jesting15

I'm late replying to this thread, but as full time faculty- teaching and leading 8 students clinically, I am compelled to reply. I know what kind of a day my students will have when I see which Co-RN they have- could be awesome, or could be a day when I warn the student to stay clear of the nurse. I agree with so much of this post- if a nurse doesn't like/enjoy precepting, they shouldn't have to. However, this isn't always possible. I rarely know who the nurse will be on the night I pick appropriate patients. I love teaching, and still precept at the job I work part time to keep my skills up. Yes, you're right, it *does* require extra time and work. But, I find it pays off in the end. Admittedly, some may not have the extra energy to give- those who don't want to precept shouldn't have to. Unfortunately, not always possible. I counsel all my students when interviewing for their first RN position to thoroughly ask what the preceptor program is: how long? who? vounteer or mandatory? what's in place if the new-grad/preceptor isn't a good fit? support for new grad? support for preceptor? allowances for extra time if new grad needs it? I could go on and on, but this is a start. The new nurse needs the very best shot at success. The new grad I teach or precept may one day be *my* bedside nurse, and I want them to be good. Sorry it's so long, thanks!

:rotfl: Welcome to the incredible world of BMT nursing- have been a transplant nurse with kids for 15 years, adults 3 years. Wouldn't think of doing anything else! It's tough, rewarding, sad and challenging. (Before I read "Burn Unit", a book written by a Boston reporter, I thought BMT nursing was the most difficult and technically hard nursing.) You will learn a lot your first year, and I thought it took me nearly a year to beging to know what I was doing. I hope you get an excellent preceptor, who is a good role model for you. I began onc nursing at The Natl Institutes of Health in Bethesda,MD. My preceptor nearly 20 years ago is still a role model to me! Your patients are giving it "their last shot" at beating their disease. For some, it is the end of the road, and this is the only hope for survival. Some will go to transplant with disease- not a good prognosis. I have learned never to predict how someone will do- a young pilot died after transplant, an elderly 70 year old did well after his "mini" transplant- and everything in between. As a primary nurse, you will get to know your patients, families, kids, spouses, their friends, their jobs. I work on an adult BMT unit in Boston and our patients come from Canada, Maine, Conn, Vermont, etc. They usually are with us minimum 4 weeks and often longer. You quickly become a "life line" to all they need, from just the local grocer to getting soc work in right now! I am excited for you (I moved to Boston from SF nearly 3 years ago and miss it terribly.) Hope I have eased your mind a bit, don't hesitate to write again! Jessie :balloons:

This is a great web site, looked it up at work in Boston where at our huge hospital we have no access to filter needles. Have a patient on dilantin and have given many doses without filtering it from the glass ampules. I'm so disgusted, argued all weekend with supplies and pharmacy. Emailed the DON (director of nursing) and she replied that I should go to my manager- who is out with a broken ankle. Meanwhile, this patient continues to get his unfiltered IV medication. Argh! I'm off for several days, will pick up when I return. Anyone else tried to get correct equipment to no avail?