RN47

Line 'em up like cattle! I completely disagree with "mandatory" vaccinations. Get the shot or get out is how my employer put it. Makes me re-think my career. The front door is looking better all of the time. What's next?

Ok, this has become very much Off Topic, but extremely entertaining. I'm afraid that the "elk" is here to stay. Thank you for the commentary.

Thank you, great article.:)

Oh I so agree that nurses need to stand up and be heard. So tired of the "well I should be lucky to have a job attitude". What nursing shortage? Old nurse here that has worked HARD and sacrificed too, can only get a job paying $5.00 an hour more than when I was a GN 20 years ago. Nurses are not valued, underpaid, and overworked in most settings. ANA, on please. It's all about the $$$ and reimbursement. Just venting. I get a little worked up when I realize that I have busted my butt for so long, now have to go into debt, get a BSN, to only be able to do the same job I have been doing for 20 years!!!

Yup, I believe that load of crap! I have been looking for another position, even with experience, I can't be hired because I don't have my BSN. I then called the local nursing home to inquire about openings, thinking that would not be no problem, I spoke directly with the recruiter, explained my previous experience, she said, "I can't hire you, we require a BSN plus geriatric certification." I thought she was joking.

I agree with your thought process, I do the same. You can never go wrong with a rectal temp. for a true reading. Must be a QA thing.

Aw, might as well face it, we're all wimps.

I agree that they are looking for for yourthoughts and reflections of nursing, for each topic. The internet is a great place to start.

I would have to agree that it is how your brain perceives the image and processes it. Blood and guts don't bother me, except on TV. I especially cannot tolerate watching eye surgery, it really makes me nauseous.

Very well stated!! A little tired of the "real nurse" attitudes, too. Jollydogg, you may be ahead of the game if you are already there. Let it roll for now. In the future, say what you wish.

No clinical. They figure that we are RN's, already have done clinical, are taking care of patients, so no clinical necessary. There is the Capstone Course which is the last course completed, which you will need a "mentor" to sign off on. Can be done in your current practice/setting. Course description - Synthesis of theories and concepts for professional nursing practice. Focuses on evolution and transition of professional nursing practice in diverse settings within a context of emerging societal issues and trends. The student will pick one of three areas (management, clinical or education) of interest for concentrated study.

Hi, I had the same questions before deciding on an online program. I don't think employers will have any problems with an online degree providing it is from a reputable, CCNE accredited institution. I am presently enrolled in the RN to BSN through UTA, it's a great program. Even though it is online, there is nothing lacking in their program. Get ready to work. I don't think I worked this hard in nursing school! You will receive the same diploma as someone who physically attended the school. UTA has a great reputation, I say go for it!

I feel your pain, worked in an ER for many years, I think I was eventually immune to everything. Recently picked up hours at an elementary school, those kids germs are killing me!! It's like my immune system needs to readjust. One of the girls I worked with in the ER always wore the paper gown over her scrubs, gloves no matter what she was doing, and frequently wore a mask during cold and flu season. Wipe down the phone before you use it, I also tried to find the least used phone in the ER.

Schools definitely need an RN, not a health tech. I presently work 1 day a week for a local school district, it certainly is not a cake job. I rarely give out bandaids. The other day I called 911 for a child with an allergic reaction, straight cathed a student, sent 2 staff members to the ER, saw 40 kids, sent 10 home, spoke with numerous parents about their children's medical conditions...and ran out for a fire drill. In addition to these duties, the full-time nurse also does health programs, coordinates with physician's offices, health screenings, significant parent education,flu shots, and the list goes on and on. At my school there are also students with significant medical issues, (CP, trachs, vents) requiring their own nurse, that I am also responsible for. It can get pretty crazy. It is becoming the norm that the nurses office at school is functioning as a clinic. It's like a mini ER somedays. It is a requirement, in my district, that nurses have at least their BSN w/certification, most have their MSN. The pay is not great, support from administration is poor. Their job is education, not medical, so that part can be difficult. I do feel the school nurse role is definitely underrated and underpaid for the amount of responsibility that is involved, which continues to increase, hence the need for recognition as a "speciality" and the certification requirement.

This is more common than you think, PCA's giving meds,. there are also "medication administration technicians" Medication Administration Technician (MAT) Course Description: - Students will learn how to properly administer medications in an environment where nursing care is not required – such as group homes or residential care facilities. - Certification course. - MAT program is designed to provide training required by Oklahoma HB 1092 (May 87) and amended by HB 1880 (June 88). - Its goal is to enable facility personnel to help meet the health care needs of residential care/group home clients safely and effectively. - The class will also make students aware of what constitutes liability when assisting clients. - State law requires a minimum of 15 hours training, which this course covers, and at least eight hours of update training annually (see MAT Update). - To be eligible for a certificate of completion, a student must complete the entire 15-hour class. Absent hours will constitute a failure of completion. - Students must be able to read and write at a minimum of an eighth grade level. Oral testing will not be conducted at Meridian Technology Center. - Class moves at a fast pace. Students must be prepared to study outside of class in order to ensure success. - Students must test and score a minimum of 85 percent overall and demonstrate the appropriate skills in order to pass the class. Course Content: - Ethical and Legal Issues - Basic Responsibilities - Standards of Care - Confidentiality Issues - Legal Requirements for Reporting Abuse or Neglect - Administering Medications - Seven Rights of Medication Administration - Purposes of Medication and their Common Abbreviations & Symbols - Properly Storing and Handling of Medications - Administering Oral Medication in Liquid and Pill Form - Administering Topical Medication - Administering Eye and Ear Medication - Administering Nasal and Inhalant Medication - Administering Rectal and lady partsl Medication - - Documentation of Medication Administration - Explain Purposes of Documentation - Legal Importance - Basic Information to Include - Vital Signs - Symbols for Documentation of Vital Signs - Locating Pulse Points - Respiration - Normal Ranges of Vital Sign Readings