LindaBright

I think its natural for your loved ones to feel protective over you, we tend to only get the horror stories of correctional nurses' days, not the mundane experiences. But, like with anything, you should follow your heart and move on. From what I understand, correctional nurse positions aren't typically "entry level," but, there is also a shortage. Good luck!

Just like with any new job, there is a period of acclimating yourself to the tasks as well as being able to understand the whole picture. Think of it like muscle memory, that once you've done it enough, you'll just have the process down with very little thinking. Time is a huge factor, and you should have resources to go to when you're feeling overwhelmed and out of place.

If that was a child being treated like that, would that be grounds for reporting the behavior? Just because the individual is an adult, that does not mean he or she has any less rights to be treated like a human. There are stories all the time about abuses in nursing homes, home health, especially with our senior citizens. Someone has to take a stand; nobody needs to be treated like that.

I can't add a whole lot to what everyone else has said, except to ask you whether in 10 years, if you don't go for the DNP, will you look back and really regret missing your chance? People make careers work around their kids all the time, and, kids eventually leave the nest or at least become more self-sufficient before that happens. Devoting yourself to your family is great, just don't lose yourself in the mix.

There are so many misconceptions about nursing out there. Whether its the difference in education, the different roles or even that nurses' jobs aren't strictly limited to pillow fluffing (yes, someone said that to me), people in general just don't think before they speak. I guess it makes sense in a way, because nursing has so many different options as a career, but still, its exhausting!

It's definitely common, and hard to reconcile since we're supposed to be advocates of health (in a sense). But, don't beat yourself up over it. The same advice applies to you as any other person that may be stressed out and gaining weight - take care of yourself! Even the smallest changes can make a difference in your body and your mind. Just know you're not alone :)

Congratulations! There is no better feeling than being validated like that, able to pursue your dreams and feeling like others know you've got what it takes to succeed. Enjoy your moment and your acceptance letter, then get ready for an incredible adventure, future nurse!

Oh, yes, been there. Still look forward to those moments, and I could probably use one right about now, come to think of it. We really don't take care of ourselves enough.

That is amazing news! Congratulations on contributing to greatly to our profession, now go and celebrate!

You could have said you were going to pilot school and they would have asked why not astronaut school. People are just insensitive sometimes, which, as a nurse (no matter which kind!), you're going to have to get used to, sadly! But, congratulations on your new career - may it be an amazing journey for you and your family!

Joshie, you are correct and I can understand the frustration that comes from being pigeonholed for your gender in a profession that has been marketed as "female" for what seems like forever. All nurses, despite gender definition, are celebrated this week. Great video and great point ?

An earlier poster said it best, that people really try to minimize problems that aren't their own, especially if they are "invisible," like you said. I can't imagine how you keep up the determination and motivation you have as a nurse, but, I think its really commendable that you do. If nothing else, some of us "invisible" supporters understand and sympathize!

Congratulations! Its always such an amazing feeling when you know you're almost out of the muck, and ready to start the next leg of the journey, so to speak. No matter how long it takes, or the obstacles, it looks like you've just been pushing ahead, which is a great definition of your own character, and the type of nurse you're going to be. Good luck! Love the quote reference, too :)

I think the various roles of advocacy in nursing are fascinating - from patients to healthcare concerns and beyond. We are not only great advocates for our patients, but, also, for ourselves and the entire profession of nursing. That's pretty awesome :)

That's always one of the most nerve-wracking aspects... hurry up and wait, and wait, and sometimes you wait a little bit more. Best of luck to you all, starting nursing school is such an adventure!

Floor nurses are definitely amazing, and have an entirely unique skill set that is nothing short of impressive. The daily tasks of a floor nurse can be overwhelming and frustrating, but those who rise to the occasion are stars in the field.

I think hospice nursing is overlooked by so many because of the emotional difficulties that can be present. Hospice nurses, however, are more than just hand-holders (although, that is a big part of it), and those final moments and memories can be much easier to endure with the right professional around. I wish you the best of luck in your journey and thank you for giving so much of yourself.

Congratulations! This is just another step in your journey, so pat yourself on the back, take a break, and keep moving along! Fantastic :)

I think this is a beautiful sentiment and goes for a lot of people with physical and mental disabilities or illnesses out of their control. You don't judge a baby born with Downs any more than a woman facing postpartum depression or a man with Alzheimer's. At some point in those lives, there was joy, even if we cannot entirely understand it, and it is our job (as people, ourselves) to pass along a little empathy to those we encounter.

There aren't really any numbers on the demand in Alaska (for nurses) but the median salary is reported at $82k (Bureau of Labor Statistics), so that probably says a lot about the demand. Plus, Alaska has a lot of rural, underserved populations. Registered Nurses*

Be prepared :) I like the tape recorder suggestion, and a good laptop is almost a necessity now. Find a good group of students to study with, get into a routine, understand that your life will revolve around school for the most part. Nursing school is tough, but once you get into the swing of things, you'll be fine!

The more you do something, the more it gets embedded in your mind/memory. Also, healthy foods make for a healthy mind, whereas the normal "study diet" of sugar and junk food can cloud memories. Deep breathing... lots of good, healthy living.

I believe it all comes with experience, which isn't very helpful to new nurses, except that it is important to understand that no nurse started out knowing everything. We all come up with our own systems, reminders and ways of doing our jobs. You'll find yours, too!

"I don't want more drugs, I want answers" from a man clearly drug seeking, after his third ride to the ER in an ambulance in a week. Chest pain, flu symptoms, meth mouth... nightmare.

I think it is worth noting that many nurses choose to become nurses based on the care they received as patients, or watching a nurse care for a loved one. How many stories have we all shared about a nurse that touched our heart and gave us a special look into the field?