StudentNurzNK

I randomly met a hiring director of a company with home health. I've been applying at all the major hospitals in Knoxville, which is where I want to relocate, but wasn't expecting such short notice when she told me the home she was offering me a job with was there. I haven't yet heard from any of the hospitals, but it has only been a week. Unfortunately, this job offer is time sensitive, and I don't want to give up on something good in hopes of something better? Home health is absolutely NOT where I want to end up, but do YOU think it would look good on my resume and open up more jobs that I would then qualify for "as an experienced nurse"? Or do they not consider home health "experience" in hospitals? I've heard things like "once you get into home health, hospitals don't want you", etc, so does anyone know if that is true? Would this kind of experience help or hurt me? As far as salary, her beginning offer was $17, but I thought that was low and she said she might go a bit higher. Is this a low number for East TN home health? I don't want to get screwed over for being unknowledgeable lol. Any advice would be great!!

Sorry about posting in the wrong place, didn't know there was a board like that. The reason I listed the process was because I saw a few people that had done it, and wasn't sure how exactly to list the skills otherwise. Thought maybe it helped breaking it up into each area. How else should I do it?

After having to wait and extra 8 months to take the NCLEX, Im glad to say I finally got my licence on the 16th! It was rough, but It's so nice to be able to put those 2 letters after my name now! Everything online about new grad resumes tend to differ, down to what sections or topics to even include, and I would just like some input from real nurses. Let me know if I should add anything that would better impress, or would be better suited towards a new grad. Its so hard knowing what to include when I have no experience! It is formatted better and prettier on word of course...but is it ok that i had to shrink it down to 10pt? Cover Letter: I am requesting an opportunity to speak to you in regards to a Registered Nurse position at ----. I graduated in May as an ADN from --- University, and just obtained my license. After completing some research, I feel that obtaining a position with --MC would be the best place to build my foundation for a successful career. I would love nothing more than to learn from your highly reputed staff, and prove myself as an excellent new addition to the nursing team. I have always had a high regard for --MC, knowing the goals, achievements and reputation the hospital holds, and I am absolutely determined to become part of the staff. I am a very kind, compassionate, and honest person who has a genuine desire to help people from all walks of life. Patients and their families have continually recognized and shown appreciation of my caring nature. I have a great desire to learn, and am not afraid to ask questions in order to get the job done correctly. In turn, I love to educate others on the knowledge I have received, which has made patient teaching one of my strengths. Working at a teaching hospital would be a great fit for me, knowing I would enjoy helping students through clinical experiences as well. I am a true team player, and have the excellent problem solving and communication skills needed to make a team work together smoothly. Strong ethics and values have been instilled in me through a background in the legal field, and have made me a trustworthy and reliable employee. I have included my resume, and hope you'll give me the opportunity to speak with you in person soon. You can contact me at -------, or at @Live.com any time. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Niki RESUME: [TABLE=align: center] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD=colspan: 3][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD=colspan: 3][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 3]Objective [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 2][/TD] [TD]New Graduate seeking an entry level position in which I can expand my newly acquired nursing skills. [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 3] Education [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 2][/TD] [TD]Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - May, 2011 --- University Nashville, TN TN State Nursing License Number: ------------, exp. 07/2013 [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 3] Clinicals & Clinical Skills [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 2][/TD] [TD] Nashville, TN - VA Hospital, Long term care, Cardiac care, Med-Surg Meharry General Hospital, OB/GYN Middle TN Mental Health Institute, Psychiatric care Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Pediatrics University Medical Center, PCU Cardiac step down, ICU, Emergency Assessment - Gathers data quickly but efficiently; performs complete body system assessments, and observes patients of all ages for potential complications. Diagnosis - Makes diagnosis based on professional assessment using NANDA standards. Planning - Prioritizes and then collaborates with both patient, and other team members to create a care plan that will best allow the patient to reach the stated goals. Excellent communication skills, allowing for better patient outcomes. Implementation - Follows interventions outlined in plan based on age and population differences; Follows aseptic technique and universal precautions for procedures; Enthusiastically provides patient education; Delegates proper assignments and ensures patient safety throughout; Safely administers medications via all routes; Monitors all implementations and outcomes closely; Properly documents all data. Evaluation - Frequently assesses to determine if further action is needed in order to meet goals of plan, or if a new plan needs to be created; Properly documents all outcomes on both computer and flow sheets.[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 3] Work Experience [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 2] [/TD] [TD] Secretary/Receptionist/Paralegal 01/2004 - Present ---, Esquire Customary receptionist duties; Prepares court documents with general knowledge of law; Filing, dictation, and general office duties. Personal Assistant/Caregiver 07/ 2007 - 01/ 2008 Company Cared for individuals with mental disabilities; Assisted with ADLs at patient's request; Ensured patient safety; Guided individuals in making proper, everyday choices. Veterinarian Technician Assistant 08/2004 - 07/2005 Veterinary Clinic Assisted doctor and technician with basic procedures and tests; Monitored condition of animals and documented outcomes; Maintained and organized charts.[/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

I have been super excited to graduate..last day of class is April 28th. But...We have 3 chances to take our exit HESI exam in order to get our diploma, and I have now failed 2 of them. I have lost a lot of self esteem, confidence in my skills (what little I apparently have), and haven't been able to get motivated to finish this semester's work. I'm a ship thats sinking fast! I've made it this far, I know I can't give up obviously, but what happens if I fail the last try? Im not so sure I can handle it. I feel like I have just learned enough to pass the tests during school, then had to dump the material from memory in order to remember the next topic. How do I go back and review/remember everything from every unit? I feel like Im missing key info in order to critically think out the answer. Some people say on the majority of nclex style questions, you dont even need to know the facts if you know test taking skills, but I have never been able to just come up with an answer without knowledge of the topic. Unfortunately I am one of only a few ppl in this situation because the few of us were stuck taking the test on the first scheduled date. The rest of the students got a cheat sheet of all the questions ppl could remember off the test and the subjects to look over. Even though I know I wouldn't be alone otherwise, it still makes me feel dumb.. and sick! If that was happening, I should have at least been in on it! lol. Anyway...I really need some advice, whether it be simple encouragement, or tips on how to pass my final shot at the HESI!

Ill be graduating this May if all goes well! Yay for me! lol. But I haven't had a job in over a year since I wanted to focus on school. I feel that not having experience is going to lessen my chances of getting a job quickly, and plus you know people dont like to hire people who have lapses in work experience. So, now that Im on the down swing I feel like I could handle having a job, and I also know facilities would rather "hire within", so it would raise my chances of getting an RN position after licensure. Externships are few and far between in Nashville right now, so do you think it is too late in my studies to get hired as a nursing tech/CNA? I'm thinking that no one will want to hire me knowing that I wont be staying in a tech position that long. Realistically I wont be licensed until at least end of July or Aug, but ya think that is still too short of a time for them to want to train me? Or would they rather hire someone as a tech first to see how they will work out before giving an opportunity as an RN, in which case it would work in my favor? Some students are already applying as an RN! So I dont know which direction to go in any advice?

I attend a school that is a little scattered to say the least, and as hard as I tried to self study, I have fallen behind. Im in the ADN program, and will be graduating May 7 if all goes well...thank God!! As everyone knows, so much material is thrown at you in NS, and I feel like I haven't been able to actually retain the info before we go on to the next thing. I have felt very "thrown in without a paddle" the entire time I've been in school, and while I know that is normal at first, I'm wondering if it is still normal this late in the game?? They expect so much from us and teach so little... I think I would have been better off being home schooled lol. They dont tell us things until the last minute, change things constantly and we dont get the notes or resources we need in time to actually study them...and thats just one issue! Literally, not one person has been able to make an A, and 3/4 of the class normally makes C's which none of us are used to. I'm scared to death that when it comes time to work Ill freeze and wont remember a thing and be fired! I actually feel bad about trying to find a job since it will be hard for me to pretend to be confident, just to get there and be clueless lol. Did anyone else feel *this* unprepared going into their first job, or attend a school that made it harder on them? How do employers and co-workers handle the lack of knowledge, or do they expect it at first? Do you eventually just memorize the interventions of associated diagnoses, or do you have to comepletely understand the processes of the body in order to "figure out" an intervention every time? Obviously ppl and responces are all different, but in most cases does it just become auto-pilot? Just unloading some feelings, thanks for listening! Any advice or personal eperience to put me at ease would be great :)

i had an anxiety flair up at my clinical because of a situation that got blown out of proportion. a series of stressful events (i was sick, almost wrecked because i had a flat tire i didn't know about, and a few other personal issues) that occurred on my way to clinical caused me to be, well, stressed! some other students thought i was "acting funny" and should not drive home when end of day came. of course i was acting funny...i had a bad day! if stress qualifies for not being able to drive, how many people would be taking a taxi home?? it was pushed to an extreme point by a control freak until i felt attacked, and then had a real panic attack. question is- i would love to tell my instructors about my anxiety problems, and that the way i was treated was unacceptable to anyone, let alone considering my emotional state, but im scared it will effect my graduation status. can they stop me from getting my license because i am sensitive and have anxiety? it is documented at my doc that i have depression, add and gad that i take meds for...so does that qualify as withholding licensure? i know i should keep my mouth shut, but only reason i want to say anything is because i want them to know that if it happens again, im not on drugs or a psycho, or impaired, ect., and that i shouldn't have to be backed in a corner. what should i do??

I dont know if she had faith, but I know God must have given her a mansion in heaven! She encouraged a whole new generation of nurses to get through school, and be able to help those in need. In my times of need, she gave me advice and guidence, and for that I thank her! God bless the family. She will continue to help us even in her death..her posts will continue to teach us for years to come

I got through my first semester! However, our final counts as 45% of our grade!!!!!!!!! Thats insane! But anyway, it is a 100 question "comprehensive final" for both Fundamentals and Health Assessment. There is just no way for me to sift through all the information thoroughly, and it is honestly discouraging me. I'm having a hard time actually reading through everything just because I keep thinking I won't get anywhere anyways. I'm starting to think that (since it is so much of our final grade) it can't be as hard and in depth as our unit exams, and maybe I am thinking too much about it. Anyone have any input from thier past finals? Anyone else's count for that much of their final grade? And...any pointers on knowing what I need to spend time looking at? We finished our last unit exam yesterday, and have the finals tuesday...a whole 5 days to study! With no guidance or study guide either, btw...

With my care plans for class, I have to make a diagnosis statement, then list subjective and objective signs of statement. I have noticed lately that I have been repetitive, and am wondering if I am missing something. Example, my plan is for "excess fluid volume r/t impaired kidney function aeb ascites, edema and oliguria". The signs I am listing are "ascites in abd., pitting edema in lower extremities, oliguria, low HCT and HGB, elevated BUN and elevated BP". I think I am doing something wrong with the "as evidenced by" part. Is it supposed to be basically the same thing as your signs? If so, how do you pick out only one or two...just going by most important? Not all of mine have ended up this way, but I am wondering if it is ok f I do it this way? Thanks soooo much for any input!

thanks for your answser. he had dysphagia due to multiple CVAs and partial paralysis of throat muscles. He has entire left sided weakness. He can move freely within his bed, he just is not ambulatory for the time being. PT is helping with that. I didn't do aspiration or swallowing since he had the tube in place. For anyone that is wondering about deficient knowledge being psychosocial...I talked to someone today that told me it is completely physilogical. I went with interrupted family process.

I am doing a care plan for a man who recently had a PEG tube placed. I am required to do one psychosocial and one physiological diagnosis. For phys. I have "risk for falls r/t postoperative condition and nutritional deficit" First, does this sound like a winner? He has been noted as a fall risk, just dont know about r/t nutrition. Most importantly...I have chosen Deficient knowledge to be my psych diagnosis on the client, but I don't want to build up a care plan without being sure that it is actually a psych, and not a phys (since I already have one). Any suggestions? I did a care plan last week that my instructor didn't like, so I need to be sure I am distinushing between these 2 categories correctly. I used Disturbed Mental Process (caused by multi. CVA and UTI dementia) and Risk for Violence, Others-Directed (he had a past with hurting staff). She said both of them were psych, and I don't agree. I believe both could be either categorty, but I chose disturbed mental process for phys because it was causing, and was due to real psychological events. Anyone have any insight as to how I can distinguish between the "psychosocial and physiological" diagnoses to get through school? And this careplan?? I have tried searching the internet already with no real answer I can trust..

Thank you all so much for your support! I'm sticking it out another day. I keep forgetting the "one day at a time" rule when things get though. I don't know how it will end up, but I am gonna talk to my instructor and try again. I really appreciate everyone that took the time to give me some encouragement, and good luck to all the students. :loveya:

I'm in the ASN program and just started Sept 1st. I was in my 3rd clinical at the hospital today and started crying. Everyone else is doing good, but I feel inferior. Academically, I'm not worse than anyone else. Everyone is struggling and most of the class has a low C average, with mine being an 82 in all classes. When I'm at the hospital, I just freeze. It's like everything I know in the classroom goes out the window. I can think of things on paper, but doing them is becoming obviously harder. I could make straight A's (as I have in the past by the way) but if I can't do it in person, I fail. My instructor picked me apart today and I got really emotional...as hard as I tryed, the tears fell. This is obviously not coming easy for me and I really want to quit. I feel like I should be doing well by now! Or at least not feel so emotional about it. This is basically my last shot at school...I have already tried different things (I have a history of giving up or changing my mind, unsurprisingly) and am out of money after this. I just dont know if it's worth it to spend a dime more if I wont get the graduate! I'm really confused and would appreciate if anyone could share some thoughts about what I should/could do to improve on clinicals. Also, if anyone else has been or is going through this, please share.

I just started nursing school this fall, and have a patient I am making a care plan for. I missed my clinical day and need to make up for it with a good grade! I am having a hard time deciding what the best diagnosis would be between Periferal Neurovascular Dysfunction, and Altered Tissue Perfusion...or any other diagnosis you can come up with that would be a high priority? Here's the info: Pt admission dx is altered mental status and dementia secondary to multiple CVAs & UTI in context of vascular dementia. His past hx is dysphagia, low vision, orbital fracture, pulmonary embolism infarct, Trans ischemic attack, Sclerosis of aortic valve , A-fib, CHF, CAV, Intermittent Claudication. Phys exam: HEENT- EOMI, MMM; Cardio- RRR, no m.g.r; Resp- CTA bilat; GI- +BS, NT and ND. Braden score of 15. Record never stated diabeties, but he is prescribed insulin novalin R reserved for gluc. He is having auditory and somewhat visual hallucenations. He stabbed an employee with a fork, and twisted a frail lady's arm because he thought she had a gun up her sleve. He is depressed with diff. sleeping, decreased energy, poor concentration, decreased memory and sometimes disoriented completely. Shows poor judgement and insight. His ordered diet is pureed for dysphagia, but notwhere in his current health status does it mention problems swallowing, which makes me not want to use that as a diagnosis (lack of facts) even though that would be higher priority. I needed one psychosocial and one physiological, and I have: *Disterbed thought process r/t organic mental disorder aeb visual and auditory hallucenations , impared memory and judgement. I am having trouble coming up with related to factors of Risk for peripheral neurovascular dysfunction. What about r/t sclerotic aortic valve?