LTV950rn

There are many things that make a good nurse and while starting IVs is an excellent skill, skills are not all that go into being a good nurse. I precept and can teach a skill to anyone- what I cannot necessarily teach is that thinking piece that is so crucial to being a good nurse. Excellent skills are important but the understanding behind those makes the difference. Oh- and I have yet to start an IV on a patient and I've been a nurse for years. Not missing out in my opinion- I utilize other skills and critical thinking constantly, so it truly isn't fair to generalize about IV skills being so crucial.

My agency supplies gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, and even in some cases, toilet paper and paper towel! Our families are expected to supply hand soap though and all families are made aware of that. I agree, does sound shady.

" I meant simply what I said: this is not a profession. It just isn't. It isn't realistic to assert that a job where the minimum barrier to be called a nurse is an LPN training program that you finish in a year at technical school is a profession. It isn't."Anyone else take issue with this statement? You are entitled to your opinion but I imagine many would disagree. I certainly do.As to the topic on hand, I notice poor grammar and spelling from many nurses- old, young, and even those who have pursued advanced education. I think it may be a reflection of our society in general.

I do this now in my job. If you have a choice, I would recommend straight nights to keep some sort of consistent schedule. I'm tired often and my poor body gets confused!

Ever thought of pediatric private duty? That's my area and I love it. Otherwise, maybe peds clinic?

I have had the low min volume alarm for this, probably because the trach may not totally come out. With the distinct sounds this vent has, you'd probably hear something amiss before it would low pressure alarm.

As LPN turned RN, I can totally relate to this! (similar situation for me). Thanks for posting this! We are all valuable!

You could also go for your RN, get paid more, and NOT work in a hospital. Depending on your area, it can be hard to find hospital jobs anyway. You can work in a clinic as an RN, maybe do same-day surgery, home health or private duty, school nursing, etc. I was an LPN for 5 years and enjoyed the predictable clinic hours I had (M-F, 7:30-4). What I did not enjoy was the not-so-great pay, monotonous tasks, and at times being treated like a lesser person for being "only an LPN." (I do not and have never felt this way about LPN's, but ofent got some of this attitude from others). I wanted an opportunity to advance and gain more pay, so I did my RN last year. In my area, it is hard to get into a hospital and I don't even desire hospital work, so I decided on a private duty nursing job. (and love it!). Good luck to you! I hope that helps some!

I am just wondering, if this doesn't affect you, why are you posting about it?

Alright, first time starting a thread. Here's the deal. Without giving too many details, I do extended care nursing and do a good deal of training new nurses. Myself and a few other nurses do the majority of all training for nurses in different homes. We are NOT supervisors by any means. While working my overnight shift tonight, I received an email from one of these aforementioned trainers titled "[patient name]." So I'm thinking, ok, this is information about this particular patient I need to know? Nope, it was an email addressed to myself and two other nurses (not trainers) who work with the patient, informing us that a tiny bit of the charting was not right and if we did x, y, and z, it would then be correct. He then signs the email with a thanks and his name! Am I wrong to have been rubbed the wrong way by this? This person is not my supervisor (and in fact is my equal) and took the time to look up charting from each day I was working there. I also do not think it was appropriate he was checking up on the other nurses either. Not to mention, the "incorrect" item, without getting too detailed, does not compromise the integrity of mine or anyone else's charting by any means. (liken it to maybe a misspelled word) In my sleep deprived stupor, I almost shot off an email to my real supervisor, but decided to take the high road and refrained. I think I just needed to vent! Any thoughts? I normally am pretty mild mannered, but this really bothered me!

Pardon me, I hit reply too soon. I'm thinking the instructor who gave you advice to be more diplomatic was right on. I'm still really bothered by your statement about "stupid people," especially since those may be patients you take care of, just have not had the advantage of your education and background. Good luck in your endeavors.

You didn't stay at any of those jobs long enough to learn anything, much less judge if they were boring or not. The nursing community is small and it will catch up with you eventually, along with the attitude. I'm thn

Anyone else notice the tone of superiority (low tolerance for stupid people), etc, here? I am also concerned with all that job hopping in a matter of months. I really think you need to stick with one thing for awhile, get experience, and eat some humble pie. A lot of nurses have many positive traits, many of which you referenced, but the best nurses I've met don't call attention to them.

The entire weekend with him? Wow, I wouldve lost my mind not doing any homework on a weekend! I have to say, his behavior is not a good sign. He sounds insecure and selfish. No matter what, don't let it impact your studies and don't ever consider quitting for him! ( its sad, but it happens). I have a friend from my RN program who had a similar situation. Long term relationship, even lived together. Last semestet of our program, is decides to start whining about how he feels "neglected", overall was unsupportive and started accusing her of cheating on him! (As if she would have even had time!). Turns out, HE was the cheater! She kicked him to the curb, got through the program, passed boards, and is working as an RN now. It was rough though. Good luck to you and be proud of yourself- its not easy to get through the program, and I say that as a person who was lucky to have a super supportive husband through it all. Enjoy this time and cast all negativity away!

I was the same way before I graduated last year. I think a review like that works for some, but I knew I didn't need it. Just studied my nclex review books and passed first try. I would have a problem having to pay for this if I didnt want it

Seriously, as a preceptor myself, I'm just happy if I have a A. good orientee and B. get a verbal thank you. I would never expect more and would feel uncomfortable with getting a gift like that.

I couldn't agree more. I do this line of work and it is painfully obvious to me and the poor family if you dislike this line of work. These kids and their families have enough to deal with without having a nurse who can't stand being there. I'd search for that job you really want and would actually like to do and let this one go.

They knew what they were doing when they offered you a job. I agree with the other posters-if they can't honor their promise now, who knows what they would pull later on down the road.

I wish all parents could be like you!

I would get out of this ASAP. It is never good to be put on a pedestal like that. Things will hit the fan. At some point, your agency needs to remind this parent that they can request all they want not to have nurses come back, but at some point, they won't have any nurses left to staff the case. As for the mom getting upset with the other poster about forgetting the hat- how rude! I have no problem telling a parent, respectfully of course, that I expect to be talked to me in a respectful manner. Otherwise, the case manager should be made aware. I work a case at times where mom often yells at nurses. 2 of the "bigwigs" basically had to make a visit and inform mom that she must communicate with the nurses in a respectful manner. How sad is it that a parent has to be told that.

I disagree. I'm great at math and was able to test out of this but I can't emphasize how surprised I was with how many people struggled with dosage calculations. Even after they took the class and were in the nursing classes! Not a bad thing, but if math isn't a strong area, plan on putting time into this and studying it.

I disagree. I'm great at math and was able to test out of this but I can't emphasize how surprised I was with how many people struggled with dosage calculations. Even after they took the class and were in the nursing classes! Not a bad thing, but if math isn't a strong area, plan on putting time into this and studying it.

I haven't heard of being bagged manually specifically to reduce anxiety, but what I have found in private duty is that patients/families find little tricks like these that work for them/help out, even if it seems not to be "the norm." I have bagged a patient sitting in their wheelchair while another nurse changed out the patient's circuit (he is a patient that cannot be off the vent at all) and didn't have any problems. Is your patient cognitively aware? If so, I'd just ask him if the bagging "feels right." If he truly can't exhale, he should be able to tell you and/or his sats and heart rate would reflect it was not effective. I'd practice bagging him before a situation comes up just to get more comfortable. When in doubt, it is always ok to connect with RT- they truly are amazing and I think sometimes their knowledge and expertise isn't utilized enough!

When I have situations like these, I document really well (such as that you are indeed doing all treatments as ordered, etc) and also inform my supervisor of what's going on. However, I happen to work for a wonderful agency who has my back- unfortunately, that is not common in the world of homecare. Good luck to you!

Usually this behavior is attention seeking- they have such little control over their lives that they try and gain it elsewhere. I would be interested to know how the parents respond to his accusations. Either way, I'd want out- this sounds like it will get old fast.