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I've always been paid for the time I spend on this type of training or education. I simply submit my hours to my direct supervisor as if they were expecting them. Never been an issue.

What's worse on your resume? An unemployed gap, or working a unit for six months? Nobody knows. Are you willing to bet your lost wages on it? How do you know what kind of nursing you'd hate if you haven't actually... been a nurse yet? I had similar thoughts about working med-surg and was certain that I'd leave the bedside after a year. Nearly three years later at the same facility where they have certified me, invested in my education, and given me responsibilites (and I still don't love this particular kind of nursing..), I'm glad I didn't get cold feet when I was still green. You might LOVE your coworkers. You might realize that detox work and keeping people comfortable at their most vulnerable or rock bottom is incredibly rewarding. You might take advantage of the opportunity to fine-tune your therapeutic communication skills and turn into that valuable nurse on other units when combative patients are admitted or someone goes CIWA out of nowhere. The other think to consider is... how long do you think you'll have the attention of this particular healthcare system if you keep playing Goldilocks with their offers??

Unfortunately, many nurses do not have the art of professionalism down and have to learn the hard way. If you've said your piece, let it be. I wouldn't touch this person's career with a ten foot pole!

For those of you who work out or have a gym membership... when do you fit it in? I found that I could easily fit in 4-5 workouts/week when I was working in the clinic 8-6, but now that I'm back on the floor 6-6:30, I'm wondering how to work it out. A few extra factors that make it difficult are that 1) I have three kids under 7 at home during the summer, 2) I'll be working varied/rotating shifts, and 3)I live 20 miles away from the gym AND work (they're right next to each other) so I'd like to work out before/after work if possible. What does your workout routine look like around shift work?

OMG I love this. I'm orienting to the ED soon and this is... validating.

Have you tried taking meds before entering situations where you might be sensitive?? I almost passed out observing my first surgery (a c-section) and had to excuse myself. I laughed about it later and moved on. You just have to know yourself, keep trying, and don't ever use it as an excuse to not participate. There are lots of things you can do as a nurse that don't deal with ick on a regular basis, but you will be exposed, so you need a plan. Good luck!

Hey all! I'm in the process of applying for an RN-BSN program and out of curiosity, would love to hear what kind of position those of you with BSNs currently hold (please don't respond if you have higher degrees). Management? Research? Community/public health? Are you still working the unit of your specialty? And please feel free to share what other certifications and trainings you've received to help beef up your credentials! I'm in the mood to be inspired about continuing my education and would love to hear you brag. :)

Oooo... LORDY. I am literally right on the other side of this right now. Took a clinic job in the facility I'm in to get off the floor and night shift and it was NOT a good fit. I was not challenged by the clinic environment at all. I came back to the floor full time and am now orienting in the ED (I'm in a critical access facility with a rural health clinic attached and these lateral transfers are easy in such a small facility). I can't believe I missed the floor and I don't see myself here forever but I definitely did not know what I had until I was gone!

Yes!! Perfect responses. I'm so grateful to be transitioning to a team of people who I know and work well with already, and can't wait to learn, learn, learn. Thank you all so much! ^_^

Hey all! I'm getting ready to orient in the ER at the critical access facility I've been working as a floor nurse in for the last 18 months (my first job as a new grad...) and my team and I are pretty excited to get started. Besides studying for and taking ACLS and TNCC, what can I do to prepare myself? What supplies should I have on my person at all times? And what do you wish somebody would have told you to pay more attention to when you started? Thanks for your insight... I appreciate it! :)

Did you really expect to come here and get people telling you to hold your career back for a relationship you're staying in because you're worried about what other people will think??

Roll your eyes in the break room. Be a duck... and let it roll off your back. Our first responsibility is to the patient. If the patient is apologizing for their family, you can bet there are other factors at play that have NOTHING to do with you. Take nothing personally. Develop some really good canned answers for other people's quips: "you're right, I AM just the nurse" or "I'm sorry you feel that way, let me know what else I can do for you" and defer to the patient in all interactions. Difficult family dynamics are just a part of nursing.

Everything that @Rose_Queen said holds water. I just want to add that where I am located (western South Dakota), it's almost pointless to get a BSN as a floor nurse. It's not even a prerequisite for many management positions. Lots of people all over the place get their ASN, work a while, do a bridge program, and move on. It completely depends on how competitive your local environment is whether or not you'll be excluded from positions for not having a bachelor's. I will say that now that I'm looking at a move down to the southeast, I'm taking future schooling much more seriously, even with 18 months of nursing under my belt.

On the other hand, there are LPNs in the field who have a big chip on their shoulder and feel like they shouldn't have to do anything extra when there's an RN around, like call the provider, hang IV ABX, note orders, etc., and who use their own perception of how LPNs aren't valued to undervalue *themselves*. Work hard, blow off what's not useful, and you'll be valued no matter what. I work with LPNs that I would trust with my patients (and if I were their patient) and I work with RNs that I wouldn't let take care of my worst enemy.

I second looking into your local NA chapter to get involved with lobbying efforts on the state level and attending committee hearings on nursing sponsored issues. LOTS of policy affects nursing practice and public health and this is one of the best ways to use your clout as a nurse to affect change.