LLovelylocks

Hello! I'll be graduating in August and figure it's about time to start the job panic. I'm 28 y/o and just beginning in the healthcare field (went to college for prevet for a yr and ended up in a messy string of surgeries. Too concerned about my own health at that time to go back). I've excelled in school so far but I know that is not what counts in the job search. To add fuel to the fire, my other half and I are planning to move to the LA area in October. I currently live in Pennsylvania. Anyone living in the LA area or California in general that can provide ANY advice on where to begin would be greatly appreciated. I know I have to get an endorsement due to my license being from PA, and I have that part down. I am willing to start anywhere as long as it helps pay the bills. Not afraid of hard work! Let the panic ensue. Ah!

So we are learning right now about the urniary system and catheters and all that good stuff. We have 1 urinary lab where we can practice a couple times on the simlab mannequins, test off on the mannequins, then it's straight to the hospital to start on real people! I guess I'm just really nervous about cathing people and that's not something you get to practice! I took everyone's blood pressure I knew so I could become familiar with that, but that's not gonna happen with this scenario. Any advice?? What to expect or the best way or anything? Any help would be much appreciated!

We were forced to complete the ATI modules at the very beginning of school. It's only the 4th month of a part time program so I still wouldn't know the answers to those questions. When we did it, it was a complete waste only because the questions were beyond the class cirriculum. I found myself Googling drugs so I could answer questions about test taking. I hated it and attempted to discuss it with my instructor for that class. Got me no where so I finished the rest of it. Still stick with the fact that it's useless.

Just to update this and let you know what happened! Didn't take the bf (never thought it was a good idea in the first place either and really didn't want to but since he was hovering as I was typing my first question, figured I would mention it). I spoke with my instructor and she suggested the secret santa as well. So I snuck in when I knew she would be at mass and left her the nightgown. I wasn't doing it to make me feel better, as I already am a pretty happy camper. She needed one and her sister who takes hers home to wash had an arguement and refused to bring her anything or come in and see her. That's why she only had the one. And now she has 2, and her sister still has her other 2. The cookies, I made lots and took them in for everyone making sure the CNAs knew which ones to offer my resident. I made some from the diabetic recipes and used Splenda and labelled them. I can't guarantee they were any good because I'm no suzy-homemaker, but it was worth a shot. And then I went home. My instructors had no issues with me taking the item to her especially since I made it a secret santa although my mom (LPN for 30 years) told me to take them in and hand it to her because it would mean more. But thanks to all who responded and I wish the place I'm working had an adopt-a-resident program, but they don't have one as of yet. I spoke with the human resources director about it though. She's the only one we have direct contact with. Maybe next year.

Hello! I know my title is a bit strange but I need solme help! I'm in my first clinical at a private LTC care facility. The resident I have been assigned to doesn't have much family and is in DIRE need of a new nightgown (trust me, I get her ready in the morning). Would it be too much for me to take a nightgown and some cookies in to her for a Christmas present? I would go in on my own time. I have gotten a little attached to her :redpinkhe. I'm a sucker for some things I guess. She has no diet restrictions (not diabetic surprisingly) so the cookies wouldn't be a health concern and other resident's family member bring in goodies all the time. I know I'm not family per se but would like to add some cheer to her day. She's been a little down lately. Would I be crossing the line? Also, my boyfriend would like to come with me. BUT I don't know if that's an invasion of her privacy. He doesn't know anything about her medical history, just knows I want to do something for her and would like to back me. He's been great about the whole nursing school running my life thing (working full time and school part time so I basically have no life). I'm not sure if this is something that would be considered ok in the student nursing clinical aspect. Any suggestions?? Help!