TLeech

an alternative to orthotics is superfeet--it's generic (not custom formed for your feet) but you can find them at any running store, and much cheaper than orthotics.

Just for another prospective... From the time I was 14-24, my Dad was in and out of hospitals. He would often ask me to get ice chips from for him. It wasn't that he NEEDED the ice chips right away, it was that he didn't want to bother the nurses with the request, when he had an able-bodied visitor. I didn't know that I was pestering the nurses, I thought I was doing them a favor,...so, sometimes, tactfully telling the visitor that ringing the bell allows them to operate more efficiently is necessary--not once in the 10 years did anyone explain to me that I wasn't doing them a favor. The various hospitals had different set-ups and policies, but the other thing of note...if the ice machine was in an accessible location, I was happy to get the chips my self, but felt like I might be doing something wrong, so I always asked(probably unnecessary bugging the nurse in the process) My point is, that some pestering visitors might be a bother because they're trying hard not bother anyone, so telling the visitors what to do(and why) not only makes your job easier, but allows visitors to do what they came to do in the first place--provide comfort and aide to patient.

From the original post--where the manager said they're waiting on the "higher-ups" to approve things, it sounds like the employer has promised something and not followed through on it. While everyone has given great advice about looking for a position as an RN at another facility, if your employer promised you a raise and is taking their sweet time to implement it, it's important to stay on them. Even in a bad economy, there are ways to be persistent tactfully-- without risking losing your job.

If you want to PM me with your email address, I can forward it to my cousin. Him and his wife live in Austin. I think he was born in 1985 or so, so they would be close in age to you and might help you meet people.

It might be incredibly difficult to find the time and energy to workout, but getting into a regular workout routine might help your body be able to let go and sleep at the end of the day.

For the students who have taken the exam this year--is there really no science portion any more?

I am taking pre-reqs at NVCC this fall and hope to get into the program next year. I believe entrance is based on TEAS score and GPA, so hypothetically you might not be on a wait-list. I hope you're able to do really well and start the program next year :)

Casaloma, Hi! It looks like we're enrolled in the same course for the fall at NVCC. Good Luck with your classes. I also have an associates (my is from NVCC) and the computer course that is a prereq. was required for the associates, I had taken the online course for my A.S. and it was easy (back then they didn't offer a test). Anyhow, you might find once they evaluate your transcripts that a computer course required for you associates meets the prereq. for nursing. good luck

I'm in a similar situations, so I can't really answer your question about the job search...but I will say from the moment I decided to go back to school and started my prereqs, my life has taken on a new meaning...which makes up for the difficult journey I (we) have ahead of us. When I was mulling over the possibilities and thinking of the obstacles I felt nothing but stress, but after weighing the pros and cons of switching careers, I realized that I have a passion for this, and while I know it's going to be a hard road, I've been looking forward to the journey ever since I made the decision to do, and stopped wondering. Good luck :)

When do you start your new job? Because even though it might feel like forever, in the long run three months isn't too long to wait--especially if it means job security.

We live in Virginia, and many of the advertisements for dog walkers boast that they're bonded. (I'm not sure how much that means at the end of the day. But it is slightly more assuring than handing your keys to just anyone off the streets; at the very least, this person is bonded with the state) Also, meeting with the potential dog-walker beforehand can set your mind at ease. Although they could just be a good actors/actress, you'll probably get a good/bad vibe from them. However, if you're unable to find a suitable dog walker, it is possible for a dog to regularly hold for 12+ hours. The key is to gradually train them to go longer; in the time before you switch, start going to the gym or somewhere else before coming home so that they begin to expect to wait longer. As long as it's not an older dog with bladder issues, it's not unreasonable. You might want to confine (with baby gates or doors) the dogs to an area with hard floors--like the kitchen, while you transition them to the longer days. Just make sure they have toys/bones to keep them busy. At first, you might want to not leave out water for them--just make sure they have plenty of access to water while you're home; as they get more used to when to expect to go out, you can give them more freedom and water while you're gone. I would highly advise against crating a dog for more than 6 hours unless it's a last option (they're being destructive or possibly getting into things that could hurt them). The hardest part will be the transition, but remember, dogs are creatures of habit, and once they realize they get to go out at a set interval, they adapt quickly. Even after you're dogs have adapted to a new schedule, it's probably a good idea to have a dog-walker that you can trust (to some degree) since sometimes our dogs get diarrhea--and when that happens, I do crate them and have a dog walker come midday. Even after you're dogs have adapted to a new schedule, it's probably a good idea to have a dog-walker that you can trust (to some degree) since sometimes our dogs get diarrhea--and when that happens, I do crate them and have a dog walker come midday. I used to worry about leaving the pups alone all day, but I'm fairly certain they just sleep since every time I've come home at an unusual time--they're just sleeping. Good luck ?

Yup, as many others have said...lots of people do this. A good friend of my husbands does has done it for years, he loves it. But again it depends on your personality--and how do you feel about driving? our friend listens to books on tape, and I swear, his time alone in the car is like meditation for him--but some get stressed driving. If you decide to try it, you can always change your mind. If you find the driving and the time away from your husband is too stressful, you can always look for a different job locally. Good luck :)

Yuck, but it's good to know that once you pass you can't retake the test. I feel like there would be an advantage to having sat through the test and then to go back and retake it (I plan to take the practice test from the ati website--but still having the option to retake the actual test would be nice) Thank you for the info :)

Does MCI have an RN program too?

Thanks Heather. I will give them a call.