RLeeRN

This whole thread can be used as evidence that our education system is a failure. When someone has to utilize profanity to communicate, it is often the result of a rather low vocabulary. It is kind of hard to claim to be a professional when one has a habitual problem with using a potty mouth.......:)

The rule that someone should be forced to pay union dues when they do not want to is wrong under an circumstances. Especially since the money may be used to support causes or policies may not agree with. Since the middle class is said to be under "assault" so often then it may be even more just not to require middle class workers to pay their hard earned money into an organization they do not support. I remember reading a post on here some time ago about a nurse that had to pay union dues to a union that spent union dues to try and drag her husbands name through the mud in a political contest. Not all unions are "bad", however, the majority of them have become a "give me this or else" highly political typically liberal democrat organizations that expect the other group to cave by threats. There are hospital "employees" that continually vote down unions because they have historically had a good working relationship with the administration and management, sometimes called the "Big Man" who craves excessive wealth at the cost of the health of patients and the well being of the staff. This idea that management is the enemy and that their is a big boogie man in a suit that desires to see RN's suffer in poverty and love's to place patients lives at risk for a profit is a common falacy these days, just like those who try to cause class warfare in this country in order to advance their agenda's. Of course their are individual managers that are poor at their job, but there are many union dues paying RN's that are horrible nurses and have a chip on their shoulder that go around causing problems within a unit when there is not one. I first saw the the aggressive tactics of unions over 20 years ago at a local plant with threats of violence and destruction of property to intimidate those who would not stand with them, of course it was for safe working conditions....:) Not just for the money....but that just so happens to always be an issue that seems to be addressed. The similar stink of that type of union mentality was in the air while I lived in CA. Nurses wearing a strike pins and buttons while taking care of patients is another poor tactic that does nothing to help the patient and families who are going through the hardest times in their life. When a union encourages intimidation of a coworker who may disagree with them and who wants to work as a RN without going on strike, the whole union loses credibility. I would surely look at the history of a union before placing my personal support to any organization that uses such bottom feeding practices to attain "benefits".

I have to pick myself off the floor from laughing when union nurses say they don't unionize for $$$$$$$....All for humanity.....oh, and free this, and free that.......Reality check...Nothing is free. I have seen the stink of some Union RN's in CA treating there coworkers like dirt for not holding their same position. Destroying others property, childish name calling like disgruntled teens is a common tactic used against RN's who have the professionalism to care for patients while nurses stand in the street stomping their feet. Have your union, but don't demand everyone to pay into them who reject what they invest that $$ into. It's ok to be Non-Union......wake up and be thankful you have a job. Thanks.

Yes they did down size if you will, by limiting it to more junior ranks among enlisted and officers. I found out about it shortly after it changed and did not qualify. However, it looks like a real help to those who do qualify. Thankfully I found a very veteran, veteran spouse, emergency worker friendly school to pursue my RN-BSN degree with Liberty University Online.

Thanks for the reminder about the link.....Here is a link with some more information on the MyCAA program. https://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx

I came across this program availible for the spouses of military families to pursue certain education goals that will adapt to the mobility of the military family. If you know a military family get the word out. This seems like it would be perfect for a 2 year RN or an LPN program etc......Take care.

You nailed it! Assess don't assume.........PRN Meds are there for a tool to use to help the patient, not to play keep away.

I have had some of the best care in regards to diagnosing and planning of care by NP's for myself, wife, and children. From my NNP in the NICU to the FNP at the urgent care who did an excellent job at sutures. Two thumbs up overall for the field, and as with all professions, and yes MD's included, you will have the exceptions. I would not be suprised if the role continues to expand in the future.

No kidding! I can just see them looking down their noses at the OP while wagging their finger as they type...:) Some may even be sipping a little booze (because its legal right) at the same time while chastening. OP I would also think the blood test is not for a drug screen. You might want to get that pain checked by an MD so you dont have to worry about this in the future if it occurs again. Good luck with your new job.

It looks like you have a great opportunity to teach him a lot over the next 5 weeks. Teaching him how to assess pain without being tempted to make assumptions of what he thinks the pain "really" is would be a great accomplishment. His future patients will thank you. I agree with some others in that it really is probably just a lack of knowledge about the subject, or repeating what was heard from others. Glad you can have an impact.

Morte, The idea that management or administration is willing to allow children to be abused to prevent "bad press" is another talking point thrown out when issues are not handled exactly how the staff would have wanted. Oh , and assume is defined by Merriam-Webster' Collegiate Dictionary as: To take as granted or true: to Suppose. Thanks. Lee

You make a good point in that nurses are mandatory reporters of abuse by law. Obviously, anyone with authority within the hospital has found that there is no "abuse" going on or that the parents are not a "threat". One could assume that the OP would have already reported the parents if there was a substantial reason and not just frustration over the parents making decisions that staff may not "agree" with. More likely a lack of an ability to speak to "difficult" parents with any success.

Regardless of how many parents or family one meets it is in the best interest of the patient, family, staff, and facility to treat each and every encounter with a high level of professionalism. Of course bad parents exist and as a peds/NICU nurse you no doubt will see a higher concentration of them due to your particular community. However, instead of using this as an excuse to not have a "rosy" outlook about parents and becoming hardened to them, there is an even greater need to find ways to communicate in a way that is beneficial to all. Being genuine, warm, empathetic, and respectful go along way with patients and family. Even parents who "suck" can pick up on the value judgements nurses are making. Thanks. Lee

Well said.......spoken with some real wisdom and concern for all those involved, not just taking the easy way out. Thanks.

When in doubt call the parents selfish child abusers who risk the lives of their children for a cozy pillow...oh, and unless your a peds nurse then you can't have an opinion.........Really? I am sure that style of communication works well for parents........arrogance mixed with a little degrading, how therapeutic.

The only thing that is obvious is that all the "true" facts are not known. To make an absolute statement that miscommunication is obviously not a factor is going out on a limb to say the least. Poor interpersonal communication skills and lack of communication between all those that are supposed to be involved in the planning process (parents are included in this, esp when dealing with children) are one of the most common causes of lawsuits and errors in healthcare facilities. When a parent becomes involved with the healthcare process of their child and may invoke their "right" to make healthcare decisions for their child it should not automatically be assumed they are trying to harm their child. If someone would go the parents in humility and try to start over with them, respecting their rights, without trying to make them feel like their input is not valid then maybe a therapeutic relationship may be possible. I am somewhat familiar with newborn airways having had two of my five children in NICU's for breathing issues with one on a ventilator. Regardless, being a nurse and also spending ample time on the other side of the curtain I have observed a multitude of nurses interact with my family and my little ones. The vast majority of nurses are highly skilled at communicating with parents establishing a positive nurse-client relationship. However, I have seen the few that are highly sensitive and despise the idea of a parent or family member becoming involved in the decision making process. Sometimes parents want to make it clear that staff need not assume that they have the right to do anything to their child without the permission of the parents unless their is a trust established. Lee

Wow.....call CPS, refuse to care, parents may want their child to die for money gained from a lawsuit?! Good Grief! What happened to the child in the case that the parents refused the nurses request to suction? Did the child die? Become cyanotic? Code? Or did nothing happen? And maybe the parents acutally know their child and are involved in the plan of care which many nurses are not used to. Did this happen to the OP or is this all second hand drama retold like a fishing story....it just gets bigger and bigger. Maybe they are picky, maybe they dont want the child suctioned every 10 minutes because they have cared for them at home just fine, maybe they are not complete idiots just because they requested their child be able to rest at night. Sadly this whole thing probably could have been avoided if proper Interpersonal Communication was utilized instead of drawing lines in the sand and isolating the parents. Sad that a whole unit of professional nurses can't resolve something like this without threatening to call CPS. Lee

With all that the nation faces as a threat on many fronts, what does the largest nurses union bring to the table to fix the healthcare concerns? "Tax Wall Street"! Wow....that's deep....:/ The lady mentioned the American way, well I am pretty certain that isn't taking money from those who earned it and force them to give it away. Hey...how about the nurses unions empty out there annual coffers and put it toward helping pay for more nurses to get through school. Or even better, to donate their own money to pay for healthcare for those who need it. Or better yet, every individual give as they are moved to do so.......

Sounds like you are one of those people who strive to excel in all that you do which is good, however; that can lay a large of amount of self imposed stress on you. Nursing is a second career for me as well, and I always excelled in the military even under high stress situations, but find it a little more difficult to push through that as I get older. Failure anxiety is a crusher at times, and can be pushed through, but really saps the fun out of the job. Most often we think everyone will think poorly of us if we don't do everything perfect. They actually might be relieved that you are not a machine, and struggle with some things like everybody. FYI...Some folks (nurses included) can have a General Anxiety Disorder and find a lot of relief from the stress by taking a med to help, like Lexapro. Also, Extra IV starts may be something you could do at same day surgery, they do umpteen million before the sun comes up for sure. Maybe they would let you shadow and spend the whole morning doing all the sticks for a couple days. Just a thought. That is where I got the best understanding of doing IV starts. Had the best RN, actually the Manager walk and talk me through about 16-20 of them and it has stuck with me. Remember to enjoy everyday! Take care.

Maybe the OP can put this slogan on a srub top in bright colors so the patients can have a read before their pain assessment. On the back can say "Dont cross the Line!" Ha!

This made me chuckle......thanks.

Hello OP, It doesn't seem that you really are particular about what school you attend. I am not sure if your postition requires a degree program with CCNE or NLNAC accreditation as do some Veterans Administration Facilities that I have seen. I am currently attending Liberty University Online www.luonline.com out of Lynchburg, VA. They offer an RN-BSN course completely online that has really outstanding student faculty interaction. Communication is key at this school. It is a Christian University and requires a couple core classes after you transfer you other courses in. I will have my BSN finished in 3 terms, hopefullynext summer. They offer the 8 week courses, so you are busy, but it is possible to get in their and knock it out. It is one of the top online schools in the nation with a large online community, and of course the brick campus in Lynchburg. The RN program is CCNE accreditted. I am not sure if you are a veteran or if your spouse may be, if so they have discounted rates for all veterans, active duty, spouses, as well as for all first responders. I have never paid for a book there as a veteran, as they offer a $400 book voucher each term. They go above and beyond to guide you through everything from registration to completing your course work. Well good luck on your journey, and I hope you enjoy your new federal job.

Staring at a Radar screen and making an assessment of what you are observing leading you to take some type of action or to pass on that information to someone with a different skill set to make a decision as well is just like nursing. Our radar screen is the pt.....we observe everything on that screen and make assessments, formulate plans, and pass on information in a timely manner so we can put to use what our trained eye has observed allowing the best possible outcome for the pt.........:)

I found my transition from USMC Infantry to Registered Nursing a rather easy one. Many military schools we attend have very strict standards with minimal room for failure, which will help you in your ability to do well in your nursing education. I started full time with my general ed classes and pre reqs using my GI Bill at my local community college in CA. With the Post 9/11 Gi Bill you do have the housing allowance and other perks that will make this easier for you financially. My wife was and still is active duty USAF set to retire next year, which allowed me to not have to work full time when I started my actual RN program. If you dont have to work during the program then dont, so you can really absorb every bit of knowledge you study, unless you are trying to pay off debt while going through school which is wise also. Strive from the start to do your very best in every class especially your core science courses. I was accepted to transfer to the local four year state school for my RN program after completing my prereqs, but due to life, I chose to apply and was accepted to a 2 year ADN program which gave me a faster path to my RN license. Even with the shorter two year program my wife had to PCS during my last three months of school which was not that big of a deal being a military family. I was able to graduate with Honors, and passed my NCLEX on my first attempt, which was due to putting in the effort with many late night study sessions alone after my family was asleep, and a great group of teachers. I have had no problem finding employment, but have had to leave nearly every job shortly after due to my wife being reassigned several times over the past several years, along with deployments leaving me to set my nursing career aside to care for our children. I am now homeschooling our children while finishing my BSN online through Liberty Universtiy which is very Veteran Friendly(decreased rates, and large book vouchers etc) for those in the RN to BSN program. They also have a traditional four year program as well I believe. I say all of this to ensure you take into consideration your spouses career obligations, and any other family factors that must be considered before you begin a program. Research well the schools in your area, then formulate a plan, then set the plan into motion, then watch plan change daily.... I am sure you will do great, just make sure the program is regionally accredited (wasc, sasc etc) and Nationally accredited as well if possible, esp if a BSN program (CCNE, NLN...). Congrats on your adventure into nursing, and I hope you remember to enjoy the journey....it is what you make of it. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our nation. God bless.

It seems OB/GYN office would be you best option for RN work in your local area, however; many communites have privately funded centers that provide services to teen mothers who desire to keep their children, but lack resources and information due to many factors. I am not sure what your goals/desires are, or if you even care if you work with them in the capacity of an RN or as a counseler or case manager at one of these private centers. I don't know of what is in your local area, but here is a link to A Womans Friend center in Northern California that can give you an example of different options that are out there regarding services and counseling to pregnant teens. Who knows maybe they have a network of centers in other states you could ask about. Sorry I can't be of more help. www.awomansfriend.org