mel82

I totally agree, most facilities in this area that pay over $25 will have you "caring" for over 50 patients. Impossible! Dangerous! Would not do it! I have 15 on day shift, and 30 on 3-11. Most of my pts aren't on that many meds, most treatments are done in am, and it is a very well run facility with a staff that generally works well together. Unfortunately, I think in my area this facility is in the minority.

I don't get any benefits, and the cost of living is way high here. RN's (not per-diem, with benefits) get between $28 and 35 an hour.

I make 26.50 (that's with shift differential) on weekend 3-11 shifts. I am per-diem, that's not unheard of in north jersey, if you do per-diem. I was making $28, per-diem (no differential), but a terrible job, not worth it at all!

How can you not have access to a pharmacy on the weekend?

Nutrition is a hard course. It can get very scientific. I had to take it as part of the LPN course. I do not understand why it it not required in RN programs. It was difficult, but I think that as a nurse you should have a good understanding of nutrition to be able teach your patients proper nutrition. I would definitely recommend taking it. Melanie, LPN

Desyrel is given PRN because it acts as a sleep aide. It's fairly ineffective as an antidepressant but works well as a sleep aide. That is probably why the patient is taking it. Hope this helps, Melanie, LPN

I appreciate everyone's responses, however the actual homework (extra credit) question is what does the "A" stand for? Thanks

This is probably a stupid question, but what does the "A" in influenza A stand for? More specifically when referring to AH5N1 (Avian Flu) Thanks, Melanie

Hello, I just got my LPN license last week. I thought I would let you all know thatmy course was just as intense as you are describing. But, after the first four months it slowed down to a very manageable pace. Keep your heads up and don't fall behind. Their is a light at the end of the tunnel, after all your hard work you will be a nurse. Melanie, LPN (finally!)

I just took the NCLEX-PN and answered the minimum of 85 questions. I walked out feeling like I didn't know anything. I won't find out until Monday morning. I don't know anyone who failed with 85 questions. Does anyone know anyone who failed with the minimum? -Melanie (hopefully LPN)

I graduated (LPN) 7/28/05 in NJ. I am taking the NCLEX on 8/26/05. If I pass I would know by Monday or Tuesday. Does anyone know if you can get a job with the results of the NCLEX or do you have to wait for the license to come in the mail?

$3,895.00 includes tuition, books, uniform and malpractice insurance (this is a technical school in NJ) Melanie, LPN in 6 weeks!

Hi, I am working on a case study for Med/Surg on a pt with a chest trauma. I am trouble finding the answers to these questions Any ideas would be helpful The patient has a closed drainage system attached to wall suction to drain a penetrating chest injuring 1. What equipment is needed at the bedside? 2. What do you do if the drainage system tips over? 3. Can the patient get up and leave the unit, and if so what do you do? 4. How much fluids should the patient consume and why is he on I/O? Thanks, Melanie

Does anyone use this series of books for study help? They are Straight A's in Med/Surg, Pharmacology, Peds/Ob and so on. They are pricey but look very helpful If anyone uses them are they worth the price? Thanks, Melanie

This is exactly what I plan to do Melanie, LPN in 2005