MistyDreamer

One thing we found out on our unit was to monitor the TV programs that were on. A lot of your advanced stages believe that what they are seeing on the screen is real and happening to them. One lady swore her husband who was in the unit with her was cheating on her and kept attacking other female residents. Her TV was being tuned to daytime soaps by CNA's. Once we instigated no TV except by resident request, our agitation and combative behaviors decreased dramatically. The complaining by staff about the policy stopped when they realized they were getting hit less!

As a former LPN, now an RN in a critical care setting, I have been on both sides of this issue. As an LPN I was often pulled into CCU and did my best to help the RN's so that having to push my IV meds or initiate some of my drips did not cause alot of problems. I stayed organized and handled what I could within the scope of my license. As a result, I was transferred into the CCU by request of the RN's in that unit. I was only the 2nd LPN utilized in a unit as a staff nurse. My exposure there gave me the incentive to return to school and obtain my RN degree. I was hired as a new grad RN straight into an MICU because of my previous experience. Not all LPN's are capable of handling critical care nursing, neither are some RN's. It comes down to the type of nurse that person is and also the state and facility limitations of practise. Would I work with an LPN in my unit today? Yes, and I do. She only practises within her license scope and is quick to spot trends and changes. I do not feel that my license is in jeopardy working with her. There is an RN however that I have formally refused to work with because of her unsafe practises. Just another viewpoint from someone who has been on both sides.

Thanks, for all the advice so far. The surgery center sounds like a great idea, there is one about 2 miles from my house. School nurses are entrenched in their jobs here, very few openings ever come up, but I will look into it. Once again thank you for all your help.

I really need some advice on possible nursing jobs other than hospital, home health, and hospice. Doc offices are out too, they don't pay enough in this area. Unfortunately, my current health situation is causing me to start looking for a new job. I am an ADN with 2 years of ICU experience and 15 years experience as an LPN. I am the major wage earner as my hubby is disabled. My contract will be up soon and I really need to start looking for an alternative to the hands on nursing as I will be unable to continue lifting, or being on my feet for 12 hour shifts. Any suggestions as to where to start looking would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

The wages are low but so are the property taxes. It's a good place to retire as there are a lot of breaks given to retirees. The nursing shortage is getting worse here so we hope the wages will come up in order to attract more nurses. Ratios probably won't improve until there is some type of mandate put in place. There aren't any nursing unions in place either, so that avenue is closed. I am here because of family obligations (aging parents, disabled hubby). I stick to the units because of the lower ratios. Not getting any younger!!!

The staffing ratios here in Dothan are not that good. Days Med-surg or tele avg 8-10/1 ICU 2-3/1. At Flowers the charge nurse also takes patients on every shift. SAMC night charge nurses usually have a few patients along with charging. Quite a difference frm Arizona!

A similar situation happened to me, only I had asked to sit out a term to care for my hubby after back surgery (he was in a fusion brace and could not get up on his own). I was told I needed to get my priorities straight if I wanted to be a nurse. I was already an LPN at the time. I told them I felt that my priorities were in the correct order and that I would reapply when my husband was better. 1 year later I was back in school (they couldn't deny me, my grade avg. was 4.0) and now I have graduated. Sometimes you just have to stand firm. Good luck to you in school.

Thanks to everyone for your kind responses. To everyone else still waiting to hear>>>Keep hope alive, you did great!

Be positive! I took Nclex in June. 75 questions, no new format, lots of priority and delegation, about 10 pharm. Walked out thinking that was the worst I ever did on a test. Found out I passed on 7/10. Everyone in my class who had 75 questions passed also. Hope this helps!!!

I was the last to hear of the gruop that took boards the same day but, 4 days after everyone else I found out that I had passed :balloons: . It took a long time since I had to work fulltime throughout nursing school, but it's finally over. Just had to stomp and holler a little bit more . Good luck to anyone still waiting!!!!