JWestbrook20

Haha! Thank you all for your responses! And Biffbradford, I will have to try that. I just need some idea to try, so thanks!

Hello yall, I am Tech in my hospitals' Emergency Department, soon-to-be RN. I've been working in the ED at nights (7p-7a) for almost a year now, with 2 years of Cardiac Tele under my belt. I am a young (21y.o.) male, with a fit physique, I work nights on the weekends (Fri-Sun) and ever since school has started back up, I haven't been able to workout like I typically do (although work in the ED keeps me halfway in shape). It seems like the my first shift every week (Fri), I come home with my both my legs aching like CRAZY!!! It seems like at the end of the shift my legs have no blood flowing and are just completely dry, I guess that best describes the aching feeling. I don't know what sickle-cell pain feels like, but if I had to guess, the pain I get is on point with so. I use great running/jogging shoes that give great support and are tightly fitting to my feet. And after the rest of my shifts of the weekend, my legs feel normal. I don't know if my legs are just getting a hefty workout that first shift, since I'm hardly able to workout anymore, and all the muscles in my legs are just tightening up and are reducing the blood flow to my legs? But what I'm coming here for is any thoughts on this, if any of yall have the same problems and what you do to resolve this issue. I've heard buying TED hose socks from say Walgreens or CVS (non-prescribed). But I believe just a pre-shift excercise would do some justice. If so, what kind of light workouts/exercises would you recommend (legs only)? Thank you so much for taking time to read this. "God is God, and God is good"

Thank you all for your replies! I thought of this to be a very fun article. It's great to hear everyone's point of views and own personal experiences! By the way, does anyone know what nurse2033 meant by his "Bunker Gear"? What all does that consist of?! Thanks!!!

I was just curious, how many of you all have put your expertise to use outside of the hospital setting? As in like one fine day someone collapses and you have to you use your clinical judgement to help this person? Or maybe someone has a MVA and you have to use your nursing knowledge. And I am not talking about first-aid or what have you. I am talking about stuff you actually have to critically think about and use you "Trauma-esque" expertise to help save this person's life or stabilize their health. I was just curious since I recently have transferred down to the ED at my hospital after 2.5 years in Cardiac Tele and currently in nursing school. Of course I would be prepared with the knowledge, but does it happen often that you put it to action outside of the hospital setting. And once again, no first-aid stuff, more critical, emergent, and urgent cases. Thanks yall!!!

sammijornbsn, thanks for listing such great ideas! i will have to check into them. thank you!

Once again, thank you elkpark! I believe that is some great advice that I will keep in mind as my career goes forth.

sonoritygenius, whispera, elkpark thank y'all! i appreciate it. i had a hunch that it was crossing boundries, but i didn't feel like looking through all 20 text books to find the answer! thanks!

I am a nursing student, first semester, and during clinicals today I grew a huge heart for my patient! She was a close-to 60 year old patient who has had a lot of previous medical conditions/procedures such as; CAD, CABG (2), MI (3), Stents (6). She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, last September I believe. She has no psychosocial support whatsoever! Her husband died 9 years ago, both parents are deceased, dog has passed away, brother is in Australia and maybe calls once a month, and a sister who lives fairly close to her, but yet since her diagnosis of cancer she has never came around to see her. You can very much tell she is depressed, and for obvious reasons; no one to support her through this hard time, mastectomy, no hair, etc. And she seemed to use sarcasm as a coping mechanism for her depression.. After trying my hardest to get a social worker in to see her before her discharge, and before I left clinicals, I went in and just sat and talked to her that it would be very healthy for her to join some support group in the community, even going to church and joining a life/small group. I have been around a few family friends that have been diagnosed with cancer, and a team of people would join together and create a support group for whomever and would do charitable stuff for them. The question I had about legal issues is, am I able to find her phone number and/or address in the phone book and ask when or if I could bring her dinners some nights? Or just going over to clean the house, mow the lawn, etc..? And if this is possible, would I be able to just grab it off of our computer-based system? My heart grew a lot for her and I feel so bad Thank you so much! (And please do not mention to me that I cannot let my heart get in the way of caring for patients, because if that day ever comes I will be retired or deceased! And also don't act like my parents and tell me that I cannot do this for every patient I grow a heart for. I put my heart and soul into my job now (PCT) and will continue to do the same as a nurse.) Thank you!

Thanks K+MgSO4!! This is one of the more important questions I had about travel nursing! Like I said, I've always dreamed of visiting Ireland. Visiting might just be the best thing. Working there might be another... But thanks for some of the information I would need if I ever do decide to work in Ireland! Thanks!!

Thanks a lot Skip! First response and I clearly have an idea of what travel nursing is about! I've been a PCT on Cardiac Tele for two years now, I am going to nursing school through my hospital and thereafter I owe them 2 years. So like you recommended, I will gain some experience through those mandatory 2 years. It sounds like a lot of fun! Cali/Florida in the Summer and Colorado in the Winter! Once again, thank you so much! Jordan

I am only 21 years of age, just started nursing school, and I have no plans to start a family here in the near future. I was wondering if you all would be able to give me insight of what all a travel nurse consists of. Here are a few questions to help you out, and if you could answer any or all questions that would be greatly appreciated! 1) Do you get to choose where you travel to? 2) Do you get to choose how long you will stay in a certain city/state? 3) Are there companies that allow you to travel out of the country? 4) Do you have the option to decide what hospital you will work at? 5) Do you have the option to decide what department you will work in? 6) Do you have to apply for "seasonal nurse" position through whatever hospital? 7) Living expenses and moving.. Is it paid for? 8) What kind of pay salaries are offered as an RN-travel nurse? 9) What are some well-known agencies that deal with travel nurses? The reason I ask all these questions is because I Love to travel, and I've always wanted to go to Ireland for months at a time, and it sure would be nice if I could continue to work and do so. I also want to work in the ED or ICU/CCU, but I don't want to become a travel nurse if I can't decide which hospitals and/or units I work in. I've also heard that a lot of the living expenses and moving are paid for, but does that mean your pay salary is cut than a typical RN in a hospital setting? Thank you guys for taking time to read this, and answer the tons of questions!!

Ah-ha! I see Old.Timer, thanks a lot for pointing that out and giving me future advice! And I am so glad yall have found this article as moving as I did. I look forward to the many days I spend with you all as I continue on with nursing school!

with that last bit, i think you understand where i am coming from. the show i was referring to, is actual events, and i have been in codes myself, i know that the docs aren't the "ringleaders", but i think i just want know that i have so much power and knowledge that nothing cannot be done to save this persons life. thank you for your helpful and caring words!

I have, but I figured if I am going to put that many years into studying, I mine as well become a doc... But I really need to do a bit more research on PA's. Years of school, pre-reqs, pay, etc.. Thank you!

I really have thought about becoming an NP and specializing in Trauma/ER. As I did research I found out that even if you do specialize in those areas, you will most likely be working with the Ears, Nose and Throat patients... I know, I know. Not everyday is going to host a adrenaline rush event, but when that time does come, I don't want to be probing a persons ear for infection or whatnot.. Thanks for your advice, I will still keep that option available as the years go on.

Even though I just became a member today, I would like to share with yall the day I had the other week. I've worked as a CNA/PCT in the hospital, on Cardiac Telemetry for two years now. Back when I first started, maybe six months after my hire date I had a very young patient (well, young for a cardiac floor). She was 19. I cannot recall what kind of illness she had, if I had to guess, maybe MS? If it was MS, she had a typical bad form of it; completely bedridden, and hardly ROM. She had a trach and urinary cathater (which I'm sure all seems degrading at that early of an age). Her mom was always there, day and night, but also her Fiancee'! She had plans to get married before she came down with the acute-esque illness. She also had plans to become a Nurse!! I worked with her for the next three months, getting her out of bed 3 times a day, but she was so weak she was not able to keep her body aligned and to keep from falling out of a chair, so we used a special made chair just for situations like this one, strapped her in and had her sit up for a bit. We bathed her daily. And about the last month, helped her start eating pureed foods. She never lost her spirit, always had a great attitude. I grew to love this family!! We finally transferred her out, to Oncology. Every so often I would pay a visit to see her and her family. As her length of stay continued, months kept tacking on, and I must have just forgot all about her (which I now feel horrible about). Well, just the other day (maybe a year later), before starting my mid-day vitals I saw a young couple walking up to the nurses desk (in which I figured was asking for directions to a patients room). At the time, I was talking to a fellow co-worker. The guy looked so familiar, but I didn't think nothing of it so I continued on with my conversation. The couple then turned around and was going to head back down the hallway, the girl didn't spark my attention, but the guy definitely did, I knew it was the fiancee' of my past patient! Then I looked at the girl and realized it was HER! She looked Great! She had make up on, hair fixed, glasses, no trach, etc. But most of all, she was WALKING!!! Now I'm not a type to show my emotions, but I could not hold these back, I RAN to her and gave her a huge hug, tears beginning to make form, and my voice became shakey! I couldn't believe it was her! I was SO shocked, surprised, ecstatic, etc! We then held a near hour long conversation of how they have been, where they are now, etc. Well she is now no longer in a hospital, she does have home health come out once a week. They got married!! And she still plans to pursue Nursing!! Now I seriously don't think I have ever showed that kind of emotion in my lifetime, but I promise you, it was one of the most moving situations I have ever been in. It told me never to give up, and keep fighting the good fight. It also reassured me why I Love doing what I do! I mean, I do wipe butts nearly all day, but after seeing/witnessing this young girl go from what I say "near death", to up walking, looking great, and to have that same ol' happy spirit, no one can deny that this is what the healthcare field is all about! And a miracle from God! Thank yall for letting me share this story with you, I hope you enjoyed it! Remember, "God is God, and God is Good"!

I've worked at a hospital as a CNA/PCT for 2 years now. I work 3-12's and just started nursing school. I don't know how things will fair as nursing school goes forth, but I do know while working at the hospital, I seriously probably walk anywhere from 5-10 miles a day. That for one will keep you in shape. Lifting/assisting patients will help out. But outside of work, I usually only work on cardio; running, rollerbladding, biking at a park. If you go out to the park to do either of those, I promise it will clear your head of all the stress that might come upon you, and it wouldn't last more than 2 hours out of your day. Don't ask me about food... I work on a cardiac floor, and I still have a strict meat-only diet! :) Don't worry though, finding an hour or two out of a couple days of the week won't be as hard as it seems.

RN1298, I completely understand where you are coming from! Sounds quite unorthodox, almost working backwards. I'm 20 years of age, so I don't think I'm limited on time to complete nursing school and then take pre-reqs/MCAT in order to be accepted into med school. And also, as long as I am working for THR, they are willing to reimburse me in any kind of classes (I just don't think Med School itself). So all pre-reqs would be paid for. Thank you!!

Highschoolfuturenurs, Texas Health Resources is paying for my schooling and we had to sign a contract stating that we'd give them 2 years after completion of our RN. So after completion of my BSN, I would only owe them 1 more year. I turn 21 in March, so I guess you could say I'm still quite young enough to complete all of nursing and med school, if it ever happens. Thank you! Rntobeme, great words of advice! I will definitely be focused on the nursing aspect while in nursing school, as well as when I become one. I just have the spurts about me becoming a trauma surgeon and I act upon it, trying to get as much information and advice as possible. Thanks!

Thanks ScottE, I tried to do a little research a while back about requirements for med school, and I must have thought it said "You have to", instead of "It's preferred to" have a Bachelors degree. And I'm not really about Vet anymore, back then I was. I know it will take quite some time, and like you said probably 15-20 years. I'm only 20 now, so I would have plenty of time to complete it and practice it. Thank you Gila, I've also read posts in the past saying having a "health" degree isn't going to help me persay to get into Med School. Thanks for your reply, I will have to check into those other threads! KrisSmith, I'm glad I have someone else in the same boat as myself! The key word "ambitious"! There is so much stuff that interests me and I know I can make a career out of, but like you've said I will focus on getting my BSN, and I guess after that I will decide whether to pursue Med School or not. Family, Living location, Job oppurtunities will definitely be a huge factor. Thanks! Wow Hearticulture, that definitely helped! It gave me several different insights. We all hate school (well, I for one do) and to imagine after my BSN, another what-10+ years?! But I guess you've got to do, what you have to, in order to be where you want in the end. I failed to mention that upon high school graduation, I wanted to be a CRNA. But this was mainly due to the $$$ and less schooling than Med School. Once I was hired on at the hospital, I knew I wanted to be interactive with patients (not them being under the whole time), and that later became me wanting to be in trauma-esque situations. Thank you so much!

Well, hello all! This is my very first thread to post, so don't critique too much! :) I am going to start this off by telling you a little bit about me and the background that goes with my question(s). I grew up in a small town outside of Houston, Waller, Tx. My dad and brother are Firefighters/EMTs. I knew I wanted to be like them in some way, just not exactly. At first I wanted to be a vet, but my parents one day mentioned "Animals don't talk." Lol. It's true, and kind of deterred me away from going that route. When I entered high school, I had the option to receive a CNA license in hopes to become a nurse, so I did upon graduating. I moved up to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area after graduation in attempt to go to UTA's nursing program. I was hired on at Arlington Memorial Hospital as a PCT on Cardiac Tele, and have been working there for 2 years now. Since working there, I've been dying to get into the middle of all the fast paced action when alloted; codes, trauma, CPR, etc.. I'm addicted to the show "Trauma: Life in the ER", it is the actual footage of Trauma situations. One night, while watching the show, it dawned on me that a ER doc/Trauma Surgeon is what I want to be. I was recently accepted into the nursing program that is held strictly for Texas Health Resources' employees and family members. (Arlington Memorial and 12 other hospitals in North Texas is owned by THR). It is an 18 month (no summer school) ADN program, with an automatic transfer to UTA for a BSN, which is just another year. So in 3 years, I will have received my Bachelors in Nursing. I've read that in order to get accepted into Med School, 1) you have to have met MCAT standards for whichever university, 2) pre-reqs completed, and also 3) an accredited Bachelors degree. I know that they are totally opposite career choices, and that they just compliment each other. But the reason for me to become a nurse first is so that if I ever get into Med School, and it becomes too overwhelming for me or my hopefully future family, I will have nursing to fall back on. My questions come into play now; 1) Have you, or anyone you know of done something similar to this? Or wanted to? 2) The hospital is paying for all my schooling now, including my BSN at UTA. Do you think there is a hospital that would be willing to pay my way through Med School, as long as I sign a contract to work for them "x-amount" of years? 3) Do you see any future complications with the route I'm taking in order to get into Med School? By the way, I absolutely LOVE nursing! But I want to be the ring leader in trauma situations (not being told what to do (yes, I know that is what nursing is all about)). Also, working my way up from a PCT-RN-BSN-MD would give me clarity from all aspects around the hospital.. One of my charge nurses was a PCT before she became a nurse, and I promise she is one of the BEST nurses our hospital has to offer! Amazing young lady! Sorry this was so long, but I don't want to leave out any details that I might have to add a little later in order to get a clear answer to my questions. Thank you all so much!!! Stick around please, in case I have further questions. Thanks, JWestbrook