In every relationship, there has to be some bending on both sides in order to make the relationship work. Nursing is also a small world…Nurses, aides, doctors, therapists, etc.- you will see the same people at different jobs and your reputation will follow you. Yes, you are paid to do your job, but getting along with your co-workers helps you and helps them. I’ve worked in places that were hard, but everyone got along and had each others back and it made working there so much better than an easy place where no one got along. You mentioned it another post that you had said something to a nurse on if she knew some medication was almost maxed out. It may have been the way it was said. I would have said something like, “You know, I noticed when I was giving the med yesterday, it was almost maxed out.” I would have said it in a casual way and then looked to the other nurse. That would have given them the option to say they noticed that too, or that they didn’t, but both of you could double check. If you ask them if they knew about something, it can put them on the defensive because it implies that they should have noticed something that they didn’t. It makes them seem incompetent and then it makes them defensive. But if you say you noticed something, but don’t say it in a judgmental way, it leaves an opening for them to respond, but not defensively. Focus your statements on yourself vs on them, you know what I mean? Sorry for the long post….they could be just being mean, but assuming they are not, this could be chance for some self reflection. People can be strong, confident, and express their views without coming across as aggressive, too strong, or just wrong. Someone can be a damn good nurse, but if they don’t get along with their co-workers, it can be real drain on the team dynamics. And just something to remember, just because you don’t hear from higher ups doesn’t mean they don’t know what other people think of you. They know…work isn’t just about the actual work itself, it’s also about workplace relationships, workplace tension, teamwork, etc. If people had to choose between a nurse who was excellent, but that most people did not like, or choose a nurse who was not as good, but that everyone liked, who do you think they would choose?

Your welcome:) Now you know you others are paying more, there is your negotiating power. I have heard the pay rates vary from facility to facility, because some facilities will pay more, so agency can pay you more. But of course, they are a business and will try to pay you as less as they can. One of the ways I would negotiate would be to find out about pay rates at a particular facility and around the area so I could bring it up that for that area or facility, the pay offered was lower than other places. Then they would raise the price on what they offered. I hope you get better pay?

I just started an agency job for LTC, but this is my first experience with an agency. I'm not sure how they normally work. I get paid $52 for this particular location for day shift. I know that this facility starts RNs at $30. For what the agency pays me, I negotiated for $10 more than what the agency offered. When I was a LPN, I never negotiated my pay, but I was told by a male nurse to always negotiate, that he did even as a brand spanking new nurse, and he got more money for it. So I took his advice, and have negotiated with every job since, and I have found that EVERY single facility (with the exception of union and PRN pay), it was negotiable. Yes, I was a new RN, but I had LPN experience and I asked very nicely anyway. Hospitals gave less in negotiation (less than $2, usually less), and nursing homes more. At my current job (LTC) , they just increased their pay rates, but I started with $3.50 more than what they offered. This agency will be paying me $10 more, but this agency job is temporary, and it's a crisis rate. You get locked in the rate you get paid from the start. At least, that's what I've been told. So if you get paid x amount of dollars when you begin at a particular location, that is the contract amount. I don't know if that's true or not. I travel about 40 min for this one. I notice non crisis rates around here are around $36ish, which I don't think is enough because PRN for LTC is usually around $35. The agency does not provide PPE, the facility does. I lucked out with a place that has tons of PPE. They are a very wealthy company, and we get one N95 per shift. Gloves, gowns are no problem. They don't have many surgical masks, but with the face shield they provide and N95, people generally don't wear surgical masks anyway. They do fit test all staff for the N95s, including agency. My current job (not the agency job) is horrible with PPE and gave one surgical mask and one N95 to each employee to wear forever. So if they did have agency nurses, I would expect them to do the same for them probably. They are too cheap to hire agency though. I'm surprised they gave me more than what I had asked for in the beginning for a starting pay rate knowing what I know now about them now. But I would try to negotiate with them, esp if it's at a new location, they have Covid people, or you do off shifts, long drive. I would not drive 1.5 hours unless they were paying me some serious $$ Or I would try calling other agencies, and see what they have to offer. Than you have a better idea of what they are paying. If they ask you what your minimum wage, always add $ to what you would expect, so they can negotiate down. Who knows...they might give it to you:)

Yes, it is absolutely OK to ask them to wear a mask. All the employees at work wear a mask before entering into the building. If I see a resident coughing, a mask goes on them. But in LTC, there are a lot of people with dementia. They don't understand what's going on and are scared because the only people they see are employees who are wearing masks, goggles, gowns. The residents are restricted to their rooms except when they are escorted by staff at times to just walk in the hall for a few minutes, and they are still just accompanied by staff. They are not allowed out with any other residents. They used to be able to come out and sit with other residents, so they don't understand where everybody is at and why their families haven't come to see them. Some of them will keep a mask on, but others will rip it right off as soon as you try to put it on, and if you force them to wear it, they will bite you or hit you. As for having them stay 6 ft away...well, when you are a nurse or aide trying to do your job, it just doesn't always work out that way. Some stuff you can do from further away, but mostly no. I just wear a mask always and wash my hands constantly, especially before and after adjusting my mask. It grosses me out when I see people touch the outside of their mask and then start touching other things. I say to them remember to wash your hands, and give them a smile with a look that says please don't hate me....

This! I have found myself also apologizing to people after being stressed out and letting it get to me...as long as you are sincere about it, people understand. I have also found sometimes there are times it's better to just walk away, before saying anything....and I've noticed co-workers getting to that point just by looking at their faces and I would just say quietly to them, "take a walk" and they would and would come back calmer

Hi, I know what you mean. I was a LPN for 10 years before I became a RN, and in those years, I have heard so many comments and looks about me being a LPN. Some were well meaning, some were insulting, some were back handed compliments, but all were not nice. I also come from a family of doctors, engineers, pharmacists, etc., so not only being a nurse, but being a LPN was a double slap in the face. The response was, "Oh...why a LPN, and not a RN?" Being a nurse, in general, is not a desired profession in my family. And I would get comments at work- too many to list, but even from LPNs too. I was explaining the lab results and what it meant and what to tell the doctor to a LPN, and she said she was surprised I was a LPN because she didn't know how I knew all this stuff. I would get comments like that all the time, from RNs and LPNs. Frankly, I got sick of it.... I am proud to have been a LPN. I am also proud to be a RN. In both programs, I worked really hard. Being a LPN helped me in the RN program big time. I value LPNs because I know what they've gone through and I've worked with some that I would trust with my life. However, I am also proud to have gone back to school. When I was in LPN school, it was so much at one time (40 hrs a week for a full year), plus working on the weekends, that a lot of the stuff I learned I forgot. Going back to school when I already knew a lot allowed me to really get in depth with my learning because I didn't have to start fresh. As a person with no medical background in the RN program, it can be a lot. But because I had a base to work with, it was easier for me to learn, remember and apply the knowledge. I am a better nurse for becoming a RN. I think any additional schooling will make anyone become a better nurse, because it's more knowledge. A RN becoming a NP will become a better nurse. I remember learning the rationales in the RN program on various things that I had come across while working as a LPN, but I never knew the reasoning behind it. But if you ever decide to go back, do it for yourself, do it for more knowledge, better pay, more opportunities...don't do it because people are putting you down as a LPN:)

LOL that sounds like my co-worker freaking out b/c a Covid positive was walking next to her...I suppose it's in situations like these that people find out what they are truly made of....usually, you tell anxious people to take a deep breath and calm down...except, now those people don't want to take any breaths next to any possible Covid positive people...:) Fingers crossed for a vaccine in the next year or so!

That's great! Thanks for the tips, I am going to look into them:)

LOL this reminds me of a guy I used to work with. Anytime an emergency happened, whether it was his patient or not, he was suddenly nowhere to be seen until the emergency was over...then ta-da...he's back

I hope everything turns out well for you!

This whole situation sounds really weird. I did work at one place where outside the door, there was a sign saying there was live recording going on in there. I appreciated it because I knew it was going on, but I also went out of my way to never go into the room unless I truly had to. Who wants to be recorded on video and audio? I certainly don't. In PA, there has to be 2 person consent to do recordings. You can do recordings in your own house, but if there is audio, I think it has to be 2 person consent? I'm not sure exactly. I would feel really uncomfortable if I knew I was being recorded. I've been in facilities that record general areas, but home care is a much more intimate environment. I wouldn't feel comfortable working there.

Sadly, I think that sounds like something some people would do because I've heard random people say they would rather just get it now when they feel they could beat it, or they could get medical care, or for other reasons. I don't get it, but people will believe what they want to believe.

Hi all, I haven't logged on in awhile cause work has been exhausting, as I'm sure it is everywhere else these days...but I had a few days off to recharge since things are getting better in this area and I thought I would once again try to get a free pair of Crocs...and I got through! I was really surprised...I logged on around 0915 and kept refreshing the page. I think it started around 0930ish and I clicked on it as soon as I saw the get in line button. A co-worker of mine was also able to get a pair about two weeks ago. I thought I would share so people know it's actually real...LOL I always wonder if these give aways are real if I don't know anyone that gets a free item. I got my email confirmation, but I did not get my shipment email yet. They do ask for your organization, whether you are a nurse, or other title. I don't know if they actually verify it. You can pick your size, but not your color. I also went to B.J's and got the free 4 month membership. They let you add a person, so I got a second card for my mom. It's free for her for 4 months also. It's $25 to renew once the 4 months is up. I gave away some of my own surgical masks and N95s to my co-workers since Covid hit in my area. Within a few weeks, I find out my mom, who is not working at this time, has been spending her time on the phone telling people I need masks. I had told her my company gave out one surgical mask and one N95 to wear forever and ever. I have since received in the mail packs of surgical masks, some N95s, and a face shield. I just picked up a bag full of surgical masks and 4 N95s from another family member who got them from a contact for me. Apparently there will be more coming since I now have family members I haven't seen in ages looking for N95s for me. I have family in another country, so they can get N95s or KN95s. I am going to share them with my co-workers. I didn't ask for any money for anything I gave away, and none of my family members would take any money from me for the supplies. It's been very stressful and exhausting lately, but even with all this craziness in the world today going on, there is still a lot of good...:) It's starting to get better now, but I am preparing for a second wave. One of my jobs is offering double time for any shifts picked up. At my other job, I will now be getting time and a half for shifts picked up. It's not double time, but it's better than what I'm making now! We've gotten food delivered to us by family members of the residents and once by a local restaurant. Anybody else getting freebies from Covid?

It's been about two weeks, but I will definitely try to keep my patience and cut them some slack. Two of the employees are kind of young, maybe in their 20s. The other isn't young, but seems to have a lot of issues (psychological and physical), so I think this is just the icing on top of the cake. But they are scared and I should try to be more understanding...

I think you guys are definitely right on the nurse educator role...this company doesn't have one. It's a money thing, everyone at this company seems to have 2 or 3 roles. The nurse educator role is probably put on the supervisors, but they are too busy to do it, or don't want to. But I will try my best to do it, along with other nurses if they are willing to. Part of the problem is also absent management...literally. I have seen the DON maybe twice in the entire time I've been there. There is usually just the nurses and aides on the floor the entire day...that can be a good thing sometimes, but in situations like these, leadership is needed. They did have one of the aides bring a box of Twinkies to give to the staff as appreciation. Not a box of Twinkies for each employee...one box to share for the entire floor....LOL, I'm being serious. It's a very cheap company. After this Covid thing is all over, I don't plan on staying on full-time. The only thing that is redeeming about the company is how much I like the nurses and aides I work with (most of them), as well as most of the residents. Most of them are complete sweethearts. And it's also some of the staff think some alternative ideas about Covid. For example, one thinks the Chinese government set it on purpose to kill the the Chinese activists in the country, another thinks Trump did it to get rid of black people...I'm being serious, this is what I hear at work. A nurse educator would really help!!

Of course, it's better to try to isolate if you can. They may not see the point, but you are thinking of them. It's better to be safe than sorry:)

For various reasons. Some have easier assignments, some are more organized, some move a lot quicker. On the other hand, some have too much chit-chat with everyone they see and so it takes longer to do everything, some have poor time management skills, and some don't actually do the work. I've worked after nurses who never seemed busy, and it turned out treatments were never done, medications were never given but all signed out, but also worked on assignments that were just super easy so there was no much to do. I've also worked after or with nurses who always got done on time because they were really efficient and didn't chit chat until everything was done. I've worked with nurses who were wonderful nurses, but never got out on time because they couldn't type and it would take them so long to document anything and because they were so slow doing anything on the computer because they didn't work well with computers. So basically, a lot of different reasons:)