ctdismukes

At night we typically stared out with: MVAs (motors vehicle accidents) - because everyone was out on the road at 7pm OR Interfacility Transfers (hospital to nursing home or vise versa) - to pick up left overs from day shift As the night progressed, we would frequently be accompanied by law enforcement R/T domestic disturbance, a perp's "face plant" into the concrete by law enforcement, another MVA or "unresponsive person" (most likely due to substance abuse). We frequently ran across the homeless... especially on cold nights and they really are not bad people as everyone thinks. Some of them are actually pretty damn cool... they just need a shower, some clean clothes and a roof over their head We usually would end our day with an interfacility transfer to take patients to regularly scheduled appointments or the ER (mostly likely because a night shift nurse just got orders to move a patient out because of their rapid decline). You will learn much more at night. There are times when you will be hated, yelled at, swung at, spit on, hugged, kissed, vomitted and cryed upon. The "thank you" from a single patient makes it ALL worth while. Find some locals in their station or on the road and ask about their war stories (trust me I'm sure they have plenty). Im really excited for you! Have fun in your new endevors!

I am formally an EMT and now Im in nursing. I WISH WISH WISH all nurses could have had one semester of clinical rotaion through ERs and on ambulances! I have said that from DAY ONE! That field will keep you on your toes and gives you a better perspective on how to handle an emergency situation on a Med/Surg floor (or anywhere for that matter). I feel my background gives me that "been there, done that" type feeling when I come across a patient that would either make one of my nursing peers panic or vomit (or both!) Please! Go be an EMT and enjoy the hell out of it. You will make more on the road with a private ambulance company (like AMR) than you would as a CNA. And try to pursue getting on an ALS truck where you can work with a Paramedic. You get more experience with codes (as in CPR not ICD9) and drugs that way! Best of Luck

Getting back to the VA Hospitals... I had been applying to the one here in Tampa as a student LPN for the length of my entire program. I was told face to face by one of the recruiters: "We may not hire students right now. We just don't have the money like we used to. For example, we have over 20 RN positions open and ready to fill but last month we could only hire 4 nurses because that's all we can afford at this time." That was in January 2009 while the economy was falling hard. Though I'm a new LPN (just graduated in December), I applied to an open MA position (found on craigslist.com) at a large, reputable cardiology clinic (my dream field!!!). I got the job within 48hours as an MA supervisor with full benefits AND they are paying for my ACLS . My advice... don't just stick with hospitals... they certainly are not the only ones with benefits.

Good Evening Everyone! Im a new LPN in Tampa, FL that has been in the medical field for several years (EMS, clinics, etc.). I am working toward my BSN and then my MSN in Education to teach other nurses. I have noticed though that even LPN instructors with a BSN need experience. I would like to start my teaching experience now. I can't find any CNA companies big enough to hire me on to teach so where should I begin? :redpinkhe Thanks!!!

GO NOW! Take the extra money out, apply for schoalrships, do what ever it takes to get in ASAP! My daughter is 27 months and I just graduated in December. It was tough, I won't deny it. My husband (making only $48k/yr here in FL) was our ONLY source of income and it did put a strain on our marriage because we were so broke for so long! I just kept reassuring him "It will get better. I promise." And it did! Like I told the other moms in my class, I did this not only for myself but also for my daughter. Because when she starts to care about WHO she is wearing not WHAT she is wearing... mommy can provide. My parents were both in EMS with three kids making $3/hr each starting out (in the early 80s) so I was thrilled to get new clothes from Walmart once a year. I don't want my daughter to feel like she has missed out on just being a kid because her family couldn't afford much. Nursing school was a small sacrafice for so much gained... now its off to my BSN and MSN (I want to be a teacher, too)

When I first read your posted I wanted to tell you "Fight the Power!" But alas I know I wouldn't have if I were you. At this point in the game, you only have to deal with her for a few more weeks. Just take a deep breath and let it ride. You have enough on your plate right now with exit exams and the NCLEX right around the corner. Because that team plagerized... they have only cheated themselves. Don't doddle in their petty games. You know you'll get yours... and that's all you need to focus your energy on. Good luck kiddo.

"I have been wondering if I am of the edge of burn out when I am just starting RN nursing school. I still care about my nursing care, though I ration my caring alot more than I use to. I m assuming the inital stages of inexperience and ignorance about nursing has past me." As a former Paramedic for several years, I am a new LPN grad (wanted to start out with that because nursing is a whole 'nother beast compared to the street) and I am scared to death. Its funny because on the street , if we are dispatched to a NH or ALF we always want to talk to an RN not a "lowly LPN". I never realized HOW MUCH and LPN actually does for their patients. Its amazing how they stretch the high stress of patient care over 13 hours while we get our 15 of fame and dump them in the ER. Yes, the excitment does leave you, to a certain degree, after about year five ESPECIALLY as rescrited as a CNA is (kudos to you BTW... I could never do your job as long as you have... I would have burned out in 6 MONTHS!). My point is this. With each NEW set of letters you get behind your name, you are automatically "inexperienced and ignorant". LOL! And I mean that in the most Christian way possible! Take advantage of the new rank and get into a different field (other than Med/Surg or Geriatrics) to get your groove back, Stella. The thrill of being a dx detective has come back to me and now I can't wait for my BSN!!! Good luck in school!