Belle2013

I went through nursing school with a 3 year old (turned 5 by graduation) and a husband. There were many times my child was sick, had baseball games, school functions, Etc and I had to miss for nursing school or to study. I pulled numerous all nighters at local restaurants, classmates noises, and even school to get through the program. During a brutal 11 week summer semester taking 17 hours of nursing classes I even rented a hotel room with classmates to be closer to school so I could take finals, study, crash out, and repeat for three days straight. I am a HUGE family person but nursing school is one of those things where if you want to make it you must set it at the top. It's only for a short time. However I must say nursing has flexibility but there will be plenty of times when work comes first and you miss out on family life. 12 hour shifts (especially days) suck with family. I'm switching to night shift so I can quit having to forego my family life for work. I'd rather forego my sleep to spend time with family. Just keep that in mind too. It doesn't stop at nursing school.

I graduated in 2013 and ATI was a part of our program including having to pass the final exam to graduate. It was nothing like the NCLEX and I don't think prepares you at all. It was more memorization than critical thinking. The nclex is nothing but critical thinking and the right answer doesn't jump out at you like the ATI. That's my opinion....

Thank you for the info!

I currently work 7 12s (full time) every 14 days. Although I love my job and would be sad to leave, I am wanting to find a RN job that would be more family friendly. I've been told to look into GI/endo, PACU, or clinic nursing. I work ER now and am worried about changing but I sometimes wouldn't mind a less stressful environment. Any nurses from these areas or other areas have advice? Is it more family friendly? I'm so tired of getting home at 8pm and now seeing my family. Then after 4 or 5 12s in a row my fuss off feel like all I do is catch up! Thanks in advance!

You'll do great! I've been in the ER for 9 months now as a new grad. It's a new experience every day but at the end of each day I go home saying I love it. You'll be amazed at what you learn after 4-6 months and the experience you will gain! Never be afraid to ask questions. Always be willing to learn from everyone. Teamwork teamwork and more teamwork!

We have several nurses who are pregnant. They work in all the areas...triage, shock trauma, medical, minor, and hold over. One was put on light duty and she went to triage during her shifts. I think it just depends on the person. Most women work through their pregnancies. I am actively trying and have no worries about my ability to do the job while pregnant. You'll get your feel for things once you get started. I was questioning my "want" to work in ER because I knew I wanted to get pregnant so I understand where you are coming from. I think it's the same as working in any other job while your pregnant except you have the possibility of being exposed to diseases. If it's a disease a pregnant woman shouldn't be around often your co workers will switch a room with you to keep you safe. ER is all about teamwork so I'm sure you'll be fine!

We got shirts to wear at work this week :-) we also get a party on each shift with food and cake to celebrate our awesomeness

When I first started the AC was easiest for me. Then I started moving down to the forearm area. Now I've gotten where I can do the hands. Those are tough because they a re so superficial. I would blow them at first because I would go in too deep. Now I've gotten where I can get creative when I can't find any others. I stuck one in the "dummy vein" the other day! Felt very accomplished! It takes lots and lots of sticks but each shift you'll do better!

Level 1 trauma center. We get everything from medication refills to sore throats to abdominal pain to GSWs. We have a lot of traumas come in like MVCs 40+ mph, GSWs, stabbings, boating accidents, and assaults. On a typical day in medical you'll see chest pains with maybe an active stemi, usually at least one stroke pt a day being flown in,lots of abdominal pain, vag bleeding in preg, SOB, and SI/HIs. Of course random things in between but that's the typical pt flow we see daily.

Just do lots and lots of IV starts! I've been in the ER for about 3 1/2 months and I'm getting 9/10 starts now and even having success on hard sticks like those who are chronic dz or former IV drug users. The more you do the more success!

How does your hospital or unit collect blood cultures? I'm looking for policy and procedure or step by step instructions. Our hospital lacks these and I'm thinking of taking on a project for this. Thanks

I work in a level 1 trauma ED. We have disposable/recycle Bp cuffs and pulse ox probes. We also have an omni cell where we charge supplies to the patient directly. This is done for pretty much everything.

Most recent: thirsty after smoking kush

I would really like to hear this also. I'm interested as well but would like to hear the different opinions on dealing with the cases and emotions that go with it however individualized they may be. We have 6 sane nurses where I work currently and they are always looking for more due to our case load. I'm interested but scared all at the same time.

A 3 year nursing program seems crazy to me. I wet through a BSN 15 month program. Are there any shorter programs around you? A lot of time the BSN programs are shorter than ADN for some reason, especially when you already have all the pre-reqs for nursing. I went back to nursing school as a second career. I couldn't be happier. I absolutely love nursing. Yes it's 12-hour shifts but you have more days off. I'm in the houston med center. money is great and jobs are not difficult to find. I had three offers as a new grad. Good luck with your decision. I had a spouse and child going through school. It makes things harder but in the end it's all worth it!