LibraRNinNY

Hey all... Just needed to vent for a bit. I graduated in May with my Associates in Nursing and passed the NCLEX in July. I've been scouring the classifieds for job opportunities, and sending my resume out to every hospital/nursing home/clinic withi...

It does seem that your clinicals are set up a little oddly... As Moogie said, it makes more sense to have preconference first, then devote yourselves entirely to patient care. It's not your fault as a student though, so it's a shame it turned out th...

I'm glad you're feeling better! It's such a cliche, but practice really does make perfect! You'll be able to do these skills with your eyes closed soon enough. Follow your gut if you feel uncomfortable backing the other two girls up... I would advi...

I'm not sure what you mean by "skin problems"... Pancreatitis does cause bluish coloring on the abdomen and back/flanks (Cullen's and Turner's signs). -The pain, nausea, and vomiting could result in dehydration and malnutrition, which would put the p...

I'm a little confused too, could you elaborate a bit on what exactly the instructor was yelling at your classmates for? I'm not sure if your nursing textbook came with a supplemental CD, but mine did. I used to look at my syllabus to see what would ...

:clphnds: Congrats! You must be over the moon with happiness!! It says a lot about your character that you didn't just throw in the towel after being unsuccessful. I wish you many years of happy nursing!

I agree that preparation is the best way to combat anxiety. Keeping a regular workout routine also works wonders! I know it's hard to fit in exercise during nursing school, especially if you're also working, but the benefits are incredible. You'll...

I know it's hard, but please try and stay positive! You made it this far for a reason! Can you team up with one of the LPN's in your class for a study session once a week or so? I wasn't an LPN before I went to nursing school either, but I loved ...

I agree that the nurse probably wasn't clear on what your role was that day... At least now you know how to avoid these misunderstandings in the future! Good luck, I hope your next experience goes smoothly!

We were always taught never to reach across the sterile field. Whether reaching across the field will actually result in contamination is debatable in my opinion (I think it's more likely that you could drop a "dirty" object onto your field), but th...

Good luck! The waiting truly is the worst part! Try to keep yourself busy so your mind doesn't wander (easier said than done, I know!) We all have our fingers crossed for you!

I had a great clinical instructor in my 3rd semester who always used to tell us "Picture the paycheck" when we started to feel overwhelmed... I found it to be very motivating! Yes, you're going through a horrifically stressful time right now, but yo...

I feel like I could have written your post two years ago! I was the same as you, A's and B's in most of my pre-reqs. For my very first nursing test, I studied my booty off. I went in so confident, and then got the test back with a big 80 on it... ...

Awww... Sometimes you never know what will bring on the tears when you're under so much pressure. Believe me, I remember the feeling well! It happens to all of us, and sometimes it can be the release you need in order to start feeling happier! Ho...

Thank you Lunah!! chelcgirl, congrats to you as well! I know the relief you must be feeling! Good luck in your new position!

You guys won't believe this... The hospital called 10 minutes ago and offered me the job!!!! I'm starting October 5th on the PCU! I am in shock! I can't believe I got it! I'll take this as a learning experience though- we should never get discour...

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Thanks 86toronado! Albany is about as far north as I'd like to go, so I'll definitely check it out. How does your friend like the VA so far?

Thanks to everyone once again for the great replies! I feel better already. Psalm, I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother... It's great to hear that he found good care at Ellis though. I'll definitely check out some more hospitals in the Capit...

Thanks so much for the advice :) I did apply to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and never heard back. But I'll keep looking, and I will keep you posted! Thanks again!

I'm torn on the idea of relocating... I'm already in a really well-populated area (the Hudson Valley, just north of Westchester County and NYC), and I've considered looking in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I wouldn't want to leave the Northeast thoug...

Thanks for the encouragement... I do agree that God has a plan, even if it's not always clear! Even just typing that makes me feel better. I have to remember that having a pity party isn't going to get me any closer to my dream job :) Thanks again.

Sorry to hear you're having a hard time with your hubby! Now, I'm not married (although I'm in a serious relationship), so you may want to take my advice with a grain of salt, but it sounds to me like you're allowing yourself to be taken advantage ...

Hmmm... I would probably suggest biting the bullet and grabbing the first job offer you get, whether it's in the restaurant industry or otherwise. That will put some money in your pocket and allow you to pursue your dream at the same time. Now is n...

I wouldn't suggest trying to "coax" your hubby into seeing a therapist... That might backfire, and cause him to dig his heels in even more. You could discuss therapy with him, but make it more about you and your feelings. "Honey, I've been thinking...