stargazer1956

I am a relatively new nurse- just got my license last November but the first time I had to push phenergan, I remember being told by the veterans that were training me to make sure it was diluted and pushed slowly because it burns, the other ones I have heard about are IV Kcl and Dilantin, had not heard about the demerol. Now, I usually run in with a NS after diluting in the syringe or dilute it to push it through a lock. I have not had any pt complain yet but I am sure there is someone out there who will be more sensitive and require a new way of doing things.... :Melody:

I agree you should keep your options open. I went with the second degree program because it took 6 months less. Of course, John Hopkins is probably different but I found that my Alma Mater rushed through everything and alot of the knowledge and skills I learned working as a tech in the hospital ER. I see the nurses that went through the diploma program and they went through so much more hands on that I did and feel like I am behind the 8 ball at times. In the Hampton Roads area, there is no difference between diploma, Associate or Bachelors - they all become charge nurses and get the extra $.55/hr for their trouble. One of the choices would be whether you want the more hands on and which one you can start first. Good luck either way you go.

I a also a Paramedic and there are a lot of things I still am uncomfortable with doing just because. I was amazed at how many shake and bake medics and emt are out there! Our local college has done the same thing, supposedly just as good as the whole course, etc. The other thing that amazed me was the number or individuals going straight to medic from emt without having been out in the field especially since field and hospital are so different!!! We have a volunteer system here that keeps your CEU's up as long as you run, you get classes for free. SO how do you keep your certification? Do you run on the box?

If I came across as judgemental I apologize, I know what my co-worker/friend is going through at the work environment. I presently work in a government office that chose to threaten us with our jobs if we said a word to her, talked about her surgery, etc. Management left us with a bad taste in our mouth and they tried to say my friend wanted it that way. I for one am tired of the snide remarks and the way they act when they are told she might be working with us. No, it is not in a hospital setting, this is a business office that I feel should be more receptive in lieu of the government philosophy of equal rights. She is very sensitive and has explaine that the hormones sometimes make her very weepy ( I think she is just one of those whiny women and I tell her that all the time) but she is also a very good shoulder to cry on. I have also told her that I may not agree with her choice but it is her choice and I will stand by her choice to live her life as a woman. I guess I am seeing how badly one person can be treated for being "different" whether it is racial, gender, or religion and I would hope as nurses and future nurses we can put those difference aside an work in a team atmosphere. By the way, good luck when you go through the final surgery, I know it was a frightening time for her.

You have a point there and I think they should be allowed to refuse like they do if one of us students has a patient. I know that would wreak havoc on management and staffing but it is the price you pay for good customer service while respecting the right of the nurse.

Hi It sounds like this is really bothering you. Is this person really a transvestite or a transgender going through the required stage of living in as the other gender prior to the surgery to convert. My understanding from a coworker who becm a she. They have to live as the sex they have always thought themselves to be for a certain amount of time and go through therapy before they are allowed to go through the surgery. Some never take the final step for whatever reason so they remain stuck in a body they know is not them. Have a great day and no, it would not bother me to have a transgender as my nurse as long as the are competent.

Sorry, we have to wear our school uniform dress for the pinning ceremony and those green stripes with the apron just don't do the trick. Good luck. Marylin :balloons:

I live in VA right now but was raised in CA, anyone know about the facilities there? Thanks for the input Dianah Marylin

Thanks for the quick reply. I will start looking now, I am hoping to get into an ER since that is where my heart lies at this moment. Again, thanks for the info. Marylin

Congratulations on your job, I really have no knowledge as to whther is a good experience or not, just wondered if you could give me pointers in how to get a job with the VA. Are you a government employee or did you go through an agency? I am hoping to finish school this summer and was looking for ideas. :balloons: Marylin