ford0605

I agree that the parents will probably be able to tell you how they are figuring up insulin right now. Both of my diabetics are still using the same formula from last year until they go back for their check-ups. They each use a "blood sugar minus 120" plus a carb ratio. So they are getting a corrective dose plus coverage for what they have eaten.

Hi ChesapeakeRN, I am also starting out brand new in the school nurse role, and I also have K-12 kids split between two schools. I'm actually back working in the school system that I graduated from, and that is sort of an advantage I think. We're public though. Everyone has been really great so far. Monday will start my first full week (the kids came back this past Tuesday and I was just working half days because I was finishing up my last days at my old job), so I'm ready to hit the ground running! I'm finding there was some organization in some places but not really a lot of information or "clues" left behind for me to take an idea and say "oh, this would be helpful, maybe I can tweak it and make it work for me". How is everyone doing with immunizations? I'm ok with handling my kindergarten files, but I'm wondering if I need to check every grade to make sure nothing was missed? I'm going to get everyone caught up on their paper health file first to make sure I don't have to keep any kids out of school, and then I think I'll take the time to input them in the computer at my convenience. Think this is a good attack plan? Looking forward to swapping ideas!! Jessika

Sounds like we're in similar situations. My 1 year RN anniversary is coming up in December, and my 1 year wedding anniversary was in June :) I've worked as a floor nurse in LTC since becoming licensed in December, and I love my residents but I just do not like floor nursing for 21 residents on a skilled hall...so yeah I've decided NP is what I want!! I have been told countless times, that if NP is what I want, do it before kids!! I am just getting ready to start next month wrapping up my undergrad credits (I'm an ASN) and then proceeding with MSN/ANP. By my estimate, it will take me 3-4 years depending how things go. And we're looking at starting a family just shortly after that timeframe, so my gut says go for it now!! Best of luck deciding how to proceed! :)

I am just getting ready to begin achieving the rest of my undergrad credits at a brick and mortar school, doing an ASN-MSN program. At my school there is a requirement to have 2 years RN experience by the time you are admitted to the major. I wanted to apply to Family NP but my advisor told me with a background only in LTC, it's safer (for me personally) to apply to Adult NP and better chances of getting in. I agree with PP about applying to a specialty that you haven't worked in...it's a huge committment to get a graduate degree in a specialty that you "think" you'd like to work in or by guessing may be the most in-demand in your area by the time you graduate. Like for me, I figure I apply now to the one that makes the most sense with my experience, and if I am interested in or get the opportunity to work something other than LTC, I can always get another specialty certification. Hope that helped without confusing anyone!!

Ummmmm YES! Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous about actually GETTING a job (I have a friend who is petrified to even apply because she thinks any employer will rip her to shreds in an interview), but I signed on as an RN in the facility I worked at for the last 2 years as a CNA, was on orientation with another nurse all last week, and Monday was my first day alone. I was nervous about it all weekend and I'm still very anxious when I go in to work, and I expect to feel that way for months! The thing I hate is having to bug the other nurse for all of the "smaller" tasks (does this wording on my progress note sound ok? where does this paper go? can I write all of these orders on the same order sheet?) I know I'll get it eventually, and you will too! Congrats!

Another new RN grad here, about to start training on Monday in the LTC facility that I've worked in the last 2 years as a CNA. Just wanted to let you know I feel the same way!!! It's like I wrote most of your original post myself :) I always thought that I wanted to do pediatrics, but I know I love my "old folks" and am comfortable caring for that population. Everyone says "well it's ok for a first job, but you need to get out there [the hospital] and learn as much as you can." I know that I'll be happy where I'm at, and I can learn to shake off all the criticism of my career choice, I just wonder how I'll know if I've made the right choice if I never make it in to acute-care peds...

I'm a new RN grad who has just taken a position with the LTC facility that I have worked with as a CNA for the last 2 years. I've been informed I will get at least 5 and up to 10 days of orientation, I can't imagine learning my 18 bed hall and all of the nursing "clerical" duties in just 3 days! And my facility just picked up a new computer charting system Nov 1, so on top of being new and asking a million questions, it's not like everyone else has this down pat either! Orientation starts Monday, wish me luck! :uhoh21:

A friend of mine shared her Kaplan blue book with me (I did not take the course). I went through all the topics in it and further investigated things I wasn't sure of in my Med/surg textbook. As much as I hate to say it, I really think that doing practice questions off of other CD-ROMs just discouraged me. They were good for reading rationales, but my scores on those discs were never great. I personally benefitted from a stronger content review.

I am NOT in California, my test date was yesterday (12/2), the pvt worked for me (good pop-up) within 2 hrs of leaving the test site, and my license number appeared this morning on my BON site :) It sucks to wait, but I wish you patience and lots of luck!

Congratulations!! I just took NCLEX-RN yesterday, got the good pop-up about two hours after leaving the test facility, and my license number was up on the BON site this morning!!! Isn't a wonderful feeling to finally feel hard work pay off?! WOOOOOOT

Less than 24 hours later...my license number has just appeared!!! I'm an RN!! WOOOOOHOOOOO!

GETTING THE GOOD POP-UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WILL POST WHEN BON VERIFIES IT!!

I know, you're right. I worked way too hard in school (and it showed, I was a good student) to be a failure now. We used ATI in school and I never really cared for them much, but I've read on here that people think they are a good study tool. I've got all the codes, I think I'm going to start setting up a study plan today. It's not going to be fun, but I guess I gotta do it. By the way, does anyone know if you have to apply to your state again, or if you just pay pearson vue again and reschedule? I'm in IN if that matters.

I am so bummed...first attempt today, pvt is leading me to credit card page. I had 180 q's, (maybe a couple more), 5 select-all, 1 dosage calc, and a crapload of delegation and priority. I'm just so mad at myself. $200 down the drain and the complimentary feeling of being a failure. Awesome.