marilynaalvarez

I graduated nursing school in 2015 and went into Psych Nursing then Utilization Review for behavioral health. I'm in a new position titled "Palliative RN Case Manager." I was hired by an interim manager who was under the impression that it was mostly a palliative nurse position, offering hospice, etc. However, I've come to find that this is not the expectation of my position. I'm expected to be more of a hybrid nurse that will see very critically ill patients in the home, provide wound care when necessary, help manage them without the need of contacting the doctors and without relying on home health to be called for minor issues, and yes, determine if they meet necessity for hospice. I don't remember lab values anymore, I don't remember cardiac info, kidney info, wound stages, cancer stages, copd, nothing. I feel so stupid, I don't even know how to use a manual bp monitor anymore or listen to heart and lung sounds. Where do I start?! I can't quit my job, I'm supporting my family myself. I asked the physician I work with (who was under the impression that I had critical care experience and she is the director of home health) and she will be setting me up to shadow a home health nurse and also a cardiac nurse. I do not want to present myself not knowing anything though. How do I teach myself this info again? what is the important stuff to know? I need all the help I can get.

Oh and I did find out that we can choose our schedule from classes available (even evening/weekend) but it depends on whether there is room for us to enroll when our turn comes up. So they suggest we have some flexibility at work. I guess you and I have the same plan. Trying to save up my PTO but being the new girl still, idk if that's going to fly with them in 6 months.

Thank you for the response! I honestly can't say how many points but I think it was 29. My gpa was at a 3.7 but then I got a B in A&P 223 and a C in 224 so, Idk... I also didn't realize they only accept 24 student in the extended program, otherwise I would have chosen to full time program. I know we will be very busy for study groups, but perhaps we can make time at least for exams. 2 - 4 more weeks of waiting now, ugh!

I finally turned in my application for the Fall 2012 Nursing program. I recently got a FT job because of financial troubles. Luckily I got a job with a great company, good pay, and RN positions (for future advancement)but now this means that I would have to do the Extended program. I'm concerned because I keep hearing that the first sem of Nursing is the same for FT and PT. Are the classes, clinicals, labs, etc.at a specific time for everyone or can we choose what time to attend, like all other pre-req classes? I would need to find evening and weekend classes. Is that possible? Anyone else applying for Fall 2012 want to build an early study group?

OMG! I love your response. I needed that reality check myself. I just got a FT job and have no option but to keep it, I desperately need the finances, It's a good company to work for, and there are RN opportunities available. I guess PT track it is :) as much as I want to just go ft and finish ASAP.

Last post here was Jan 2011. It is now almost March 2012. Deadline to apply is March 1 for the Fall semester of 2012. My financial situation just went downhill when my husband lost his job end of November. We are completely behind on mortgage and bills. So I got a ft job with a really good company here in NV "United Health Group." It is also a place where I can be employed as a Nurse. Now that I am going to apply to the program, I'm wondering if I can still do the fast track program and work full-time or would that be suicide. Is it even possible with the part-time program to keep a full time job? (M-F 8 -5) and I have 2 kids on top of that... I don't want to quit my job just after 6 or 7 months and burn my bridges. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks! MA

Last post here was Jan 2011. It is now almost March 2012. Deadline to apply is March 1 for the Fall semester of 2012. My financial situation just went downhill when my husband lost his job end of November. We are completely behind on mortgage and bills. So I got a ft job with a really good company here in NV "United Health Group." It is also a place where I can be employed as a Nurse. Now that I am going to apply to the program, I'm wondering if I can still do the fast track program and work full-time or would that be suicide. Is it even possible with the part-time program to keep a full time job? (M-F 8 -5) and I have 2 kids on top of that... I don't want to quit my job just after 6 or 7 months and burn my bridges. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks! MA