jt2007

Im in 9 month excelerated lpn school. I was diagnosed with bipolar at the very end of my first semester. I aced my first first sememster. I thrive off of panic basically, fast and furious I do my best work. I am now on meds for 2 months and in the middle of my second semster. I am taking Lamictal, we are doing pharm. amoungst other subjects. I feel like my memory has become compromised. I did have a photographic memory and great short term memory, cramming was the only way I could learn and retained by practing what I crammed. That has been my personality for a lONG time and the way I know myself. I cant do that anymore effectively. I am on Medication --Im not sure what I am dealing with now that my memory is going down hill. On top of going through nursing school and ALL the critical information I have to know -- I get my first hopspital Med/Surg patient all to myself next Week , while still have 4 subjects to study and do homework for . For three days I am responsible for watching and maintianing the patient for 7 hours each day. I am so afraid Im not going to be able to function, or function adquately~ (we had our first clinicals last semester at a nursing home- I was responsible for patients there, had a couple or bad patient cases that put reality into me) Is anyone else Bipolar, taking meds and have problems with memory while caring for patients?? Lamictaal has helped my emotional swings, its realy been nice to keep on the level . It also relieves my brain from wondering when the next time the worlds going to fall out from under me. Does anyone know of some prescribed meds or other adjunct therapies that might help to take with Lamictal? Anyone heard of what might be the cause of the memory deficiet when taking these meds? If you do have memory defiecet how are you dealing with it? Have any suggestions how to make it through school? Thanks!

This is more a nursing mechanics question. I have tried several steths. I ended up with the Littman because Im having trouble hearing the sounds. When I tried it out I could hear just fine out of it, now I have gotten my ordered one I cant seem to get a sound out of it except when turned to the smaller of the two surfaces. I had my ears checked but nothing significant... Does anyone know if I might just be wearing it wrong, do you have any "tricks" to hearing through it. I have a COPD patient and realy need to be able to hear the sounds..please any info and experiences will be helpful. Thanks

Thank you for the information. I was devestated when I finally got a diagnoses because I thought of every problem possible with going through nursing school and finding a job. It has already been a huge burden to my 16yr marriage and children. I am going through a divorce now. I cant imagine going through nursing without support from others who have been through the same. This is definately a blessing for me. I figure if I can get through this diagnoses, nursing school, and divorce then I can get through most anything else. Thank you again for your offer of support and encouragment. :redpinkhe

I was told that if a patient tells you they have an allergy that this is subjective data, even IF the patient has tested positive to allergens. Why is this subjective data if it has been proven by the testing before hand that they are postive? Why would it not be objective data? Thanks for your help in adavance!

I am in LPN school and want to go to RN afterwards. Problem, since being enrolled and now attending LPN school I have been diagnosed with bipolar. I just started taking med. for it. Will board of nursing give me a license? Im in TN I dont want to wait till the end to find out I cant practice and have wasted all my time planning and money. I have not told my school yet. should I? I am required to take drug test through out the semester.. will Lamictal show up? I am realy worried about getting my license, being diagnosed am I on some list they can look up? Thanks for any insight and information.

I have bought as many things over a period of time as I can. I am to the point where I can start buying nursing clothes and shoes, as I will start classes next month. What type of clothing are nurses wearing now? I remember my mom about 20 years ago had nice fitted pants suit like clothing, and some dresses. Is this still acceptable? and where would I get this type of professional clothing, any suggestions? Also what is the best shoe for the longer shifts? Any websites or info is appreciated. Thank you

Hello, I am going to be starting a CNA class this month in TN. I was wondering if there are any other certifications I can get to go along with the CNA to up my pay. I heard somewhere that CNAs passing out meds make more per hour. I will be attending RN school next year and need some work to help pay for that. Just wanted to get the highest pay I can while going to school. Thanks for any input.