whatdoIdonow?

Congrats! I cried, no, I sobbed when I found out I passed the NCLEX!

Finally had first solo shift. At shift change, by seasoned nursing replacement referred to it as a "Drive By" shooting because everything that COULD go wrong, DID go wrong! He said he was going to put a wander guard on me to be sure I came back in tonight! lol I know now why I was advised not to do PRN as a new grad. I had seen these rehab patients twice...and that was 15 days ago (I was off for 10 before my first solo shift). I walked into all kinds of issues. Even though I am not PRN anymore, having so little experience 1) as a new grad and 2) with an almost new group of patients really helped me to see what PRN would be like. At one point, five of my twenty patients were playing 'ping pong' with me...one would put on their light, then the one across the hall would put on theirs then the volley went back and forth!!! (I couldn't get anything done!! Even the fax wouldn't send and the stapler jammed!! I won't even go into the key chain with the fifteen unmarked keys...and the door that was jammed, even though I was using the correct key!! On the up side, I really like the team. They were nothing but supportive and encouraging through out it all. And, the facility is really nice. Even the patients are really nice, most of the time. (Bet they will be happy to see me come back in tonight! "Uh, it's that NEW nurse!" lol) When I arrived home in the wee hours of the am, I was so wired I couldn't sleep. And, still haven't been able to sleep. The things I could do differently tonight keep running through my mine. I keep reviewing all of the time wasters from last night. What is the FIRST thing I am going to do when I go in tonight? I'm putting pieces of tape on the main keys on that *%&@ key chain! That's one problem solved...ninety-nine more to go! lol

I'm an ADN nurse who was also annoyed to find through job hunting that I would need to get my BSN if I want to get into the hospitals. I have kids in college right now, and a BA of my own in a social science field, so I had not intended of going this route. But, once I got over it, I realized its for my own good. I don't want to be limited in my future by my education. I'm no spring chicken, either! But, who knows how long I will live or need to stay on the job??? I think there is value in an advanced degree. I think the subject matter of nursing is covered more thoroughly. For example, my BSN program will require a 3 credit nutrition course (my adn program gave us 2 weeks). My BSN program also requires two separate assessment courses for 6 credit hours (my ADN had assessment mixed in the curriculum and since that was always in fast forward, 7 weeks segments, there was little time to focus on it). I find it very telling that the subjects covered more in depth in the BSN program are the exact topics I feel shaky on from my ADN program. As for statistics, I was required to take it for my ADN program. Chemistry is NOT required in either program, and I think it should be so I plan to do that on my own. The way I see it, any BSN who is lacking in hands on skills (NG tubes, foleys etc) will pick that up quick on the job. Then, they will surpass those with only ADN education (like myself) because of the more indepth nature of their education. Can an ADN educate themselves further to be competitive? Sure. But, why not get the official credit for it by earning the degree? "Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same..."

What is a BMT unit?

With good body mechanics, I suppose lifting furniture would produce body building effects. I'm thinking more of the trades that require you to twist your body out of shape to fit in tight places (like plumbing etc). Good paying trades while young that take a toll on the body with the years. These trades aren't really aerobic or body building...and many in these professions are just as flabby as your average office worker who sits at a desk. Besides, lifting furniture isn't a trained technical degree in my neck of the woods.

I definitely agree! And, I also consider nursing a skilled trade as well.

A very real and unfortunate drawback to some technical fields is that it requires manual labor. My friend's husband, the plumber, can no longer continue in his trade now that he's in his forties because his knees are shot from all the crouching in tight places. The money may be good, but it's hard on the body! Something to consider when going to a trade in your twenties...what shape can you expect to be in by middle age from all the strain on the body.

I'm liking the turn in this thread to some very interesting information about both the NP and PA fields.

Congratulations! My last semester was last year (I graduated in December). It was exciting. But, it was demanding also. Be prepared for hard work. Don't try to coast. There were people talking about being on antianxiety meds in my class due to the stress. Having a good, consistent study plan helped me get through. But, as always, there was too much to learn and too much to do to be perfect. And, there was always that, "I can't breath!" feeling of anxiety that would creep in. I found it helpful to focus on aspects of the job instead of the job as a whole. Then, I could mark things off as I got them done. I also found that my last clinical group was pretty tight. We relied on one another and supported one another in clinical and classroom. It was a good feeling. Just know that you are not alone. All your feelings are perfectly normal and shared by your classmates. At one point I was having chest pains and dizziness. I thought for sure I was losing it. Then, the faculty asked us if we were having panic attacks and dizzy spells, and said it usually struck about this time in the program. Knowing others feel the same way certainly makes all the difference. Again, congratulations and best wishes!!

I like this site. I have learned much about nursing and found it very helpful during my first year of nursing. When I explore a thread or post, I accept that all comments may not be for me and I may not share the views expressed. I have also expressed some unpopular views myself- not to upset anyone, just to express my view. I think looking at an issue from all sides is a learning experience. This is also a safe place (unlike the work place) to let off some steam about issues that are perhaps unpopular, but still important, to the individual who starts the thread and those that post. It's also good practice for development of that oh so necessary thick skin. Here you can lose it, cool off, then ask yoursel why you overreacted...and still have a job in the morning! lol

Loaded question!! lol

You shouldn't have to, but in nursing today, it might be your only option!

On Youtube you can watch videos from drug companies-patient education- on the proper way to use items like Advair and Singular (sp?) as well as inhalers w/ w/o spacers, flex pens for insulin, etc. I found a whole explanation on the chest tube and physics. Many educators from universities have put up power points on various topics for nursing education (my hats off to a Canadian university that posted their power points on Lewin's Change Theory because my profs and program just were getting it done!). The internet and YouTube can be wonderful fonts of knowledge. Yes, look at the publisher of the info first. But, seeing a procedure done or a product used is priceless. They even explain all the parts to different products, something that is often overlooked in the real world. I find it helpful to look at more than one source on any topic. People should not be discouraged from looking for educational videos on YouTube as being a low class education. The manufacturers and educators are posting items there because of the easy access to the information. Its one more tool available to supplement our education.

Yep, I am an avid YouTube watcher. Too bad my education couldn't have done the job better! Heck, my professors were actually the ones who first referred me to YouTube!!

I'm not in this field, but I was wondering what the job description is when a nurse cares for a peds patient in home. Is it total care? Does that mean total responsibility for the child during your shift, as though the parents aren't there (even if they are in the other room)? Would families expect the same of a home care nurse of an adult patient or Alzeheimers? Interested in details before I explore this career option. Thanks!