AliceanRN2B

I had a similar experience recently with an 80-plus-year old who went from resting in bed to purple from the nipple-line up in minutes...I had felt bad about her all night, but had no obvious data or physical factors to back up my intuition. Ultimately, the code team believe it was a PE. It was a rapidly deteriorating and sad experience. I had just returned from hanging some iv meds, checked on everyone, and was starting to try to catch up on my charting. My coworkers and I were in the nurses' station, everyone was talking, and I said, "do you hear that? it sounds like someone yelling for help?" My coworker nearest the door went to check, I closed my book, went to follow, when someone rushed in to get me. We found my patient thrashing in bed, yelling that she was nauseous, that she "had to get up," and was turning blue.....FAST. At the same time I said "hit the code light," she tensed, and it was all a blur from there. It's one thing to participate in a high-drama, challenging situation as a support person, but I couldn't help feeling that, as her primary nurse, I had failed her somehow, and I still do. As a new nurse, I still feel like I have so much to learn and relearn. All that stuff we did in four years of nursing school was just the icing on the cake.

Hi Everyone, This week, I'll do my first "three 12s in a row," and wonder if anyone has advice for getting good sleep during the day. I drive about 45-minutes to an hour to work, so sometimes it is a bit daunting. Sleeping during the day is my big issue and getting enough sleep. Any advice in general would be greatfully appreciated about this and just making the most of life beyond work with working nights. It seems I spend a lot of time getting ready to go to work instead of living. I'm a new nurse, off orientation in mid September on a telemetry unit in a busy University Hospital, and still am scared to go to work some nights, wondering what will be in store for me. This website is wonderful, and thanks to everyone for your posts.

I can totally relate, and am still nervous about some injections, and causing harm/pain, especially IMs. It sounds like you are going out into the "real world," to give Flu shots. I was a nervous wreck myself. Don't forget to ask if they are allergic to eggs, and which arm they prefer. Remember, giving it in the dominant arm is actually better, in my opinion, because using that arm helps work the soreness out faster. I learned a valuable tip from a school nurse about giving flu shots...she kept saying don't forget to anchor your hand and pivot. It's easier to demonstrate than explain on the web, but basically hold your syringe as you would "normally," then anchor the posterior aspect of your hand--the pinky side--on the arm then basically pivot the needle into the skin, and proceed as usual. Try to keep them breathing, tensing up really makes a difference in the pain. I usually say okay, here we go, deep breath in, and out, sticking on the out. Of course, I don't just jump in there and surprise them. I explain that will substitute for "there's going to be a stick now," or whatever. I hope this helped, not confused you further. Good luck. Step back and watch the techniques of others, ask your instructor to demonstrate her favorite technique. A little flattery will get you a lot of information. Peace and happiness!!

Hi Julie, I am so sorry to hear your bad news. I know how that must feel after four long and agonizing years of nursing school. It is an overwhelming exam, there's no doubt about that. I just found out my results and also was sure I had failed, but fortunately, by some miracle, I passed. I did go to the Kaplan course and feel like it helped me with strategies, but what was really helpful was the CD trainer they gave us to use at home. There were lots of similar questions regarding prioritizing and delegation. My professors said that the key to success is to answer as many questions as possible before testing, i.e. taking practice exams at home, and lots of them. Also, when you go to Kaplan and they hand you back your initial exam....if you don't understand it, go to the instructor and ask them to explain things to you in detail. Its an expensive course, but often I felt like I had to be aggressive to get individualized attention. Well, I've rambled enough, but I'll keep you in my prayers. You'll do it!!!! Alice

I'd just like to say thans a million to everyone for all your information and encouragement. I wish everyone out there all the best. Again, I can't thank you enough.

I do appreciate your words of encouragement and send the same, and then some to you. When I first got my ATT via email they actually had labeled a PDF document that is was my ATT, but it was something else, so I went to http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and clicked on "contact us" and there was an option to speak to customer service live. It was great. I actually was able to discuss my problem with someone as if I was in a chat room....maybe this would be an option for you. If not, I would HIGHLY recommend calling the # where you schedule and so forth. I think that since you have paid them 200 dollars for the so-called privelage of testing, the least they could do is advise you on the time limit issue. Again, good luck and thanks a million. I will have you in my prayers.

:imbar Hello Out There, Just freaked out about the NCLEX in Kentucky, imagine that. I just finished taking the NCLEX-RN exam about 2-1/2 hours ago and ended up receiving all 265 questions. I don't know what to think. So far, I know three people in my class received 75 questions and passed, one received 175 and passed, then my friend received 235...and passed, but I just don't know. I feel like I failed. Just wondered if anyone had taken all of the questions and passed. I, like others, just started working/orientation. I will die of shame if I failed. Eeeeeek. Thanks to all who post hear for sharing your honest feelings, words of encouragement, and for just plain being out there in the world and understanding. Peace and Love.

Hi, I can relate to foot pain during clinicals...I found relief with birkenstock professional shoes, and also recommend Danskos, plus changing out every so often.

I'm getting ready for graduation in May, Yay! In the meantime, I'm working on my resume. We had a class presentation, but not any pointed advice on how to list clinical experiences and keep things under two pages at the same time. Most confusing. Can anyone provide me with an example of a successful resume? Tips on listing clinical experience, anything? I'd really appreciate your advice, samples, websites, etc. Thanks a million :)

Good luck to you, I'm sorry I don't know anything about licensure in Georgia, as I am just finishing up my degree and am learning myself. I did live and work in Atlanta for many years. Are you going to live in the suburbs of Atlanta or in town? That will depend with regard to schools and so forth. I know there are some good schools in the Decatur area, or at least they used to be. Anyway, I worked at Piedmont Hospital and loved it as far as good care for the clients and so forth. There is also Emory University Hospital system if you like the teaching environment. I believe their website posts what they pay as well, not sure about Piedmont. Then there is also Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, which many of my family members used and were always treated well as patients. Good luck with your plans, Alice

Hi Tsmith :) I'm originally from Atlanta and lived/worked in the Emory area for many years. My best friend works for Emory--they are large and have many different programs. It is considered an "ivy league" type of school and admittance to their incredibly expensive program will be challenging. What made you pick Emory? There are, however, many other schools such as Georgia State, who have a good program. Good luck to you in your move. Here is a website for Emory's nursing school-- http://www.nursing.emory.edu/ Alice

I think I'll just win the house from HGTV they are giving away, located on the beautiful South Georgia coast and decide from there! Wouldn't that be too cool for colored TV! Thanks for all the words of wisdom.

I worked as a student nurse at the Mayo Clinic this past summer and know that they have an incredibly wonderful program for new grads, usually starting at 22.90 an hour, plus a detailed and informed program for their grads. I just am not too fond of the winter time, so I won't return. Another option is to look at http://www.nsna.org/ And good luck to you. Alice

I can relate to your dilema. As a nursing student, I eat fast and cheap more than I should, leaving quality and all the rest out in the cold. If you want more information on low carb stuff, try the Atkins website. Just type in Atkins diet and I am sure it will come up in most search engines. Another source is http://www.ivillage.com and go to their diet and fitness sections. They detail a lot of information about weightloss and so forth. One good thing I have found to keep me from hunger, and low in carbs, is eat boiled eggs, without the yolks, in the afternoons or something like that. There are plenty of creative options... tuna, salad, etc. Hope those websites help and good luck, again.

I'm glad you like it. Another one to try, forgot it last time, is https://nursingspectrum.com/ for career options, changing locations, etc... it is a great site with tons of information.