lesliee

Humbling, isn't it? I was shattered when I made my med error right after nursing school. Like you, I was always one consuling other students who had made mistakes. Nothing like a little smack of reality to get you more vigilant! You'll live...you'll learn...you'll grow from this experience. Good luck in the future.

Ok people...I need advice. What is one to do when a nurse that you've worked the floor with is promoted to a supervisory position and the power immediately goes to her head? For instance, she came bellowing into work today because someone parked in her reserve parking spot - an honest mistake because that particular parking spot wasn't marked as "reserved" on Friday and the person who parked there Monday didn't expect it to be changed. She is always threatening to fire CNA's because they are not doing their work - then turns around and leaves things undone herself - or better yet - assigns tasks to CNA's that are nursing responsibilities and then gets mad when they can't complete them (e.g. telling CNA's to perform MMSE's.) The other nurses have gotten to the point where we can laugh at the fool she is making out of herself, but I feel sorry for the CNA's who worry about the constant threats. I would hate to see any valued member of our healthcare team leave because of this psycho person. Any hints? Should I just let this blow over? Do you think she'll come down to earth eventually? She's only been in this position for a week now and has already moved into her office, gotten a reserved parking spot and has had received all the other perks offered. How can I get the hot air out of her head?

I'm less than a year into this profession myself, and just wanted to state for the record that during my last semester of nursing school, one of our assignments was to contact a nursing bulletin board and begin discussions, take polls, etc. We actually had to print out discussions that we were involved in for proof of having done the assignment. The idea behind this assignment was to get future nurses more familiar with computers since that's the way things are going. Without that assignment, I would have not sought out this sight - I would have missed a lot of valuable insight and humor.

Nasty, nasty stuff! Ugh...I thought what freaked me out most was the sound of retching, but now reading all these posts I find myself lost for words..lol. Geez, it's critical that nurses have a sense of humor, isn't it? How else can we stay in this field? Keep up the good work!

I haven't read all the replies to this post, so maybe this issue has already been addressed. Why such aminosity towards nurses with BSN degrees? I really don't understand why people look down upon others that want to further their education - especially if that education is in a field that helps others. Now, I can understand this reaction if a person with a higher degree puts on "airs" as if his or her co-workers are less than adequate nurses. However, wouldn't that be a bad quality of an individual - not a group as a whole? As a BSN holder with less than a year's experience in the field, I take full advantage of learning tasks from more experienced nurses, whether they be LVN's, ADN's or diploma holders. It also seems that a majority of responders feel that nurses who have graduated with ADN's or from hospital programs are better equipped to jump right into the working world. Every one of them? I would hate to think that I am the only fairly new grad that feels somewhat insecure in my trade. Why would new grad programs exist if not to help the new grad learn more? Surely new grad programs are not aimed at BSN holders exclusively?!

I haven't read all the replies to this post, so maybe this issue has already been addressed. Why such aminosity towards nurses with BSN degrees? I really don't understand why people look down upon others that want to further their education - especially if that education is in a field that helps others. Now, I can understand this reaction if a person with a higher degree puts on "airs" as if his or her co-workers are less than adequate nurses. However, wouldn't that be a bad quality of an individual - not a group as a whole? As a BSN holder with less than a year's experience in the field, I take full advantage of learning tasks from more experienced nurses, whether they be LVN's, ADN's or diploma holders. It also seems that a majority of responders feel that nurses who have graduated with ADN's or from hospital programs are better equipped to jump right into the working world. Every one of them? I would hate to think that I am the only fairly new grad that feels somewhat insecure in my trade. Why would new grad programs exist if not to help the new grad learn more? Surely new grad programs are not aimed at BSN holders exclusively?!

Born 2B: I would highly recommend working as a CNA before becoming a nurse. I did and believe me when I tell you that you have a better appreciation for the work that CNA's perform under your supervision. The work is hard but the experience is invaluable. Along with basic ADL skills, I learned how to prioritize and quick little short cuts. It helps me now in the position I am in as charge nurse. The aides know they can come to me for help with tasks that take two people, instead of some other staff members that tell them to find another CNA to help. This leads to a better working situation, in my opinion. Be prepared...it's hard work...it's dirty work...and it's work that is very much unappreciated. Look at the situation as voluntarily undergoing "boot camp" in the military. Good luck in the future.

You will let us know how your weekend went, won't you sirens?

I, too, love my job. I work in a SNF that is more like a 4-star hotel than a hospital. We are overstaffed most times (a census of 25 with 2 licensed nurses and 3-5 CNA's during day shift. Adminstration is there for the nursing staff and they listen and act on our input. I feel very supported by both staff and administration. Words of wisdom? Look at the 3 month evaluation period as from both points of view...they take 3 months to see if you're going to work out and you should take 3 months to evaluate the facility and see if that is the place you want to work in.

Krissy: We've all been there. It's not easy, we know.. It can be frustrating. I'm a fairly new grad and I recall thinking that I couldn't wait to dive into "real" nursing and not "book" nursing. All I can say is that with your drive, you will achieve your goal and there will come a time where you look back at nursing school with fond memories! Have you looked into p/t work as a cna? I did that during nursing school and the nurses that I worked with would show me a lot, knowing that I was a student. Hang in there..you'll be a nurse before you know it.

TBurns: It seems like all the big hospitals offer New Grad positions in specialized areas. Try UCSF, UCDMC, Stanford, etc. I'm sure you will have luck. The new grad programs are much desired - so be prepared for competition. You'll need to stand out from the rest. Good luck with your relocation and job searching.