fancyhen

This is an interesting topic that seems to have stirred quite a bit of emotion as well! I have to review patient charts, including progress notes every day from a variety of discliplines (Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Dieticians, Social Workers etc). Whenever there is a problem, or potential problem with a patient...such as an injury or potential lawsuit, I have to go into an even higher gear and dig deeper into every aspect of a patient's chart. The unfortunate fact of life is that many of the notes I see from nurses is reflected in the writing on this message board. The same type of sloppy writing, misspelling, incorrect word use and an apparent lack of caring about exactly what is written in patient records. I don't even want to think about the grammar!! It appears in all age levels, nursing levels and education levels. But it is most common in younger/newer nurses. And as I previously stated, I review all clinical disciplines, so I can say that NURSES are main offenders (95%). Whether it's a popular view or not, the truth is when charts are being reviewed for a legal case, if a note looks unprofessional and sloppy, it certainly looks as if the patient did not receive good care. You may be the best nurse in the world but a lawyer can make you look incompetent if your documentation is full of misspellings, poor grammar and incorrect words. That is a fact of life. Should you live your life worried about that? Of course not until that one time you do get named in a lawsuit. And you NEVER know when that will be, so always write like a professional. And it is not "eating our young" to encourage them to write professionally and not use slang or text-speak language in their everyday interactions. It's not appropriate and it IS costing them employment opportunities. I also get to look at resumes, applications and cover letters! How will they know it's not appropriate in an professional setting if they are not being told? Isn't that what a mentor is supposed to do? I love mentoring new nurses! Suggesting ways to improve is just as important as all the positive feedback. I know that nurses are not called for interviews when their initial contact with the facility is full of words that are not used properly, not spelled properly and the grammar is horrible. I feel sorry for the nurse who sends it and angry at the nursing school who didn't help the nurse correct that issue before he/she went into the workplace. Being perceived as a professional is a whole process of writing, speaking, and presenting yourself in a certain way. Several people have said "Nurses are the most trusted professionals" and that's been true for many years. You can't overlook the nurses who have been in the profession for decades since they helped to earn that respect from the public. Why do you think the public trusts us? Ahh... A thought for another day.

How about Bio-Medical Engineer, Physician's Assistant or Pharmacist? Those are all medical and pay more than nurses? If those are "over your head" and you can't get into a RN program right away work toward Respiratory Therapy or even Laborary technician type courses. At least you're working in the hospital field and gathering valuable skills. You can earn a decent salary too. I live in an area known as the "Eastern Shore" of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. We still have nurse jobs available here for decent pay and in a very beautiful mid-Atlantic area of the country (between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay). I'm sorry that so many of you are having trouble finding jobs and seem so angry with "nursing" in general. I've been a nurse for over 25 years. My RN license has always helped me provide for my family and earn a decent living. The has always been ups and downs in the job market and the overall economy is terrible right now, but it will turn around again. Good Luck to those of you who continue to stuggle.

Congratulations!! I'm happy for you and may you have a long and happy career. Nursing is not a perfect career but it's one that you can be proud of. Good luck. Sharon

It is required by CMS (Medicaid/Medicare) to track all Stage II and above Pressure Ulcers as Quality Indicators so your facility better be tracking them one way or another if they get get get any type of Medicare or Medicaid funds. Most places do receive money from those organizations in one form or another. The information is reported by your MDS nurse and the most efficient way to do that is via Incident Reports. If a family member would report your facility because their loved one had an untreated pressure ulcer, the LTC facility would be in major hot water and subject to fines and loss of funding. A BIG DEAL. So the answer is YES every single Stage II, III, IV or Unstageable Decubitus Ulcer has to be documented and tracked according to your facility's policy. (To cover MY license, I would always write an incident report.)

I recently had to give similar advice to a nurse that I work with. It worked great for her and hopefully for you too. My best advice is to go into the interview as if they DON'T know you. That may sound strange, but it's too easy to assume that they already know your good points and may over look your weaker points. Go into the interview prepared to discuss your experience and what unique skills you bring to the table. They may not know some great things that would would tell a stranger who was interviewing you. Be prepared for the usual type questions (what you see as your strengths and areas where you want to improve: situations where you have had to handle difficult situations etc) and NEVER say "You know how I work". On the positive side, you already know the philsophy of the facility and what they value in their employees. Use that knowledge to your advantage. Be professional and WOW them with your professionalism and how much you have grown in your roles since you left. Good luck!!

If you go to www.rn.org site they have unlimited CEU's for $19.99 per year. They have a fairly wide variety of subjects and one of them is basic ECG interpretation. I found it best to print out the study material and then take the test. You might be able to do it without printing it out....but I'm older and really prefer study material I can hold in my hand. There are lots of basic subjects so you'll get your money's worth. I'm sure there are lots of resources but I have used this one. Good luck.

Good for you!! I'm so happy that you are enjoying your job and learning from each new experience. Try to minimize contact with those who enjoy eating their young. (Maybe they really are miserable in their own lives but try not to let them get to you). Find an experienced person who you're able to trust, and learn from them. Watch their interactions with patients and staff. Pick their brain at every opportunity. I worked in psych for over 20 years and loved most of it. I also found that those things I had the most problems with at the time, were the things I learned the most from in the big picture. A new job is exciting and you're especially lucky to be working exactly where you want to be. I hope you're always able to keep that enthusiasm. (And "Little Mouse", I hope your situation gets better too. I'm so glad you are able to learn from the situation. Good luck in your future too. Find something that you love) Good luck and Congratulations!!

No your education is not wasted. Most nurses know the basics of nutrition but depending on what your specility is, nutrition can play a huge role. If you decide to work in wound healing, diabetics, cardiac or just about other area, having such an impressive background will help you alot. You've also taken lots of A&P, microbiology etc type of classes too and that will help. You've also learned good study habits that will make your life a little easier. Good luck.

I agree that having a background in medical care (such as CNA) helps very much in nursing school. The basic stuff that scares most brand new students will be easier for you. BUT just remember that you have to learn the "right" way to do things and practice that way while you are in school. I had several people in my class that had some problem with doing things their way instead of how the instructor wanted it done. Once you work in the real world, you learn to do things that work for you but when you are in STUDENT MODE, just remember to function as a student. Good luck and I know you'll have a great experience.

Have you thought about something like Speech/Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist? They are in demand as well and practice in a wide variety of settings from schools to nursing homes. In my area, Speech Therapists are really in demand. Might be worth looking into. Good luck.

In my state, it's due to health department regulations. Food that is served can only be touched by dietary workers. Anything that's been in a patient room can't be served to anyone else....even homeless shelters etc. I know it's wasteful but there are reasons for the regulations. You can always put that patient's name on unopened food packs and refrigerate it. Then they could use it as a snack if your facility allows it.

No one else can answer that question for you. It's unfortunate that so many nurses are unhappy with their choice of profession but, in my experience, they are the minority. Most nurses would like to change things about their individual jobs perhaps, but wouldn't change being a nurse. It's not just a job. It's something that you "are". LoL. My family is very proud of me and depends on me for so many answers to questions about their health, babies, medications etc. and they depend on me and trust me to give them answers they can trust. There are so many different types of nursing specialities that you can't really get bored unless you allow yourself to be bored. You've always got to be open to learning because you can learn new things every day. I've learned some of my best life lessions from situations that didn't make me happy when I was going through them. You grow as a nurse and as a human being. Jobs are tight right now in certain areas of the country and that makes nurses uneasy and feel like they've been lied to. I've been a nurse since 1984 and have seen the economy work both ways....several times. Jobs were hard to find and then they seem to be everywhere. A new graduate may not get their ideal job immediately but that isn't a guarantee in any profession. In my area of the country there is still a shortage and work for those who want it. I love being a nurse and can't imagine doing anything else. I've worked in Med Surg, Psych, Maternal- Child Health, Corrections,Community Health and Performance Improvement. I've managed to enjoy every single job MOST of the time. There are always bad days and frustrating situations but you get past it. So if your passion is becoming a nurse don't let others discourage you. Any experience is what you make of it. Good luck.

Congratulations!! You obviously do an exceptional job and your nurse manager recognized it. Great job and keep up the good work.

I became an LPN in 1984 and a RN in 1988. At first I was Ok being an LPN however I remember exactly when I decided to become an RN (even 25 years later). I was working in Long Term Care and doing CPR on one of our favorite patients. The RN on duty showed up and, per policy, took over the code. I heard her crack three ribs due to improperly performing the CPR. I still remember that sound. I also had the same patient load etc and wasn't paid nearly as much. LOL. Going from LPN to RN worked really well for me. I was fortunate to attend a really great hospital based LPN program and was given lots of hands on experience. I learned most of my basic nursing care in LPN school. In RN school you learn more in depth information, critical thinking, unit management and related information. After my LTC gig as an LPN, I worked on a Med-Surg unit while going to RN school and I was WAY ahead of most of my fellow students who only had the academic skills. Most of the things they struggled with was really easy for me because I had already done them for 4 years. RN school can be rough. There are lots of Care Plans, research, reading and hard work. You probably won't understand why you have to take certain classes but believe me, no education is ever wasted. You'll have a big advantage because you're already an LPN. Good Luck.

So sorry that you're having such a rough time. Even those of us who still love nursing, may have difficulty with a particular type of nursing. Night shift is not for everyone and may definitely be adding to your stress. The switch from nursing school to real life nursing is tough too. You have several things adding to your feelings right now. Before you throw in the towel, at least try to decide what you like and don't like about your current job, shift, people, co-workers and nursing in general. Not every patient is going to be grateful or cooperative. Try NOT to take that part personally. Patients are frequently afraid, in pain and out of control. You are a convenient target for all that frustration. The great thing about nursing is that there is such variety. The economy will turn around. I've lived through several times like this before (hard to find nursing jobs so you take something you don't like because you need money). Nursing is rarely an easy job but it's rewarding and challenging when you find the RIGHT nursing job for you. I always think it's a great idea to continue your education dependent upon what you are interested in. Spend this time researching and deciding what type of nursing you want to do. As a survivor of many years of night shift....try to get yourself into a decent sleep pattern that works for you. Have your loved ones respect your need for sleep. Really need family support. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel with decent rest. Good luck and I hope things work out for you. Nursing is not for everyone but it can be a wonderful career. You spent all that time and effort becoming a nurse, so spend a little more time becoming the kind of nurse you want to be.