crumbsRN

Hey guys, I am currently in Utica College's FNP program. I wondered if there are any FNP utica grads out there that would be willing to share what it was like to pass boards, or get jobs after school. Do you feel that your education at Utica set you up for success? I getting close to finishing so any info would be great. Thanks

Hey guys, This post is for anyone who has experience placing picc lines. I recently started training. I have wanted to do this for years, but never got the opportunity so I feel pretty fortunate and I want to do well.. But I am struggling. Any tips or tricks? First thing I want to ask is do you guys take down your tourniquet while you set up or leave it on? My preceptor wants me to leave it on while I set up my field, but I am not super fast at setting up so I feel it would be on for a long time. She feels this is the easiest way to find my spot after I set up, and this is how she does it. Second does anyone have any useful tips on using the ultrasound. Ugh it really is my biggest issue. I struggle with finding my spot even if I mark it. I practice on my co workers and locate their veins, but my issues are finding my spot if I take down the tourniquet, placing the local in the correct spot and accessing my veins. Sometime I am right on it and nothing. I have had some successes but lately its been tough. I refuse to quit, its something I really want to do. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for replying to my post. I really haven't thought about hospice but right now I am so fed up and frustrated I would be willing to look into various options. I just feel like I am spinning my wheels at these jobs I am so unhappy in. I will look into hospice. You are right about not being able to do a complete career change, I would just like to hate my job less. Possibly find some rewarding work where I don't feel pressured and irritated all the time. I will keep trying to make something work for now.

Hi, I've been to this site many times but never posted so here it goes. I've been a RN for over 3 years now. My first job was on a hectic step down ICU unit in a trauma 1 facility. I got yelled at, spit on, hit, on a regular basis by some of our patients there. I would dread going to work, try to make excuses not to go, but still I went, because I needed the money, as we all do. I recently moved to a smaller facility in the ICU, thinking I would like it better. Before when it was the patients that I could not deal with, now it is the families, constantly questioning, second guessing, and they never seem to go home. I completely understand these are their loved ones, and they want to be there and I don't blame them. But still I cannot stand them. I feel trapped. I work nights and weekends, miss holidays with my family, to be with people who undervalue what nurses do and how much sacrifice is involved with our profession. I will be interviewing soon to move into another unit, cath lab, but deep down I know that it is pointless. I just need to get out. Working part-time, or PRN is not an option for me, I am the only person working right now, and my husband plans to go back to school in the fall, and we need to maintain a household and insurance benefits. So I guess my questions for you guys, is what now? I dread every day and regret my decision to become a nurse. I only have a ADN, so some of these management positions and such are out. Does anyone have any success stories to share? I know going back to school is necessary but now I don't trust myself since I made the mistake of going into nursing. I am afraid to screw up and choose another career that is not for me. Someone told me I should try to get my NP and maybe get away from the bedside. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks