lizecole

I am an ADN nurse who is looking to further my education. I think that down the line I would like to be a nurse educator in a hospital, but have only been a nurse just about a year, so I am not 100% sure. I am torn between getting a BSN now through Ohio University (very affordable). Or just going ahead and getting a BSN and MSN together from Chamberlain (very convenient). Can someone help me with pros and cons? My biggest fear is that I will spend $30-$40k on a Masters degree and then not make enough money to pay back the loans, or not be able to find a job as an educator in a hospital.

The question's I have is do you get to see this pt again? Do you have to do your assessment on this pt? What are your peer's doing, maybe you can get ((steal) I do get to work with the patient, for two more days. I have to complete the assessment, and then write a care plan for either Risk for impaired skin integrity, or Impaired skin integrity. I can't really make stuff up because we are the 4th group of students to work with these patients, so my teacher has already read 3 assessments on this guy. I don't want it to be incongruent. I am trying to devise a plan of attack for my next clinical day, so I don't feel quite so overwhelmed! Thinking about how to get a completely immobile guy up and into the shower is scary enough! (He has to be transported by an EZ Lift, and is 280#, 5'11") I definitely have the most challenging patient, everybody else has cute little old ladies that you just have to listen to their stories and encourage them to eat. @xtxrn, thanks! that's helpful :)

Hi! I am a nursing student and just had my first day of clinicals. I feel kind of thrown into everything and am having trouble devising a plan of attack for day 2! My assignment is to complete a Gordon's Functional Health Pattern Assessment (11 categories of health) on a 81 yo male with dementia. He also has CHF, COPD, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease. I don't really know how to communicate with the patient to get the questions on our assessment form answered. I tried asking the patient some general questions and got only Yes or No answers. I am supposed to determine: How his disease has affected his sexuality (REALLY?!) what his spiritual beliefs are and if they impact his illness. What he values most in life. How he adjusts to stressors What his Erickson's Age Related developmental stage is. I am at a loss. I have never had experience with patients with dementia, have limited knowledge about how cognizant the patient is. The staff at the extended care is not helpful, and the instructor just told me to ask questions. I am trying to figure out how to approach these questions/phrase them. Any help would be appreciated :)