RNHuskyFan

I work in LTC in northeast CT and that rate, even for a new grad is VERY low. Are you sure they gave you an RN starting rate and not an LPN? If I were you I would ask a few questions. Regardless, congratulations for the new job. We start RN new grads at 30./hr

Do you have a personal email? I can send my answers to you instead of a public forum.

I will be happy to help if I can.

Hi, I agree with the other replies. I would question more why you waited to report the patients elevated temp to the doctor. By the way, was there a vanco bag in the fridge? That could have raised the question whether or not it was given. I seriously doubt this is an issue that could result in a loss of your license. However, like the others have said, a lesson learned. I also agree with the others that the cause of the sepsis is unlikely to be a few hours missed of a weekly vanco dose. Try to relax.

Very true. Speaking as an employer (I do the hiring at my facility) if an applicant "settled" for a position he/she is over qualified, I would suspect that the position would re-open as soon as he/she found a suitable position. The same with job status. If someone is seeking full-time, but settles for a part-time position, I would suspect he/she would be still looking for a full time position.

I agree. If you accept an LPN position, you would still be required to perform as prudent RN in the same situation. In other words, if something happened to a patient requiring the skills of an RN, you could not say, your in a LPN position and shouldn't have to do it. However, checking with you State BONE is the best way to be sure. By the way, out of curiosity, how are many putting pictures on their profile. Too cool!!

I work 8 minutes from home and love it!!. I have considered other jobs that would be far away, 45 minutes, but at the end of the day, working close to home is a perk I will have a hard time giving up. With the price of gas and wear and tear on my car, I figure it is a $2000.00/year benefit.

I agree, UOP is hardly a diploma mill. The program is very challenging and the student MUST be self-disciplined or he/she will not make it. Many students in my classes either failed or dropped out because they though it would be the "easy degree". They were sadly mistaken. Those who criticize the program or believe it is easy and an "diploma mill" or "mail order degree" do not know about the experience. After I recieved by MSN/Ed from UOP, I am able to teach clinical at a major University as I would any other MSN.. My Degree was not questioned. UOP is an accredited University with all the same benefits as a ground school. The RN-BSN program does not have clinical hours because the ADN hours are credited. I cannot speak for the LPN - RN degree. I would imagine getting the 900 clinical hours (no way around it) would be a challenge. I would get a committment from a sponsoring facility before entertaining UOP for that degree. Just my opinion.

Yes, I can hear your frustrations. It is never easy. You do have the right, and should, protect yourself from physical harm. I tell the nurses and cnas at my facility that if a patient's behaviors are escalating, never approach them or get too close if you feel physically threatened. Sometimes reapproaching at a later time is a better option. Because dementia and/or psych patients may not necessarily know what they are doing, may "excuse" the behavior, but nurses need to find a creative but effective way to intervene where harm is minimized to both staff and patients. In my opinion, dementia and psych patients with severe behavioral disorders are one of the most difficult to care for.

As difficult as it is to be yelled at or verbally abused by a patient, try not to take it personally, especially if the patient has dementia or psych issues. The patient is probrably more tormented than we are. Remember the nurse can eventually go home but these patients have to live with their diagnosis forever. Very difficult situation for everyone.

You did the right thing by reporting witnessed abuse. A nurse could be culpuble if she/he witnesses abuse and neglects to report the incident to the proper person(s). If you are being harrassed by a supervisor or co-worker for doing the ethical thing you have a case for workplace harrassment covered under the sexual harrassment law. I would take this furthur if you feel you are a victim of a hostile workplace environment. Report this to your Director of Nursing and Human Resources. Your supervisor/co-workers are breaking the law. Just my opinion.

Hi, I graduated from UOP with both by BSN and MSN/Ed. I had a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. I am not sure what kind of negative feedback you recieved, but it you let me know, perhaps I can help. I attened both ground school and on-line. If I choose to pursue furthur education, I would certainly continue with on-line.

I am a DON in a LTC, and speaking for myself, unless the nurse requested or signed up for those hours it is certainly not the expectation, much less mandatory. Where these mandated hours??? In fact I can only think of a few nurses at my facility who could handle it and still be safe. Even for them, I do not belief it is safe. However, I do know that Baylor programs are offered throughout healthcare settings and are very popular. Usually they are 12 hour shifts on the weekends, not 16 hour shifts. The Baylor schedule works great for many Moms when the kds are small. Extended shifts should be the nurses choice!!!!

The hospitals in my area pay the LPN much less than the SNF. LPN do quite well in LTC/rehab in my neck of the woods. In addition, at least in my area, many hospitals do not hire the LPN. I agree with Iamarn08. Get experience where you are and then when it is financially feasible, get your RN (BSN). SNF patients in a sub-acute setting are at the same aquity hospital patients were 8-10 years ago depending the facility. Student loans can be defered till after graduation. I believe getting your BSN is a long term plan that will pay off in the end.

Very well said. I believe this is one of the better explainations I have heard so far. Whether or not it is a vital sign, pain should always be a part of our patients assessment. Excellent post!!!!

Once, many moons ago, before I was a nurse, Albuterol for neb treatments was packaged in a brown bottle for my asthma. My son, 15 months at the time, was being treated for an ear infection and the MD prescribed ear drops in the same type of brown bottle. I mistaken the albuterol for the ear drops and instilled albuterol in his ear. I found out then how quickly the ear absorbs drugs. My son was wired for sound and you could almost see his heart pounding. When I realized my mistake I was in a panic and called the MD right away. Fortunately there were not any serious effects and it quickly wore off, but it was a lesson I would never forget. Scary stuff!!!!!

I am in administration, and believe me, when it comes to excuses for calling out I have heard them all. In fact, myself and my ADON are making a "top 10 list". Although, unfortunately, there are staff who do abuse the absentee policy most in administration know who they are. Speaking for myself, for employees who only call out when you are truly sick, are forgiven and I would never hold it against anyone for putting patients, co-workers, and him/herself safety first. Management is well aware, at least at my facility, which employees have good work ethics and integrity. We have a fair policy: 3 or more call outs in 45 days starts the disiplinary process. A consecutive absence (i.e.3 days) counts as 1 call out with a MD note. Therefore a week of the flu would not hurt anyone. STAY HOME if you are sick!!!!!! For mild ailments, I see staff members wear mask in patients rooms to be safe.

Hmmm...I understand what you are trying to say, however, I am not sure how you justify that pain doesn't effect homeostasis. Pain certainly has physiological effects and causes stress to the body. Pain is also measured via non-verbal communication for the patient who cannot understand the pain scale and/or assessment tool the nurse is using. Pain can delay healing and/or prevent wellness. Like other vital signs, pain can be an indicator of health or illness.

I read many great suggestions. However, I agree with those who wrote that you should do some serious soul searching and decide, in priority, what it is about your current job you are most disatisfied and see if you have control to change the circumstances. I am a DNS at a Sub/acute/ LTC facility and many nurses find this setting to be very rewarding. Have you ever considered this setting? Many have come a long way. There are usually openings, however, I live in the Northeast and I am finding the job market to be stable. As a DNS, I have never had so many applicants since the recession. I would highly recommend you stick it out until you secure another position. It doesn't seem to be as easy to get a preferred position as it was a couple years ago. Good Luck!!!

It sounds like you have quite the dilemma. You are torn between the type of work you love and your current schedule. I worked night shift for 10 years while my kids were small and it worked out great. The only way it works is if you can get into a routine that works for you. However, you stated that you hate life, who you are, and are miserable most of the time, perhaps it is time to move on. There are other settings, ie LTC that are rewarding and challenging. If you give another setting or department at the hospital a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised. Life is too short to be miserable. Take a chance.