I Believe that you should always be properly oriented to a new position. You should be properly provided with the equipment that you will need. It is also the agency's responsibility to provide all of...
I became a nurse in 1985. Yes, same core nursing tasks: patient advocacy, questioning MD orders when needed. Seemed we had more autonomy back then. As an LPN I answered to the RN of course but my...
Midwest4me replied to soon2bnurse5's topic in LPN, LVN Corner
In Oregon with a state department, making $4800/month, 58,000/year. Not bad for a nurse with 30 years' experience. My first year (in 1985) as an LPN I made
Midwest4me replied to almost_nurse's topic in General Nursing
Totally understandable. You are venting and here we SHOULD be able to vent! This is my first post in over 5 years(just got away from reading posts...nursing now over 30 years and sick of it) BUT I...
Midwest4me replied to chelleanne's topic in Psychiatric
Our psych hospital has about 650 pts. Each ward has about 25 pts. Staffing: 1-2 RNs, 1 LPN, 3-5 techs. This is NOT enough staff as we provide activities(like on-grounds walks, yard, gym, fitness,...
Midwest4me replied to adnrnstudent's topic in Psychiatric
We don't wear scrubs at our psych hospital; we wear casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts. My keys are attached to a lanyard; the lanyard is attached to a carabiner and the carabiner is hooked to a...
Midwest4me replied to misscutiecute2010's topic in LPN, LVN Corner
I agree. I wish I'd just finished my Masters degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology back in 1985 instead of returning to nursing. Too late now: no $, no desire, too old, and too close to
I believe that nurses should remember that spiritual needs are very important aspects of the patient's total healthcare. If a nurse is NOT of the same belief system as his/her patient, then get the...
Midwest4me replied to newnurse_12's topic in LPN, LVN Corner
Congrats! Now for the advice: Be prepared for constant interruptions during med passes, when on the phone with MDs, doing treatments. Often you are understaffed and need to help the CNAs or take on a...
Midwest4me replied to futurenurseOB's topic in LPN, LVN Corner
You've indeed shown tons of perseverance! Continue to keep your chin up and positive thoughts going. Since this economy is so poor, keep the CNA job(s) until you land an LPN job. Keep in mind, too,...
Midwest4me replied to NCindasun21's topic in Psychiatric
Thanks, Elladora, for sharing that. I think I need to memorize that! Our ward has been "high" lately....seems the patients' degrading, verbal abuse is on the rise(which I have ALWAYS taken...
Midwest4me replied to tareija's topic in Psychiatric
Go to GoodWill and invest in some jeans, t-shirts(inexpensive clothes). Then when you have to take a patient down and seclude him, or deal with those violent patients who throw feces on you, you...
Midwest4me replied to Redder's topic in Psychiatric
Our patients in the psych hospital have many medical issues too. However, primarily, we deal with strange behaviors, verbal/physical abuse from these patients. Sometimes they're hallucinating; most...