sun_chica

Good to know... thanks

When I was looking at it, I thought that potential employees might think I needed to re-cert when I was current... thanks for confirming;)

I'm updating my resume and I'm working on the section for licensure/certifications. I'm listing my CPR & ACLS courses and I put the date I took the course/got certified (not when the cert expires, right)? Also, for my RN license, I put "RN license #5555555" - should I list the date of my original licensure in that state, most recent renewal date, or the expiration date listed. Any help is appreciated... I think my brain's fried from a busy week at work... thanks

I'm well aware that in today's market, there is no guarantee of a raise. However, when you bust your butt for a small company and maintain the highest percentage for overall performance on my cases audited (for timeliness, accuracy, completeness), I expect some financial recognition. We'll see how it goes... I figure I'll 'remind them/check-in' in another week. I'm really not trying to be a pain... but I NEED the $$$. Actually, I just spoke to my neighbor yesterday (she's a nurse), and she told me about an opening at her facility... I think it may be time to see what else is out there. I'll let you know how it turns out!!

Thanks for all the input... much appreciated! This whole review/raise thing is just one more reason I'm becoming much more frustrated with my current position. I really wanted to 'stay' the same job til I finish my BS degree, but the lack of recognition for a job well done is really getting old. And, the hour commute each way doesn't make it any easier. Thanks again for your thoughts;)

Need some input from your personal experiences... I've been working for a IRO (Independent Review Organization) for just over 1yr (6/19/07 was my anniversary date). It is a small company (25 employees); however, I had heard that management is slow with giving raises. So, a month prior to my anniversary date, I completed my section of my review, then had my review with my manager. 2 weeks prior to my anniversary date, I touched base with my manager & gave her my goals for the next year. My anniversary date comes (6/19) and I stop in the big wigs office (nice guy, very personable) - just to 'remind' him that it was my anniversary and was curious if my boss gave him all the review info, and if there was any word on my raise. He chuckles, and says "I don't know what companies you've worked for, but things don't happen that quickly". I replied something to the effect, "well, I'll be checking in frequently to check the status of my raise... and expecting retro-pay". He laughed at the 'retro-pay' comment.:angryfire So, my question is what would be in my best interest... I have had a few nursing jobs over the past 3 years (not a big fan of bedside nursing), and I like the office setting. That being said, I'm ready to apply to another company with better pay, decent benefits, and 1/2 the distance away. Also, I'm working on finishing my BS in Bus Admin, so I was hoping to stay at my current company (I don't mind the work, kinda like it) until I graduate. That way I can show I have staying power. But, I am beyond frustrated that this company is messing with my money (livelihood) - my hubby is working a PT 2nd job b/c we need to pay things down. My feeling is that I've already had my review, all my manager needed to do was call the owner of the company and discuss my raise... why the delay?!?!?! I feel anything more than 2 weeks after my anniversary date is unacceptable... any thoughts, suggestions??? Thanks in advance for your input.. sorry it's long;)

I've discovered that nursing isn't my cup of tea... overall a 5. In the hospital setting, I'd give it a 2. Worked as an ER tech while in nursing school & loved it. Actually being the nurse, not so much. I worked in M/S/Tele, PCU, & ER during my 2.5yrs in the hospital. The ER was definitely the best, but I still just didn't like it! ~1yr ago, I left the bedside to work in an office setting for a medical review company. Now nursing doesn't seem so bad... now it's a 7. That being said, I'm currently in an accelerated BS in Business Administration since I'm enjoying the non-clinical world. It's nice to not hate going to work! I enjoy utilizing my nursing knowledge, but I really enjoy the M-F, clean office setting, where I actually get my allotted lunch and breaks

First, I don't have kids... however, I have worked nights & evenings. I hated working evenings, I never saw my hubby. Yes, you will gain soo much knowledge and be more comfortable in your nursing classes/clinicals if you choose to take the US job. I was a unit clerk in an ER while attending nursing school. It makes clinicals a breeze. That being said, I would follow your gut and enjoy the time with your kids/hubby. If you're a family person, working evenings may make you very grumpy and miserable (like me). I now work M_F 8:30 - 4:30 and I'm back to my happy self... shift work did not work well for me. After 4 years of nights/evening I don't miss it one bit! Only you can decide what's best for you and your family. Best of luck to you!!

Let me think... NO! NO! NO! $11/hr -that's insulting! Absolute minimum $20hr for new grad, but min of $25+ is more acceptable:)

Just my opinion, but $19K for LPN...yikes...$$$$ You stated that you're courses previously taken are over 8yrs old. So, that sucks... but, get on the waiting list at the cc near your home. Take you're pre-reqs over the next 2yrs (as you wait), then you'll have a lot more energy to focus on your nursing classes and clinicals. Let alone, you'll probably only spend ~$10K at cc. Then you'll be in a good position to further your education (if that's something you're interested in). The other option is the 4-yr college. There probably isn't a waiting list. It'll take 4yrs, but you'll have your BSN & then you wouldn't have done 4yr at cc (2 of prereqs & 2yr of nsg courses). It all depends on what you want in the end. $19K just sounds like way too much $$ for LPN. Good luck with your decision making... it's so hard to make these decisions. (I just stopped an accelerated RN-BSN degree program b/c I don't know if nursing is where I want to stay, & I refuse to pay $20K and not be happy with the degree I earn!)

NO... I HATE IT!! I regret ever gong to school for it.. nursing makes me miserable, I hate work and it pours over into my personal life. I'm trying so hard to get through each day I work, that I'm not enjoying & living life. I'm going back to school for health/nutrition or bio/animals... something I really want to do. I am the type of person who needs to enjoy my job, or atleast not detest it! All that being said, you are an individual & only you can decide if nursing is right for you... many people love it, and many peeps hate it. But, if you don't give it a chance you'll always wonder if nursing was for you. Your call... Best of luck deciding;)

I would NOT have chosen nursing- so many other things I find interesting: enineering, sports medicine, PT, fitness trainer, dietician, animal rescue/education, health/gym teacher. I chose nursing b/c I loved the show ER years ago & I hated my current major accounting. The only major at my CC that somewhat appealed to me at that time was nursing. I busted my butt, passed everything the 1st time, but hated nursing school by my second of 4 clinicals, thought it'd get better after graduation. Absolutely hated nursing for 1.5 years, now in an ED, ~50%-don't love or hate it. I love the sciences... but soo many negatives compared to the positives in this field, at least for me. Earning my BSN so I can open many more door ways, sooner than later. Masters... one thing at a time:)

Is it just me, or is it kinda alarming the number of nurses that are soo fed up & tired of the hassles of bedside nursing? I'm looking at the ages of most posters, we're all in our 20's, including myself 25yo. Do you guys think that some of our discontent has to do with the fact that many other jobs seem more appealing. I recently strained my lower back, after than I told my husband, I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO WORK AT THE BEDSIDE AFTER I GET MY BSN. My hospital is paying for a small amount of my schooling, so I'm not leaving til I'm done. Our health & wellbeing is risked everyday we go to work, & for the money and lil' bit of graditute we get- it is NOT WORTH IT! It's a real shame, I love science, health, nutrition and helping peeps, but I'll have to find another way to do it, sooner than later!

I also have mild-mod adult acne (25y)- I refuse to take Accutane b/c I'd like to become pregnant in the next year or two. I was using prescription strength (Zoderm) Benzoperioxide 4% facial wash & retin A prn. the retin A really dried out my skin, so I used it when I wanted to . Also, DON'T use Dove soap on your face. My dermatologist said to use Oil of Olay. I use the benzo 1-2x/day, depending on how dry my skin feels. I use cetaphil lotion, which the derm. also recommends. I saw some good results within 2months of using the above products, you do have to be religious about washing your face BID. I was also given an antibiotic topical cream- way to thick and felt crappy on my face. Now since I want to start a family soon, I don't want any prescription drugs in me. Accutane is category X, retin A is category C (i think), so I just went off everything. Retin A must be stopped min 3months before want to try to conceive, per my OBGYN. My regimen which seems to work pretty well is wash face BID. In the AM, I use Oil of Olay bar soap with a washcloth, pat dry, apply thin layer of Cetaphil body lotion (I avoid FACE lotions b/c they irritate my skin more than reg). At night, I use St Ives, Apricot Facial Scrub, pat dry, and apply thin layer Cetaphil lotion. I usually have 1-2 small pimples, but much better than before I used anything. some days I'm acne free. Sorry so long, hope it gets better for you

yeah!!! The good days are few & far between! All jobs have pros & cons, but nursing is a physically & emotionally demanding job with rarely an ounce of graditute. the only way to make it through most days, is working with a great crew of nurses, docs, & techs!

I think most nurses have been in your position or on every similar. I've been out of school 2years, on my 3rd hospital, 4th department. I HATED nursing until went to the ED, where I am now. I'd say, I don't hate nursing now, it's tolerable. I'm with you... I feel I just choose the wrong profession!!! I'm a good nurse, bust my butt for patients, and try to help out, but you can only do soo much. Take care of you, b/c the hospital could care less about you!!! I'm just curious... I don't like nursing, but I'm starting an Accelerated RN-BSN program so I'll be able to get away from the bedside, since there are so many options- how many of you guys have your AAS vs your BSN. Maybe I have it wrong, but almost all the non-clinical jobs I see require many years of experience or BSN. I also feel that I NEED to get my bachelor's degree b/c I'm ony 25y & without it, I'll never leave the bedside. What have others found to be the case, all opinions welcome:)

For my 2 AAS degrees: animal mgmt & nursing, I've got $6000. I begin an accelerted 18month RN-BSN next week... so add another ~$14000, after reimbursements from work. Ugh... I'm disgusted with the high cost of education. I don't know if I'd go for my master, just b/c the cost factor. I'd probably take 1-2 classes and let my work pay for all of it!!!

I too have bought Dansko, only to find I CAN'T WEAR THEM!!! EERRR! But, I've found KEEN brand shoes, they're actually more outdoor/rugged leather shoes. http://www.keenfootwear.com/ Go to the women's page, I have the "boston" style in color "bison" They are so comfortable, they felt worn in from day #1. My feet never hurt. The pair I bought were $105, so I would find a store that carries the brand and see if they work for you. they don't feel like the most cushiony shoe, but they mold to your feet... can't say enough good things about them. Good luck in your search!!

Easy solution...TAPE REPORT!!! I've worked nights and I like getting out on time. If there late, I don't care b/c I've given them my taped report and small sheet with any updates since I've taped. They walk in the door, hand them the tape and your on your way. I still hang around til my shift is over, but I'm out at 7:15am. I do check with the oncoming nurse and ask if they have any questions b/c I'm leaving. Good luck!

thanks for all the good tips and advice:) Yeah, after my difficulty today, I became the "foley" lackey. So, needless to say, I'll be doing ALL foleys that come through the ED for the next few weeks I'm sure! I'll let you know how it goes:p

Here's my deal. Just moved to the ED, lovin it. However, I need some tips for easy indwelling foley insertion techniques. Been out of school almost 2yrs and have only inserted 10-15 foleys!!! (I know... how sad is that!) In school I think I may have placed 2 foleys and on the floor, no more than 5. I'd say I get it in on the 1st shot ~70% of the time. Today, I had an uncirc. man that was small and I had LOTS of trouble getting the foreskin pulled back w/ 1hand ... finally, I had another nurse place it and he then showed me the technique he uses. I can usually get women, if I have a light to help me see. I feel silly having been out of school and still such a novice with this particular skill, but many pt's on the floor come up from the ED WITH a foley in place, so not many opportunities to practice. Any tips or advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. I felt soooo STUPID and INCOMPETENT today!!! thanks!

I love KEEN footwear. I can't wear Dansko b/c they rub the top of my foot horribly, but the KEEN shoes are awesome!!! They run between $70-110, but they are the most comfortable shoes- they feel worn in from the 1st time you wear them:)

I'd say it depends on what your running & what needs to be given intermittently... If you have a heparin or protonix gtt, & you need to give IV lasix, if you flush in between (SAS) your fine. I think the problem is when you're dealing w/ some meds that need to be pushed via infusion pump or IVPB, or depending on the gtt. what do others think??

It doesn't seem like a big deal, he was checking her legs. She had a gown covering her as she drops her pants... she's totally covered. if she's uncomfortable, she should speak up. Just think of the times you've been told to undress, & you sit there for five minutes or so, waiting (prob b/c the doc was stopped in the hallway for another pt). I agree w/ the above posts, prob an time efficiency thing:)

There's always time for the gym, you just need to make it part of your daily schedule. I found that studying notes/reading while working out on the elliptical & stationary bike was great, helped me remember more. I could never study while on the treadmill, running is too much mov't for my eyes to stay focused. Best of luck! You'll definetely need a stress reliever & exercising is the best way to burn off frustrations!!!