gregsbouch0816

I currently am funded through the state of Michigan. It is a grant. I do not pay it back. All supplies, books, uniforms, tuition is paid for. Not sure if the state is still doing it, but the name of the program is No Worker Left Behind. You apply for it at your local Michigan Works office.

Thanks LauJen, for reminding me of this. They did the switch after our August start group --my entire class still wears Dove scrubs. According to the assistant Dean and nursing lab staff, free used Dove uniforms will be available for students in need. Yes the Dove scrubs are still OK to wear. The other brand of scrubs, which they have recently switched over to, are for sale in the Macomb Bookstore. I will be dropping my scrubs off with lab staff after graduation, so that they are available to students in need.

Yes, I really hope to get some opportunity once hired as an RN. I work as a nurse tech now but we have an IV Team so I get no practice!

I will be graduating this May 2011 and selling my 2 sets of scrubs and lab coat (cheap!) if anybody is interested.

As I will be graduating in May....how do I get training in starting IV's? It isn't taught in my nursing program. I know that this skill comes with on-the-job practice/training, but I'd really like to have some experience as it is my hope to be hired directly into the ED department at my hospital once I pass my boards. Any idea where I could attend a training class/program in southeast Michigan? Is it worth it? What is the cost?

The drive is easy due to its location right off I-94. I have had 1 med/surg clinical there and really enjoyed it, felt very safe, convenient parking, good cafeteria food if you forget your lunch. Great helpful nursing staff and very organized punctual patient care. A fellow student of mine did an externship there and loved it so much she subsequently switched 2 of her clinicals to St John main. She loves it and recently got a raise (as a Nurse Tech). She plans to work there after passing boards this July.

Amen to the thoughts of CNAatHome. Until I graduate in May, I'm working as a Nurse Tech. On my floor the RN's treat us as a valued team member and they are excited to work with those of us who take patient care seriously. As for the pseudo-manager....I believe pot-stirring definitely places you on a ****-List that is hard to escape, especially at a large hospital where personal issues between managers and staff can lead to write-ups and prevent you from seeking other positions or advancement. And this is an absolute shame because at the end of the day, the pseudo-manager is not held accountable, due to staff members' fear. Perhaps transferring to a different floor/unit/hospital might grant you more personal satisfaction in the job you do, and peace of mind. A high staff turn-over rate and low Press Ganey scores will hopefully lead to the dismissal of such low caliber management. Alternately, "closing the gap amongst peers" in a meeting called with the manager could be a good opportunity for the majority to discuss issues at hand. Strength in numbers.

I would find a group of others to study with who also need/want an 'A'. We met at the library for 5-10 hours per week. Some of us were better at the chemistry/physiology, others better at the diagrams/anatomy. We helped each other remember the fine details, quizzed each other, and answered each others' questions. If one of you doesn't get it, chances are somebody else does. We all had to get an A to get into a highly competitive nursing program. A&P was a pre-req and a 4.0 was mandatory to get accepted. Plus having the accountability of being there for each other forces you to study regularly.

I will be be graduating this May 2011 and am undecided about which hospital to pursue for employment. Anybody able to help me with this? Any idea which of the major hospitals in SE Michigan/metro Detroit pays best (new nurse starting wages)? Which has the best benefits? Which has the best pension/retirement plans? (St. John, Henry Ford, Beaumont, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center, DMC) Any info appreciated! Thanks!