2sassyRN

The fact that this resident wasn't x-rayed is ridiculous AND neglectful. I knew of a facility that had a similar incident in which a resident fell, and no one thought anything was broken, but the next day she was complaining of severe pain. An x-ray was taken and it turned out that she actually suffered a broken hip. I believe the facility was cited by the state for neglect. Almost all facilities have contracts with portable x-ray services, and it's not a big deal to have them come out and take a set of films. As this person's CNA, I would tell the nurse again just how much pain she is in, and say "I think something may be broken". The nurse should act immeadiately on your concern by contacting the MD and POA and being very firm in her recommendation that the resident be x-rayed. The MD might be angry and yell, but if he's smart, he will take her suggestion. If the MD refuses the LNs request, she should go turn it over to her supervisor. If something is still not done, then the individuals involved and the facility should be reported to state. In my state, all LTC employees are mandatory reporters, and have no choice but to call the abuse and neglect hotline if they have reasonable suspicion abuse/neglect has occurred. Thanks for caring so much, you sound like a great CNA!

I agree that profits are important, but let us not forget business ethics. Profit at the cost of health, careers, and sometimes even lives? I think not. Perhaps if the shareholders only knew how much the "little guys" and even the residents suffer at the hands of the money-grubbing corporations they too would be appalled. Nurses need to say enough is enough, and stand up for the rights of the helpless and vulnerable, and in so doing, we may just create a more hospitable environment for everyone.

Hi Sky, yes, I think that it is very worth it. In my experience, I felt that males were actually treated better, and with more respect. At the facility where I worked, a couple of the MDs would only speak with the male nurses (which I thought was sexist) so I think you will find that males do well in this field. Some of the best nurses I know are men, and they are always the ones I turn to first when I have a tough question, not because they are men, but because they are great nurses. I don't know of anyone who would put them down or belittle them because of their chosen vocation. They love what they do and earn a good living doing it. So far as the nursing shortage, I think it's a myth that is perpetuated by corportations, hospitals and maybe even colleges. I know my college told us how bad the nursing shortage was and that we would'nt have any problem finding jobs-not true. I don't want to discourage you, but just be prepared. If nursing and helping people is really what you want to do, then go for it!

Contact your state board of nursing, they will be able to help you. I know that the license application in my state for LPN & RN will ask if you've ever been convicted of a felony. Most employers also want to know about a conviction record. Better to be safe than sorry, make certain where you stand before committing yourself to a lot of money and time. Is there any way to get the ticket cleared from your record? Everyone makes mistakes and does something they later regret. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.

I took the NCLEX-RN in January and I used 2 review books. However, what I mostly used were the CDs with the practice questions, and the questions at the end of each chapter, and all the tests in the books. I didn't actually read the entire book, like I did when I took the LPN boards. I only read chapters on areas (like L&D) that I needed to review, based on performance on the practice tests. A few things to remember regarding the NCLEX 1.) Airway, airway, airway 2.) Which pt. would you assess FIRST? 3.) No amount of pre-test preparation will ever prepare you for what the test will throw at you! My fellow students who took the test 2 weeks after graduation and only studied for a week passed with 75 questions, I took the test almost 2 months after graduation and with weeks and weeks of studying and I too got just 75 questions and passed, so who knows? Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable, then do it. Best of luck!

It's smart that you are getting your RN. It will give you a great deal more options, plus better pay for the same work! At my school, the LPN program was eliminated, mostly due to the fact that the local hospital only hires RNs. So the phase out has already well underway in my town, but I think that it will take quite some time as LTC is still predominately LPNs. Corporations are savvy, they know how to get the most for their dollar!