nerdette_007

I just took the proctored ATI Fundamentals test yesterday, actually (though I'm not sure if it was A or B). We had to score above a 67%, but a lot of people failed because there's so much information that wasn't taught. If your test is anything like mine, I'd bone up on pediatrics, certain mobility issues (walking with a cane, namely), and quickly review trachs/NG tube insertion. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

I squirt a big glob of sanitizer on my finger and make a "moustache". It masks smells temporarily.

I'm continually surprised at how often "the nail thing" becomes an issue. And while I occasionally miss painting my nails ridiculous colors, I'm not willing to get an unsafe in clinical to prove a ridiculous vanity point. There's so many studies linking acrylic nails to nosocomial infections...evidence-based practice, dangit!

Nurse anesthesiologists make a ton of money...I think it's the highest-paid specialty, actually. But it's a masters program, and very selective.

Carpenito-Moy's Handbook of Nursing Diagnosis, all the way!

I could never do peds, I like kids too much. It's hard enough watching my geriatrics get sick and pass...I'd be an emotionally incompetent train wreck around sick kids all the time. I'm gearing for Trauma or Emergency. Maybe Psych. Anything with excitement and variety is good for me.

Nursing assistant/patient care tech/CNA experience will give you a HUGE advantage in clinicals, and will help you get hired after school. I would definitely work, even if it's only for a day or two each week. I'm a nursing assistant in geriatric LTC, it's assisted living and for the most part pretty quiet, so there's time to study. I work 24 hours a week, and pick up OT/doubles as I see fit. I'm fully independent, and I keep my head afloat in school and work. It's not so bad! Good luck to you.

Don't change your career choice based on experiences with your grandmother. It's a lot harder to see pain and suffering in someone you love. I'm just a nursing assistant in my first year of clinicals, but over time I've definitely learned how to cope with death and suffering. The first few times I lost a resident (I'm in LTC) had me crying a little in the ladies' room, but as I gained experience I came to view these situations in a more professional light. You express your empathy by being good at your job....you don't have "breakdowns" or anything like that. Hey, maybe you should try hospice volunteering. I signed up for a free volunteer workshop in October for the sake of being a better nurse to the terminally ill. Who knows, you might even like it.