juliannaUT

Don't panic, you are normal to feel that way. Reading your post made me smile. I will never forget the first day of my nursing school experience (I graduated 2 years ago). We all walked out of that class in a daze, numb...saying "what the HECK just happened in there". I remember feeling WAY out of my league, and completely overwhelmed. Just take a deep breath. You can do it. Just take it a day at a time. Nursing school is a huge undertaking. There is a lot to learn, but you don't have to learn it all by tomorrow afternoon. My biggest advice to you and your classmates it to help each other. Don't be competitive, and be a support system for each other. In nursing we never stop learning. And we should never stop asking questions. You'll do fine. Good luck!!!

Well don't come to Utah, because the pay here stinks. We all have to support ourselves and our families, so of course it's good to consider the pay you will get. I had a friend that moved to Texas right after school. She walked right into an awesome hospital, with a fat sign on bonus and great pay! (brat! LOL). hmmm, maybe Texas wouldn't be so bad....I would be interested to see that list as well. Maybe if you find it you could post it!

It's not a good idea to wear anything scented. Remember, what smells good to you may not to someone who is sick. Some people are very sensitive to smells. Of course it's good to be clean, but maybe save the scents for after your shift.

I totally agree with you. Your charge nurse should be someone who has been there, done that, and can help you when things come up. I recently quit at a facility where the DON just graduated in May of 2009, and went straight to being the DON. It was hard because I've only been a nurse for 2 years, and she would constantly come to ME with questions...basic stuff that she should know. She's a very nice person, but in my opinion, has no business being in a position like that until she herself has worked the floor. I think it's bad practice.

I've had this same experience at work. Half of the nurses that I work with are Philippino. I love them all dearly. They are awesome nurses. But, when they all get together, they speak Tagalog. I know what you mean about feeling out of place. I've just handled it by joking with them about it and asking them to please speak English...which they do. And, the other half of the nurses I work with, and CNA's, speak Spanish. I feel like the minority. Just plain old white girl speakin English. If I were you I would just tell them how you feel, as nicely and tactfully as you can. Chances are they don't realize that they are making you feel uncomfortable.

Ok, I have a question. Probably a dumb one...but oh well. When I hang IV medication...I spike the bag, prime the line, and yet it seems that about half of the time it runs in fine, and half of the time it's only a matter of time before the stupid thing beeps because of air in the line. What the heck am I doing wrong? Does anyone have any tips? How do I keep air out of the line?

Go for it. I went through nursing school at an older age...graduated at 39. But I certainly wasn't the oldest one in my class. It's never too late. I say you go for it!