drowningdaily

I believe you can only be on your parents benefits if you aren't eligible for benefits on your own.

Keep it active. It is tough with kids, but you can do it!

I started in LTC and SAR, as a new nurse, it is very tough. I would consider trying to get in an acute care environment after you get a year under your belt. I understand what you are saying about making friends. I am guessing you mean just a friendly casual acquaintance- not new bff's. It is a little tougher to do what you have to do when you feel shunned by the clique. Been there, done that. When you find the right job, it should click.

I would save your time and money. Get one nclex book, set of cards, whatever, when you start your first nursing course. Good luck.

Oh, honey, it will get better. I still make an occasional mistake, and I have cried from time to time. Try to step back, and give yourself some time - maybe three months, and then do a self evaluation. You need at least a year to feel competent. Even then, there is always something you don't know- and that is okay. You ask, you learn, you research. It is easy to say get a thick skin- it takes time. Remember, even the best nurse on your unit was a new nurse too!

Thanks for the tips. I am going to do some research today.

My fb profile identifies me as an RN, and gives a city- but I make no mention of my company. I never post specifics- I have found out after the fact that 1 of my patients was a relative of a fb friend when she posted a link to pt obit. Too risky. I also think people are foolish when they post on fb throughout there shift.

Sometimes being the new kid on the block is tough. Sometimes you get good criticism. Sometimes you get bullied. Just stay calm and survive that moment. Smile and stay professional. Later reflect on the issue. Usually there is something positive you can take away from the experience. Hang in there. It gets better!

My phone stays in my locker at work. I think it looks unprofessional when there are cell phones all over the nursing station. And, from an infection control perspective....yuck!

95-98% of the doctors I work with are great. But, man, that one meanie can ruin your shift. I have one grouch who always gives me hell when I call at night. I only call for the things that must be addressed right then. Last time the greeting I got was, "Do you know time it is?". My answer was, "Yes, I do. But that's not the reason I called...." I have found being chipper and killing with kindness is the best way for me.

Hi. Does anyone have any suggestions for a med Spanish course? Our translator phones are in short supply and my 20 year old high school Spanish is a little too rusty!

LTC/SAR is a very skilled position that many nurses love and do it forever. I spent my first 2 1/2 years in LTC facilities. But, depending on your market, you can get stuck as a nursing home nurse. I did not want five 8 hour shifts and I wanted to try acute care, so I left. From what I saw and heard from recruiters I was just on the edge of being considered LTC. Having done both I would say LTC/SAR is the harder position. I felt I would learn more and have more opportunities and schedule flexibility in acute care, Good luck!

I never wear my wedding ring at work - yuck! I tried and my skin got funky under the ring.

Nursemates "dove" model meet your school requirements and are comfy. Not very stylish - but my feet are happy when I wear them.

I would just start wasting in pyxis from this point forward.

My answer would be a slow code is NEVER ethical, but is often humane and compassionate.

You can take a telephone order and fax it to pharmacy, but pharmacy will not send rx until written script is sent/faxed. This applies to LTC/SAR facilities - at least in NJ.

My company has a policy that all ink and non ear piercings be covered. I think that is crazy. I have seen employees with bandaids on their faces and large gauze pads taped to their arms and necks. I would rather see self expression than wonder what nasty infection they might have while caring for me!

Hi. I don't know if nursing is for you. I do know nursing is very different from nursing school. So, I would be willing to bet that you don't know either yet. Nursing is hard. I could not imagine doing it if I didn't love it. If you were just starting out I would suggest you take a break and rethink your decision. Since you are almost done I would strongly urge you to graduate and take NCLEX. Then decide if you want to pursue a nursing career. If not, keep your license current anyway. I know someone who graduated ADN program in 1993. She KNEW she never wanted to pursue nursing so she didn't take boards. Several years ago she changed her mind and spent over $1500 on review classes and nclex fees. After several failed attempts she gave up. You have worked so hard and are so close. Please consider sticking it out just a little longer. Good luck!

Just saying....years ago lived in a complex that got infested with german roaches...there are never, ever, ever just one or two roaches. They get in everything and it is really tough to get rid of them. Just one gets in your bag and.....(shudder)...

. Quote from Green Tea: "Believe me, it's a lot, lot, lot easier parenting competent children who are sure that their parents have faith in them." Could not agree more!

I quit a case with fleas. It was bad. Cockroaches would definitely be a dealbreaker. OP, I know you need money, but I would stand up for yourself with your cases. The schedulers learn real quick who they can stick with the crappy cases. Good luck!

Keep dreaming and setting goals. You are very determined, and once you solve this problem, I believe the sky will be the limit in what you can accomplish!

Wow, I wish I had the free time to flirt. In my experience, I have seen security, janitorial and food service staff flirting with CNA's. But, most of the nurses are too busy trying to get 18 hours of work squeezed into a 12 hour shift.