ECRN 4085

XIGRIS, Wondering how your test went? (Know this is a relatively old thread) Im looking to sit for this exam in November, curious if you have any tips for a first time cert exam taker. Thanks!!

It sounds like your image is the only thing being used. As long as your credentials and name are not used as an endorsement I see no issue or problem from a nursing / evidenced based stand point. Never hurts to run it by the employer, but I see no problem with helping out a friend in this instance.

Patients being stabilized for organ harvesting in addition to others above

Sheesh... this is how I recover. Come on here and see what my peers have to say!! No one seems to understand how difficult a 12hour stint on nights, family or friends. So glad to have you guys to help keep me sane and grounded!!

You know not many people can leave work at the end of the day collect a great paycheck, feel worthwhile AND save a human being's life. I feel privileged to be a nurse, the fact you are a man is moot. I am a man, I provide for my family and work my butt off for my patients. Unfortunately those women will never see how sexy it is for a nurse (male or female) taking charge in a code, going toe to toe with a doctor for a patient, or crying with a family. Don't let societies misconceptions or an ignorant person degrade your importance just because your not in the NFL. Be proud in telling people what you do!! P.S. I am a man, I married a nurse. She saw how great I looked in my blues and it was love at first sight! There's nothing more sexy than confidence, advertise that when you say your a nurse.

God bless you guys!! I could never handle the stress you guys put up with from unruly employees on top of all other responsibilities. I'm a charge nurse and the extent of my responsibilty are simple unit chores and making the next shifts assignment, I cant believe the grief I get for that darn thing (too easy, too hard, too far) Meh.... Impossible to please everyone...... Keep doing the good work guys!! You got my respect

We are so awesome how can you pack all that amazingness into one day?? Give us a year to celebrate our greatness:idea:

My advice, do the Accelerated BSN. A lot of work absolutely but you'll be out just as quick as with an ADN plus be more marketable. I feel your pain!! My fiancee and I are pursuing our MSN together while wedding planning, AHHH. Best of luck with all!!

Coffee.... Coffee... Coffee... Coffee... Coffee... And then for lunch.....

A good nurse assistant is what makes the world go around!! We nurses cry about under appreciation, you guys definitely don't get your kudos. All the credit in the world to you guys, thanks to the originator of this post allowing us to voice our appreciation!!

Just remember, you're a new grad!! Don't hold out for an ICU job or a cath lab job, most employers want experience. You need to learn your skills, judgements, and critical thinking. I recommend trying to find a progressive care unit or step down/tele to start with. Develop a foundation in time management, prioritization, interventions, and knowing how to talk to a doctor. Before taking care of an ICU patient you need to be proficient in telemetry, phlebotomy, art sticks, codes/rrt's etc. so you are not a deer in headlights the first time a patient goes south. You'll see and learn TONS on one of those units. Please don't hold out for ICU, I'd hate to see all that knowledge you gained start to slip away waiting.

Conrad said it best, one leg over the other. The ICU beds are different in my hospital than in step down or general units. They gives us the ability to inflate the mattress which can actually turn the patient itself. Investigate the unit and see if those beds offer that function.

The thing I learned is you cant look at nursing like a job. It sounds cliche but it truly has to be a passion. If you feel truly called to be a nurse, go for it. One problem I notice with a lot of new grads is the sense of entitlement. Many enter undergrad schooling with the goal of immediately obtaining work an ICU for a year to transition right to anesthesia. Most I talk to hold out for that job forgetting that they need experience, they need to learn how to be a nurse!! Thats not to say why the market is poor in some areas, just an observation. If you want to be a nurse for the joy of the profession and passion you feel toward it, at least in my neck of the woods, there are PLENTY of nonhospital jobs, look for nursing home jobs, hospice jobs, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient surgery centers etc all that pay great (again, in my area). This acute care hiring freeze will subside, jobless new grads hang in there!! And dont be afraid to look for jobs in places other than hospitals!!

I've noticed every hospital has THAT unit, it's unfortunate you were a good worker for them and are seemingly discarded just like that. Hold your head up high and carry your passion for nursing into your next position and give those patients your best. Dont forget thats why you're a nurse!! You work and care for your patients, not the appreciation of a NM. Accept your patient's and their families 'thank you' graciously and move on to give your best to your next patient. Good luck at the new job.

The "government plan" I was referring to was the plan that was passed this year. I refer to it as a "government plan" because it is now a law that the "government" mandated and the powers it gives the government. The government is mandating citizens of this country and employers to enroll in "qualified plans." It gives the power of the Office of Personnel Management to control payment and reimbursement. It creates numerous non-profit insurance providers funded by tax dollars and headed by government beaurocrats. That is sounding like a public plan to me. I prefer the care I am able to give my patients under a free market system. As I said in my previous post is it perfect no, do we need reform yes. Do I prefer a free market system to Canadian or a European style of health care, absolutely.