Xnavykat

I started out as a LPN b/c I wanted to make sure I'd like nursing. I'd planned to get my ADN, but shortly after entering the program I had the opportunity to go to Sicily for a month w/ my husband (hmmm..Sicily or school?). Therefore, I ended up withdrawing from the program. I started Excelsior, but only did a couple of tests. I'm now working in a methadone clinic and I really like my job. I get along great with the counseling staff and my peers/supervisor. I plan to stay with this job until I retire or something else happens. On another note, I was in the Navy for 20 years and not in the medical field.

I just received an e-mail @ work that "bath salts" are going to be Schedule 1.

Thanks for all your advice/comments. I just called and all my labs are negative and I hope they stay that way!

I stuck myself today with a butterfly needle while disposing of it (I was wearing gloves). I followed the protocol which was to was push the blood out and wash it. Thankfully, I didn't actually get any blood (she was a hard stick). However, I did look in her chart and found she has Hep C. I've already been to have my blood drawn, etc. There are some unknowns with the pt. and she is supposed to get her blood drawn for all the other stuff (Hep A/B/C and HIV). I got a prescription filled for Combivir (precautionary as I don't think she has HIV). Just wonder if anyone else has been through this and any advice/comments are greatly welcome.

I became a LPN after retiring from the Navy (worked in telecommunications). I've worked in several areas, my favorite being endoscopy (I worked at a endo suite in a hospital). The only reason I left that job was b/c being on call was getting to be a pain! Last summer I lost my job working at a mental health center (state job) b/c of budget cuts (let me say I'm 50+ years old). I was unemployed for about 6 weeks. I got a agency job working in a prison (not for me). The pay was decent, but the working environment was terrible. I then applied for the job I currently do, which is working in an opioid treatment program (I dose methadone). I have a great supervisor and working environment. Losing my job with the state was a blessing in disguise as it didn't pay very well. I'm making about 10K more a year. It's a county job and we get the same bennies as the folks who work for the state. As far as going for RN, I was enrolled in a program at a local technical college and withdrew b/c I had the opportunity to go with my husband to Sicily for a month. I completed a few of the courses through Excelsior, but I doubt I'll finish. I purchased some books, etc. from The College Network and wanted to switch to on-line courses. They told me they were unable to do that and they can KMA. It's a pain hauling big binders around and I have moments at work when I could get online to study. Burns me up after all the money I paid them. Don't get discouraged. Find your niche and you'll be glad you're a nurse. One more thing...I went to visit with my former co-workers at the mental health center a few weeks back. One of them said a client told him that she missed me b/c "she gave the best shots." LOL...nice to be remembered for something.:)

I actually work for an agency as a contract nurse. My biggest frustration is that I wasn't properly orientated so I get differing advice on how things are done. I've been at the job for just a little over a month and I still can't log into the computer b/c I haven't been issued a password. As far as the IM's I can deal with them fine. It's my coworkers that frustrate me.

So far I really like it...more so than I thought I would. You're right about the IM's and their head games. That doesn't bother me. I'm still in the learning process, but I'm getting there.

Just wondering if any of you have any experience working in a correctional facility. I am new to this type of work (3 weeks under my belt). From what I've heard there is a lot of turnover (probably due the inconsistency of how the nursing side is run). Would appreciate any comments/advice.