Amanda.RN

It's poor customer service to make a patient wait for their results over the weekend, especially when they know you're worried about them. The nurse should have either told you that the results weren't available yet (I realize this is a lie, but perhaps it would have at least decreased your anxiety a little) or they should have paged the NP/MD to have the results interpreted if they didn't feel comfortable interpreting the results and at least summarizing them for you. I am a supervisor at a primary care clinic (we also have OB/GYN services) -- we wouldn't have made you wait over the weekend knowing that the results were available. That's too bad. In our clinic, even if results are abnormal and we need to consult with/curbside a specialist to determine the best next step, we would tell you so. We strongly believe that patients should be made fully aware of everything, even if it's just to say that we're working on coming up with a plan. Fear of the unknown is the worst kind of fear, so we try to eliminate it as much as possible. Patients just want to know what's going on and be kept in-the-loop. You should consider giving feedback to the manager of the clinic so they can improve upon their customer service and patient care/satisfaction. It will be to their benefit to change their philosophies on customer service because insurance companies will soon be reimbursing based on patients' satisfaction with their care. I hope the results come back okay. Monday probably feels like an eternity away, but it will be here soon. I know this is much easier said than done, but try not to worry because worrying isn't going to change anything. :hug: Amanda

Practice some of the basic questions that are asked in every interview... 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What made you interested in applying here? 3. What would your co-workers say about you? 4. Tell me about your greatest accomplishment, and a project that went terribly wrong. 5. How did you react to the project that went terribly? 6. Tell me about your best and worst qualities. 7. What would you do if you had a student who was being ... ...and so on... Google "common questions during interviews" for more examples. You said you don't handle "off the wall"comments well -- if this is a teaching position (sounds like it is), I'm guessing you may get quite a few off the wall questions from students (?). Don't forget to smile, exchange pleasantries, and be confident. Good luck! Hope it goes well!

I don't think I've ever had to put my GPA on a resume or application. Did they specifically request it? If so and they ask about it, just tell them that the previous art degree courses you took brought down your GPA but that you did well in the nursing courses. If they don't ask, I wouldn't even bring it up. GPA generally isn't taken into consideration when selecting a candidate for a position -- usually it's based on experience, critical thinking skills while answering their hypothetical questions in the interview, and your personality/behavior during the interview. Good luck! :)

It sounds like you'd be best off staying in your current program if you're already almost 50% done. You could try checking out technical/community colleges in Tennessee and see how many of your credits will transfer. Good luck!

I can't get the "quote" function to work for some reason, so I've copied and pasted below: I disagree with the lines 2-4 ("Once there is blood in the water, the sharks start circling. This is a common management error. Once they hear a whiff of a problem they start digging and scratching until they find more dirt to justify their doubts."), and I'll tell you why -- When we (I am a supervisor) are notified or become aware of a new employee who is struggling, it is our responsibility to determine what improvements are needed and provide feedback to foster growth. Our ultimate goal is to help each employee excel in their position; not just because we care (we do!), but also because it’s VERY expensive to train new staff and we want to avoid having to train yet another person. This isn’t “digging and scratching” to “find more dirt”, but rather, an attempt to evaluate where improvements are needed so pertinent and appropriate feedback can be given. The probationary period (sounds like yours is 20 weeks) is the time when we determine whether or not you will be a good fit and live up to the expectations we have for you. If you received any written documentation during the meeting you had, it’s probably called a “Trial Period Memo” (or at least that’s what it’s called in the facility in which I work). This means that they have outlined where you need improvement and they expect you to make immediate and sustained improvements (which is likely why they provided you with a deadline of 4 working days). I understand that your med error was caught prior to administration and another nurse caught the error(s) in the telephone orders you took, but what if these errors hadn’t been caught? From a liability standpoint, your employer may be concerned that these errors won’t be caught once you’re off orientation, which could cause patient harm. I do agree with nurse2033 in that it’s important to maintain a positive attitude, work hard on making the improvements they’re requesting, and work closely with your preceptor/request feedback often. Other very important qualities would be making yourself very approachable and open to feedback, and avoid “butting heads” (as you called it) with the other staff. Not only are you evaluated based on your patient care and nursing skills, but also on your teamwork and attitude, which is why approachability and being a team player are so important. Your comment “challenge accepted” indicates that you’re going into this defensively with your boxing gloves on – your co-workers/preceptor and management will be watching your attitude and comments closely, so avoid being defensive and/or making snide remarks about having been talked to about your performance. Esme12 also gave fantastic advice by saying “forget you were ever an EMT” – others may view you mentioning this as you thinking you “know it all”. Not only can this be annoying to hear over and over again, but it can also be cause for concern that you won’t ask questions as needed, which is a safety concern. I hope you find this advice and insight helpful. You’ve received great advice in the other posts above, as well. I wish you all the best, and I hope things work out for you. Good luck!

Great to hear :) @ pinkfluffybunny -- So true!!

Danskos are definitely the best, by far. They are comfortable, durable, and last a really long time. In fact, I recently had a pair that I felt wore out too quickly after 18 months of use...so I contacted them and they replaced them completely free of charge...a brand new pair. All of the other Danskos I've owed last for many, many years. I'd definitely recommend them.One quick comment though -- must you get white?? I had a white pair that got scuffed and worn looking after a short time, just because of the color. I'm sure they would have worn better had I followed all the leather-care instructions; but anyway...So, if you can get a darker color, that's what I'd recommend. If it must be white, I'd still recommend Danskos. :)

I was a December graduate as well. I signed up for the exam as soon as my school had all my paper work submitted. I was able to get on the schedule for February, and I passed the first time. The sooner, the better! :) Good luck! And congrats on your upcoming graduation!

Only anesthesiology was allowed to place EJs when I worked in the hospital.

Definitely A & C.

Is there an open position for which you are applying? If so, it sounds good except you may want to try limiting your use of the word "I". It's difficult given that cover letters are always in reference to yourself, but the general rule of thumb is to avoid using "I" more than 2-3 times thoughtout the entire letter. If there is not a position currently posted, I would revise your last paragraph to say that you would appreciate them keeping you in mind for future employment opportunities if they become available; otherwise they may view "I will contact you within the next few days to answer any questions and schedule an interview at your convenience." as being pushy.Good luck to you!Amanda

lol @ PneumothoraxThanks for correcting me.

Did this happen on your facilitiy grounds/property, and/or is the driver employed/contracted by the facility? If so, it is the facility's responsibility to complete the incident report. If it was off the facility property and didn't happen under the care of a facility employee, it's the driver's company's responsibility to complete an incident report.

Your letter is fantastic! Congratulations on your new job! Good luck!

I don't believe you're actually considered to have your BSN until you pass the boards, but I could be wrong -- I thought you were considering a "GN" or "Graduate Nurse" until you passed the exam. Like I said though, I could be mistaken.Have you considered Kaplan? Otherwise, as Zadia said above, consider contacting the BON to see if you would be eligible to take the LPN NCLEX.Good luck to you!

I haven't heard much about South University. I am also looking at online universities right now (for RN to BSN, and hopefully MSN in Leadership and Management after that). I've narrowed down my choices to WGU and University of Phoenix. I'm 99.99% sure I'm going to choose WGU because I will be able to advance at my own pace and it's significantly less expensive. They have so many positive reviews online, and on this website (type "WGU" into the search at the top of the page -- it will bring up all WGU threads). Good luck making your decision!! :)

There are things WAY worse than vomit...things that I never would have imagined the human body could be capable of producing...lol :)The trick is to sniff an alcohol wipe to block your sense of smell for a little bit, then put on a surgical mask, and think happy thoughts while you clean up the mess.

GadgitGurlRN, were you happy with your choice of Walden? I'm looking at online schools and can't seem to make up my mind. I need to do RN to BSN first, then hoping to do dual degree MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA (basically, a degree with managerial emphasis). Thanks in advance for your reply! :)

It's always a good idea to have your own malpractice insurance, in addition to the one provided by your employer. The NSO (Nurse Service Organization) offers reasonably priced plans (around $100 annually). Go to Professional Liability Insurance for nurses, nursing medical malpractice. and send them a message asking if it's necessary that you have two separate plans, or if one would cover you at both employers. Chances are that you'll only need one plan.

You shouldn't have to take matters into your own hands with this incompetent clerk who sounds like she enjoys "stirring the pot". It's your manager's job to reprimand, give feedback, and provide additional education as needed. Have you talked directly with your manager about the problems you're seeing? If so, have you considered talking with your manager's boss to see what input he/she has? If your manager isn't doing the things she is supposed to be, it needs to be addressed by her boss. Hope things get better for you! It'd be terrible to have to leave a job you're happy with. Good luck to you!

I never try more than twice. I would have had someone help hold open the nonfractured leg, someone hold a flashlight (if needed -- I've found this helpful), and attempt with a Coude cathetar. (If the patient is really heavy and/or has a pendulous abdomen, sometimes I have yet someone else hold back excess skin/fat.) If that's unsuccessful and the bedpan is too uncomfortable, an absorbant pad on the bed works just fine. Sometimes it's just impossible no matter what you do.

Try posting in the "Nurse Managers" section. Good luck!

It's jealousy. Don't let it bother you. Congrats to you for continuing your education! Good luck in your DNP program!! :)

I wouldn't let that ER nurse upset you -- she was probably having a bad night [...or a bad life ]. She sounds like the kind of person who likes to belittle others and make them as miserable as she feels. Sounds like you assessed the situation and took the correct actions. As others stated above, the only thing that you could have done differently would have been to check a blood sugar due to the altered mental status / lethargy -- every experience holds a learning opportunity, so it's good to reflect upon situations like this, but then let them go and move on. Keep up the good work! Amanda

At my job, it requires the signature of two physicians, or a physician and a psychiatrist. No other disciplines are allowed to sign that document. I'm in Wisconsin, and I'm fairly certain that's the state law (not just our facility's policy); but I could be incorrect.