MikeFromMT

I was very concerned that my wife and all the other women who work in healthcare are being discriminated against and that I may be getting more than my fair share, so I went here Oregon Nurses Association to make sure...nope, nothing about men vs women in our pay contracts, gosh, I'm confused, could I make more money because I work more shifts and choose a riskier position? that's not fair either right? When it comes to nurse pay, it's not about what's between your legs, but what's between your ears that matters.

Gross income is the total amount of pay you receive before taxes and expenses, salary is a fixed pay for a year regardless of hours worked. A person who has a salary of $50,000 per year has a gross income of $50,000, an hourly employee who makes $25 per hour and works 2,000 hours per year also makes $50,000 in gross income. The difference is that the hourly employee can make more or less money based upon hours worked. The surveys are about gross income, not hourly pay or salary.

I'm not really sure what your point is, however I think we agree on why some women make less pay than their male counterparts, as you stated, females tend to be the caregivers and are often stay at home moms so they make less money either hourly or annually, while the men tend to focus on a career or at least how to maximize their income to cover the loss of that second full time income and provide financial security for their families. These are the choices that we make. As for myself we have no children, not the human kind anyway, I have no issue that my wife makes less pay than I do, or works fewer hours on average than I do, we value our free time and we love our schedules and wouldn't trade either of them for more pay, and that's a perfect example right there, I get more pay for a higher risk of low census and no benefits, she takes less pay for a sure thing with a great schedule and benefits for both of us. FWIW, I have more experience than she does, we work on the same unit, often times together, we have the same start date at this facility and we have the same base pay. One would think I should have a higher base due to more years as a Nurse, but I don't. Now who's discriminated against? Seriously, we are both very happy with what we get.

As posted earlier, open it up to other departments, but keep the tasks to mainly support, I have no interest in "Mother/Baby" however I would be up for the opportunity to improve my skills and knowledge by putting in a few shifts on that unit, keep the hardcore duties for the regulars and have the float assist with things that any Nurse should know. I know some floor Nurses who'd jump at the chance to float to a unit like that.

How long are we going to keep beating this horse? I just posted this in the other thread. Men tend to make more money based upon the hours they work, both amount and time of day, as well as being willing to leave one job for a better paying one, women tend to work fewer hours and will stay in a job they like for less pay rather than risk their comfort for what's behind door number three. This has been well documented in several studies. Even in my personal life this is true, my wife wants 5 shifts per pay period in exchange for a guarantee of steady work but lower pay, I work relief where I can self schedule, I get a higher base pay but am also the first to be called off for low census, even with my call offs I still take home substantially more money than she does. I also am willing to go in on days off if we are short staffed. She isn't.

Regarding gender pay differences. Men tend to make more money based upon the hours they work, both amount and time of day, as well as being willing to leave one job for a better paying one, women tend to work fewer hours and will stay in a job they like for less pay rather than risk their comfort for what's behind door number three. This has been well documented in several studies. Even in my personal life this is true, my wife wants 5 shifts per pay period in exchange for a guarantee of steady work but lower pay, I work relief where I can self schedule, I get a higher base pay but am also the first to be called off for low census, even with my call offs I still take home substantially more money than she does. I also am willing to go in on days off if we are short staffed. She isn't.

Document, document, document. I doubt that she's a RN, if she was she'd be much more pleasant and less abusive and also more understanding. My guess is that she's a junkie or selling the narcs, but by telling you she's a nurse she can outrank you and bully you into breaking policy, don't fall for it. (it should be pretty easy to go to your board of nursing website and confirm her claims) You did the right thing.

I found some all white Nike shoes, my NS instructor even asked where I found them. Now that I'm working I swear by Merrell Jungle Moc Pro Grip, all black (or brown) about 100 bucks, my current pair is over three years old and still great shape and just as comfy as new.

Y'all realize this thread is 5 years old right?

This is from the Iowa Board of Nursing: Q. Can an individual with a criminal conviction become licensed? A. In order for an individual to become licensed in Iowa, they must first graduate from a state board approved nursing program, at which time they can then apply for licensure. If they have answered yes to the criminal conviction question on the licensure application they must provide copy(s) of the sentencing order(s) when submitting application materials. The Board of Nursing will review each individual application and criminal record and make a final decision regarding licensure. The applicant has the option to sit for the NCLEX exam before or after they have received approval for licensure. The applicant will be asked to submit the following written materials to the board office at the time of application. a. Send a copy of the Court records; i.e. trial information, judgment entry and sentencing order with the application. b. A written assessment of your life before, at the time of, and after the conviction. c. Parole/Probation Officer’s assessment if currently under active supervision or a letter from your parole/probation officer stating that you completed the requirements of your probation. d. Employment history (please include in your written assessment). e. Enclose copies of all substance abuse evaluations with treatment discharge summary and aftercare recommendations.Letters of recommendation may also be included. Hope this helps.

Like tejas said, check with your advisor. My school also has a limit on retaking classes, also you can not take a class for a better grade, if you passed with a C you can not re-take and use the B or A from the re-take. If you fail you can re-take one time for a better grade, with a maximum program wide re-take of 2 classes.

I'm not going to mention the first thing that popped into my mind (wink) I start with patting myself on my back, then I brag to my wife, then maybe some ice cream and cake.

I consider myself a "Floor Whore" I pimp myself out to any Nurse or Aide who needs help, I literally walk the floor asking/telling Nurses that I'm available and to let me know if I can help in any way. We have a Procedure Sheet that we log all of our procedures on, either performed or witnessed, at the end of my rotation my sheet was full while those of my peers had but a few logged. When asked by my peers how I got so many procedures I said "while you all were chatting in the lounge or doing homework, I was making myself available to the staff" I was often thanked for my help at the end of my shift and it was suggested that I apply for a job there.

I'm sorry to hear about you and your SO, school can be stressful due to the demands of your time not to mention the work involved with studying and homework. Some spouses may feel a bit neglected or that it's taking too long. Based upon your post that you are almost done with your pre-reqs you still have another year or 2 depending on your goals. Have you communicated the time-lines to him? My school said it's a 2 year program but what they didn't say was there is a year+ wait to start (good time to take some pre/co-reqs) then you have a year of full time school 4 days a week, then you'll likely have to wait 1-2 semesters for a spot in the ADN program, then it's another year of full time classes. That 2 year program suddenly looks like 4, it can be frustrating not just for the student but for other family members as well, especially if they're the sole provider financially. Communication and expectations are key. He may not understand. I'm fortunate in that my wife is also a Nursing student at the same school as me, we both "get it". It may be time for a quiet, mature, un-distracted chat with your SO. It is so very important to have somebody who is supportive while your in school, I wish you luck.

Stop over-thinking it, I sit at the kitchen table with my books and assignments, my computer is on because I often need to jump on to do some quick research, yes it can be a temptation to do a little recreational surfing (like I'm doing now) but that's where discipline comes in, I get my info then get back to my homework (in a different room). I also require a quiet place without distractions, that's why 90% of my work is done at home, there are some private study rooms at school that I sometimes use between classes, don't forget to make some study buddies, I couldn't have made it without them. The best I can offer is this, set study times and stick to them, turn off the TV, radio, cell phone etc. dedicate that time (I usually do an hour then take a break then another hour) just like you've got a class or work. Forget new age mumbo-jumbo about "proper workstations and colors conducive to learning", sit yourself down and do your work, just getting started, that's the hardest part for me. Oh ya, stop concerning yourself with being an "A" student, if you master the material the grades will follow, remember that much of Nursing is critical thinking, your answer might be correct but it may not be the most correct. Yes, you will need a computer with internet, you will be doing research and writing papers. Any modern computer will suffice with an office suite of programs. I have a mid-level Dell and run a Linux operating system with Open Office. If you're new to computers just get something with Windows and Office, or your school should have some as well. The one you already have may be just fine.

I've had no issues with either my age nor my gender, if anything I think my instructors like the fact that there are some older students in the room (not just me either) we tend to bring a level of maturity and seriousness to our studies. As for being male, that has not been a problem, again I think my instructors like having a guy to add to the diversity and give a different perspective on things. When it comes to clinicals, again no problems, even in L-D, I was welcomed by the patients and their families, most of whom were interested in my story more than anything. ( Y'know, "so, what made you decide to be a Nurse at your age?") My previous experience was a CNA (back then we were called Orderlies) over 30 years ago in a LTC facility.

I'm in IA as well, I graduated the PN program in August and just passed my boards, I expect to start the ADN program in January, FWIW I'm 49, not the oldest person in my class, close but not quite.

My biggest challenge was just getting back into the swing of school again, I had poor study habits the last time (25 years ago) but with maturity and motivation and a focus of what I wanted to do with my life things became less of a personal challenge (academically things were challenging but everybody had to deal with that) and more of a routine of work, study, school, sleep, repeat. I also noticed that my ability to retain new info was not what it used to be, so I just studied more effectively and adjusted my habits. I was/am very well received by my peers and my instructors, being male has never been an issue. I have been well received by my patients as well, most have been curious or even intrigued/impressed by my late life shift in careers. I think that's helped build rapport with them as well.

2 men, 60 women, I got half and he got the other half in his section. We're both straight, I was accepted by a great group of women as study partners and clinical buddy. I was exposed to some of the raunchiest, crudest and most hilarious conversations I've ever heard from a group of women, I feel honored that they could feel so comfortable with me around, I had more fun and learned more with them than I ever did with men. I've had pts ask me "so what's it like being surrounded by 30 women every day?" to which I smile and say "it's awesome"

Well, this Nursing student also changed his major, then changed it again, and again...When I decided on NS my local CC asked for my transcripts, (from my previous school) I told them they might not be as good as I liked but I was now a more serious student, they'd heard that before and assured me not to worry and yes, I may have to retake some classes. Some classes transferred and some did not due to low grades, I was told that I needed to retake those classes and get a C or better, so I retook those classes and got A's, I also got A's in my pre-reqs and lo and behold I was accepted into the Nursing Program. I also have been offered membership in Honors programs (if only my old counselors could see me now) Talk to your counselors and the program director. I did it and maybe you can too.

[color=gray]searching furiously for "girls wearing thongs with scrub pants" thread...

We had to take CPR for Healthcare Providers, on-line was not accepted.

So, you're stuck on a problem or chapter and you've been up for 25 hours. At first I thought I was reading the lyrics to a song but then I realized they didn't rhyme. Is it a problem or an entire chapter? Why not post it here and we can offer some advice? Get some sleep.

You didn't mention if your school has any kind of wait list but if it was me (and it was) I'd drop the CD class and take that in the summer. Focus your studies on the other 3 and get good grades. It sounds like it's been a while since you were in school and I wouldn't advise overloading yourself your first semester back, I had to relearn study habits and prioritize my classes before I felt comfortable loading up on them later. It payed off for me with great grades and much less stress. I spent 2-3 hours for every classroom hour studying and doing homework. But then again if you're a braniac it might not be any problem for you at all.

You overcome nervousness the same way that you get to Carnegie Hall, "practice man, practice." or as someone else posted "fake it 'till you make it" OK, how about this then, know everything about your patient and practice what you need to do with them before you walk in their room. Quiz yourself, do I intend to check BP on their right arm, what if they have a visitor sitting on that side of the bed, do I squeeze between them or use the left arm, what if the IV is in the left arm, then what? Slow down, remember the steps and don't be shy about asking for an assist from another Nurse.