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.....

I have been watching intently! Coming from a military family, and being a vet myself, I have always been interested in military history. After seeing this on History Channel, I have to go out and find the box set. It is truly a shame how few people realize the sacrafices made by our service men and women, and their families. While I may not personally agree with every campaign our government has involved us in, I honestly believe it is because of our brave militaqry personell that we can freely express our opinion, choose our own career, practice our religion, and enjoy all the freedoms we have. For those of you who are enjoying this doccumentary, I would also suggest "America at War" It is a 14 disk set by the History Channel. It chronicals the history of America's wars from the revolutionary war all the way to the Iraq war. Also, if you haven't seen Band of Brothers, pick it up. Great stuff!!

myty, STOP! TAKE A BREATH, RELAX!!! At this rate, your debt is going to be the least of your worries. Keep it up, and you'll be leaving posts on how to deal with ulcers, sleep deprivation, and stress related issues. Let's take a walk through your post and see if you have really thought this all the way through. You stated earlier that you feel like if you don't do this now, you will never do it. Are you 80? (lol) As i am preparing for school at 38 yrs old (after a 20 yr career in the restaurant business), I did alot of soul searching and asking questions to see if it was too late for me to chase down this "dream". I had planned to start this in 1999. However, life being what it is, I've had to put it on hold to maintain my commitments. You know what though? If it is your "dream" it will never die. The best advice I recieved during my inquiries was that it is never too late. You said that this is the worst case scenario. But, is it really? I know we never want to think about it, but what if your husband gets sick, or injured on his job? I am sure he is a very safe person, but does work a HIGH risk job. As unfortunate as it is, if something were to happen, those bills are still going to roll in. And then there is that silly economy issue! Being what it is, loans are hard to get, and jobs are hard to find. However, things will change. While this is the third worst economy in the history of the U.S. (great depression, and again in the 80's), this will pass. As history shows, we will get through it, jobs will return, and the banks will loosen their belts on student loans. My advice.... Start living by that strict budget now, this week, today! Take the money that you would be paying on your line of credit and put it in the bank. Instead of paying interest on your loan, let them pay you interest on your investment. Let the kids get a little bit older. It will be easier to find after school care, and you won't miss out on those special times early in their lives. Start searching for a job that will help pay for school. You would have to agree to work for them for a period of time after school, but, why not. This would guarantee you a job after graduation where you will gain the valuable experience needed to move on. Think about it, I would bet that if you followed this plan, and could see yourself 5 years from now, you would be starting your program with ALOT less stress, and some money in the bank. I know I have given you a bunch of jibberish, but never forget.... Plants die, Pets die, People die, but, s long as I am breathing, my dreams will never die. Best of luck!!

WOW! Seriously? it seems as if you are really not getting what is being said to you. Either by your employer, or by the rosponses to your post. So, here is the "real deal". 1) You are fortunate to still have your job. It is not the responsibility of the employer to allow time for you to work out personal family issues. If it were a FMLA issue, that would be different. But, it is clearly not, so consider yourself lucky they allowed you the time they did. 2) It does not matter how the employer came to find out about you attendance issues. Fact of the matter is, it is on the table now. They have clearly stated their expectations in this matter. It is now up to you to either fulfill this obligation or move on from this job. 3) NO! calling a nurse to ask their advice about your illness is not the same as providing documentation for absence. that would be equivelent to a note from your parent. 4) Resolve you personal issues! It is simply nieve to think that you can go to work and not even "think" about whatever it is that is going on at home. This issue is obviously causing a problem for you at work, as you have attendance issues resulting. So, here's the skinny! Start your next shift as if it were your first day on the job. Do your job, do it well. Don't make med errors. if you are not sure of the orders, ASK! Get documentation of any changes to orders so there will be no question as to what was passed. Get yourself to work. Regardless of the situation, show up for your shift. If you don't have a ride, take a bus, call a cab, whatever you have to do. If you are truly ill, go to work, and report directly to the supervisor. Let them see that your are ill. But, do this with plenty of time for them to cover your shift. In other words, if you are scheduled at 8:00, go in at 4:00. This would allow time for shift coverage. Bottom line, everything else is in the past now. Leave it there! stop dwelling on what the employer should or should not have done or said. GOOD LUCK!

Liyy022, whether or not to purchase the TEAS study guide really depends on how well you already know the information. I bought the guide, and it really didn't help me alot. I also used the link that was previously given. (http://www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.htm) I think it best prepared me for what was actually on the test. While that website is not a study guide, it gives you questions that are pretty close to what is actually on the exam. I also used youtube alot. I am pretty weak in math, so I looked up algebra on youtube, and watched the classes. The entire test consists of Reading (40 questions), Math (45 questions), Science (30 questions), and English (55 questions). I'm not sure if the # of questions per subject is the same on every test. If you want to PM me, I will give you the breakdown of each subject. The best advice I can give you is to relax... If you have a grasp on those subjects, you are going to be fine. I studied alot, worried, yelled at people, slept only 1 1/2 hours the night before, and did just fine. Are you applying for a college program, or going to a private school? If you are going to a private school, your score will most likely not be as important. Find out what score is required to pass, and that's what you are shooting for. If you are applying for a college program, then you will want to score as high as possible. Because the college programs are so competetive, Your score will carry alot of weight. Also, are you going for RN or LPN? If you are going for LPN, they will look primarily at your TEAS score when making their selection. If you are going for RN, they will be looking at your TEAS score as well as your pre-req GPA. By the way, take your time when you take the test. Read each question, and be sure what is being asked. I scrwed myself on a couple of sections because it was "so easy" that I didn't actually take the time to read the whole question. I believe you are given 3 hours for the test. USE IT ALL! Hopefully this helps, and doesn't stress you out more. I'm sure you will do fine. Let us know how it goes.

Hello all. Today, I posted this same question in the general section of this site. While I was very impressed with the feedback, I would really like to hear from some of the nurses located in Florida. You see, I am planning to start school in January. My original plan was to go to school for lpn. Then I would get a job in the field while I continue in school for my rn. I know this is a pretty normal path which many have taken in the past. So, After reading the numerous posts about job shortages in the field, I have started looking through the want ads, hospital sites, and job sites to check on the job market for lpn's. Based on what I have found, and from what I have read here, it would appear that lpn's are being phased out. Is this truely the case? If so, there would be no point in my current plan. Is this going on in my area? I live near Tampa. So, while any replies will help, anyone from the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, or Citrus county areas would really be helpful. thanks

Hello, First off, I think this site is awsome!! I have been on for a couple of months now, and don't think I've even scratched the surface of info I could find here. So.... I am starting to get a little concerned about the decision I have recently made. See, I am about to leave a pretty decent paying job to pursue a career in nursing. I have always wanted to do this, but, the timing was never right. Now I am on my way, a more than a little nervous about the outlook. I have been trolling the want ads, hospital sites, and of course AN.com to see what the job market is like. My plan is (was) to get my lpn, get a job, and continue to rn. However, I seem to be seeing that lpn's are kind of being phased out. Is this true. If so, what is one to do? Don't know if I can afford not to work for nearly 3 years. I live in west central Florida if that helps any. Looking forward to your feedback.

Hello all, I am kind of new to this site,(only a couple of months)and I have a few questions about how best to pay for school. I'm starting school in january, and I'm not sure what is the best way to finance this. Is there really any such thing as a grant? How does one go about finding and applying for one? What qualifies a person for a scholarship? I have been out of school for nearly 19 years, so I don't think my H.S. GPA will matter. How do I apply for a student loan without using a bank? Don't want to deal with the credit checks or high interest rates. Of these three options, which seems to be the best, or most realistic option? Please don't think I being lazy about this. I will probably be online all day tomorrow researching these things. Just thought I would throw it out there to see what you may have experienced. thanks in advance for any help.

Hello, Devil's advocate here. My first question is "does she really get it?" Is this student being singled out because she is too frail to stand up for herself, or does she really not get it? If the issue is that she is lacking the technical skills, perhaps you and your classmates could turn your focus towards helping her advance her skills. I would strongly agree with the reply that said that your class could offer up your own praise when she does well. This may help the instructor back off a bit when she sees that the student has the support of her peers. However, again, "does she really get it?" About the instructor...... What is her background? how long has she been teaching? Judging by the numerous replies saying that "she sounds like one of my old instructors" This seems to be a pretty common practice. Just a thought, is she really trying to crush this girl, or is she testing the rest of the class on their ability to assist a struggling peer? However, if the instructor is being unprofessional, using abusive terms such as "stupid, moron, loser, or foul language of any kind, that is completely unacceptable, and should be addressed professionally. Bottom line, this young lady, along with all of us, is going to have to learn to overcome this type of situation. I am sure that during her career, she will encounter a charge nurse, manager, or angry pt family member that is going to treat her the same way.

Try this link. See if it helps in your situation. http://www.publishinghelp.com/sredsal.htm I'm really confused though. As I understand by your post, you started the work last Monday. Does this mean you are doing the work without having set a price on the job? Why? Even a minimum wage earner knows how much they are being paid before beginning their first shift. If he/she is paying $200 a month, that breaks down to $50.00 a week. Even if you only put in 20 hours a week on the project, that's only $2.00 an hour. Don't you feel that your time is worth more than that? Not trying to scold, but it sure seems like you are being taken advantage of. My advice...1) Stop doing the work. 2) Decide what your time is worth. (at least minimum wage USD if project in coming from the states.) 3) Contact this person with what you want to make. If the project is at all important to them, and has any chance of turning a profit, they should be willing to pay for your time. Hope this helps

WOW!! Where does one begin on this one? Let me pre-face by saying that I have yet to start my nursing career. I will be starting school in January. That being said, I cannot offer any practical advice as it pertains to the field of nursing. What I do offer is advice based on what I have experienced in my 38 years of life. First of all, please don't be too discouraged by the negative replies that you have received. Instead, re-read your original post. You may find, as I did, that it seems as if you feel like those of us who don't mind the yucky, poopy, smelly, and even less pleasant parts of the job are less than important. ( I can't believe that I used the word yucky!) Now if you can see how some have translated your post, you can understand how it has upset some. However, what you are trying accomplish is a very real life struggle. Please understand that probably everyone here has wondered at some time in their life if they are in the right line of work. There was not alot of information on you post to determine what it is you are looking for in your career. So, what are you looking for in your career? If you absolutely cannot stomache any of the gross stuff, than there are most likely not any "nursing" careers that will be suited for you. You should consider a track that deals less w/ pt care, and more with lab work. If you are looking for a career for the money, try looking into pharmacology. I understand that it pays well, and is continually a challenge. However, there will still be alot of "paper work" involved. Fact is, you will most likely not be able to avoid the paper work in any healthcare field. If you want to help people, perhaps a career in education. Though it is unlikely you will be able to be a nursing educator, you could look into other fields of education. To become a healthcare educator, I would assume that you would first have to gain the experience that you would be teaching about. However, to be a child educator would be so rewarding. How many people get the oppertunity to mold our future generation? These are just a couple of options. Fact is you are going to have to determine what it is you are looking for in a career, and in life. You should never consider any time spent gaining an education as time wasted. However, you should decide what you want to be doing in 10 years. This will ensure that any education you do obtain will put you closer to your goal. Another thing to consider is perhaps someone you work with. As i understand it, your current employer has the funds to pay for your education. Let's say they pay for your schooling. Then you leave the field because you really hate it. I would wonder, did you take that education benefit from a current co-worker that truely loves the healthcare industry? Bottom line, if you are finding that you hate your job this early in, it will most likely not get any better. I say this as I am walking away from a 13 year, $65,000 career. I am doing so because I have truely come to hate my job. When you wake up in the morning, and dread going to work, because you hate it, it's time to move on. While it may seem to you that your patients cannot tell that you resent them, I can almost assure you that at least one of them does. There is no way that a job that is so up close and personal can be done without at least one person feeling the resentment. It is my personal experience that a fake smile or gesture of care is worse than none at all. I know this was pretty long winded. But it just seemed like your issue was more personal than whether you should work at McDonalds or Wendy's. Hope it is taken to heart, and helps you in your thought process.