krocks1218

Seriously?! If I had a job that judged me for having A beer on my night OFF ,i.e. MY time ,I would definitely start looking for an employer that was less impacted so to speak. Considering all of the nurses I have met who freely tell you about the Ativan, Xanax, Percocet, Adderall, Vicodin Etc. that they take, I don't think one beer makes me Lushy McDrunkenstein

I don't consider having A beer on my night off reputation worthy. Iif my job considered A beer on my night OFF that big of a deal I would definitely find a better place to work that wasn't so "impacted" so to speak...

Five hours roundtrip from GSP Exit Zero where I live :dead:I mean I love to drive and all but I don't want to devote an entire day especially if there is a good chance of not getting a license number. Taking my 2 year old daughter on that long a drive just for this would be cruel, in my eyes. BG check is still good according to my checklist.

May go there in person as some have suggested but I highly resent having to hire a babysitter and pay $50 in gas to drive 5 hrs to tell people to do their job, y'know? I mean why does it have to come to that ESPECIALLY when these are the same people who govern how we are to perform our jobs... Guess it is just the good ol' double standard

I was going to start this comment in all caps like I was raging but I figured it wouldn't translate as sarcasm! :) Anyway, nursing doesn't make you angry. LTC is a whole different beast but as in every healthcare setting it's the bureaucracy that's the frustrating part. I've been an LPN since '05 (just passed my RN boards) and LTC was very stressful at times. Some places I worked, I had to medicate 80 people and the med pass was like 7,7:15,7:30,8,8:30,9,9:30,10,10:30,11,11:15,12,12:30,1,1:30,2 (I'm NOT kidding either!) and the supervisor would get irritable if it wasn't completed on time. Of course, I said very politely to show me how to complete the pass on timewhich never happened. Truth is there are some sour, bitter nurses out there and ya gotta ignore them. Ifcthis is your passion then do it! Good luck to you

Re: certified letter not a bad idea! Thanks all!

I wish that someone told me 6-8 weeks because then I could be patient about it. The problem is that everyone is on a different page; you get a different answer from every single person up there. In addition, I understand that the background checks and things take time but as I said I did this a bit piecemeal so the BG was done a couple of months ago. My fingerprints are already in the system because I'm an LPN. I also get that it is renewal time as well. My main concern is that nobody will give you additional information ie am I missing something from my packet etc. they just tell you to keep waiting and hang up. From my research, I have all of my ducks in a row just need BON approval. I just hate telling potential employers I passed but I dont have my license yet in which case they move on.

Just need to vent! I check for my license number and it is still in pending purgatory! I amgetting sick of calling Newark to see if there is anything missing or anything I still need to do. Save 2 employees who were very helpful, I get cocky responses or sent to voicemail and a DIFFERENT answer from everyone. "It takes 4 weeks, miss."" No it's 25 business days" "They are backed up." "When we have a blue moon and Venus goes retrograde" (ok the last one I made up) They don't seem to care or want to help (again except for 2). It has been 5 weeks since I took the NCLEX and passed. My unemployment is running out and I need a job Tout de suite !! This was an expensive process that is why my license was on the layaway plan(graduated 5/12) Anyway, I wish I knew how to get a real response. I'm considering driving to Newark or at least going to my State Rep and see if they can untangle all of the red tape! Sigh

Used to feel bad, now not so much! Truth is that I do accept last minute shifts and stay late/come early requests but at my convenience, not theirs. I am still a team player. I know many nurses that won't accept any extra shifts ever. You know your limit. Considering that you work in psych, it is understandable to want to limit your overtime. All nursing is stressful but psychiatric nursing can be particularly trying. I'm also not an AM kinda girl so I hear you there! One good excuse a friend gave me is to say I had a beer or two if they called me last minute for an 11-7 That way they can't pressure you to come in. Yeah it's a little white lie but it's a good one. Anyway, if you are really concerned (and you shouldn't be) give the scheduler your "extra" availability

Consider taking a refresher course even if it isn't mandatory in your state. Look in to ATI courses and also see if you can get techniques to deal with test anxiety. I would also contact your school and see what they suggest. Re: SATA they r a ****** but just study the important procedures inside and out . Good luck to you!

i hear you and COMPLETELY empathize. I have experienced sub-par facilities as well as irritable apathetic employees, both as a nurse and patient. Anyway, all i can say is look for a job where the employees are smiling as they enter and LEAVE the building! :) Until that time however, get Zen with yourself and provide the most compassionate care possible. In other words, lead by example and don't let them get you down! Good luck

Well Bossman, I really think it's up to you as an individual, y'know? I realize that sounds vague but, for me, it depends on my energy levels and focus. When I was an LPN, I once worked an entire month with only 2 days off and the majority of my shifts were 16hours! That was EXTREME and I DON'T recommend but I was very much on and ready for the challenge. (The paychecks didn't hurt either!) other months I could only handle four 8hr shifts a week. You really have to be tuned into yourself and recognize your limits. It will be trial and error to know what works for you! Good luck :)

I am a new grad from an ADN program and am waiting for a job opportunity. However, I have been working as an LPN for years. When I was handed 30 patients to medicate and do treatments on I felt like going on a kamikaze mission instead. However, as I gained experience, I got my rhythm and you will too. Most important is trust your instincts. If you aren't comfortable with something, DON'T be afraid to ask for help. Good luck!!

Hi all! I am a new ADN grad waiting to take the boards. My concern is with the job search. Even though I have 7 years LPN experience, I get conflicting info on whether it "counts"( which infuriates me :flamesonb) Anyway, with all of job postings either wanting 2 years experience or a BSN, what advice can you give to get your foot in the door. P.S. While I loved my LTC experience as an LPN, I would love to move on to new pastures. Thanks!

Congratulations! My friend tested today as well and passed (well I'm pretty sure she did!) Hope I do the same when I finally test!