AngelMedic

Go for it! I took my over 40 physical in December.It was an experience! I was going to go Army, but I think I may switch to the Air National Guard (who will allow you in with a ADN with the same requirement of obtaining BSN before you can obtain rank above Captain). I dealt with my Army recruiter dropping the ball a few too many times. However, I think that it's wonderful that you have decided to do this, and life begins at 40...you're old enough to truly know that this is what you want to do, have seen enough to have a great deal to offer our troops, now live your life for you! Just make sure that your recruiter lays it all on the line. Make a list of questions/concerns before you even go in, and they may offer you the chance to go "visit" one of the military hospitals and speak with nurses about their personal experiences. They may also allow you to go to a guard weekend to observe. These trips were offered to me, but as I said my recruiter dropped the ball (I was told I was going and he was a no-show). I'm still waiting to hear from him on whether I passed my physical! Yes, since January, I've heard nothing from him. I was able to have a friend who works at our MEPS check on it for me, and yes, I did pass. Look for a recruiter who is ready to work for you and watch for them to drop the ball! Stay on their butts and stay on them hard! Good luck in all that you do! :yeah: You are making me proud!

Thanks so much for the input everyone! I work midnites and see many moms come in alone, and I have spent much time with these moms. I have delivered a few babies in the field (as a medic), and again was the birthing partner there as well, prior to the delivery...when I wasn't able to move them fast enough to get to the closest hospital! It just breaks my heart to see someone go through all of this by themselves. And since i am a surgical tech, I know there are times when a c/s has to be done (for the health of the mom and the baby), and for the women this may unfortunately happen to, I hope to ease this, and make it more acceptable to them. To help them realize that there may not have been another option. I don't ever want any woman to blame herself if she has to have a section, or needs pain meds or an epidural. I want each one of these women to enjoy their birth experience to the best of their ability....however it may be. I would love to help the moms who truly want the birth to be natural to be able to reach that goal! I also want to help my coworkers (who are the best group of women, outside the doula acceptance issue) get adjusted to what is a very wonderful new experience....well, relatively new. I think if i can show them how it can be, they can accept this and then when a truly horrid doula comes along, realize how much they enjoy the help a good doula can offer. I hope this wasn't a huge rambling. Personally, I had 3 births without anything and 3 with an epidural. Luckily I had none alone. This would have terrified me. Thanks again!!!

I am an "old medic"....no longer in the field after a decade. I am now a surgical tech on an O.B. unit, and loving my new medical path! I am also returning to obtain my RN this fall......and next week I am off to doula training. I am shocked to find that 90% of the nurses I am working with discouraged me from going. I tried so very hard to explain that they should want to have someone from their own unit going, rather than someone they are unfamiliar with. I won't be a stranger to them, but a part of their "family". Most remain unwilling to grasp the thought. There's even one nurse who wanted to go with me, but has now changed her mind. Wish me luck as I try to bring this new world to my coworkers!!!

I'm also looking into it, but I doubt it will be an option for me. It isn't kid- or rather parent- friendly. Not many nursing programs are. If I find out anything, i will let you know.

I found it! It's made by Bard...one of the nurses I worked with then snapped a photo of the label and e-mailed it to me this morning. Funny I've been trying to find this info for a few wekks....Thank you very much for the assistance!!!

Hello all! I am searching for the name and manufacturer of a fecal containment device used in an ICU I worked p.t. on about a year ago. The hospital I transfered to is doing a study for their ICU pt's with C. Diff. The device resembles a latex glove (they also had latex free), with a hole at one end that is "glued" around the orifice with the help of a triangle-shaped plug that helps the adhesive secure around the opening (the plug is removed of course...lol). The bag is then attached to a normal foley bag and the stool is collected in the foley. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it! ALong with many patients I'm sure!

Trauma Junkie, I am probably in the area you are inquiring about. I am an IL medic (southern), returning to school to obtain my R.N. I have been working 10 years and have made one run with what we called a field nurse (it was a while ago, 1996-ish?). I know the class was offered at a local hospital at that time, but I do not know it it still is. You may want to try and work in the ambulance as an EMT-B part time or volunteer until you find a class you can take! And keep me posted, I will be looking at the same thing in a couple of years!

Congrats Shari!!! My youngest is 5&1/2 months old now, and she was born at 37 weeks. I also had funneling and my cervix had shortened to 2 cm. by 20 weeks. Months of perinatologists and my regular O.B., 400 mg procardia a day, and no cerclage - instead a pessery was placed (not fun), and bedrest. It's amazing what can help! I am sending you all of my best wishes!!! Michele