catiern

Calls from hospitals now go to husband's cell, but occasionally, we still get calls at home. I appreciate knowing who is calling and more importantly, from which facility, b/c he has priv. at 2 hospitals and a couple of surgery centers as well. Makes it easier to pass along the info. in case I get in touch w/him before the caller does. Also, it's not that I think he's having an affair if a woman calls, but we often get calls from patients (who saw our home # on caller ID when he would return pt. calls from home) who will introduce herself by saying "Can I speak to Dr. ___?" Usually, these are the patients who...well, let's just not go there. Let's just say if she's had constipation for the last 2 weeks, there is no reason to disturb us at 1 a.m.--when he is not on call. On the other hand, if a nurse calls from the hospital, not realizing someone else is on call, that's a completely different story.

First and foremost, LPN's ARE real nurses. One big factor in choosing to become an LPN first is purely financial. One can pay off the RN program by working p/t as an LPN through a pool (which usually pays higher). Also, having the LPN gives you a "leg up" on having the clinical skills and nursing knowledge to become a good RN. There are also a number of LPN-BSN programs out there that appears to give you some credit for class work you've done as an LPN. I think doing the LPN first is also good if you are not 100% sure that the nursing field is the right fit for you. You will have "wasted" only a year of your time, versus 2-4 years. Good luck.

I was 31 y.o. when I thought I was finally done with school. A couple of years back, after about a 15 year hiatus from school) I enrolled in an RN-MSN program (on-line) and I am struggling in even completing the BSN portion. I have found that I would rather scrub my toilet than write one more paper. I actually chose my program b/c there is almost no mandated "discussion board" sessions and I just have to write papers. I guess I'm trying to say that I think I know how you feel. BUT, I can tell you this--I keep telling my self that I had better finish this b/c I'll feel like an idiot if I just quit now. So, perhaps there's a program that's better suited to you? Are you enrolled in an on-line program when you are more of a brick & mortar person? Are there other programs you might enjoy better? Like I said, even though I think the program I am in is the best suited to me, I am still having a difficult time, so...Good luck to you.

As someone who's worked in numerous LTC's, both as an RN and as a supervisor, as well as in acute hospitals, I can tell you right now that as a relatively new nurse, you will probably be more overwhelmed on a typical med/surg unit (although the orientation may be more thorough...). So, I know how it seems as though you do not have the time to ask questions--but you must make time. There's just no getting around it. Also, there's no point in comparing yourself to other nurses. It is not my intent to come off as harsh, but I wonder why it is that the other nurses "cover for each other", yet will be "happy" if you walk away. Other than your supervisor, is there another nurse (whether an RN or an LPN) who is experienced and would be willing to help you navigate your first few months as a nurse? Sites like these are great for getting general feedback, etc., but I honestly think that if you started cultivating good working relationships with your coworkers, you might find yourself feeling less overwhelmed. And BTW, as far as your "mistakes", they really don't sound earth-shattering so don't beat yourself up over them. Bottom line-- you are not a "failure" or "dumb". If I were you, I'd try to hang in there and look for a different job at the same time. Good luck to you.

As a firm believer in the right to free speech, I never-the-less have to agree that certain words carry consequences. Case in point--my 9 year old daughter started saying "that's so gay". She picked this up in school and had no idea that this "short hand" was actually denigrating a whole section of society. Needed to make her understand how this type of speech would lead her and her friends to think that being gay = something bad/ridiculous/silly. Don't know if she really understands now, but kids pick up on what adults say and don't say/confront. I may not be able to stop a war, but I can, at the very least, work within my own small circle to make the world a less ugly place.

Take a deep breath and do not panic. Depending on what county you were arrested, a good lawyer may be able to get your case dismissed. As for the most "practical" advice I can give you, when you hire a lawyer, make sure you find out about him/her on the official California bar site--The State Bar of California. Often, attorneys fresh out of law school will hang out their shingles and call themselves "DUI specialists". Generally, lawyers don't really know what the heck they are doing until they've been practicing for at least 7-10 years. When you do the attorney search on the official site, you'll be able to find out how long the attorney has been licensed to practice in CA, any discipline imposed, as well as what sections that lawyer belongs to. I would look for someone who is a certified criminal law specialist, or someone who, at the very least, belongs to the criminal law section. I am an RN, but my actual "day job" is an attorney. I've handled plenty of DUI cases and, again, depending on the county (I do all of So. Cal., but have no knowledge of how the courts are in Northern California), you might be able to get your case dismissed. Also, contact a lawyer STAT b/c s/he will have to handle the DMV hearing as well. If you cannot hire an attorney within the next 8 days, make sure you request a hearing with the DMV. For obvious reasons, I cannot give you specific legal advice in this sort of a forum re. whether to tell your employer, etc. However, generally speaking, at this point, you have not been convicted of any crime. Bottom line though, get legal counsel as soon as possible. Good luck.

I have to echo the sentiment expressed by most here--i.e., an LPN/LVN is a nurse, just as an RN is a nurse. I've had experiences with excellent LPN's as well as RN's and some not so good LPN's and RN's. I find it annoying that some nurses feel the need to demean other nurses. Don't we get enough of this "just a nurse" type comments/attitudes from others, without doing it to ourselves? However, I also know that not all RN's have the type of idiotic attitude your supervisor harbors. I hope your DON/ADON follows up on your valid complaint. Good luck.

Hi "Disneybear", I got your private message the other day, but cannot reply (b/c I have not posted 15 replies on the boards??) If you want to send me your e-mail address through the private message, I will be more than happy to answer any questions re. WGU for you.

Hi M. Spouse, Yes, WGU is accredited by CCNE (EC is accredited by NLN) as far as their nursing programs go--both are "good" for nursing programs. WGU is also accredited by the appropriate regional accr. body (as is EC). As far as how much time was needed, b/c I was in the program for such a short time, it would be unfair for me to give you even an estimate. I am sure I would have gotten faster as I got used to the format. That said, I was spending upwards of 3-4 hours per "original" post for a given class and another couple for the "replies". On top of that, there were reading assignments (which really weren't bad, but just time consuming. If cost is an issue, I really think that EC gives you good value on a per credit basis. With WGU, it basically comes down to how fast you can get through since they charge you a flat fee per 6 months period, regardless of how many "classes" you pass. As for Gonzaga, I am not familiar with their nursing programs, although I am passingly familiar with their law school. If I can make a suggestion, why not try EC for 1 course? You may really like it, in which case you can continue on, and if you hate it, you haven't wasted too much $$. Classes start times are pretty generous (make sure you check out when the class(es) you want will start--they post it on the regular EC site). Good luck to you!

Hi Mr. Silly, I switched to WGU. Before formally withdrawing from all my EC classes and enrolling at WGU, I asked them about a millions times if I would need to post something on a weekly basis, etc. So far, so goo at WGU (my 6 month term started on 7/1). I can graduate faster b/c all courses are "competency based" so as soon as I turn in my assignment into what's called "TaskStream" and get a "pass" for all of the tasks for the certain class, I am done. A few of the MSN courses also have just tests that can be taken at home with the proctoring done via web-cam. Like EC, the papers/projects are graded on a rubric. The drawback I see in WGU is that they do not give out grades like EC, but it's strictly a pass/fail (pass being equivalent to a "B"). So, I may run into getting accepted into an NP program. Anyway, b/c I can just churn out the tasks, I think it truly will be possible for me to get my MSN by 6/30/2011--at least that's what I am shooting for. Like I said, this reminds me of EC when I got my AS(n). I just took all of the tests as fast as I could and the only hold up was scheduling the CPNE since there was almost a 6 month wait back then...Congrats to you though on making it through the EC program. And I agree with you that I thought the teachers were very nice-- as well as the students.

Hi, I was enrolled in EC's MSN (Education) program this year for all of 1.5 months before I decided it was not the program for me. First, let me say I absolutely LOVE EC (I got my AS(n) through what was then called Regents College, back in the early '90's. I did not have to do the RN-MSN since I have a B.A. and EC does not require a BSN to enter directly into the MSN program) and I would recommend the school to anyone. That said, I did drop out after already paying for 14 credit units, enrollment fee, etc. and trying to "go to class". I could not get back any of the tuition costs, but I do not begrudge EC any of it. I am now enrolled in a different MSN program and it fits much better into my life. My biggest problem with the way EC's MSN programs are set up was that all courses require you to post at least 3 discussion threads per week (either you start, or you have to respond to someone else's discussion, and you have to post at least 1 of your own). My situation is that I want to get my MSN ASAP, with an eye toward getting a post-MSN NP, so things may have been fine if I just started out with one or two classes. However, even if I had 1 class, I absolutely could not devote the hours I would need CONSISTENTLY for 15 week periods. Long story short, if you have consistent available time and can devote that time consistently, EC will be a good choice for you. Due to my life situation (F/T+ job outside of nursing field, being one of these geriatric parents, blah, blah, blah...) I am enjoying the flexibility that my new on-line program is affording me. As soon as I decided that I absolutely could not keep up on a weekly basis, I immediately enrolled in the other school. I have to do a RN-MSN now, but from what I am told, I will get my BSN along the way as well. I am having to take more classes, but they are truly done as fast or as slow (within reason) as I want. So, I hope that helps. Again, if you choose to do the EC program, good luck to you. Even in the short time that I was enrolled, I really thought it was a good program--just not a program that fit my schedule. (Truth be told, the program I am in now reminds me a lot of how I remember my EC/Regents experience of almost 20 years ago...) Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Just my 2 cents worth--don't start getting into the whole territorial thing. As someone who's been a CNA, LPN and have had an RN license for 18 years, it makes me sad whenever those in the health care field start trying to exclude others (e.g., ONLY RNs can become members of the ANA, etc.) and "put them in their place", so to speak. I know you worked hard to become an LPN, but just know that some RNs may also bristle at you calling yourself a "nurse". On a side note, all attorneys also receive doctorates (J.D.=Juris Doctor), but I know of no attorney who goes around calling him/herself a "doctor". Just all a matter of self confidence...

I've been an RN for 16 years, but have been in the nursing field (as CNA & LPN) for "almost 30 years" as well. I agree with everything in your 1st paragraph. and in fact, I think the OP would agree fully with what you wrote as well. Therefore, it surprises me the lack of...caring and empathy in the second paragraph directed at a nurse colleague with 4 years experience (per his bio). We grey heads need to set an example and try to encourage, and dare I say, care about our colleagues as well as the patients.

Let me modify and clarify, Eriksoln--crushing and unabating responsibility. And no, I would be the last person to think or say that nursing is not without its crazy-busy-scary responsibilities and staffing issues. (With the ULTIMATE stakes of human lives). But the responsibility I speak of as a lawyer or a doctor IS different. We are basically "on duty" 24/7 and responsible for the acts and omissions of all of our staff (I know, I know, RN's are as well for the acts of CNAs/LPNs, etc., but RNs can always palm it off up the chain). I do agree with you that unless you've been in the trenches, everything on paper sounds hunky-dory. I nearly went mad one night as a pool nurse, thrown on a M/S floor I'd never been on, in a hospital I'd never worked at, with 16 patients, 10 of whom were on IV ABTs. I did not even know where to get the IV tubing and you know what? Neither the regular staff nurse or the noc. supervisor bothered to help me out. But, at the end of the shift (or rather, almost an hour after the shift end when I was finally done with the paperwork), I got to go home and not be responsible for the patients once I went out that door. The lawyers who say they want to be nurses probably won't make it as nurses anyway--way too combative as a rule, and most can't stand the sight of blood. Sorry to hear though, that there's this "line out the door" mentality.

I am an RN/JD, married to an MD. Ultimately, nursing is not a profession because nurses "punch in" and more importantly can, "punch out". And yes, I have worked f/t as a nurse, and yes, I self-identify as a lawyer rather than a nurse when it comes to the actual work I do day-in, day-out, as well as what I consider my occupation. I agree with the original post. The determining factor for me, having been both in what is considered an established "profession" as well as in nursing, is that as a nurse, the buck does not ultimately stop with him/her. Why I am putting in my two cents' worth here is that I want other nurses to know that the grass is NOT greener on the other side and to be careful of what you wish for (if you are in the camp to have nursing be considered a "profession"). I've represented and defended hospitals, doctors and yes, my share of nurses as a med. mal. defense attorney. The bitter pill is that nurses are seen as "lesser" than M.D.s. Get over it. Juries LOVE nurses and doctors. Unless you are some homicidal, incompetent maniac going around killing patients, nurses are sittin' pretty as far as med. mal. exposure is concerned. Your patients and their family DO appreciate you--the nurse. Stop putting ridiculous letters behind the names and for goodness sakes, stop talking about "masters prepared nurses". Mater's degrees are generally given in other fields as terminating degrees to those who are not cut out to make it in the PhD programs. I wish nurses would stop insisting too, that the field of nursing is somehow "better" than that of medicine due to its philosophies. It is not. Another harsh truth is that nursing courses are not as rigorous as those in other fields--such as medicine and the law. (Oh, and I have taken some graduate level nursing courses--a lot of made up gibberish which was just downright embarrassing.) Do you know what? I know a lot of my colleagues who are lawyers want to be nurses--no crushing responsibility, beloved and seen as angelic, etc. Also, as to the compensation--the $$ nurses make is terrific. I know my spouse and I do not work only 36 or 40 hours per week. If you break down that hourly rate, most doctors and lawyers are not really making that much more than nurses on an hourly basis. And yes, one can become an R.N. with only 2 years of community college. It's a good deal. And if the perceived income discrepancy is so galling, no one is stopping any nurse from going into a different field. Appreciate what you have. I agree that nursing needs to get over its incomprehensible push to have itself be seen as a profession. No matter what, it is a job that must necessarily operate within a framework where doctors give orders to nurses. On the other hand, a bedside nurse has the best chance of literally saving a patient's life in a crisis. Isn't saving human lives good enough? Does it matter so much that you think "doctors and lawyers" think of nurses as "just a nurse"? Do you know how many idiot doctors and lawyers populate this planet? Final thought--no matter what I think of some of my unprofessional colleagues, I will say that in the law, there's a general feeling that we all pull together to help the newbie lawyer. I know this is true in medicine as well. Nurses need to stick together, not attack and become more and more divisive by insisting on some ridiculous hierarchy of LPN/ ASN/ADN/BSN/MSN/DNP, etc, etc, etc,