psustudent5

Were learning about drug testing. The tests were using state "The One-Step Rapid Nicotine Test applies the principle of competitive immunoassay. The test device contains a membrane strip that is pre-coated with Cotinine antigen at the test line region." What is Cotinine antigen or Cotinine antibody?

If someone had cancer and recovered and is physically well again, should they become a nurse or are they going to be exposed to too many things? Physical activity isn't as much of a concern as being exposed to carcinogens though.

What chemicals do nurses come into contact on a daily basis? Can anyone list the most common chemicals used by all nurses, specifically LPN's but RN's as well.

I know they do not do most of the dirty work but don't they have to learn how to do that stuff too??

My classmates were having a debate on job duties. The pre-med students were talking about clinical rotations during medical school. Since they aren't in med school yet, I'm not sure if they actually know what they are talking about. They were saying how it was funny that nursing students (LPN or RN) get to do all the grunt work since that's their job and they don't do anything like that. They probably don't have to give baths but what about catheters, enemas, etc. ? They were also saying that nurses come into contact with so many more hazards than doctors. What? Is that true or are they wrong? I thought med students have to still do grunt work and still come into contact with hazards such as chemicals. They aren't interns, residents, MD's, or licensed. They are just med students. Basically my question is what do med students actually do that's so much "higher" than nurses? I thought that they had to come into contact with everything since they are getting the higher degree and are basically going to be in charge.

I don't really understand how clinical rotations work. What do you get to do and how often do you spend in each unit??

Any characteristics or personality traits you can think of?? I've always been interested in nursing but I'm unsure after reading this website!!

Someone close to me does not want me to go into nursing from carcinogen exposure in hospitals. My grandmother died of stage four lung cancer and my other grandmother was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. How much exposure is there? Is there really more than other jobs or just daily life in general?

Posted was the site that I was referring to. http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_1.html

Posted is the site I was referring to. http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_1.html

It was posted by OSHA or the United States Department of Labor. If you scroll down, there is a list of agents. http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_1.html

I really need some advice so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and are mature in their responses. I've suffered from Anorexia, severe anxiety, severe OCD, and depression. After my grandmother passed away from stage four lung cancer and my other grandmother being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus, I've developed a phobia of getting cancer. I'm taking classes online and stay in my house most of the week. I'm really sad about all of this and I'm seeing a mental health counselor but it isn't doing enough. I want to take on a career that I am passionate about and will have to work hard for so that I can get my mind off of things. Since my mother has always worked as a secretary in a trauma unit, I was around physicians and nurses. I do not have much money but there is an affordable community college that has LPN and RN programs. I applied but now I am very hesitant about going after hearing that working in a hospital is hazardous because there are many carcinogens. I searched the internet every day about more information and after reading how many carcinogens are in the hospital on the OSHA website, I'm reconsidering my career as a whole. I know that I would like to work in a private practice or outpatient center but as a nursing student you have to spend a large amount of time in a hospital. Are there any suggestions? Should I forget this career all together?

BLS.gov says that "nurses must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics" and other websites on Google said how nurses are more exposed to occupational carcinogens than physicians and other careers. Why is this and what carcinogens do you come into contact with on a daily basis that other professions don't??