joli

Hello! I've been an RN for two years now after graduating with my ADN. Can anyone tell me if it is truly worth it to go back to school for the BSN degree? My hospital only pays a dollar more an hour for a BSN. I heard that some hospitals pay two dollars more an hour. Whoopi doo! That alone, doesn't motivate me to get a BSN. I do have a bachelors degree in a non nursing major that I received back in 1998 (nursing was a second career choice for me). Thanks for your replies! Joli

Yesterday, I overheard a doctor telling my boss that a former patient became critical after leaving our floor. The story was a cliche in reconciliation of medications prior to discharge. On our unit, just before discharge, we (the nurses) write down the medications on a sheet (including new prescriptions and what the patient was taking at home) and explain to the patient when to take his/her next dose and what each med is used for. Apparently, a nurse wrote down two meds from the same category (two beta blockers, for example). I don't know what the meds were, I don't know any details on who the patient was. But apparently the patient didn't know any better and started taking both meds from the same category, hence, double dosing. Now, my boss is investigating the case. I just PRAY that I wasn't the one who did it. Hopefully it was a "float" from a different floor. In a case like this, who is at fault? Is the nurse entirely at fault? What about the doctor who writes new prescriptions and also writes "resume home meds"? Or the outside pharmacy who fills these prescriptions?

Dear All, Thank you SO VERY MUCH for all of your responses. I worked this past weekend and was actually able to be a nurse versus a chicken with its head cut off. Of course, it was an exceptional weekend. The census was low, every nurse had 4 patients. I think I got the 4 with the lowest acuities to (1-preCABG, 1-preangiogram, 1-post septicemia/current-endocarditis, 1-CHF w/ aortic stenosis). I guess it made a difference that it was the weekend also (no administration, no patients going for invasive procedures). My coworkers and I made it fun to, we had a potluck for both weekend days. However, overall, nursing is very challenging! I can't just give up on nursing, none of us should. Being a nurse is something I truly enjoy, I find it very rewarding. However, with such a fast paced environment, it makes it more difficult to give good nursing care. Everything becomes more task oriented in a fast paced environment. Until I am able to manage my time better, I know that I will be taking many more deep breaths! Yes, taking breaks and lunch at a decent time is something I have to work on to! I simply don't take breaks, lunch is on average taken at 3pm. I'm new, I'll learn!

I'm a new grad and have been on my own (life after precepting/orientation) for two weeks now. I've read many of the already posted threads under the "First Year in Nursing" category and can relate to almost everyone. I broke out in tears reading the thread that said that it was OK to cry. I've chosen to work on the telemetry floor (7a-7p) after passing the boards and going through orientation. Most days, after my shift is over and I'm ready to go home (during and after precepting), I'm uncertain that I want to come back for my next scheduled shift!! The job is so fast paced and everything is hitting me all at once. I have typed up numerous ideal scheduling on Word to help guide me (0700 to 0800 - get report, 0800 to 0830 - go see my patients etc...). I have developed a baseline on how to manage my day but there is just so much interruptions throughout the shift (PT/OT/RT wanting to see the patients, patients' request, their families request, doctors who write new orders sporadically throughout the shift and not in clear handwriting, pharmacy not delivering meds on time, patients with change of status, making sure the correct consent forms are filled before an invasive procedure, new patient admits half way through the shift or towards end of shift, and the nursing students who take the charts, it goes on and on). Leaving late to finish charting has become a routine. Night shift thinking that you are working with them now. Even after 12 hours on the floor, I feel that I don't know the big picture on all of my patients. I can only focus on their admitting diagnosis and their current signs/symptoms. Some medications that I give, I wonder why the patient is getting after knowing what they came in for, but I know that it is safe to give after looking up the med in my PDA, so I give it. Scary, I know. If I know that doctor is personable, I'll ask him or her. But in most cases, it's not asked. I just hope that through time, I'll be able to get the hang of it. Hopefully before I get so discouraged that I end up quitting or worse, being force to quit (you know what I mean). Thanks for letting me vent.

No, haven't heard anything about Fullerton College. But you can go to http://www.rn.ca.gov/.....on the left column, click on 'nursing schools'. These are all of the schools with nursing programs that are approved by the board of registered nursing. Rio Hondo College (in Whittier) has a good program but hard to get in these days (so I've heard). They go by lottery now. Just apply everywhere and go to the first one that accepts you. Of course, make sure they are approved by the board! Take care!

I agree, you need to chill out! You're scaring me! I have friends who passed the NCLEX without taking any review course and I have one friend who took Kaplan and failed the exam the first time (passed the second time). Your anxiety is much too high. Useless at the moment. You survived nursing school at Cerritos, give yourself more credit. With confidence, you are half way there. Joy :) Rio Hondo College ADN

Hi Everyone! I'm a nursing student in my very last semester. I am currently precepting in the DOU (step-down ICU). I get to see all of the critical patients. It is full-care where each RN is assigned three patients (there are only RNs on this unit). So, although they are all heavy patients, it is manageable with just three. Just a tidbit on me..... Anyways, as an upcoming new grad RN, I would like to stay in nursing for a long time. I do have my preferences on departments to work in. However, I was really curious on which nursing field (med/surg, PEDS, OB, OR, ER, etc....) gets the best job satisfaction and why? Thanks!! joli

From one SN to another, you are not alone! I'm almost out of school myself. Part of me wants to continue schooling (get an even higher degree or a multiple of degrees) just so I can hide behind my books. :sofahider Very expensive thing to do though! :chuckle The thought of working on my own as a new nurse is terrifying! But since then, I've spoken to many experienced nurses, including members here at allnurses. Asking a lot of questions has helped alleviate some of my fears. The Nursing Supervisor (at my current job) told me that it becomes repetitive after a while. So, with experience comes confidence. Starting anything new is always scary anyways.

To California-O.T. : Thank you for your post. Before you posted this, you just had to know in advance that you'd be criticized for not wanting to do patient care as a new grad. I plan to graduate this May. I do plan to start in med/surg or some form of patient-care however. Although I don't think I want to be a floor nurse/direct bedside care nursing forever. So, good to know that we have many options. I hope you find the options that you're looking for. Good-luck to you!! joli Fellow California Resident

Hi skgb, BSN minimum over there?! Wow, that is tough. If you want to start working with an ADN, you would have to relocate. However, in the long run, having a BSN or MSN would be beneficial to your nursing career.

One of my classmates is 68 years old. We're all amazed by him! One of the smartest guys I've ever met. He does it because it is one of his passions. Also, he found retirement boring.

Oh, your response is so very much welcomed! My parents (especially my mother) and my long time boyfriend are not thrilled that I want to continue school right away. My mother and my boyfriend are more concerned about when I'm going to get married. On the other hand, I wanted to focus on having a good, stable career. So, I might have to start working first and later take out a loan and go back to school. I'll put my foot down if they want me to have children right away!!

I plan to graduate this May! The nursing program is tough, some of my classmates didn't make it. It does take a lot of commitment. Keep up with the study material, ask questions. It also helps that I have a good group of study buddies. We study together, we pick the same hospitals to do our clinical rotations, we do all group projects together, call each other up just for moral support and we celebrate (go out to dinners, potlucks) after a tough exam or after final exams. Good-luck to you!

Hi and thanks for all of your responses! :) There IS an accelerated associate degree to master's degree program in my area. I have just contacted them for more information. This is definitely something I want to consider. Joy

A part of me is considering on spending another two years in school and applying to 4-year colleges (maybe go back to Cal State Fullerton where I got my BA in psychology) to get a BSN (bachelor's in nursing) after I graduate with my ADN (associates degree nursing) this May. There is just more job opportunities for promotions and management positions. The other part of me says to start working, get my feet wet in nursing, make some money and get engaged/married within the next two years. I spoke to this RN briefly last night, he has only an ADN and has been working happily as an RN for 17 years. So, both routes sound good. I already have a BA in psychology but what they teach in the BSN for nursing is different, so I would have to get yet another bachelors degree. I'm not sure which route to take at this point. Any advice? Joy (just turned 30) ADN/May 2005 BA/June 1998