91C_ARMYLPN

I attempted to correct some of the grammar. I was too tired when I posted this. :zzzzz

I agree about being allowed to chew gum, but one must do it discreetly. Speaking about gum, this may be off topic....when I was a Army LVN nursing instructor, we were in our Med/Surg clinical rotation. Mind you, this Med/Surg floor was very busy with tons of patients, and everyone scrambling to provide patient care. I was in charge of 12 LVN students at that time. This sweet little old lady with severe dementia kept saying in a demanding tone, "Spit it out! Spit it out! Spit it out". Her voice kept getting and louder as time went on. The assigned LVN student was working frantically attending to her needs: bathing, changing linen, vital signs, etc. All the while, this poor young nursing student was constantly checking this poor old lady's mouth, and perplexed why she repeating herself over and over for at least an hour. After checking on the other nursing students, I finally went over to the her bedside, and asked her , "Spit out what"? She pointed to the young nursing student's mouth and stated, "THE GUM"!!! The chewing of the gum was driving her over the edge! The nursing student felt so embarrassed, and at last he spit the gum out. The little old lady finally calmed down, and took her nap. We were all so happy! :clpty:

"They smile in your face. All the time they want to take your place, the backstabbers. Backstabbers" Dedicated to the co-workers who eat their young and pretend to be your friend. Who sings this one? Anyway, this one sticks in my head. :yeahthat:

:balloons: It's so sad at times what the world in general has come to, and not only in the healthcare profession. I agree that mean/arrogant/cut-throat behavior is inexcuseable and it is everywhere you go today. There are so many variables why we act the way that we do when it comes to life in general....problems at home, stress, insecurity, addictions, loss of a loved one, abuse, etc. The list can go on forever. Is it right? Of course not! When I am having a bad day, I try to take a deep breath, and attempt to go forward. And, I always try to treat everyone with respect regardless if they are a janitor or CEO of a company. :redpinkhe Notice...I stated try. It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. Those who are negative or on a mission to be destructive and downright nasty, I avoid them if at all possible. Wishing everyone a good day with a smile......

I just read your post! Yeah! Yeah! For that CNA!!!!! :w00t: Some people are pushed to their limits, and need to be careful about the possibility of "going postal" on you. I do not advocate workplace violence, but that psycho DON got what she deserved!

It never ceases to amaze me how rude, inconsiderate, and back stabbing people can be. Run for the hills girl!!!! No job is worth your health or mental well being. Your manager is totally unprofessional and has some serious issues to work on. As suggested from another post, seems like the possibility of jealousy, insecurity, etc. Why waste your precious time harboring on it? A work environment like that is toxic! Thank goodness there will be other opportunities for you to look into, and not have to settle for such pettiness. Do not apologize for who you are. Brush yourself off, and look forward towards the next chapter in your life. Been there, done that! Best wishes and hugs...

The nicest gift that I have ever recieved was a large bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume, from a "secret" Santa, when I worked on the ICU in an Army Hospital. I never had the opportunity to thank that special Santa...but I will never forget that special gift. It was a little embarassing to open the gift in front of my co-workers since gifts were not to exceed more than five dollars.

I love your name because it states it like it is! When you are fried and well done, (sounds like steak) it is time to move on. At least you are honest with yourself and keeping it real. I admire your courage for being upfront and to the point. Sometimes people just can't handle the truth! If you sincerely like what you do, more power to you and keep on going with it. But, if you don't, then I support those who have the guts to step aside, move on, and be happy. Because in the end, life is just too short! :monkeydance: Old nurse, young nurse, new graduate or experienced nurse.....whatever category you fall into, if nursing is not your forte it is not the end of the world. Yes, we need nurses! Absolutely! But one must come to terms when one has reached their limitations in whatever job that they are doing, and it no longer gives you the personal reward and satisfaction like it did in the beginniing. Follow your heart and enjoy what lies ahead for you. Best of luck in your future endeavor and a sincere thank you for being a nurse. Take care.... :balloons:

Wow! How can anybody live on $10.95 pay per hour???? After paying taxes, despite a low cost of living in Oklahoma, a person still has to eat!!! How insulting for those nurses who live in that city/town! After all of that schooling, time, money, and sacrifice. Southern California has a high cost of living, high taxes, etc. LVN pay varies on your experience, shift, permanent status or per diem, part time or full time, etc. It depends on where you work: clinics, hospitals, long term care, home health, hospice, schools, correctional facilties, nursing education, managed care, etc. I have been a LVN for 21 years with various experiences. I have only worked in the managed care field (medical insurance) for only 18 months, and my pay is $65,000 per year base salary, benefit package is extra. I am very thankful to be blessed.

Hi jt9493, Los Angeles has lots of employment opportunities for LVN"s. From hospitals, to clinics, home health, long term care, etc. Also, check with the County, City, and the Veterans Administration. I am not sure if California accepts Hospital Corpsman as a LVN. But, the only way to find out is to ask the California Board of Vocational Nursing. Here is their information: Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Ste. 205 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-7800 Website: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov A Medic may be equvalent to a Nurses Aides, unless you have certified Paramedic training, then you will probably be in a different category. The BVNPT will determine if your Navy Hospital Corpsman training is acceptable. As for California LVN pay goes... here in Los Angeles, will depend on where you work, shift, part time or full time, per diem, etc. Bottom line for LVN pay can be from $18 to $ 25 per hour, and it depends on your experience too. Best of luck in passing your exam, and finding a great job in the future. :smiley_aa One last thing, if you do get your LVN, there is the Managed Care industry....which is insurance. LVN pay is between $ 55,000 to $ 65,000 per year. :monkeydance: That's right! It's not a typo mistake. Hope this helps you.

Amen to that RNPATL! Bless the nurses who are in the field of Hospice and Pallitive Nursing. They are really special souls for what they do! We can only wait and see the outcome of how PAS will impact nursing in the near future.

I hear you loud and clear TazziRN! After all, it still is about the patient.

My boyfriend's father, who is 86 yrs old and still has a sound mind, was talking about how sad it is to be old. Arthritis, potential for falls, prostate problems, etc. In the conversation he said, "Yeah, it's terrible when your mind goes and you get that Old-timer's disease". I had to laugh and tell him it is called Alzheimer's disease instead.

This is a very sensitive issue concerning PAS. I have read with interest both sides of this topic. I support PAS, however strict guidelines and laws need to be in place. Patients who are suffering from terminal illness or painful disease, should have the right to make this personal type of choice. Those patients who are incapable of making a decision, and yet they are suffering, this will be difficult to assess, but to be looked at per each individual patient on a case by case basis. As human beings we have the right to die with dignity, in a respectful manner, and pain free. To evaluate the patient's quality of life, the undue suffering, and so many other factors come into play here. At the other end of the spectrum, this needs to be closely monitored: greedy family members may push this issue so they can collect monies from insurance policies, others families may use this to do away with their medically fragile/disabled loved ones because they have been a "burden" for so many years, and they are tired of caring for them. So many horrible situations can occur if PAS is not watched over by the authorities who need to enforce these guidelines and laws. I hope we can meet in the middle of the road and have balance for the sake of the most important person here, and that is the patient.

After leaving the Army and returning to the civilian sector, as a LPN/LVN, I was paid $ 14.00/hr base salary in 1994, working in a Internal Medicine Clinic....that was in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today in 2007, after having my LVN license for 21 years, I live in Southern California. I make $65,000 per/yr. base salary, benefit package is extra, and I work as a nurse case manager. By the way, California has a very high cost of living. :balloons:

Where do old nurses go??? There is a special place that St. Peter has set up for us...LOL...I am going to be 48 years old myself this coming April! After all of the tears we have wiped, the hands that we have held, and the comfort that we have provided, we do have place for us all. It's nursing paradise! No back pain, no shift work, no on call, no mandatory over time, and no backstabbing. Nice back and foot massages, every day is a vacation, and you are treated like a human being. Now that's worth looking forward to!

When I separated from the military back in 1994, I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. I started work in a Internal Medicine clinic at $ 14.00 per/hr, benefit package extra. A year later, moved to Southern California providing Home Health for medically fragile and technology dependent infants and children, that pay maxed out at $ 18.00 per/hr...benefits were mediocre. Finally, after finding a company that hires LVN's to do Case Management...the pay is $ 33.85 per/hr...Annually, that is $ 65,000. I have 18 months experience in Case Management, but 21 years as a LVN. And yes...California has a high cost of living just like New York.

Hi sissyboo! Why? Lots of good reasons.... 1. Despite the negativity of some, this is still an honorable and well respected profession. 2. I sincerely enjoy helping people... To share in the birth of a newborn baby, to provide comfort to the elderly gentleman who is in pain, to hold the hand of the young man who is dying of AIDS. 3. To put bread on my table and earn an honest living. 4. To show my children that it's OK to work hard and reap what you sow. 5. Having the personal satisfaction of knowing...that at the end of the day, I gave it my very best and it came from the heart. That's what I enjoy about nursing! :balloons:

Hi there dcoffee! I am also a LVN in California, and I have worked mainly in Los Angeles County too. Even though I do not have SNF experience, I have had a suprise visit from the State, when I worked in Home Health. Sure it was nerve wracking! But, if you have your documentation in order, provide nursing care correctly, and answer all questions truthfully...you should have no problems. The nurse who conducted the inspection checked my med. and treatment records, the current physician orders, checked my meds for expiration, had me demonstrate to her how to trach suction the patient, turn on the O2 tank, etc. At first she was stern, cold in the begininning. But, once she saw that I could do my job she was pleasant. No complaints on...but, the parents of this particular peds case complained that the night nurses were sleeping on duty. I did not see this when I reported for the AM shift. This child was complete total care, with severe developmental delay, had seizure activity, and required constant suction at times. Quit? Don't do it! Not unless you feel that this certain SNF is NOT treating you right, have non-supportive management, and the work environment is toxic. You have been there for 14 months, so you are definitely doing fine. Maybe, you can get in touch with other SNF'S in your area that have already been surveyed by the State before. Wishing you the best in whatever you decide to do. Go ahead and send me a private message if you like. Take care...let us know how it goes!

Hello to everbody! I found your post interesting, because I am also planning to pursue my RN. I am not familiar with the LPN TO BSN through the UOP. However, The College Network has a LVN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAM (****For California), has just been approved by the California RN Board of Nursing. This program is NLN accredited, about 50% of the courses are taken online, you can start at anytime, once you have met all of the requirements, then you take your clinicals at approved medical facilities, and finally take your RN-NCLEX for the license. :cheers: I have an appointment on Feb. 15, 2007 with a College Network Counselor to discuss costs, available financial aid, etc. (This course was just recently approved in January 2007!) Here is The College Network Phone Number 1-800-395-1014. I spoke to a nice lady by the name of Paula Hill, from The College Network, her direct phone number is 1-800-378-8515, ext.4772, and her e-mail is: [email protected]. Please send a private message, in which I can send a link by e-mail, for those LVN's who are interested. Hope this helps out. Finally, there is another alternative in obtaining your RN in California.

Call me "old school"...but, I still aspirate when it comes to IM injections. It would be my luck. But, especially, I am concerned for the patient's safety. The CDC states otherwise and that's OK. I am going to continue the way I have always done it.

I used to get the flu vaccine every year when I was on active duty. However, while I was a nursing student back in 1985, I had an anaphylactic reaction. No history of being allergic to eggs...it just suddenly happened. The minute the flu vaccine was given my arm started burning, then itching, and I had hives from the injection site all the way down to my wrist. I felt lightheaded, took two steps, and I was down. This occurred in less than 5 minutes. I was quite used to multiple injections at a time. Being in the military you are already a human pin cushion. But, this time was seriously different. Before this incident, I always took the flu vaccine and remained very healthy. Per doctor's orders, I can't take the flu vaccine, and when I get the flu it hits me real hard. Last year I had pnuemonia and was out of work for a week.

No thanks! Definitely not on my watch! Patient safety is number one. I sure would not like to do the tango for the courtroom, and try to convince the jury about keeping my nursing license. If you prepare the medication then you give that medication. CNA giving meds...that's a first one for me.

Hi scribblerrn! My hats are off to you! It seems like you are fair, caring, and sincerely enjoy what you do. To take on new nursing students is definitely a big task at hand! One must have the patience of a saint as one person mentioned. It is one thing to have compassion and be supportive for the student. I do agree...we all have to held accountable and take responsibilty for what we do. I was a nursing instructor 6 years for the Army specializing in ICU. I taught both clinical and classroom to student LPN's. However, these students were already 6 months into the program, considered seniors, and the weak students washed out by then. My heart does go out to you. Sometimes, it can be frustrating. If the objectives are clearly stated, and the lesson plan reflects in the test that are being given, to include well prepared classroom instruction, etc. There is also academic counseling in which the student knows exactly where they stand...no surprises! Most students do well. No, it's not going to be easy. But, it's worth it. Please as an ex-instructor to another instructor...do not compromise academic standards, "spoon feed", or turn your head the other way. There is a limit for everything. By the way, I really loved teaching!!! It was one of the best times in my entire nursing career. Take care!

Hi KristyBRN, What a sad situation! Seems like your LTC wanted the warm body, but did not take the time to properly train you. Nobody is born a nurse! For a new grad. to receive only 2 weeks of orientation tells me what they are all about. Why did'nt they team you up with a seasoned nurse/mentor/preceptor??? And, I totally agree...why did'nt you get fair warning that DHS was present? We are all human! We make mistakes and hopefully we grow and learn from them. Unfortunately, this appears to be another opportunity for nurses in which they eat their own, management does not care, or some other senseless reason. The picture is clear...you were not trained properly, there is no support, and your work environment is toxic. The decision is entirely yours to remain, "suck it up, and see where it goes. Or, start looking for another job immediately. If this situation is making you a nervous wreck and your health is being affected, is it really worth it? There are other jobs out there. And, since this is your first...I personally would not bother with putting this LTC on my resume. No job is perfect. But, I agree that wherever you go it is important that an individual is afforded the opportunity to grow professionally, given the tools to get to the level where they need to be, and provide a positive environment, in which it encourages you to become the nurse that you want to be. Let's also mention about having a supportive management. Best wishes in whatever choice you make. Life is short! Enjoy the journey that you are taking. Keep in touch with us, and let us know how things turned out. Remember...we are always here for you!!!!!