Claritee

Now that you've seen the movie, I'm sure you'll be extra careful. And always remember to fully retract the needle into its safety device immediately after withdrawing it from the patient. Also, don't attempt to recap a needle using your fingers on the cap, and never after it has been inserted into someone. You should be fine.

Learning another language is a very good idea, even if it's just to exercise your brain. If you want to do it for more practical reasons, many community colleges have Medical Spanish courses in their continuing ed. department. I personally think it's a great idea and it can only benefit you. (I need to look into it myself.:))

It's not about under-reporting, it's about under-medicating. One study I saw had people with bone pain who were under-medicated as compared to others with the same type of pain, even by members of their own minority group. Also, we recently watched a video that perpetuated the stereotype about the "stoic" patients belonging to a certain group. After the video was over, every member of the class belonging to that group refuted it. Maybe it's the perception by others of this "stoicism" that is partly to blame.

I had to Google this issue to see if their was any research on it. There's tons! Here's one article: Minorities get less treatment for their pain - Health - Pain center - msnbc.com Apparently, minorities get less treatment for pain. Who knew?

Hi P_RN... They are really dreads and really my real hair. They have been growing from my scalp for over two years (and I love them).:) I'm not expecting any special treatment and I'm not sure if it being my natural hair will make a difference or not, but it would be nice if it did.

Thanks to all for your great advice, ideas, anecdotes, opinions, encouragement, etc. You have all given me a lot to think about (esp. the wig thing... never considered it). The decision, should I be lucky enough to have to make it, is still a little ways off. I just like to prepare myself for things well in advance. I'm a logical thinker and in the end will do what is best for my family and myself. And I'm sure that having a fantastic career would make us much happier than me just having fantastic hair (although my hubby loves it, he'll get over it)! Thanks again nurses!

Thanks to all of you for your advice:heartbeat. My hair can be pulled back into a neat, professional looking bun, fit under a hat/helmet, etc. I love my hair and it has taken a lot of patience to it grow it out, but of course my career is more important in the long run. However, I still have some time time to think about this issue and may just go in as if nothing's strange and see what happens as some have suggested. And if I cut them, I'll have a long, awkward growing out phase in which I'll look like a man with a little fro (until I can fit it into a ponytail again) because I'm not getting a relaxer/perm. It might just be worth it, though... Decisions, decisions.

Hello Nurses! I am a senior nursing student and my two main passions are psych/mental health and community/public health nursing. Happily, the exams I have taken (both standardized and professor written) have indicated that my knowledge in these areas is very strong. However, I want real life experience. I would like to work with the the US Public Health Service (USPHS)as a psych nurse and eventually the Centers for Disease Control as a Behavioral or Health Scientist. There's is just one problem: According to the dress code I found on the website, the USPHS has a no dreadlock policy and I have dreadlocks! I love my hair, but I am also passionate about service to my country. I'm AA and this is what my hair does in it natural state. My hair is shoulder length and my dreads are are thin, neat, and inconspicuous. I could not imagine them being a distraction or receiving extra attention from anyone and my hair requires very little maintenance (just wash and go). I was thinking about trying to sign up anyway and letting them tell me they don't want me, but I am not a boat-rocker. I respect rules and don't want to cause any trouble. I think I'm gonna keep my hair (it's my prerogative as a woman/human being), but I'm sad that I won't be allowed to serve because of it and would like some advice. What would you do? Thanks for your honest advice!

There's a 57 year old man and a 43 year old woman in my class now. We graduate in Dec. (yay)! They are both really cool, smart, and focused. I like them both a lot and think they'll be great nurses. It's never too late to do what you love. BTW, I turned 30 a few years back myself!

I know of a state psych hospital in my area where a young female patient died because of complications from constipation. It can get really serious... Don't let it go on! Ask for a stool softener or something. It's terrible that you and your patients have to go thru this, but I think you are doing a great job by fighting for what is right.

"I would love to call out with "anal glaucoma" That's when you just can't see your behind going to work.However-I believe in Karma and I have found that if I call in sick and really am not then I soon get that way...." :rotfl: That was funny!!!!

My accelerated program is pretty hard, but not more than I can handle. I was only a mostly A student in my pre-nursing days; I got a few B's, too. I have one and a half semesters left of a four semester program and I get A's and B's, almost enough sleep, and some "me/family time" (I have a husband and six kids that keep me busy). The stress level is high, but manageable. You'll be able to do it. Use a calendar and a few annoying alarms and you'll be fine. It'll be over before you know it! :stdnrsrck:

Hi! It sounds like we are in the same situation... wife, mom, burbs to downtown, etc. We're even the same accelerated program! I'm in the A2 semester at GSU. I have 5 wonderful children (ages 12 - 3) and a fantastic husband. They understand (except for the 3 y.o. who could care less that mommy has to study ALL THE TIME) that what I am doing now will benefit all of us in the future and they are happy to help me succeed. They are all so proud of me and I couldn't do it without their support. :redbeathe I try make my family a part of what I'm doing. My husband (poor guy ) listens to me explain fluid/electrolyte imbalance, how specific disease processes work, etc. My kids quiz me before an exam. They also help around the house. My husband and 12 y.o. love to cook, everybody cleans (if I fuss enough), and they entertain one another so that I can study. I do miss just hanging out with them as much as I use to, but I still make time for weekly movie nights at home. Just have a talk with your family and let them know what to expect for the next 16 months. You'll definitely need them! About the program: You will have have about six - seven classes in your first semester. Patho, pharm, health assessment, nutrition, etc. We did all day on Monday, 1/2 days on Wednesday and Friday. Friday was also lab/ clinical day. You can't fall behind, because it is very hard to catch up if you do. It's intense! Make sure that you take advantage of days off (including weekends) to study. I think that 1st semester was one of the hardest things I'd ever done, but I learned so much! It was so worth it & I feel like a stronger person because I survived. I have many extra responsibilities that most other students in the program don't have. I don't have to time to go to study groups or things like that, but I have still been able to maintain about 3.7-ish program GPA. It's not easy, but you can do it! Just the fact that you got accepted into this program in the first place says that you are no stranger to hard work (it's a competitive program). Remember, you have already proven yourself to be capable and I'm sure you'll do great! You can send me a message if you'd like more info. I'm happy to help!

You had me going!! Funny!!!

I don't know where you live, but in Atl, GA the CDC hires nurses. You can also check out this thread: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nurses-who-dont-238933-page9.html. It really gave me some great ideas!

Remember... you can make more in NY and still be broke, but less money in Tampa and be very comfortable. It's all about the cost of living. Here's the salary.com link for ny city: http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_salaryresults.asp?op=salswz_psr&hdOmniNarrowDesc=Healthcare+--+Nursing&hdOmniTotalJobsFound=8&pagefrom=selectjob&redbird=&jobfamilycode=12&joblevelcode=2&hdLocationOption=0&hdSearchByOption=0&hdKeyword=register+nurse&hdJobCategory=HC05&hdZipCode=10001&hdStateMetro=119&hdGeoLocation=New+York%2C+NY+10001&hdCurrentPage=1&hdViewAllRecords=0&hdSortBy=0&hdJobCode=HC07000001&hdJobTitle=Staff+Nurse+-+RN&hdNarrowDesc=Healthcare+--+Nursing&hdJSBoolDisplayAdvertisement=&jobcounter=1&countertype=0&totaljoblistnum=8&rdbSearchByOption=0&txtKeyword=register+nurse&hdAjaxDisplaySection1=1&hdAjaxDisplaySection2=0&hdAjaxKeyword=register+nurse&hdAjaxKeywordWithOR=%23register%23+OR+%23nurse%23 Here's the salary.com link for tampa: http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_salaryresults.asp?op=salswz_psr&jobfamilycode=12&txtKeyword=registered+nurse&hdOmniNarrowDesc=Healthcare+--+Nursing&hdZipCode=33611&hdOmniTotalJobsFound=8&pagefrom=selectjob&hdJobCategory=HC05&hdGeoLocation=Tampa%2C+FL+33611&countertype=0&totaljoblistnum=8&joblevelcode=2&hdCurrentPage=1&hdNarrowDesc=Healthcare+--+Nursing&hdLocationOption=0&hdViewAllRecords=0&hdJobTitle=Staff+Nurse+-+RN&hdSearchByOption=0&hdKeyword=registered+nurse&rdbSearchByOption=0&hdStateMetro=180&jobcounter=1&hdSortBy=0&hdJobCode=HC07000001&hdJSBoolDisplayAdvertisement=&hdAjaxKeyword=registered+nurse&hdAjaxKeywordWithOR=%23registered%23+OR+%23nurse%23&hdAjaxDisplaySection1=1&hdAjaxDisplaySection2=0

Here's a link to the highest paid nursing specialties: http://nursinglink.monster.com/benefits/articles/2626-top-ten-highest-paying-nursing-specialties . Hope this helps!

Georgia State University has a 16 month accelerated program and it's fantastic. Check it out: http://chhs.gsu.edu/nursing/accelerated.asp

What a ridiculous comment! You have to be smart to get through nursing school to become a nurse, period. That particular simple-minded doctor was probably just upset because he/she can't control a NP the way he/she might be able to control a PA. My mother is a PA and she encouraged me to become a NP instead. I wonder why?

That is gross, but hilarious!!!! Now I finally understand why one of my clinical instructors would not allow us to bring the MAR in the patients room! She probably had a similar experience. Thanks for posting!

I :redbeathe this article!!! I was so affected by this stereotype as a child that I actually grew up thinking nurses in the hospital worked for, and could be fired by, doctors. As a child watching TV, I came to the conclusion that all doctors were men, all nurses were women, and the doctors were in charge of the nurses. As a little tomboy/feminists type of child , I was annoyed by this and had little respect for nurses because of it. Both of my grandmothers, and a few aunts and cousins were all nurses, and my mother is a PA (who encouraged me to be a NP instead). I always thought that it was crazy for them to want to work a job where they were simply servants to some "doctor dude". I now know that nurses and doctors are independent members of the same team, not boss and employee. Hollywood, however, hasn't caught on just yet (although Hawthorne and Mercy are huge improvement).

No epic story here either. I always felt awkward in nursing classes where the teacher would ask students to raise their hand and tell the story of why they wanted to be a nurse. I almost felt like I had to make up a story to be accepted (which I didn't do, of course)! Many of them had these dramatic, heartrending stories. And me? I just wanted to be a nurse because I wanted to help people get through some of the scarier times in their lives. Since I had no "story", it kinda made me feel like I wouldn't be as good a nurse as the others. But I got over that thought pretty quickly when I got to my clinicals and realized we were ultimately all the same. We all want to help people in some way, but some of us didn't need to have an epiphany or a tragedy to recognize it. I think that what you did to come to your decision to become a nurse is just as good as any epic story. The fact that you did all the things you did before making your decision shows that you are intelligent, thoughtful, analytical, and logical. Nursing is after all, a science (at least that what my degree will say when I graduate in Dec. with a bSn). The qualities you possess are important to have when your career involves watching over someone's life. Any nursing school admissions person will be able to recognize that. Just say what you've done, how you've done it, and the truth of how you feel and you should be fine. Personally, I think you have a great story!

Thank you for posting this. It is so important that a person is told what they're doing right so that they'll know to keep doing it. I'm a student nurse as well, and tomorrow in clinicals I'm going to try to be like Jo!

My sister-in-law use to see an optometrist named Dr. I. Strait!

I'm very sorry to hear that. As terrible as it is, you should use this situation to motivate you instead of allowing it to hinder you. When you are studying for your tests, think about how important the information you're learning will be when you are able to use it to help your friend, or people like your friend, when they have medical emergencies. You will soon be the one to assist people in their times of extreme need and will make a difference in their lives. Your friend needs you to succeed!