VinnieG

Good to know that they rotate out. Not sure if they do that here in Mpls, i will check into it.

I think it is incredibly cold and ignorant of hospitals to start threatening ADNs with termination if they dont get their BSN, I also see it as class discrimination. Most ADNs are so because it was not financially possible to go to a 4 year college. We are not all born with a trust fund. Honestly, most of the nurses that Ive worked with over the years that I have looked up to are ADN RNs, some got their BSN later, most did not. I have alsoworked with a lot of BSN nurses that I wouldn't trust to care for my cat. They write pretty care plans and set nice goals but lack physical skills. I want my BSN, but because I want to be the first in my family to have one, I hate that I feel like my career depends on it. I am a fairly new RN, but It really burns me to hear some of the BSNs make negative comments about seasoned ADN RNs. I just think it is so out of line. Thats my rant for the day!

Im a VA nurse in Minneapolis, been there a little over a year. I have yet to see our board remove a nurse. However, I have had to deal with the board when I was hired on as an LPN and again as an RN and I felt that I got short changed on both occasions, as did some of my co workers. I also think that the way the board gives raises and promotions is very unfair and opens the door to blatent favoritism. I like working there, but am seeking employement at a private unionized hospital setting (MNA Union) for this reason. to get a raise at VA, you have to write a paper boasting about what an assest you are to the unit and prove that you've participated with some comitee. I feel all those things are great to do, but for those that have families and school, there is not always time for all the extra "homework". I also feel like I work really hard to care for my patients everyday and shouldn't have to beg for my money. just my opinion-but yes, I could totally see the board firing somebody without giving them a say.

I survived on CNA pay for 12 years. (yes, I had a house, a family and lots of bills!) It is a great job for what little education you need and it gives you a chance to look into options for growth, I chose to go the LPN/RN route, but friends of mine have used their CNA experience to become Pharm techs, surgical techs, health unit coordinators, medical assistants, EMTs , paramedics and phlebotomists. They require more training, but are often employer-paid. Word of advice-get in wherever you can, but immediatly start trying to get a hospital job. your assignment will not be as physically exhausting and the pay is usually a little better, plus more oppotunites for overtime.

Its really easy to make errors in LTC. there are just so many residents and so many pills! you will be okay, everybody does it and anybody who tells you they have never made an error is either lying or they were not aware they made one!:)