studentnurse96

I must be in the minority group of new grads that WANTS to work med- surg as long as I can to gain as much knowledge as I can before I even consider moving to a higher acuity setting. I wouldn't think of jumping to Biology II before Biology so why rush it? I can't wait to meet with my preceotor and absorb everything she has to say and show me and I am terrified to know that I am only with her for 84 hours. I wish they would change nursing school to include more precepting hours throughout school. I had horrible clinical experiences, not because of the nurses, but because the hospitals didn't want students and therefore I feel undereducated in so many ways. Its not the skills that I am worried about, that comes with practice. Its time management, its prioritizing client care, its knowing what needs to be done and being able to get it all done in my shift without neglecting my patients. When I spoke with my instructor last qtr about all my anxiety she said something that I will never forget. She said " Jessica, the reason I know you will be a great nurse is because you know that you don't know it all and you accept that you have a lot to learn. The ones that we should all be worried about entering nursing at the bedside are your classmates that think they have nothing to learn and that they know it all. They are the ones that will end up killing someone because they won't ask for help." Honestly, I am terrified, but so excited! My family has been through hell for the last 2 years to get me through school, and I'm finally here. I guess I thought I would feel more confident at this point.

Thanks! Its been a long road!

I start with my preceptor Monday...any suggestions from the experienced nurses? Other than not to ramble about how I want to save the world lol

I wanted to advance to NP until one of my instructors pointed out something HUGE to me. She too was caught up in the $$ when she advanced. What she failed to realize is the amount of time that it takes away from your home life and family/personal time. She was no longer able to "clock out" and go home, but instead was on call every other weekend and had to close the office she worked in every weekday. This meant missing dinner, bath and bedtime with her kids every day. As soon as she said that I instantly thought to myself "Not worth the money!!" Maybe when my kids are grown I will feel different about it but I love bedside nursing. But I am so very thankful for those that want to specialize and advance because we are all needed!!

Isn't it funny that we can handle blood, poop and vomit but cleaning the hair out of the drain kills us lol

Well said!! I wish more seasoned nurses saw it that way. Seems like us new nurses are a nuisance, or at least treated that way. Its a shame really.

I am a student and will be graduating in a few weeks. I can honestly say that I have one passion and that is Peds. The thought of doing anything else depresses me. The majority of my classmates fit into that cliche of L&D and ER nursing though I don't understand it lol. There are a few that say they want to be a school nurse because it's "easy" and they will work the same hours as schools and get summers and holidays off. I didn't go to school to be a nurse because I thought it would be easy or convenient. I did it because I love to be challenged and a am a natural born nurturer. I'm not happy unless I am caring for someone in need. If I ever get to the point that I want to take the easy way out...time for a career change!!

I can only find one company that makes the watch that snaps on the back of a stethoscope. Does anyone know of another?

I like the ones that clip on your stethoscope. Its out of the way and doesn't increase the risk of passing nasty germs along or bringing them home. Some hospitals here don't allow watches anymore...something to keep in mind.

I took my math test this morning and got 100%....thank you for your help!!

I guess thats a good way of knowing you picked the right career!! : )

Look into Rasmussen College. They have a 1 yr bridge program. Good luck!!

Are you committed to the Orlando area? There are a few hospitals in my area that hire new grads.

I have nothing. I tried it several different ways but can't come up with the right answer. Its the only one out of 50 that has me stumped!! I have the correct answer of 48 ml/hr...just don't know how to get there.

Can anyone out there help me with a dosage and calc question??