Irishlass79

Lots of teamwork Definitely non-judgmental Ability to compartmentalize feelings Ability to work fast and accurate under stress IV skills is a bonus (many trauma patients have bad veins from IVDA and many need large bore for blood) Assertive and a presence of authority when needed. A sense of humor for sure, because of the stress you need this. Very good documentation skills and critical thinking skills. Good communications skills with the ability to explain things in different ways (family situations are usually difficult and patients are difficult and at times not to bright)

I disagree, I think certifications are great to get. I think there are a few rather cheap ones that set you apart from another candidate in an interview. I think it shows a commitment to your field and education. I would just get certified in ACLS, BLS and possibly PALS if your hospital works with children. The poster is correct in that any major medical institution pays for certifications but it is the commitment to education HR respects. Generally speaking on a medical surgical unit ACLS is not required, you will most likely never fully use the knowledge because most hospitals have code teams where that cart is only cracked open by the pharmacy during a code and the ICU nurse on call is there to push everything. But it is great to know what to anticipate because floor nurses become the go fetch nurses often grabbing bags, tubing, vials etc. I would not get focused certifications, most require hours and they are very pricey, I agree there with that opinion. When I graduated I remember I took an excellent IV certification course, I knew I did not need certification as it is in my scope of practice but it taught me GREAT tips for insertion and even better tips for documenting to avoid lawsuits etc. It is a really tough market right now for new grads but you will get there, just keep your eye on the ball and always take an opportunity to learn because not a single nurse knows everything. The nurses that think they know everything are dangerous so it is not about certifications it is about humbling yourself and knowing you are always going to be learning.

See, I am one that really does not like this. I am not one to ever push my Catholic faith on anyone but personally I do not ever save someones life, God does. Whatever you believe I respect but I have seen the most stable patients code and there is nothing anyone can do to bring them back, likewise I have seen a patient come in to the ICU dead as a doornail and cold and bounce right back. I belive in God and I believe I do not have that kind of power. I am a nurse, I quietly do my job in a humble manner taking care of others. I take care of others to make them feel good, not to make me feel good. My goal is to help you on your journey to wellness, even if being well means dying with as little pain as possible. I love science and the miracle that is the human body. I have seen human beings that if life were fair they would be free from this life and I sit vigil caring for the soul God has not decided to take yet, and sometimes I come home and cry but I respect that and I am there the next day. That is why I do not like that post. I just feel the nurses I know are more humble and do not feel they have "power" to bring people back to life. I wish I could, and I wish it worked everytime. Right when I think I am this amazing life saver, God puts me in my place...

While I understand your comment, and it is currently being debated, Autism Spectrum Disorders are classified as Mental Health Disorders. And individuals, as well as families utilize a variety of specialties including occupational, physical, behavioral, educational, and family psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists. I only wish doctors knew more about how to help, but that is the reality at the moment.

I am not in any way saying it is not a problem, I simply am saying that there may be another issue such as social anxiety and/or a developmental disorder such as Aspergers. I specialize in such issues and they require a certain sensitivity and one must gain all the information they can before they jump to conclusions. I am simply saying take a minute and think before leaping to diagnose a person and imply they need a psychiatrist or therapy. People may lack the social skills to even recognize very intricate social norms that you or I naturally recognize. Not a single one fits the mold, they can not respect others boundaries, lack a filter, and may not read expressions (mostly nonverbal ones). Some appear odd or quirky and divulge all their problems and thoughts. In a profession such as ours we must require ourselves to gain all the information before leaping to decisions. I understood the arguement for suicide and as a nurse and compassionate human being I would offer help however, we also have to recognize we need to be understanding of our neurodiversity. I think the nurse that offered him a soft place to fall, sat and listened to him went above and beyond. Many would have walked a way and complained. I am in no way saying talking about all one's struggles at work is professional but I just believe if we read some of the comments on here implying the man is "crazy" and should be immediatly reported to a manager regardless of the fact that he is a good nurse is a poor decision. There may be a point where this is needed but I just believe in gaining more information in this situation. I agree with you that we disagree and can respect you may have your own opinion. I am just trying to put another perspective on the situation and I am big on making an informed decision in sensitive matters like these.

First, the poster did not say anything about a plan for suicide. She said he was speaking to another coworker in the break room and she overheard the conversation. She said he is a good nurse, which tells me he is performing his duties. No I would not walk up to a fellow nurse and tell them to get psych help... it is rude, and yes!! Unethical. Working with doctor is different than knowing them personally outside of work, I work with some of the best in the country but they are just as diverse as the rest of us. I think everyone should reread the original post. And ask yourself have you ever (especially when you just meet someone) divulged something to a person then walked away and said "darn, I wish I hadn't opened my mouth. OMG I think someone overheard!"

See I disagree totally, you can't just walk up to a colleague and tell him to get psych help or medical help for that matter. I can't walk up to every person with edema and tell them to see a cardiologist, even though I want to. He is not asking you for help he is just sharing... sharing a lot of things...lol. If he said "man, I am overwhelmed I could really use someone to talk to to work this stuff out", then MAYBE I would point him to a mental health provider. Just like "Man, these ankles are so swollen, who would I go to for help", then I would feel okay to tell them to make an appointment with a cardio doc. Telling a colleague to seek help is NOT ethical and is not my right as a nurse. He is not my patient. I think the real problem here is people are unaccepting of others, they all love to stand in judgement, get uncomfortable with differences and just can't resist to make an issue out of every thing. I can assure you there are pleanty of people this behaivor does not bother, me being one. And this crap about doctors, PLEASE, these are probably the same docs that are antisocial, have miserable lives outside of hospitals and wouldn't know how to converse casually in an appropriate manner to anyone.

Yes, you need to go back to get your BSN and finding work is very hard as a new graduate nurse. Most hospitals are magnet status and want nurses to have their BSN. There are many programs for RN's to go back and get their BSN and DCCC has agreements with West Chester, Jefferson, Widner and a few more. I am looking at a program that will allow me to get my BSN at my own pace. For many other students they are looking for affordable or less prerequisites. My issue is time and flexibility because I need to work and I have my children.

I am a recent graduate of DCCC nursing program and can not tell you how happy you will be there. The program is unbelievable! I have two school aged children and I am not going to tell you it is easy but if you are dedicated you can do it! The program consists of four sections. Section 1, 2, 3 (all day) and then the evening/ weekend section. The section you pick is the section you will remain in. Many new students believe they can switch easily... this is not the case. You will have to sell your soul to switch sections, and they will only switch you if it benefits the administration. For day students (sec. 1,2,3) the clinincals are always in the morning on the days listed on the schedule you have. The clinicals are two days a week and begin at 6:45 SHARP and end around 1 - 1:30pm the first year and a little later the second. The faculty at DCCC are the kind of nurses I strive to be. Intelligent, experienced nurses that understand your own family situations and they kept me focused. I had a difficult time in one semester personally (issues with my children etc) and the professor was so kind and helpful. They don't cut you any breaks but I needed someone to keep me driven, focused and confident. Section 3 usually is the section parents pick because the hours are ideal for school aged children. There were only a few days in the entire program scheduling got crazy with kids. In second year there is a clinical rotation of about 4 days where it differs from the morning routine, it was psych and it was at night. I had to get a babysitter for those 4 nights. You can only miss 2 clinicals and you will get an assigment to make them up (usually a paper 3-4 pages on an article). I never missed a clinical for fear that something unplanned would happen (sick kids etc) and I would need to take a week off. The adjustment to nursing school is a difficult one. I had to learn to make sacrifices such as pizza for dinner, having someone else put the kids to bed, skipped baths for the kids...I know gross. It was tough to lose that control of my life and I had to learn to be okay with "being a good enough mother, not the best." In the end I was educating myself, my children saw it and I underestimated how proud they were of me. I have never seen happier children and never felt so loved than the day of my pinning. If I knew what I know now about how proud they were of me I wouldn't have even flinched. So now, I am a nurse. My children again get ballanced meals, get baths daily and I tuck them in at night. DCCC has the best NCLEX pass rates in the area. Higher than almost any other program. I would bet their rates are even higher this year (2011) since they utilize both Kaplan and HESI for the past year. Good luck!

I would go with the LaSalle Program. I have many friends that are both attending Harcum and graduated Harcum and have heard nothing but bad things about it. Not only are they at risk for losing accreditation but they also have an exit exam that if you do not pass... you do not graduate. I suggest you speak to current students attending and get the scoop. Good luck!

I have applied to many jobs at Temple Hospital and spoke with a recruiter they are currently not hiring graduate nurses. I am willing to work any shift available to get some experience, I wish I could relocate but I can't...ugh.

I missed the whole postpardum nurse thing....looks like I need another cup of java.

I think if he is safe and not doing anything that will harm patients or staff leave him alone. Does he talk about these things to patients or just in social situations with work collegues. Okay, so what if he does not have a filter I have met many people that keep nothing private. It doesn't warrant going to managers, talking about him to other collegues, or even confronting him personally. If you don't want to share, don't. If it makes you uncomfortable (why I have no idea? As nurses we listen to pts talk about personal things all the time) then be polite but distance yourself. Who knows maybe he has a developmental disability like Aspergers and he has no filter, or a social anxiety disorder. They often get uncomfortable, talk about things that many keep personal and can't read social cues like facial experssions.

Another example or a diet change would be when to wean the infant? Of course there are guidelines... a doctors order is not given to change the diet to solids and yet, nurses teach parents how to wean and much of the decision is based on the infants weight, eating habits, parents preference and beliefs.

There is nothing wrong with a nurse suggesting to change a formula however it depends on the issue. I wouldn't change the formula if the infant is being treated for a malabsorbtion issue or failure to thrive etc. Example: There is no order needed if a parent claims they don't have the money for the brand they are using, we just simply tell them a cheaper brand and help them with suggestions on how to change formulas.