rayk1021

Head down.....stay focused....eye on the prize....seek out others for tutoring.....block out the BS.....don't let the negative ruin your experience. Be very careful what you put in your website rants, and where you post them. I have heard of students creating additional stress based on what their instructors read on their posts... remember, this is a public forum.

Is this serious? Or did your teenage child hijack your computer? I could be wrong, but, it sounds like some-one is due for a break from the industry...I have to say this might be the most insensitive post I have ever read on this site. I know as nurses we have to have thick skin, but this takes it to the limit. I can only hope that this is not how you approach your patient/family teaching in the work place. I would be very interested to know where you practice, so I can avoid getting ill in that area...... BTW, pupped is pooped! :mad:

Too funny!! no need to ask, been there! OP, Imagine having 5 wives, 14 sisters, and 3 girlfriends who hate men. That's what you are in for.

OP, I wouldn't worry yet about where you should work after you graduate... You are going to face plenty of stress just getting through school. Between reading 10 chapters, studying last week's 10 chapters for this week's test, a 1000 word research paper with refferences, 2 care plans, ATI test every other week, and clinicals, you will learn time management. Not trying to scare you, but that is a typical week in our program. If you are prone to stress and anxiety, I would suggest you address those issues before you start. I also started late in my thirties, and worried if this was a good decision. While it is stressful, I don't regret it one bit. Make sure you have a good support structure, and a release from stress (music, movies, art, something..). Don't let the small things stress you out. One step at a time...

I came into this from the restaurant business. So, I had no medical experience. The program at the school I attend is VERY INTENSE!!! 8 hours of class, 8 hours of books, study all weekend!!! It;s alot of information at one time. But, if you really want to do it, it's all worth it...

So, I'm finishing my second semester of lpn program. While my grades have bee really good, there has always been that lingering question if I made the right decision by changing careers (38 yr old second career). Today during clinicals, we had a code. I participated by doing compressions, and bagging. After quite some time, we got the patient back. Needless to say, this was my first time at this, and what a rush! Driving home, it hit me that I was now doing something that I absolutely love!!!! Talk about the light coming on!

I would say that it can be done that way, but probably not as accurate. In general, the first thin people do when the stethascope hits their skin is start breathing deep. I have a really hard time counting and timing the respirations. I find myself focusing on the watch or clock, and losing count.

I can believe it could happen, as the officer in charge of the scene has the autonomy to charge pretty much whomever they see fit. However, I would like to believe that the good samaritan law would cover this carpenter, and relieve him of any liability. I would be interested to know what, if any, charges were filed against the facility that let a resident lie on the floor "dead for hours" without someone noticing.

Hello all! It has been a couple of months since I have posted on here. School has kept me pretty occupied. During skills lab on Thursday, I ran into a situation that has left me concerned. We are learning diagnostic tests, which included accu-checks. Of course, we got to do this procedure on each other. I saw a little panic in my instructor when mine was 174. She asked me the usual questions, when did I last eat, what did I eat, family history, etc. She immediately re checked from the same finger stick which read 165. She the checked in an hour. 157. Of course she suggested a glucose tollerence test through my primary. My grandmother died from diabetes related stroke. She was insulin dependant. My father is insulin dependant with heart disease. I am aware of my risk level, and am going to see my primary to get the full work up. My biggest concern at this point is if I do become a diabetic, will this end my pursuit for a nursing career? Is medical history part of the interview process? If I am diabetic, will this make me un-hireable? Any advice would be great!!!Thanks

Just let it out!!! It is awsome that you can giggle and laugh in some of the toughest times. And I am sure that your brain has an off switch for when it's not appropriate. Don't give it another thought. There are plenty of us grumpy people in the world to balance things out.

Nope!! Live in sunny Florida. 80 degrees today! It's awsome!!!

2Tall, Sorry I don't have much info about the VA in this area, but I couldn't help leaving you a reply. See, I am from Dayton, Oh. And your post caught my eye as I am sitting on my patio drinking a cup. It's a chilly 65 degrees today. But the weather guy says it should reach near 75. Think I might do some fishing today. OK, I know that was mean, but, had to do it... Seriously though, I'm not sure of the name of the VA in Tampa. There is a huge center in St. Petersburg named Bay Pines. I know 2 people who work there. One in the clinic, one in the hospital. Neither of them are psych, but have never heard them say anything bad about the place. Good luck in your search.

Try not to stress too much over it. It can't be too bad if they told you they wanted to talk about it next week. It was definately in poor taste for your manager to do it this way though. Best of luck!!

Hello there! I'm in hernando county. It does seem that most LPN positions are in LTC facilities or clinics/DR offices. Tampa General has positions available for LPN, but of course, experienced only. I haven't looked into Bayfront or All Childrens, as the drive would be too much. I am taking the same route you are considering. (LPN then RN) Many people have suggested going straight to RN, but I chose to stick with this route. This way I can get in the field, make sure it is right for me, and me for it. The job market seems pretty tight right now, but, it seems we are not as bad off down here as most of the country. Who knows what next year will look like. I would agree with the post that suggests not doing this only to leave the stress of your current job. I'm sure you have heard about the tremendous amount of stress that school is, not to mention that when we are done, someone's life will depend on us!!! I'm stressing out right now. Have you talked to your husband about this yet? Fact of the matter is, going to school, even LPN is going to change things at home. You will have alot less time at home and with the family. If your husband understands this, and supports your decision, it will make it alot easier. As for leaving your current job... It's a scary prospect, but really, when is it ever the right time? I am leaving a 16yr career making 65k+. I am nervous about it, but, have always wanted to be in the medical field. The best advice you are going to get is from your husband. He and your daughter are the ones who will have to struggle through this with you, and will be the ones to reap the benefits of your success. Best wishes and good luck in your journey.

OK, I am currently enrolling in a program. have done all the interviews, physicals, gotten booster shots, taken tests. Now just waiting on the phone call from admissions to let me know I'm in. However, after reading this thread, I'm possibly re-considering my decision. Now I'm thinking that I would make a great florist. Seems like a pretty peaceful occupation. Or, judging by "the poem", I could start a home cleaning business. Sounds like alot of nursing students could employ me. Not that I'm defending the OP, but haven't we all said something stupid, in the moment, that we regreted? My wife and I started a business about 5 years ago, and while discussing how we would finance it, we came on the subject of loans. I said that she should file for the loans without my name. "Why?" she asked. "Because the banks are more likely to grant a loan to a middle aged female" Yes, I actually used the words middle aged! The words had not even left my mouth, and I knew it was not going to turn out good! Fact of the matter is people say stupid things all the time, without taking a second to think about it. Otherwise there would be no need for phrases such as "open mouth, insert foot". To the OP,if you are even reading this any longer, it would probably behouve you to take a few seconds to think out your responses in the future. What would you say to a 16 y/o female involved in a MVA when she asks if she is going to have alot of scars? "Maybe you should consider internet dating"? I'm sure the CNA in question is doing just fine through all of this. She has probably heard from both sides of the fence by now. I have two friends that attended the school I am going to, and they have had nothing but good things to say about it. While they admit it is intense, takes up most of their free time, and adds stress to their home life, they have both said that it is a great program. Last week, I had to go to the school to sign some papers, and was in the elevator with a couple of students. I made the mistake of asking what they thought of the program. "Horrible! The worst thing I've ever done" Good thing I wasn't basing my decision on that one negative person. Oh yeah, "the poem". Really? Sexist? I'm no expert on literature, but it didn't seem to me as if it were written by a disgruntled husband who was out of clean underware. Maybe she had to nag dad for tuition, and maybe he did have to "agree". That's not sexist, that's married life. Rest assured there were many "nagging" discussions in my home before the decision was made. But I promise you I didn't use the ever deadly "middle aged" term again. I still think I caused the coldest day in Florida with that one. It seems to me that the poem may have been written by an adolecent who is missing the care and support they have grown accustomed to from their mother. Should we suggest that this child grow up and get over it? So, to future students reading this thread, make your decision based on whatever it is that motivates you. Ask around about the program you are considering, but rest assured you will get both positive and negative responses. How school goes for you is going to depend on you. How your personal life goes while in school is going to depend on you. Bottom line, it's not going to be easy. You will love parts of it, you will hate parts of it. Just remember, if it doesn't work out, you can always be a florist.....