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This is a patient question with me as the patient. I was in the ER today for dehydration, found my K+ to be 3.3 so I was given 2 K-Dur. I can't swallow pills and the nurse said I could cut them in half and I started chewing them and downing a bunch of water. She was just laughing like it was no big deal. As I'm not familiar with potassium supps, I went online and read that you are never to crush or chew them! What's with this nurse?? I did notice mild vague chest pain a 1/2 hour or longer after taking them that way. I'm ok now, but how dangerous is what I did? I called the ER back, the nurse was like "Oh we've crushed them for patients before, it's fine.." I called a pharmacist and he said at worst it wouldn't be as effective as swallowed whole. From what i read, it actually would flood my system with too much K+ and be dangerous. Should I be worried? Geez...

Chybabe, I know that the company I work for is not hiring anymore. I don't know of any that are. Maybe you could call plasma centers directly and let them know of your experience and interest in working for them. Good luck.

Hi there. I am still in the process of cross-training for all the other positions first and then in a month or so I'll be training for the actual position I was hired for. So far it's ok. I don't think plasma nursing will make you hate your life, it's pretty non-hectic, you get to take your breaks and lunches and can go to the bathroom instead of holding it all day. Dealing with some of the donors can be stressful at times b/c they have their problems and that's why they're selling their plasma. They can be very rude and angry if they're found to be unsuitable for donation, etc. which is a downer. But plasma banks compensate their employees quite well so that's a plus. It might be a good fit for you, who knows. Hope it works out.

I make $25/hr where I work. Actually it's $23 now but will increase after certification. I don't necessarily think you went too high but what was up with her? Couldn't she just cut to the chase and tell you the salary? You could call her back to thank her for the interview and tell her you're really interested in the job and mention that you would be willing to negotiate on the salary. Hope it works out!

Just read your post now so your interview has come and gone already. Your question about training: plasma centers are regulated by the FDA so you will receive very in depth training by the company according to FDA standards and requirements. You will most likely be cross-trained in all phases of plasma donation from initial screening to phlebotomy and plasma collection to finally a physician substitute (nurse) where your job will be to take extensive medical histories and perform a head to toe physical exam on donors. You will be trained by the doctor in the facility for several months before you are deemed certifiable by said doctor and the company. I would coninue but a severe thunderstorm has started, gotta get off comp~

I'm an LPN in the northwest burbs of Chicago. Out of school I landed a job in a busy urology office making $18/hr w/ benefits. The deductible was $2,000(!) though. I have been interviewing the past year and have gotten quotes from $14/hr (cheapskates!) up to $23/hr at an orthopedic office. I currently accepted a position in a plasma donation center for $25/hr and health benefits costing me a cent (!) per pay period. I think the deductible is $500. New job is a 20 mile trek (blah!!) but I plan on moving closer after a while. The average pay for an LPN in the area I live is probably $18/hr for a office/clinic setting, a dollar or 2 or 3 more for LTC.

Do you like where you work? Yes What are your hours? 7:30-4:00 or 8-4:30, worked overtime too How is the pay? 18.00/hr What kind of clinic do you work in? Urology How many holidays do you have off? All major ones Is it stressful? No, but busy If you worked at a hospital before, how does this compare? Way better than a hospital Any other details you want to share? Don't work there anymore. Have interviewed for other offices, etc. Pay range from $14/hr up to $23/hr (I'm an LPN). Hours are consistent. Depending on the doctor running the practice, pay and compensation may be really good or he (or she) may be a cheapskate who doesn't want to give it up. Overall, office nursing is a good deal.

N-O, wouldn't recommend it. If I could do it over again I'd go into PT or OT. Although nowadays you need a Master's or a PhD for either of those. Ran into some OT's w/ 20+ years behind their belt. They just have a Bachelor's, were shocked at the education requirements for OT's now. Really couldn't genuinely recommend nursing to any hopefuls. If you can get a great job in your chosen field, then nursing's great. If you're stuck jobless or scraping the bottom of the barrel and accept an atrocious nursing position out of sheer desperation, nursing sucks.

Thanks for that link, I checked and my state does not require continuing education hours or any other requirements for renewal. Thanks again.

I have been an unemployed LPN for nearly 3 years. I have continued to renew my nursing license though because I am still looking for a nursing job. During an interview today I was asked if I needed to do continuing education or the like in order to qualify for renewal since I have been out of practice for so long. I told him no and he was surprised. Then I started wondering about it. Whenever my license has been up for renewal I get a postcard in the mail and follow the instructions, send in my check and I'm renewed for another 2 years. No mention of whether I am practicing or not. Does anyone know the deal? I know a potential employer may require a nursing refresher course but I don't know if the state licensing board does. Hmmm.

So did your friend get a call back for an interview? I am almost positive this is the same job I interviewed for a few weeks back. It was a great position, the hiring manager seemed excited to interview with me b/c of my past experience. and the office being practically located down the street from me. I kinda bombed the interview with the actual doctor. I was still hopeful but unfortunately I did not get the job. I wish I knew why. They did ask for some references a few hours after the interview, then nothing for 3 weeks and then the rejection notice. It was a real bummer b/c I was told I was 1 of 3 top candidates and they weren't even going to bother interviewing anyone else from the large stack of resumes. Then the manager mentioned a few days after that they were going to have a second round of interviews. With who I don't know but definitely not with me. It's really sad, I know I may not have tons of experience but I am very capable and would have done a great job there. Oh well, what can you do...

I used to be a urology LPN at an office in IL. I was offered $18/hr, I was right out of nursing school with no experience.

I live in the burbs. I called the fire department of my home town as well as surrounding towns. Compared to hospitals who offer the course ($80 or so) or other primary CPR organizations ($200 !), CPR classes offered in hometowns by fire departments are by far the way to go. I payed $25 for Schaumburg Fire Dept's "AHA CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers" covered CPR, AED, choking, etc. Class was a couple hours long. And you don't have to be a resident of the town to take the class. It was a good deal.